HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff ReviewSTAFF REPORT
Item: Public hearing and consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for a freestanding
sign to be located at 1000 Eleanor Steet (College Station Lincoln Center). (0-94)
Applicant: City of College Station
Item Summary: The Lincoln Center is a municipal building and complex located within
an R-1 Single Family Residential District and operated by the Parks and Recreation
Department. Municipal buildings may be located within any zoning district upon
approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The sign regulations however, do not
make provisions for attached or freestanding signage to be located in an R-1 district. The
City does not have record if a sign was requested or granted with the original conditional
use permit, thus the Parks and Recreation Department must come back to the
Commission for approval of the proposed site plan and elevation drawings. The
proposed sign is to be marquee in type, have 32 square feet of sign face and have an
overall height of 14 feet.
The Lincoln Center is surrounded on all sides by residential development. Single family
residential abuts the north, south and east sides of the property. The property to the west
is zoned R-6, apartment high density, and has been developed as the Southgate Village
Apartments.
Item Background: The Lincoln Center was originally leased by the City in 1968 and
the City took ownership of the property in 1977. The City does not have Conditional Use
Permits dating back to 1968, therefore it is unknown if a sign was approved at the time of
original the permit.
Staff Recommendations: Section 14 of the Zoning Ordinance authorizes the existence of
conditional uses. The Commission may permit a conditional use subject to appropriate
conditions and safeguards, when after public notice and hearing the Commission finds
that:
(Staff comments are in italics)
1. "The proposed use meets all the minimum standards established in the ordinance for
the type of use proposed." Staff recommends that the proposed sign meet the sign
regulations set forth in the C-1 General Commercial District. A 14' sign would be
required to be at least 26' from the back of the curb along Holleman.
2. "That the proposed use meets the purposed and intent of the ordinance and is in
harmony with the development policies and goals and objectives as embodied in the
Comprehensive Plan for Development of the City. The request is in compliance with
the Comprehensive Plan.
3. "That the proposed use will not be detrimental to the health, welfare, and safety of the
surrounding neighborhood or its occupants, nor be substantially or permanently
injurious to neighboring property." The public hearing is an opportunity for the
Commission to measure the potential impact on surrounding land uses.
The Commission may impose additional reasonable restrictions or conditions to carry out
the spirit and intent of the ordinance and to mitigate adverse effects of the proposed use.
These requirements may include, but are not limited to, additional landscaping and
screening."
Unless the public hearing brings to light any new information indicating potential
negative impacts, Staff recommends approval of the sign with the conditions that it
conform to the Lincoln Center Advisory Board recommendations and that the sign meet
the standards for signage in the General Commercial district.
Related Advisory Board Recommendations: The Lincoln Center Advisory Board met
on June 5`"• and made the following recommendations relative to the sign:
1. It should be visible and attractive, with Lincoln Recreation Center on both sides of
marquee.
2. Timed lighting is preferred. It might not very visible at nighttime.
3. It should be designed to include child safety proof features.
4. It should sit Eft. - 8ft. from ground, just over the fence line at the intersection of
Holleman and Eleanor.
5. The foundation should be landscaped with something year around and be easy to
maintain by personnel.
These comments are consistent with concerns of the Parks and Recreation Staff as well.
Commission Action Options: The Commission has final authority over the Conditional
Use Permit and associated site plan. The options regarding the use permit are:
1. Approval as submitted;
2. Approval with conditions relating to specific site characteristics or with time
limitations;
3. Denial with specified reasons for denial;
4. Table; or,
5. Defer action to a specified date.
Supporting Materials:
1. Location Map
2. Application
3. Copy of Site Plan
Notification:
Legal Notice Publication(s): The Eagle; 5-31-00
Advertised Commission Hearing Dates(s): 6-15-00
Number of Notices Mailed to Property Owners Within 200': 22
Response Received: None as of date of staff report