Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Planning and Development Services
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TO: |
Diane Stoddard, Interim City Manager |
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FROM: |
Sandra Day, Planner II |
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DATE: |
December 1, 2015 |
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RE: |
SP-15-00368: A site plan for the redevelopment of properties located at 900 S. Iowa Street and 914 S. Iowa Street from an existing Gas Fueling Station (gas-convenience store with detached car wash) and a Fast Order Food use to a Cleaning (car washing) use. Submitted by Paul Werner Architects for Zaroco Inc/L& L Properties LLC, property owner of record. |
Background
An application for Cleaning (car washing) use was submitted to the Lawrence Douglas County Planning Office on July 16, 2015. Planning staff completed the review of the application and found the application to be in compliance with section 20-1305 of the Land Development Code. An Administrative Determination was made to approve the project on November 3, 2015.
During the review process, a representative for the Lawrence Jewish Community Center (LJCC) contacted staff and expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed use on the adjacent property located at 917 Highland Drive, specifically noise generated from the car wash dryers impacting religious services. LJCC requested notification of the determination of the review. Per section 20-1305 (i) notice of the determination was provided to the affected party. The adjacent property owner, LJCC, has submitted an appeal of the determination per the procedures of the Land Development Code. A copy of the appeal is attached.
The applicant and LJCC have had discussions on how to mitigate the noise from the car wash and may have an update for the City Commission at the meeting.
The process established by the Land Development Code states that in the event of an appeal of the Director of Planning’s Determination of a Site Plan application, the City Commission shall consider the item as a new matter and shall invite public comment. For this reason the site plan is scheduled on the City Commission’s agenda as a regular item.
The City Commission shall consider and act on the application per section 20-1305 (j) and may take any of the following actions:
1. Approve the application;
2. Identify those modifications that would allow approval of the site plan application;
3. Approve the application with conditions; or
4. Disapprove the site plan application.
Action
If appropriate, approve a Site Plan for a Cleaning (Car Washing) use, located on property commonly known as 900 S. Iowa Street, SP-15-00368.
Application timeline
July 16, 2015 – application submitted for review
July 30, 2015 – review comments provided to applicant
August 14, 2015 – Stephen Hurst contacted staff stating concerns on behalf of LJCC (PDF)
August 25, 2015 – revised site plan submitted
September 9, 2015 – applicant notified of outstanding need to record Minor Subdivision
September 15, 2015 – staff meeting to discuss access, trash enclosures and food truck use
September 17, 2015 – written request from Stephen Hurst for notice and stating concerns (PDF)
September 29, 2015 -- revised site plan submitted
October 28, 2015 -- revised site plan submitted
November 3, 2013 – administrative determination made for approval subject to one condition [execution of site plan performance agreement] (Attachment)
November 3, 2013 – applicant notified of determination
November 3, 2015 – LJCC notified of determination
November 10, 2015 – LJCC appeal of determination received (Attachment)
November 12, 2015 – deadline for appeal of determination
November 13, 2015 – letter of opposition received from Richard and Thelma Bellinger, residents at 923 Highland Drive
December 1, 2015 – City Commission scheduled to consider appeal