To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Amber Washington, Planner I
Subject:
Title
Consider a recommendation of a Site Plan Amendment with a Variance for Risen Nation Church, a 20,265 square-foot building on approximately 1.723 acre, located on the north side of Keller Parkway (F.M. 1709) situated northwest of the intersection of Quest Court and Keller Parkway, being Lot 2, Block 1 of Flower Addition, addressed 1711 Keller Parkway and zoned Retail (R). Charles W. Surber, Owner. Risen Nation Church, Applicant. (SP-22-00010)
Background:
The Applicant is seeking to occupy the building located at 1711 Keller Parkway formerly utilized by Keystone Church. The proposed Site Plan Amendment is required due to the addition of an exterior door constructed without a permit and removal of two parking spaces. The request includes a variance for parking. According to the Unified Development Code (UDC), churches require 1 parking spot for every 3 chairs in the auditorium. The structure at 1711 Keller Parkway currently has 54 regular parking spaces and 3 handicap parking spots on site. However, there are 330 chairs in the auditorium, requiring 110 parking spaces. Risen Nation Church has entered into a reciprocal written parking agreement with Quest Court Business Park for the additional parking needs.
Parking:
1711 Keller Parkway has 54 regular parking spaces and 3 handicap parking spaces. 110 parking spaces are required for the 330 chairs in the church auditorium. The church has secured the use of 56 additional parking spaces through a reciprocal parking agreement with Quest Court Business Park. See Exhibit B - Parking Agreement.
Variances Requested:
The Applicant is requesting a variance for the parking requirement of 110 spaces. Given the parking agreement that provides access to 56 additional parking spaces, staff has no concerns with this request.
Summary:
Section 2.07(A)(2) of the UDC lists criteria for approval of a variance; the Planning and Zoning Commission shall consider the following factors:
a. That there are special circumstances or conditions affecting the land involved such that the strict application of the provisions of this Code would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of his land.
b. That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or injurious to other properties in the area.
c. That the granting of the variance will not have the effect of preventing the orderly subdivision of other lands in the area in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
d. That the granting of the variance will not constitute a violation of any other valid ordinance of the City of Keller.
e. That strict compliance with the regulations, and/or that the purpose of the regulations will be served to a greater extent by the alternative proposal.
Citizen Input:
A Site Plan Amendment application, even with variances, does not require a public hearing, so no public hearing notifications were sent out to the surrounding property owners for this request. The public will have an opportunity to speak on this agenda item at the “Persons To Be Heard”.
Alternatives:
The Planning and Zoning Commission has the following options when considering a Site Plan Amendment with variances:
§ Recommend approval as submitted (with requested variances).
§ Recommend approval with modified or additional condition(s).
§ Table the agenda item to a specific date with clarification of intent and purpose.
§ Recommend denial.
City Council Action:
If the Planning and Zoning Commission takes action and makes a recommendation on this agenda item, then this Site Plan Amendment application will be scheduled for City Council action on April 19, 2022.
Supporting Documents:
§ Aerial and Zoning Maps
§ Exhibit A - Site Plan
§ Exhibit B - Parking Agreement
§ Staff Attachment - Application