To: Aaron Rector, Interim City Manager
From: Alexis Russell, Planner I
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider an ordinance approving a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for commercial office use in an existing 1,252 square-foot structure, on 0.29 acres located on the north side of Hill Street, approximately 184 feet northwest from the Hill Street and South Elm Street intersection, legally described as Lot 7 & 8B, Block 11 of Keller, City Addition, zoned Old Town Keller (OTK) and addressed 131 Hill Street. Alexa Lauren Kelley and Emerald Justine Kelly, Owner. Justin Sadler, Owner/Applicant. (SUP-24-0002)
Background:
The Applicant recently purchased the property at 131 Hill St. to remodel the interior to suit future commercial office use. The Applicant intends to use the existing space for his accounting firm, Sadler Accounting PLLC, with plans to expand the building in the future.
The subject property is located in the Neighborhood Subdistrict of the Old Town Keller (OTK) Zoning District, where a Specific Use Permit (SUP) is required for administrative, professional or corporate offices exceeding 1,200 square-feet on the first floor of a building. The existing structure at 131 Hill St. is 1,252 square-feet.
Site Details:
The existing structure was previously used as a residential property. If the City Council approves the SUP request, the Applicant will then be required to submit a Site Plan package showing the conversion of the structure from residential to commercial use.
Existing structures:
The Applicant proposes to fully remodel the main structure's interior to accommodate his accounting firm's office, conference, and reception spaces, while preserving the original rock wall on the front façade. Currently, the Applicant has no plans to renovate the existing accessory structure on the property and intends to use it for storage until renovations on the main structure are complete.
Proposed addition:
A preliminary site plan provided by the Applicant depicts an approximately 909 square-foot extension to the rear of the main structure. The expansion would include three additional private office spaces, a restroom, and a covered patio, increasing the main structure's footprint to approximately 2,161 square feet. The Applicant stated that the proposed expansion at the rear of the main structure is to preserve the historic street view and front façade.
Parking:
The Unified Development Code (UDC) parking requirement for office is one space per 350 square-feet of gross floor area, bringing the total requirement for this applicant to 4 spaces for the existing structure. The parking requirement will be recalculated at the time of site plan submittal; the preliminary site plan shows 10 parking spaces with 2 accessible spaces.
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional overnight and weekend work during the peak season. Sadler Accounting PLLC will be the only tenant, with 5 full-time employees currently employed.
Citizen Input:
On February 29, 2024, the City mailed out 35 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 comments from the public regarding the proposed SUP.
SUP Request:
1. To allow a commercial office space in the Neighborhood Subdistrict of the Old Town Keller Zoning District in a structure that exceeds 1,200 square feet.
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.
Planning and Zoning Commission Action:
At the March 12, 2024, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Commissioners unanimously recommended approval of the SUP request.
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