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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes 2-22-2006MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AMES, IOWA FEBRUARY 22, 2006 The Ames Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) met, pursuant to law, in regular session at 7:00 p.m., on February 22, 2006, in the Council Chambers of City Hall with the following members present: Denise Link, Mary Ann Lundy, Bradley Miller and Charles Samuels. Lucy Martin was excused. Staff members Ray Anderson and Judy Parks were also present. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Moved by Link, seconded by Samuels, to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2006, Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion carried unanimously. CASE NO. 06-03 SPECIAL USE PERMIT - FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 508 KELLOGG AVENUE Public Hearing on application for a Special Use Permit to allow the expansion of a religious institution in a commercial zone (DCSC) on the property at 508 Kellogg Avenue Planner Anderson stated that the church is on the corner of 6th Street and Kellogg Avenue, opposite the post office, and they would like to use the northwest portion of the building just to the south of the church for some additional activities. The new area would be referred to as a “spiritual development center” and would contain an assembly area, restrooms, and office space. The church already owns the subject building and this portion is currently vacant. Anderson said there were two sets of standards for approval of this Special Use Permit (general standards and some which apply specifically to religious institutions in a commercial zone). All standards have been reviewed by City staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission, and all parties believe the standards have been met and recommend approval. Miller asked if the proposed activities would have any impact on parking. Anderson said that there are no parking requirements required of establishments in this zoning district, but the activities would probably take place in the evenings or on weekends so there would be no noticeable impact on parking. Lundy inquired about entrances and exits. Anderson said the main entrance will continue to be at the front of the building, on Kellogg Avenue; the doorway shown on the north side of the building will serve as an emergency exit. It was noted that the space between the building and the church is a City-owned metered parking lot. Sara Converse, 415 26th Street, stated that she is an architect as well as a member of the church. She said the north door will be an exit, as required by fire code. The small assembly space will be used for small services on Saturdays, the office space will be used for counseling, and smaller rooms will be used for Bible studies and youth activities. Attorney Parks asked if there would be anything identifying the building at 508 Kellogg as being associated with the church. Converse replied that they will possibly have signage on the glass across the front windows, but no decision had been on that yet. Moved by Samuels, seconded by Miller, to ADOPT ORDER 06-03, granting a Special Use Permit to allow the expansion of a religious institution in the DCSC commercial zone at 508 Kellogg Avenue. Roll Call Vote: 4-0. Motion carried unanimously. COMMENTS: Miller asked why special approval should be required for religious institutions in commercial zones. He suggested that expansion of this sort of use would seem to be of greater concern in a residential zone, where traffic and extra activity might have greater impact. Anderson said there are special standards for the residential zoning districts, as well, but added that the ZBA could ask the City Council to have staff look into the matter and make a report if they felt it should be addressed. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m. Karen C. Thompson, Recording Secretary Mary Ann Lundy, Chair The next meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment will be a Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, in the Council Chambers of the Ames City Hall at 515 Clark Avenue.