12-29-1994 Regular Meeing and Public Hearing

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• • Requested For: 126 North Virginia, which is further described as Lots 6-13 of Block 186; Bayfront Addition (See Exhibit A) Property Zoning: General Commercial (GC) Requested Bv: Mr. Mark Follis, on behalf of Mr. G~irtis Watkins, property owner. Purpose of Request: The applicant is requesting a variance for the purpose of allowing construction of a 12,000 square foot commercial facility, which in conjunction with an existing building, will cover approximately 51% of the lot in question (See Exhibit B). Background: The tract in question is presently occupied by Beulah's Ceramic Center. The business has operated in this location for several years. The business owners are proposing to demolish all but one of the existing buildings on the site. (Note: Although interconnected and having the appearance of a single structure, the facility is comprised of two separate buildings.) The owners are proposing to construct a new 12,000 square foot building. The new building, in conjunction with the remaining structure is to house the ceramic center. Zoning Ordinance Section 6-500 limits development in General Commercial zones to a maximum lot coverage of 40%. The Zoning Ordinance defines lot coverage as the "area under roof on any given lot" (Section 3-100). This facility, as proposed by the owner, would cover approximately 51% of the lot with roofed structure. The owner is seeking a variance to allow the structure to be constructed as proposed. Analysis: As noted, the owner is requesting a variance to lot coverage requirements. Section 11-606.2 defines a variance as a deviation from the literal provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, which is granted by the Board, when strict conformity to the Zoning Ordinance would cause an unnecessary hardship because of the circumstances unique to the property on which the variance is granted.