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325 Mealy Drive 15-UBEX-1069 Staff Report CDB CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD STAFF REPORT AGENDA ITEM 4.A. CASE NO 15-UBEX-1069 Request for use-by-exception as permitted by Section 24-112 (c)(5), to allow establishments for heavy automotive repair, towing service or the permanent storage of automobiles, motorcycles, etc. within the Light Industrial and Warehousing (LIW) Zoning District at 325 Mealy Drive. LOCATION 325 Mealy Drive APPLICANT A+ Towing and Auto Body DATE October 7, 2015 STAFF DEREK W REEVES, PLANNER STAFF COMMENTS The applicant is Christopher Calkins with A+ Towing and Auto Body. The site will primarily be used as an automotive repair shop with limited towing service. The applicant has stated that this will not be a junk yard. The applicant has also stated that all state laws regarding oil and other fluid waste will be followed. The site is 0.3 acre property with a 4,500 square foot metal building within the Light Industrial and Warehousing Zoning District on a corner lot. The property is fully fenced with a 6 foot chain link fence with two entrances. Most of the property within the fence is paved. The property is within 150 feet of a single family residential neighborhood, but is separated by another building. Page 2 of 3 A use-by-exception is required by Section 24-112(c)(5) for, “establishments for heavy automotive repair, towing service or the permanent storage of automobiles, motorcycles, trucks and tractors, boats, machinery and equipment, farm equipment and similar uses.” Minor automotive repair would be allowed by right, but the towing service and any repairs considered heavy automotive would fit within the described use. Minor automotive repair is the minor or routine servicing of motor vehicles or parts. Heavy automotive repair is the rebuilding or reconditioning of motor vehicles or parts including collision service, painting and steam cleaning of vehicles. The city’s Comprehensive Plan does address these types of uses and the general location of this proposed business. Policy A.1.10.5 states the following; “Along the Mayport Road corridor, the continuation and proliferation of light industrial uses, automotive sales and repair businesses and other more intensive commercial business activities shall be discouraged in favor of those businesses and uses that provide neighborhood serving retail products and services that generate daily activity and interaction between residents of the surrounding neighborhoods such as banks, drugstores, restaurants, churches, child care centers, grocery stores and similar businesses and uses.” While the location of this business is located within the Mayport Road corridor, it is located within the Light Industrial and Warehousing Zoning District, which is the most intense zoning district within the city. However, there are a few existing heavy automotive repair facilities in the city and at least one known tow service that is also located in the Light Industrial and Warehousing Zoning District. The site is relatively small and surrounded by a fence and ditches that will naturally limit activities on the property, but the board may want to consider a few conditions if they decide to recommend approval. The board may consider requiring a specific number of parking spaces on a site plan and clearly marked on site for customers and employees. The board may consider limiting the number of towed vehicles and the maximum duration of their stay on site. The board may consider prohibiting the parking or storage of vehicles in the right-of-way adjacent to the property. The board may also consider restricting the hours of operation to those deemed appropriate. Page 3 of 3 SUGGESTED ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL The Community Development Board may consider a motion to recommend approval to the City Commission of a requested Use-by-Exception (File No. 15-UBEX-1069) to allow establishments for heavy automotive repair, towing service or the permanent storage of automobiles, motorcycles, etc. within the Light Industrial and Warehousing (LIW) Zoning District and located at 325 Mealy Drive provided: 1. Approval of this Use-by-Exception is consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. 2. Approval of this Use-by-Exception is in compliance with the requirements of Section 24-63, Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development Regulations. 3. The requested use is consistent with Section 24-112(c) in that the proposed use is found to be consistent with the uses permitted in the CG zoning district with respect to intensity of use, traffic impacts and compatibility with existing industrial uses, commercial uses and any nearby residential uses. SUGGESTED ACTION TO RECOMMEND DENIAL The Community Development Board may consider a motion to recommend denial to the City Commission of a requested Use-by-Exception (File No. 15-UBEX-1069) to allow establishments for heavy automotive repair, towing service or the permanent storage of automobiles, motorcycles, etc. within the Light Industrial and Warehousing (LIW) Zoning District and located at 325 Mealy Drive provided: 1. Approval of this Use-by-Exception is not consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. 2. Approval of this Use-by-Exception is not in compliance with the requirements of Section 24-63, Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development Regulations. 3. The requested use is not consistent with Section 24-112(c) in that the proposed use is found to be inconsistent with the uses permitted in the CG zoning districts with respect to intensity of use, traffic impacts and compatibility with existing industrial uses, commercial uses and any nearby residential uses.