City Council Minutes 2002 05 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting May 21, 2002 Page 5 Planning Director Paul Wood reviewed Ordinance No. 1376, which amends the downtown parking requirements as follows: · Reduces the optional parking improvement fee from $10,500 per space to $3,600 per space. · Exempts the first 999 SF of new floor area, which would be a cumulative, one- time exemption. · Exempts additional floor area from meeting the parking requirement, including areas such as bathrooms, hallways and stairwells. · Authorizes refunds of previously paid parking improvements fees, to the extent necessary to be consistent with the proposed new regulations. Wood stated that the Planning Commission reviewed the Ordinance No. 1376, Series 2002, at their May 14, 2002 regular meeting and forward a recommendation of approval. Davidson opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or against Ordinance No. 1376, Series 2002. Eric Hartronft, Hartronft Fauri Architects, 801 Main Street, Louisville, CO commended Council for the proactive modifications to the parking ordinance and stated that it would help the small downtown businesses. Brown stated that, the ordinance is a positive step for the growth and preservation of the historic downtown area and commended Staff for their work. He reported on discussions with many downtown business owners relative to the exemption for uninhabitable area, which did not include storage. Several business owners believe that storage areas should be exempt. He stressed that storage areas will be marked on the PUD and if a business owner converts that space to office space, they would be in violation of the PUD. Sisk questioned the enforceability of the uninhabitable space. He asked Planning Director Wood if storage spaces are delineated on PUDs. Wood stated that the PUD would define a basement approved for parking ratio and that exclusively dedicated storage areas are not eligible for a tenant finish permit. Sisk stated that storage space is not enforceable. He explained that the ownership of the building could change and the storage space could be converted without the City's knowledge. He voiced a preference that the storage space issue be resolved and stated he would not support amending the ordinance. Keany commented that he understood the concerns voiced by Council members. He asked that the terminology be expanded. He stated that a dedicated use such as janitorial closets should be included under the definition of bathrooms. Davidson stated that Council has struggled with the parking issue in the downtown area and future Councils will address the same parking problems.