To: Mark Hafner, City Manager
From: Sarah Hensley, Assistant Community Development Director
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider an ordinance approving a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to operate a retail store with used goods and merchandise sales, for Stepping Stones Foundation in a 1,910 square-foot building, situated on a .23-acre lot on the north side of Taylor Street, approximately 170 feet northwest from the intersection of Taylor Street and South Elm Street, being Lot 7, Block 12, Keller City Addition, zoned Old Town Keller (OTK), and addressed as 131 Taylor Street. Stepping Stones Foundation, Owner/Applicant (SUP-23-0007)
Background:
Stepping Stones Foundation received a Specific Use Permit (SUP) in 2014 to operate a retail store with used goods and merchandise at 419 North Main Street. In 2015, the foundation moved to 139 Taylor Street and received another SUP for the same use, valid for five years.
The organization recently purchased and relocated to 131 Taylor Street, where they plan to continue operating their resale boutique. An SUP is required for the sale of used goods and merchandise in the Old Town Keller (OTK) Zoning District. The boutique is currently operating under a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy after completing all life safety permitting and inspections.
Site Design:
The Applicant is not proposing any changes to the interior or exterior of the building; the floor plan showing how the organization will use the space within the structure is included as a Staff Attachment for this item.
The structure has two doors facing Taylor Street; the westernmost door will be used for accepting donations. The organization primarily accepts private donations, by appointment, so they can manage inventory without needing additional storage space. The Council may want to consider a condition similar to one included in the 2015 SUP Ordinance that stipulated on-site donations would be limited to the business hours of operation.
The proposed location at 131 Taylor Street is located in the OTK Neighborhood sub-district where outside storage and display of merchandise is allowed per UDC Section 8.03(R)(4). The UDC limits outside storage and display of merchandise to an area not to exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the building. The Applicant intends to display merchandise on the front porch area by the main entrance (approximately 100 square feet).
Proposed Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Summary:
Section 8.02 (F)(2) of the UDC states that when considering an SUP request, the 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.
SUP request:
1. An SUP for Stepping Stones Foundation to operate a retail store at 131 Taylor Street with used goods and merchandise sales.
Citizen Input:
On February 16, 2023, the City mailed out 23 Letters of Notification for this Public Hearing to all property owners within 300 feet of the subject site. A public hearing notice sign was posted on the site. As of today, staff has not received any responses from the public regarding this SUP request.
Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation:
On February 28, 2023, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the SUP with no modifications or conditions.
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.