HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo from Planning
Project: Heritage Middle School
RECEIVED
NOV 2 8 2006
City of Meridian
City Clerk Office
Location: northeast comer ofN. Meridian Road and E. McMillan Road.
Applications: Conditional Use Permit and Variance
Highlights uf Prupus~d D~velupment: The applicant, Joint School District No.2, has applied for
Conditional Use Permit approval for the allowance of lighted fields within and adjoining a residential
district. Additionally, the applicant has applied for a Variance from UDC 11-3A-llC3 to install light
fixtures in excess of 1,800 lumens with exposed bulbs for the ball fields.
Elevations: No
Commission Recommendation: approval at their November 2, 2006 public hearing.
Summary of Commission Public Hearing:
i. In favor: Scott Henson, Lombard-Conrad Architects (applicant/owner's representative)
ii. In opposition: None
iii. Commenting: None
tv. Written testimony: None
Key Issues of Discussion by Commission: None
Key Commission Changes to Staff Recommendation: None
Outstanding Issue(s) for City Council: None
Written Testimony: none
Variance Pindings:
A. The variance shall not grant a right or special privilege that is not otherwise allowed in the
district. The applicant has submitted a photometric analysis that shows light levels at the northern
perimeter boundary of the site, approximately 300 feet away from the northernmost lights, to be at 0.0 to
0.1 [uut candles adjacent to future residential uses; the analysis shows light levels at the western perimeter
boundary, approximately 500 feet away from the easternmost lights, to be 0.0 foot candles adjacent to
residential uses. Staff believes the intent of the UDC restriction of flood lighting is being met for the
subject ball field lights.
B. The variance relieves an undue hardship because of characteristics of the site. The applicant has
stated that the proposed lights with exposed light bulbs are similar to the standard light fixtures normally
found at educational ball fields throughout the City. There is a "soft light" system available that reduces
glare; however, it is approximately four times the cost of the standard light fixtures nonnally used and
would require twice as many poles. The hardship in this case is really caused by the UDC and its strict
prohihition of un shielded lighting in all instances.
C. The variance shall not be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare. Staff finds that
allowing the exposed light bulbs will not he detrimental to the puhlic health, safety, and/or welfare