The plan proposes to expand the existing gravel parking lot from 17 parking spaces to 45. The parking lot supports a variety of functions that could occur at the Matthews House, including weddings, receptions and special events. (The Matthews House is located west of the parking lot at 311 West Chatham Street.) The amount of parking required is 18 spaces. The amount of parking proposed is 45 spaces. The plan also includes a request to reduce a required 30' streetscape to 10'.

Overlay District: Downtown Overlay District A

Land Use Compliance: Mixed use development (commercial, office, institutional, and/or residential uses)

Excluding the proposal to reduce the 30' streetscape to 10', the plan complies with all zoning requirements. Note, however, that a 10' streetscape is consistent with Town Center Design Guidelines.

Excluding a proposal to reduce a required 30' streetscape to 10', the plan complies with all landscape requirements. The Town Center Overlay District A standards require that all buildings and parking located along West Chatham Street that is zoned Business-2 District maintain a 30' setback from the right-of-way of West Chatham Street.

The Town Center Design Guidelines adopted April 24^th encourage buildings and parking to be brought up close to public right-of-way and sidewalk in a manner that creates a sense of urban enclosure and a pleasant environment. Small to medium (40-50 space) parking lots may be located at the side or rear of buildings. Such parking lots must be screened and shaded by canopy trees. The parking lot must include pedestrian access to adjoining buildings and to the sidewalk along adjoining roadways.

The proposed parking lot location and design meet the above criteria, and all proposed plantings are as recommended in the Design Guidelines. It is for this reason that Staff supports the reduction in streetscape width from 30' to 10'.

No traffic study required.

No Comments.

The property is being served with public water and sewer. No revision on utility connection is proposed.

Summary: Adjoining property owners were notified during staff's first review of the site plan. The notice provided adjoining property owners with an overview of the proposed plan. Staff received two inquiries from nearby property owners who voiced a concerned with unauthorized parking on their property originating from activities occurring at the Matthews House and with regard to loud outdoor music from the backyard of the Matthews house.

The applicant advises that additional off-site parking would be available at the adjoining Motel site and also at the Chocolate Smiles site located north of East Chatham Street. The total amount of parking available would be approximately 95 spaces. The applicant advises that the additional off-site parking would be sufficient to accommodate anticipated large events at the site. Staff recommends that directional signs be installed on-site directing visitors to the areas of off-site parking.