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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMeridian Gateway VAR 05-027 RECEIVED SEP 1 4 2006 CITY OF MERIDIAN FINDINGS Q~FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION & ORDER City Of Meridian City 1 Office i"f. c::M'e;;dl~1t . '.~\ \ IU.\HO t' \~ )r ~~\- ---./- ~~((.Jt. - - :t."' ~/ ..: -J!~.IJ~.~va"~~ V~~__..r" "'~m1 In the Matter of Variance request for access to SH 69/ Meridian Road, for Meridian Gateway by White-Leasure Development. Case No(s). V AR-05-027 For the City Council Hearing Date of: May 2, 2006 and June 6, 2006 A. Findings of Fact 1. Hearing Facts (see attached Staff Report for the hearing date of May 2,2006 incorporated by reference) 2. Process Facts (see attached Staff Report for the hearing date of May 2,2006 incorporated by reference) 3. Application and Property Facts (see attached Staff Report for the hearing date of May 2, 2006 incorporated by reference) 4. Required Findings per the Unified Development Code (see attached Staff Report for the hearing date of May 2,2006 incorporated by reference) B. Conclusions of Law 1. The City of Meridian shall exercise the powers conferred upon it by the "Local Land Use Planning Act of 1975," codified at Chapter 65, Title 67, Idaho Code (LC. 967-6503). 2. The Meridian City Council takes judicial notice of its Unified Development Code codified at Title 11 Meridian City Code, and all current zoning maps thereof. The City of Meridian has, by ordinance, established the Impact Area and the Amended Comprehensive Plan of the City of Meridian, which was adopted August 6, 2002, Resolution No. 02-382 and Maps. 3. The conditions shall be reviewable by the City Council pursuant to Meridian City Code 9 II-SA. 4. Due consideration has been given to the comment(s) received from the governmental subdivisions providing services in the City of Meridian planning jurisdiction. CITY OF MERIDIAN FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION & ORDER CASE NO(S). v AR-05-027- P AGE I 00 5. It is found public facilities and services required by the proposed development will impose expense upon the public if proposal is allowed. 6. That the City has granted an order of restricted approval in accordance with this Decision, which shall be signed by the Mayor and City Clerk and then a copy served by the Clerk upon the applicant, the Planning Department, the Public Works Department and any affected party requesting notice. 7. That this approval is subject to the Legal Description, Site Plan, and the all in the attached findings in the Staff Report for the hearing date of May 2,2006 incorporated by reference. C. Decision and Order Pursuant to the City Council's authority as provided in Meridian City Code 9 11-5A and based upon the above and foregoing Findings of Fact which are herein adopted, it is hereby ordered that: 1. The applicant's Variance Reauest for access to SH 69IMeridian Road is herebv approved with the restrictions placed on the site bv the Meridian City Council at the June 6. 2006 public hearin2. The applicant shall be 2ranted one. ri2ht-in/ri2ht- out onlv access to Meridian Road. located no closer than 500 feet south of Overland Road to be measured from the center line of Overland Road. Further. said access shall extend directly to the property to the west. Please see the Staff Report dated Mav 2. 2006 for more information. D. Notice of Final Action and Right to Regulatory Takings Analysis 1. The Applicant is hereby notified that pursuant to Idaho Code 67-8003, a denial of a plat or conditional use permit entitles the Owner to request a regulatory taking analysis. Such request must be in writing, and must be filed with the City Clerk not more than twenty-eight (28) days after the final decision concerning the matter at issue. A request for a regulatory takings analysis will toll the time period within which a Petition for Judicial Review may be filed. 2. Please take notice that this is a [mal action ofthe governing body ofthe City of Meridian, pursuant to Idaho Code 967-6521 an affected person being a person who has an interest in real property which may be adversely affected by the issuance or denial of the conditional use permit approval may within twenty-eight (28) days after the date of this decision and order seek a judicial review as provided by Chapter 52, Title 67, Idaho Code. E. Attached: Staff Report for the hearing date of May 2, 2006 CITY OF MERIDIAN FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION & ORDER CASE NO(S). V AR-05-027- PAGE 2 00 By action of the City Council at its regular meeting held on the cJl~ day of ..:r~ , 2006. COUNCIL MEMBER SHAUN WARDLE VOTED if ii VOTED~ VOTED Ab~+O l h COUNCIL MEMBER JOE BORTON COUNCIL MEMBER CHARLIE ROUNTREE COUNCIL MEMBER KEITH BIRD VOTED~ TIE BREAKER MAYOR TAMMY de WEERD VOTED ~ ATTEST: MAYOR MY de WEERD \ \ \ \ 1\ III 1/ / / \", .1:;:, /111 ", _I iL./','l".. III " .,( -... 