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<br />Zoning Board of Adjustment <br />Special Exception #SE94-002 <br />Staff Report - August 25, 1994 <br />Page 20f 4 <br /> <br />Analysis: <br /> <br />Zoning Ordinance Section 11-605 empowers the Zoning Board <br />of Adjustment to grant special exceptions when the Board finds: <br /> <br />. The exception will not adversely affect the value <br />and use of adjacent or neighboring property. <br /> <br />· The exception will not be contrary to the best <br />public interest. <br /> <br />As noted, the applicants wish to use gravel to surface the <br />proposed parking expansion. Gravel has not previously been <br />accepted as an acceptable parking surface for the following <br />reasons: <br /> <br />· Gravel requires routine maintenance and <br />replenishing in order to remain dust free. It <br />tends to shift leaving thin spots and exposing the <br />underlying soil. Gravel also tends to sink into the <br />"gumbo" soil found in La Porte. <br /> <br />· It is difficult to contain gravel within a site. Stray <br />rock tends to be scattered onto neighboring <br />property. <br /> <br />· Water moves easily through gravel making it <br />difficult to maintain a controlled drainage plan. <br /> <br />The applicants have taken specific steps to address these <br />concerns. These measures, which are also illustrated on <br />Exhibits A and B, are listed below. <br /> <br />· The new parking area is to be ringed by concrete <br />curbing. The curbing will extend both below <br />grade and six inches above the gravel surface. <br /> <br />· The applicants plan to use limestone gravel. This <br />type of stone tends to be angular with relatively <br />sharp edges. The shape of the stone allows it to <br />be effectively compacted and stabilized. This <br />type of stabilization is not as effective with the <br />more rounded river gravel that is commonly used <br />for driveways. <br />