HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes 2-11-2015MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 11, 2015
The Ames Zoning Board of Adjustment met, pursuant to law, in regular session at 7:00 p.m. on
February 11, 2015, in the Council Chambers of City Hall with the following members present:
Susan Bradbury, Shelby Ebel, Michael Davis, and Matthew Koehler. Board Member Sandra
McJimsey was absent. Staff members Charlie Kuester and Jessica Spoden were also present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Moved by Bradbury, seconded by Koehler to approve the
minutes of the meeting of January 14, 2015, as written.
Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CASE NO. 15-01
SPECIAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT– CCRC of Ames, 3300 George Washington
Carver Avenue
Public Hearing on amendment to the Special Use Permit to allow front yard parking for
Northridge Village, a continuum of care facility at 3300 George Washington Carver
Avenue*
City Planner Charlie Kuester displayed a location map and site plan for the project. CCRC of
Ames is requesting an amendment to the Special Use Permit to allow front yard parking for
Northridge Village, a continuum of care facility located at 3300 George Washington Carver
Avenue. He informed the board members that one year ago, the board had approved a Special
Use Permit to construct a senior living facility; the project is currently under construction. At the
time of initial approval, the Ames Zoning Ordinance did not allow parking in the front yard so
their plans were updated to show only a drop off area, with parking to the north, south, and east
of the building. Mr. Kuester explained that the Council has since approved an amendment to the
Zoning Ordinance to allow parking in the front yard for Group Living uses, provided the parking
is behind the primary façade and subject to meeting a 50-foot setback.
The owner has updated their site plan to reflect a new parking area meeting the location
requirements of the new amendment. The proposed front yard parking area has 13 spaces; 2 are
handicap accessible. Mr. Kuester noted that the driveway and drop off area will remain to the
west of the main entrance and that the site plan also includes required perimeter landscaping for
the new parking area.
The site plan, project description, applicable law, and findings of fact and conclusions were
reviewed in detail by Mr. Kuester. He explained that City staff has reviewed the request and
recommends that the Board approve the request for an amended Special Use Permit with the
understanding that all easements for public utilities on site will be provided prior to the City
issuance of a certificate of occupancy and that an easement
Ms. Bradbury wondered if there were any responses or phone calls from individuals who were
sent notices. Mr. Kuester said that no emails or phone calls were received regarding this case.
Jerry Avery representing Scenic Development, 11827 West 112th Street Suite 103, Overland
Park, KS 66210, noted that the amount of landscaping in the front yard area will remain the
same; however, some landscaping has been added along the parking area. Mr. Avery informed
the board that they have a coffee shop right inside the main entrance which provides a general
space for people to meet and congregate; front yard parking allows easy access for those coming
to meet residents in the coffee shop. He also said that the big need for the front yard parking is
that they like to have lots of different activities going on in the building throughout the day to
build a community feel for their residents.
Mr. Avery noted that the architectural design and concept behind the buildings that they create is
that they don’t overbuild because they want their residents and buildings to have a community
feel. In conclusion, he said that front yard parking makes a big difference for them because it
allows visitors to come right to the front of the building and get service from the concierge
immediately upon arrival.
Moved by Bradbury, seconded by Davis, to adopt ORDER NO. 15-01, thereby approving the
request for an amended Special Use Permit at 3300 George Washington Carver Avenue, based
on the findings of fact and conclusions, with the following conditions:
a. That all easements for public utilities on site will be provided prior to the City issuance of
a certificate of occupancy.
b. That an easement between the owners of the north and south lots regarding the shared
storm water pond be presented to the City for review prior to the City issuance of a
certificate of occupancy.
Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COMMENTS: Ms. Bradbury noted that progress and construction for Northridge Heights
appears to be going well. Mr. Avery said that they have had a wet start but agreed that things are
going well. He noted that they are hoping to open with occupancy in August, as long as the
weather cooperates.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Koehler, seconded by Bradbury to adjourn the meeting at 7:20
p.m.
_________________________________ _________________________________
Erin Cain, Recording Secretary Shelby Ebel, Vice Chair