2012-02 GRANTING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - 1102 WEST RAVINA PARK ROAD

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Excerpts from Plan Commission Minutes of December 1,2011: Cal.No. 11-48 Petition of PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT AND LEASING for a Conditional Use Permit at 1102 WEST RAVINA PARK ROAD for an Ambulance Service. Ms. Suzy Stickle was sworn in by Mrs. Janet Poland. Ms. Stickle presented the recommendation of staff: The subject property was rezoned in 2005 to B-2 Commercial District to allow for the construction of a storage garage and office. The storage garage and office currently located on the property was built to house a personal collection of antique vehicles. The subject petition requests a conditional use permit to allow for an ambulance service. The existing parking meets the requirements for the parking of the ambulances as well as employee parking. The existing landscaping as shown on the landscaping plan meets the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. A buffer yard is required along the east side of the property north of the existing building as well as portions of the west side of the property. A 23.8 foot buffer yard is shown on the plan along both the east and west sides north of the building. This buffer yard is currently a wooded area. Staff is of the opinion that the mature trees and surrounding vegetation that are located in the required 23.8 foot buffer yard is substantial enough that 50% evergreen plantings will not be required. Staff believes that the existing trees/vegetation currently creates a better buffer then new evergreen plantings would create. Adequate landscaping for the parking lot and the front yard have been provided. Section XXII.A.3. lists three standards which must be met in order to grant a conditional use permit. The first standard requires the applicant to show that the use is "necessary for the public convenience at the location." The proposed use is an ambulance service to better serve the northwest portions of our City as well as parts of northwest Macon County. This proposed use is compatible with the neighboring uses and general area. An ambulance service provides a service which can be utilized by area residents. The proposed use also meets the second standard. The facility is located and designed to be operated in a manner that the public health, safety and welfare will be protected. This use also meets the third standard. The facility will not cause substantial injury to the value of other properties in the neighborhood. The ambulance service has been located in the City at other locations and there are no known complaints from neighboring residents. It does not appear to have had an adverse effect on the neighborhoods in which they are located. Based on the analysis, staff recommends approval of the petition with the following conditions: a. Landscaping: All existing trees and vegetation located in the required 23.8 foot buffer yard shall remain intact.