'VII'" ...' ~" ----...... "4 // "" .....'- r .......r"')f...r- ..... .t;o4Q~...... .... V" (~f\r',.Jrt'A,",,'v ~ .::- elf "'1''0 J -;. .... .:cc~ ~<-. - :::: '0\ )-::~ - - - - - - - - 1"-. .~'''.r .. -'- _ t. I ~" . :'. ::: C1~ -~(>:'_::-:_:"-:~:5:? l' -;. '"?...... '<3; -'C,"" ~"P .;;' -'/ V ~'-.. I..... ---,' ~_c ~.~ ~ ...." ~ --,--"~ .<'\' - ..... . .... C 'v," Apphcanf'I.J.J/OuNT'<, \"", . III ' \ \' Planmng Dep~ni\\\\ I Public Works Department / City Attorney Copy served upon: By: , 1rv, ().h\.l A.O 0 to City Clerk's Office ~ Dated: q - \ C\ -Dlp CITY OF MERIDIAN FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION & ORDER CASE NO(S). V AR-05-027- PAGE 3 of 3 CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR HEARING DATE OF 5/2/2006 STAFF REPORT I Hearing Date: May 2, 2006 ~g /' ,'~ 0' ~ ' Reconsidered and Approved: June 6. 2006'\...-/VltJrldicrn'--s;\t C . d ~ '118 2006 IL).\HO )~ ontmue lrom: Apn ,.<~..- Reconsidered from: March 14, 2006 '<~\!_"t'f"!o:!::"",,"':'l"8" :::(1" '19~ Continued to: February 21,2006 Hearing Date: February 7,2006 Mayor and City Council Joe Guenther, Associate City Planner Meridian Gateway Variance File No. V AR-05-027 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Variance request to allow two access points onto Meridian Road, SH 69 by White Leasure Development Company 1. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF APPLICANT'S REQUEST The applicant is requesting a variance from Section 11-3H-4 of the Unified Development Code (ODC) that prohibits new vehicle approaches to state highways. The Variance application proposes two new approaches to Meridian Road, SH 69, including one right-inlright-out and one full access driveways. On December 15, 2005, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) staff submitted a response to the request for access to Meridian Road. ITD staff indicated that the two proposed access points do not meet district policies. In December 2005, ITD's executive committee conditionally approved the locations contingent on obtaining a Variance to Section 11-3H ofthe UDC. The main reasons the applicant believes a variance is justified are summarized in Section 3.h. on page 2 of this report. On March 14, 2006 the Planning Director asked for reconsideration of the item to determine findings and clarify the intent of the council. On April 18, 2006 the Meridian City Council moved to approve one variance location at approximately 730 feet south ofthe centerline of Overland Road and Meridian Road/SH69. This report contains the findings for approval as revised on April 18, 2006. On Mav rd. 2006. the Meridian City Council voted to reconsider their approval from April1Sth. On June 6th. 2006. the Council modified their decision and voted to allow one rie:ht-inlrie:ht out access to Meridian Road located no closer than 500 feet south of Overland Road to be measured from the center line of Overland Road. This report contains the findiDe:s for approval as revised on June 6.2006 (please see below for details.) The Variance application pertains to the 9.08 acres proposed as a commercial development, the applicant has not submitted development applications consecutively with the variance request. Meridian Gateway was annexed into the City of Meridian on August 25,2005 subject to the development agreement #105134293. The City Council has [mal decision authority on the Variance application. 2. SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION Staff recommended denial of the subject Variance application (V AR-05-027) for the reasons listed in the staff report dated February 21, 2006. Staff cannot find that the application meets all of the findings required in the UDC in order for the City Council to grant a variance (see Exhibit C). Section 11-3H-3 of the UDC does state that the City Council may consider and apply modifications to the standards of Article H upon specific recommendation of the lTD. Also, Exhibit B of the Meridian Gateway Development Agreement makes the finding that curb cuts will not be allowed to Meridian Road, SH 69. On June 6. 2006 the City Council voted to e:rant one rie:ht-inlrie:ht out access to Meridian Road for this site. Meridian Gateway Access V AR-05-027 PAGE 1 CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR HEARING DATE OF 5/2/2006 3. APPLICATION AND PROPERTY FACTS a. Site Address/Location: SW comer of Overland and Meridian Road, SH 69 Township 3N, Range 1 W, Section 24 b. Owner William and Mary Howell 497 White Cloud Boise, Idaho 83703 c. Applicant: White Leasure Development Company, Jeff Huber 416 South 8th Street, Ste 200 Boise, Idaho 83702 d. Representative: Jeff Huber, White Leasure Development Company e. Present Zoning: General Retail and Commercial (C-G), Meridian f. Present Comprehensive Plan Designation: Commercial- 2002 Comprehensive Future Land Use Map g. Description of Applicant's Request: 1. See Exhibit A (prepared by White-Leasure Development Company) for a copy of the overall conceptual site plan which depicts the proposed driveway locations. h. Applicant's Statement/Justification: The application lists the following key arguments for allowing the new access points to Meridian Road, SH 69: · We began the process of securing access to Meridian Road before adoption of the UDC; · There is no possibility of providing a frontage road as ITD policy claims; · ITD has already granted approach permits for the project on the east side of Meridian Road; · We believe we are grandfathered from the UDC based on discussions and annexation occurring before its adoption. 