Title
To authorize the special use of the property known as 2515 East Main Street for the purpose of allowing a building to exceed the applicable height restrictions, upon certain terms and conditions.
Body
O & R Request
DATE: June 2, 2017 EDITION: 1
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: Levar M. Stoney, Mayor (Patron: Mayor, by Request)
(This in no way reflects a recommendation on behalf of the Mayor.)
THROUGH: Selena Cuffee-Glenn, Chief Administrative Officer
THROUGH: Peter L. Downey, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Economic Development and Planning
FROM: Mark A. Olinger, Director, Department of Planning and Development Review
RE: To authorize the special use of the property known as 2515 East Main Street for the purpose of permitting a mixed-use building, upon certain terms and conditions.
ORD. OR RES. No.
PURPOSE: To authorize the special use of the property known as 2515 East Main Street for the purpose of permitting a mixed-use building, upon certain terms and conditions.
REASON: The applicant is proposing a mixed-use development that exceeds the B-5 height restriction. A special use permit is therefore required.
RECOMMENDATION: In accordance with the requirements of the City Charter and the Zoning Ordinance, the City Planning Commission will review this request and make a recommendation to City Council. This item will be scheduled for consideration by the Commission at its July 17, 2017, meeting. A letter outlining the Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council following that meeting.
BACKGROUND: The subject property consists of a 45,143 SF (1.04 acre) parcel improved with a surface parking area, located at the intersection of East Main Street, South 25th Street, and South 26th Street. The property is a part of the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood in the East Planning District.
The subject property falls within an Urban Center Area of the Shockoe District, as established by the Richmond Downtown Plan. Such areas are “characterized by higher density, mixed use development, typically arranged on a fine grained street network, with wide sidewalks, regular tree planting, and minimal setbacks.” Moreover, the Urban Center Area demonstrates “a dense mix of office space, apartments, and retail located in four to six story brick buildings that front the street. Pedestrians have an active presence in these neighborhoods” (pp. 3.25 3.26).
The Pulse Corridor Plan, which was recently adopted by the Planning Commission, designates the property along East Main Street (the Pulse BRT Corridor) for corridor mixed-use land use. Such a land use designation is found along major thoroughfares that have traditionally been commercial corridors. Medium-density pedestrian- and transit-oriented development is to be encouraged on vacant or underutilized parcels (p. 29). The B-5 zoning district is listed as an appropriate district for this land use designation.
The current zoning for this property is B-5 Central Business District, which encompasses much of the area, with some nearby properties or adjacent blocks having an M-1 Light Industrial designation. A mix of land uses are present in the area.
FISCAL IMPACT / COST: The Department of Planning and Development Review does not anticipate any impact to the City’s budget for this or future fiscal years.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: Staff time for processing the request; preparation of draft ordinance; and publishing, mailing and posting of public notices.
BUDGET AMENDMENT NECESSARY: No
REVENUE TO CITY: $2,400 application fee
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: June 26, 2017
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: July 24, 2017
REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: None
CONSIDERATION BY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES: City Planning Commission, July 17, 2017
AFFECTED AGENCIES: Office of Chief Administrative Officer
Law Department (for review of draft ordinance)
City Assessor (for preparation of mailing labels for public notice)
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: None
REQUIRED CHANGES TO WORK PROGRAM(S): None
ATTACHMENTS: Draft Ordinance, Application Form, Applicant’s Report, Plans, Survey, Map
STAFF: Matthew J. Ebinger, AICP, Acting Principal Planner
Land Use Administration (Room 511), 646-6308
PDR O&R 17-14
Recommended Action
Key Issues:
Retain on Consent Agenda
Move to Regular Agenda
Refer Back to Committee
Remove from Council Agenda
Strike Withdrawn ---- Continue to: