Agenda - Planning Commission - 01/26/2023

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baseball and softball can reasonably be played indoors without a fly ball hitting the ceiling. As an arched structure, the top of the roofline will not be visible from close views due to its curvature. It will be noticible from farther distances. Staff recommends approval of the variance as it is reasonable given the use of the structure. The Planning Commission has the authority to grant the variance. The Commission's decision may be appealed to the City Council. Access & Parking Access to the site is provided via two one-way drives off Ferret Street. The in -bound driveway is located very close, though offset, to the intersection of 147th Avenue. Due to the offset, outbound traffic will not be permitted here due to traffic safety concerns. The outbound driveway is approximately 190 feet to the south. This loop system allows for a drop-off zone in front of the support building. The applicant has provided a traffic and parking analysis which is attached to this report to explain different parking scenarios depending on use of the building The 135-space parking lot is located on the north side of the building. If the building is used for younger children's practices, it is expected that many of the children will be dropped off. If it is used for high school driving -aged teens, then it is expected that many of the users will drive themselves and park. Some additional parking is also provided for spectators. Staff concurs with the report as being adequate for typical use of the facility. Space for additional parking is located to the west of the building. This area is being reserved for the clinic and restaurant uses, though it could be used to create more parking if it is needed. A building perimeter paved pathway is shown for maintenance and emergency access. The pavement is needed to catch the snow that falls from the structure and is sturdy enough to plow it away. This pathway must be kept clear at all times. Pedestrian Connections Ferret Street will likely be reconstructed in 2023. This reconstruction will include a sidewalk. The applicant is showing a walkway connection from the building to the future public sidewalk. It is anticipated that during events, people may want to walk to the planned retail and restaurant uses nearby on a break. As a youth -centered facility, area children may ride a bike to the site and bike racks are being provided. It should be noted that the walkway between the parking lot and the dome will also collect the snowfall from the roof as noted earlier. Extra attention will need to be given to this area while the building is in use during snowfall to keep it clear and safe. Landscaping and Screening The applicant has submitted a landscape plan that meets the requirements of City Code. The design of the site focuses most of the trees to the north side of the parking lot and east side of the property. The Environmental Policy Board (EPB) was scheduled to review the plans on January 23. Adjacent to the north and east sides of the building are pads for mechanical units. Once the units are determined, they will need to be screened for safety and visual aesthetic with a privacy fence. Utilities Public water and sanitary sewer mains are in the vicinity of the site. These utilities will be extended to the site with the upcoming reconstruction of Ferret Street and 147th Avenue. The facility will be connected to municipal services. The proposed plans have some minor adjustments and corrections needed by the time of building permit. Storm Water Management A series of storm water management basins are shown across the site. Preliminary review reveals additional design capacity is likely and should be able to be accommodated on site easily. WMO review will be required based on the size of the site as well as a maintenance agreement.