4. PROCESS FACTS a. The subject application will in fact constitute a variance as determined by City Ordinance. By reason of the provisions ofthe Meridian City Code Title 11, Chapter 5, Article A (Table 11- 5A-l), a public hearing is required before the City Council on this matter. b. The Meridian City Clerk's Office has on file documents regarding site posting and noticing for this application. 5. LAND USE a. Existing Land Use(s): Various illegal uses b. Description of Character of Surrounding Area: oriented services, rapidly urbanizing c. Adjacent Land Use and Zoning 1. North: Mr. Sandman Sub #2 and Interstate Center Sub, zoned C-G with an existing convenience station Single family residential, highway- Meridian Gateway Access V AR-05-027 PAGE 2 CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR HEARING DATE OF 5/2/2006 2. West: unplatted, zoned C-G 3. South: Elk Run Sub, currently used for Residential purposes, zoned R-8 4. East: Southern Springs Sub #2, zoned C-G d. History of Previous Actions: File AZ-04-031, Annexation and Zoning for Meridian Gateway. Same property was annexed and zoned to General Retail and Commercial (C-G) with a Development Agreement on August 25,2005. e. Existing Constraints and Opportunities 1. Public Works Location of sewer: Extension of mains in Overland Road Location of water: Extension of mains in Overland Road Issues or concerns: None 2. Vegetation: none 3. Flood plain: N/ A 4. Canals/Ditches Irrigation: none. 5. Hazards: There is an existing clean up in process at this site for gasoline contaminated soils. Also there is much junk on site as well as dangerous materials being stored improperly. 6. Size of Property: 9.08 acres 7. Description of Use: five pads for approximately 51,000 s.f. retail/commercial development (conceptual) f. Subdivision Plat Information - N/ A g. Landscaping - N/ A h. Planned Development Characteristics - N/ A 1. Amenities - N/A J. Off-Street Parking (residential uses) - N/A k. Proposed and Required Residential Standards - NIA 1. Proposed and Required Non-Residential- NI A m. Summary of Proposed Streets and/or Access (private, public, common drive, etc.): The applicant is proposing two new access points to Meridian Road/SH69 at the following locations (see Exhibit A): · Driveway # 1 - approximately 363 feet south of Overland Road · Driveway #2 (main access, aligned with Southern Springs) - 730 feet south of Overland Road As noted above, ITD has not issued permits for these approaches. ITD has made these locations contingent on the City of Meridian granting a variance. In addition, the recorded DA between the applicant and the City specifically states that no curb cuts shall be allowed to Meridian Road, SH 69 in support of the Meridian Comprehensive plan for Gateway Corridors and ITD policy in place at the time of annexation. Meridian Gateway Access V AR-05-027 PAGE 3 CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR HEARING DATE OF 5/2/2006 For a detailed report on both ITD's and ACHD's actions and comments, please see the letters submitted with the application. 6. AGENCY COMM:ENTS All agencies provided comments for the annexation application with the exception of ACHD and ITD. Please see the public record for the Variance file for any written comments that may have been submitted by other agencies. 7. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POLICIES AND GOALS The subject site is designated 'Commercial' on the Future Land Use Map. The 2002 Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map designates the subject property as "Commercial". In Chapter VII of the Comprehensive Plan, "Commercial" areas are anticipated to provide a full range of commercial and retail to serve area residents and visitors. Uses may include retail, wholesale, service and office uses, multi-family residential, as well as appropriate public uses such as government offices. Staff finds that the C-G zoning generally conforms to this stated purpose and intent of the Commercial designation. Staff also finds the following 2002 Comprehensive Plan text policies to be applicable to this application: · "The capacity of arterial. . .roadways can be greatly diminished by excessive driveway connections to the roadways. The City should cooperate with ACHD to minimize access points on arterial. . .roadways as development applications are reviewed." (Chapter VI, page 72) · "Develop methods, such as cross.access agreements, frontage roads, to reduce the number of existing access points on to arterial streets." (Chapter VI, Goal II, Obj. A, #12, page 79). · "Restrict curb cuts and access points on. . .arterial streets." (Chapter VII, Goal IV, Obj. D, #5, page 107) · "Require appropriate landscape and buffers along transportation corridors (setback, vegetation, low walls, berms, etc.)." (Chapter VII, Goal IV, Objective D, Action item 4) · "Require all commercial businesses to install and maintain landscaping." (Chapter V, Goal III, Objective D, Action item 5) 8. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE The following UDC sections are pertinent to this application: a. Development along Federal and State Highways: Unified Development Code (UDC) 11. 3H-l, Purpose. One ofthe three purpose statements is to "limit access points to state highways in order to maintain traffic flow and provide better circulation and safety within the community and for the traveling public." b. UDC ll-3H-4.B, Standards: Access to State Highway 69- "Use of existing approaches shall be allowed to continue provided that the following conditions are met: 1. The existing use is lawful and property pennitted effective September 15, 2005. 2. The nature of the use does not change (for example a residential use to a commercial use). 3. The intensity of the use does not increase (for example an increase in the number of residential dwelling units or an increase in the square footage of commercial space)." c. UDC ll-3H-4.B.2, Standards - "If an applicant proposes a change or increase in intensity of use, the owner shall develop or otherwise access to a street other than the state highway. The use of the existing approach shall cease and the approach shall be abandoned and removed. 1. No new approaches directly accessing a state highway shall be allowed. 2. Public street connections to the state highway shall only be allowed at: Meridian Gateway Access V AR-05-027 PAGE 4 CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING AND ZONING DEP ARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR HEARING DATE OF 5/2/2006 a. the section line road; and b. the half-mile mark between section line roads. These half-mile connecting streets shall be collector roads." d. UDC 11.3HA.B.3, Standards - "The applicant shall construct a street, generally paralleling the state highway, be designed to accommodate future connectivity and access to all properties fronting the state highway that lie between the applicant's property and the nearest section line road and/or half mile collector road." 9. ANALYSIS 9a. Analysis of Facts Leading to Staff Recommendation for Denial Listed below are various documents in the public record pertaining to this application. The relevant points within each document and an analysis of those points follows (staff's analysis in italics). For additional analysis, see the Variance Findings in Exhibit C. · Development Acreement (between WhiteRLeasure Development Companv and City of Meridian. Instrument #105134293. recorded 8/25/05) The DA includes two sections that specifically address access to Meridian Road/SH69: . Para. 1.7 (Findings), which states that "Restrict curb cuts and access points on collectors and arterial streets." (Chapter VII, Goal IV, Objective D, Action item 2) The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has a policyfor access to a Type IV Principal Arterial will be at intersections only, and spaced at one-half mile intervals in urban areas. ITD allows approaches (other than intersections) in special cases and on a temporary basis. Stafffinds that the proposed access points to Kuna-Meridian Road (SH 69) and Overland Road shall be subject to the location requirements of ITD and ACHD respectively. In comvliance with the Meridian Comvrehensive Plan no curb cuts shall be allowed on Kuna- Meridian Road (SH 69). . Para. 5D.2, which cites that any future uses shall obtain conditional approval subject to the conditions of ACHD and lTD. Said ITD policies strongly discourage direct access to Meridian Road and/or arterials in Meridian. The applicant was given ITD policy on December 1,2004 by Mr. Dan Coonce P.E. District Traffic Engineer, who stated "that the access to the development could be developed off of Overland Road and not off of Sta te Highway (69). This section of SH-69 has been designated a Principal Arterial Type IV ITD would like the City of Meridian to help us preserve this corridor by recognizing the following conditions. Building setbacks for future right of way widths will be, A: 120 feet each side of centerline (240feet total) to include a frontage road, or B: 70feet each side of centerline (140 feet total) if the developer