2001-47 GRANTING SPECIAL PERMIT - ANIMAL SHELTER - 2100 BLOCK EAST MOUND ROAD

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Excerpts from the Minutes of the April 5, 2001 City Plan Commission Meeting Cal. No. 01-21 Petition ofMACON COUNTY BOARD, 141 South Main Street, for a Special Use Permit for government use in the 2100 BLOCK EAST MOUND ROAD to allow the construction of an animal shelter. Mr. Van Steenhuyse presented the recommendation of staff: The petitioner proposes to construct an 18,000 square foot shelter building to house up to 60 cats and 124 dogs. The proposed building would also include educational facilities for public use. The proposed building would be located a minimum of 200 feet from the easterly property boundary. The building would be located at least 200 to 500 feet from all other boundaries. The proposed shelter would operate on the site 24 hours per day. The petitioner also proposes to improve Carolyn Avenue to city standard for a rural cross-section street to access the new facility. These improvements would allow for safe passage of fire and rescue equipment to the site. The petitioner may seek a Special Use Permit under Section XXI.A.l.i of the Zoning Ordinance, "any public or government building or structure." A 12" city water main is available at Mound Road and a 24" sewer service is available at Mound Road. The proposed new use is consistent with the goals of Macon County and of the City of Decatur to improve the housing conditions for stray animals. The new shelter would meet a distinct need of the community. From a land use perspective, the petitioner's proposed use is not inconsistent with institutional land uses within the vicinity. The site is severely limited for development by floodplain coverage and the adjacent prison site. As well, the petitioner has adequate area to expand the center without disrupting residential uses adjacent to the property. The petitioner has made every attempt to locate the proposed structure in such a way as to not interfere with or disturb the use of residential property located to the east. Based on the above analysis, Staff recommends approval of the petition as submitted, subject to the following conditions: Plans for upgrading Carolyn Avenue from Greenswitch Road to the site shall be reviewed, approved and placed on file with the Department of Engineering and Infrastructure; and the construction of all improvements to Carolyn Avenue shall be in accordance with City of Decatur construction standards; no Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued for the proposed development until the Township official having jurisdiction over Carolyn Avenue has certified in writing, to the City Engineer and the Building Inspections Manager, that the improvements have been completed in accordance with city specifications. Mr. Shampine questioned if this type of situation would normally be submitted as a Planned Unit Development. Mr. Van Steenhuyse stated that the conditions of the Special Use Permit allow the