08-26-2004 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment

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• • Board of Adjustment September 23, 2004 #SE 04-009 Page 2 of 3 Citing Section 106-191 b (3), the applicant is seeking a Special Exception to allow a reduction of the parking space from 10' wide to 9' wide and maneuvering aisle with 27' instead of 28'. Currently, the applicant proposes total number of 67 parking spaces for a proposed hotel of 61 rooms with four employees equaling a requirement of 65 pazking spaces. Analysis: The Code of Ordinances defines a special exception as a specked enumerated deviation from zoning regulations. The Board is empowered to grant a special exception when it finds the following: • Granting the exception will not adversely a,,~ect the value, or use of neighboring property. • Granting the exception will not be contrary to the best public interest. The applicant's request is based on Section 106-191 b (3), which states the following: ~ To waive or reduce the off-street parking requirements when the board finds the same are unnecessary for the proposed use of the building or structure for which the special exception request applies. The proposed use is hoteUmotel with upscale amenities for lodging industry. Currently, the applicant proposes total number of 67 pazking spaces for a proposed hotel of 61 rooms with four employees equaling a requirement of 65 parking spaces. The applicant countered with an azgument that the current parking standazds were designed to accommodate commercial/retail parking where spaces are used repeatedly. In addition, the volume of users require additional maneuver. In contrast, hotel parking does not have the same volume of use. Staff reseazched several other facilities to determine pazking requirements. The recently completed facility across the State Highway 146 has previous standazd space sizes. Other facilities within the vicinity have same design standards applicable prior to October 14, 2002. It should also be noted that an access to SH 146 denied due to narrowness of the commercial reserve along the highway. The pazameters for the requested special exception, given the shape and use of the property involved may meet the provisions established by Section 106-191 of the Code of Ordinances. Conclusion: Based on the facts outlined in this report, staff believes the request for a reduction in the off-street pazking requirements meet the requirements and conditions for a special exception. Conditions are necessary to ensure that granting a special exception under Section 106-191 b (3) would not be contrary to the best public interest.