provides an internalfrontage type road system to feeder roads. " · Applicant Anruments to Grant Variance Meridian Gateway Access V AR-05-027 PAGE 5 CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR HEARING DATE OF 5/2/2006 The applicant's arguments to grant the variance were summarized in Section 3.h ofthis report (page 2). Please see the application for more details. Staff does not believe the applicant's arguments meet the "findings test" for granting a variance. The fact that the applicant began the process of securing access to Meridian Road before adoption of the UDC is not the right question. The question required by the UDC (11-3H-4.B.a) is, "Was there a lawful and properly permitted existing use effective September 15, 2005?" The answer is "no," because the DA did not approve any specific uses or grant any use permits for the property - it only annexed the land and required all future uses to be upgraded to meet the City of Meridian Standards and required all future uses to submit for Conditional Approval. ITD has not approved access permits to this site. The fact that ITD has already granted approach permits in the area is also not the issue at hand for the City Council. The City Council is charged with enforcing the terms of the recorded DA and following the City's ordinances - in this case Article H of the UDC and determining the variance based on the City's own findings. The applicant claims that due to physical constraints on the site that they will not be able to create a frontage road. However, the ITD policy states that a frontage "type" of connection may be utilized, which does not have to be with a public road connection. ACHD has approved two access points to Overland Road, which will be upgraded at the controlled intersection. These access points are less than 753 feet from any point on the site and properly designed, staff feels that the size of the site does not constitute reason for a variance as it is common to drive less than 1/8th of a mile when accessing a public road system. Furthermore, the DA includes a statement that an access "may" be granted, if approved by ITD. However, the UDC explicitly states there must be an "existing use that is lawful and properly permitted" prior to September 15, 2005. No such use has yet been approved and all uses existing on site are acknowledged as illegal or non.conforming to City Ordinance. 9b. Staff Recommendation: Based on the Comprehensive Plan and UDC policies listed under Section 8 of this report as well as the analysis of findings shown in Exhibit C, staff fmds there is a lack of evidence and grounds to grant new vehicular access points to Meridian RoadlSH69 . We find the recorded DA and letters received from ITD during the 2004-2005 annexation process make no guarantees that permanent access points would be approved. Conversely, the only hint that new access points may be allowed is found in condition #A.3.c on page 4 of the DA which uses the words "may connect to Meridian Road, if allowed by ITD." Finally, we do not believe the applicant's arguments meet the "findings test" for granting a variance. Therefore, staff recommends denial of the subject application. 9c. Council Reconsideration/Action: On April 18, 2006 the City Council reconsidered the item with full testimony from the neighborhood, the owner, and the owners traffic engineers. The council made a partial finding on the variance request for approval and could find a hardship on the site for the southernmost access point (approximately 730 feet south of the centerline of Overland Road), the council could not find a hardship for the access closest to the intersection and made a motion consistent with these fmdings as attached in Exhibit C. On June 6. 2006 the City Council approved one rie:ht-in/rie:ht-out access to Meridian Road for this site. located no closer than 500 feet south of Overland Road. The applicant is reouired to provide and extend the access immediatelv to the property to the west. 10. EXHIBITS A. Overall Alternative Concept Plan (by White-Leasure Development Company) Meridian Gateway Access V AR-05-027 PAGE 6 CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR HEARING DATE OF 5/2/2006 B. Legal Description C. Required Findings from UDC (Variance) Meridian Gateway Access V AR-05-027 PAGE 7 CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR HEARING DATE OF 512/2006 Exhibit A: Overall Alternative Concept Plan (White-Leasure Development Company) 3 I/) I , I' \ ! tI I i ~ ,~~ ~CilimmJ LJilllll'Hl .. GtHt#tHJ lC III j I ill [) " r-- ffittHh{] [l1 ~! 1! l~ j~~~~lr~_~_~.j F ReterttIoo -----....~- ~~ .~...... .....-/" ":--l .. 1 ) ~ l (~~ i I I tI I 1-----1--:-- ~"'- /" White--L.eaaure Development Co. 416 South 8th Street,. Suit. 200 Balw. to 83701 Phllfle; (208) 345-1842 Meridian. 10 Meridian & Overland Road Meridian Gateway Variance Application Exhibit A Page I ~ 15.767CPO~) f-. ~, t I~ I · m l ~ g c: '" i ~ ~15QW~ . I . I I II" Alternate Meridian Road Access ,-.