To: Mark Hafner, City Manager
From: Amber Washington, Planner I
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider an ordinance approving a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for an event venue in approximately 610 square-feet of an existing lease space, on .14 acres, on the south side of Olive Street, approximately 225 feet southeast from the intersection of South Main Street and Olive Street, legally described as Lot 3R, Block 7 of the Keller, City Addition, zoned Old Town Keller (OTK) and addressed 138 Olive Street. Marissa Bryson, Applicant. Main Street Depot, LLC, Owner. (SUP-23-0038)
Background:
The Applicant is requesting a Specific Use Permit to open a new business in Old Town Keller, Salt and Light Collective, LLC, comprising life skills classes, such as cooking, STEM, and crafts, and small events like birthday parties. Classes and special events will be available by reservation only, and not extend past approximately 9 p.m. in the evening.
Planning and Economic Development staff have determined that, due to the unique nature of the Applicant’s business plan and intent to host parties, the OTK use chart found in Section 8.19 of the Keller Unified Development Code does not have another use that more closely aligns with the proposed use of the rental space. An SUP is required for a “commercial event venue” in OTK, regardless of the square-footage to be occupied.
Site Design:
The business will take over a portion of the building at 138 Olive Street, including a front parlor room, dining room, and kitchen. A to-scale floorplan of the space shows approximately 610 square-feet to be occupied by a maximum of 40 people. The floorplan has been reviewed by the Fire Marshal to calculate the occupancy. The backyard will not be used for classes or events, and the Applicant does not expect to modify the spaces for her business.
Hours of Operation:
Classes and events will be by reservation only, with 3-4 classes per week, running 2-4 hours each. The Applicant expects operating hours to be approximately 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Trip Generation:
The most recent occupant of the intended space, Polkadot Giraffe, is a retail business. The City Engineer did not require a Trip Generation Form for the change in use.
Parking:
Parking in Old Town Keller is shared. Per Section 9.02 of the UDC, “event venue” parking is calculated based on 1 parking space for every 3 people. With a calculated occupant load of 40, 14 spaces would be required. There are 5 regular parking spaces immediately in front of the building, and one accessible space.
Summary:
Section 8.02 (F)(2) of the UDC states that when considering a SUP request, the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council shall consider the following factors:
1) The use is harmonious and compatible with surrounding existing uses or proposed uses;
2) The activities requested by the applicant are normally associated with the permitted uses in the base district;
3) The nature of the use is reasonable and appropriate in the immediate area;
4) Any negative impact on the surrounding area has been mitigated; and
5) That any additional conditions specified ensure that the intent of the district purposes are being upheld.
Citizen Input:
On January 9, 2024, the City mailed out 23 letters of notification for this Public Hearing to all property owners within three-hundred feet (300’) of the subject site. A public hearing notice sign was posted on the site.
Staff has not received any public feedback on this SUP request. The Applicant provided public feedback as part of the application (See Staff Attachment).
Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation:
At the January 23, 2024 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Commissioners unanimously recommended approval of the SUP request as presented.
Alternatives:
The City Council has the following options when considering a Specific Use Permit:
§ Approve as submitted.
§ Approve with modified or additional condition(s).
§ Table the agenda item to a specific date with clarification of intent and purpose.
§ Deny.