-'''-----.' I I I I 1'1Ilo......._..._... .......~_. 11w~..... -_.."""--- .................-.-..t.... ~,""~_...... ..-.....""'-......- ..:.=.~...::::.."':.':"~ CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR HEARING DATE OF 5/2/2006 Exhibit B: Legal Description Roylance & AssOCiates P .A. Engineers . Surveyors. Landplanners -"~-Telephone (208) 939-2824 Fax (208) 939-2855 391 W. Slate Street, SU~e E, Eagle, Idaho 83616 October 15, 2004- Project Number 2560 Legal De..~ription White-Leasure Development Company Annexation Arc<l 9.08 Acres A tract of land situated in the Northeast One Quarter of the Northeast One Quarter of Section 24, Township 3 North, Range 1 West, Boise Meridian, Ada County, Idaho, described as follows: Commencing at the Section Comer monumenting the Northeast corner of said Section 24 lmd the POINT OF BEGINNING. 1bence following the northerly hne of said Section 24 and the centerline of West Overland Road, North 89046'45" West a distance of 525.00 feet 10 a point; Thence leaving said northerly line and the centerline of West Overland Road, South 00037'36" West a distance of 753.50 feet to a point on the northerly line of Elk Run Subdivision, a recorded plat on file in Book 63 of PlaL~ at pages 6303 and 6304, Records of Ada County, Idaho; Thence following said northerly line South 89046'45" East a distance of 525.00 feet to a point on the ea~terly line of said Section 24 and the centerline of South Meridian Road; Thence leaving said northerly line and following the easterly line of Section 24 and the centerline of South Meridian Road, North 00037'36" EMt a distance of 753.50 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. The abovc-described tract of land contains 9.08 acre.~, more or less, subject to all existing casements and rights-of-way. Prepare4 By: ROYLANCE & ASSOCIATES PA 391 W. STATE STREEr, sur E ~o EAGlE, IDAHO 83616 1l~1 "foP ~ (208) 939-2824 f5'( (208) 939-2855 FAX OCi 'l.1j 'l.\.\\.\~ puBI-Ie tIIE"'\O\~~ OEP1. 'lJOR... \ 0 -, $-0"'\ X ;\Projl;,tls\WhilC. LciJ,S1Irt:"\25{t1\Admfn\l.tgals\9.QH ocre._4.UmcxaliOIl.dnc Meridian Gateway Variance Application Exhibit B Page 1 CITY OF MERIDIAN PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT FOR HEARING DATE OF 5/2/2006 Exhibit C: Required Findings from UDC (Variance) The City Council shall apply the standards listed in Idaho Code 67-6516 and all the findings listed in Section 11 ~ 5B-4.E of the UDC to review the variance request. In order to grant a variance, the Council shall make the foliowingjindings: A. The variance shall not grant a right or special privilege that is not otherwise allowed in the district: The City Council finds a hardship on the ability of the site to provide adequate access to the southernmost portion of the site. The access could act as an internal/commercial frontage road to Overland Road as Bear Creek Subdivision is fully developed south of the site. This feature is unique to the site and does not propose a special privilege. Section 11-3H-3 of the UDC does state that the City Council may consider and apply modifications to the standards of Article H upon specific recommendation of the ITD. B. The variance relieves an undue hardship because of characteristics of the site; Council finds the hardship is the inability to have cross access to the parcels south of the site which was not created by the developer. Council finds that the request for access closest to Overland Road is not a hardship as Overland Road provides adequate access for the northern portion of the site. Council finds that the access shall not be closer than 500 feet from the intersection of Meridian Road and Overland Road which is intended to meet staffs concerns as detailed in the report and as presented at the hearings on April 18, 2006 and June 6,2006. Council finds that the access shall also be designed as right inlright out only which is intended to meet staffs concerns as detailed in the report and as presented at the hearing April 18, 2006 and June 6, 2006. C. The variance shall not be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare. Council finds that granting the right-inlright-out access point at no closer than 500 feet south ofthe Overland/Meridian Road/SH69 intersection, with a direct connection to the property to the west, will allow for a better connection to meet the need to merge with existing southbound traffic. Granting the full movement access has the additional potential conflict of adding vehicles to the center turn lane where the speed limit is 55 miles per hour. The access, if designed as restricted, and as detailed in this report, with the testimony received at the April 18 and June 6, 2006 public hearing shall not be detrimental to the pubic health, safety, and welfare ofthe community. Meridian Gateway Variance Application Exhibit C Page I