Planning Commission Minutes 2022 02 10

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2022 Page 10 of 13 She moves on to the SRU proposal that is to allow a banquet hall use on the property and to have no change to the exterior. This would be the likely development of the property: • The first floor would be available to rent for private events. This could accommodate seating for potential ceremonies. • The second floor would be available to rent for private events. This could accommodate seating or tables for a potential reception area. • 690 square feet of the basement space will be finished and used as both the preparation area for the reception hall use as well as finished out to be used as an indoor drinking establishment. This is not a part of the SRU but would be its own Administrative PUD. Staff finds the proposal meets all five criteria when considering approval of a SRU: 1. It is consistent with spirit and intent of the Comprehensive Plan and policies and regulations for Downtown Louisville. 2. The introduction of a banquet or reception hall use within Downtown reinforces economic stability by adding new variety to the business options of the Downtown urban area to local residents and out-of-town visitors alike. 3. The use is adequate for the efficiency of the proposal. Staff reviewed the amendment for additional impacts to utilities and access and finds that proposal does not negatively impact surrounding facilities. Public Works and the Fire Department have no concerns related to safety, access or utilities. 4. The development plans for the site and structure itself are not changing from the previous PUD approvals. Staff believes that there will not be nuisance or other concerns related to the use as a banquet or reception hall that affect public health, welfare, safety and convenience. 5. The exterior of the property and outdoor use areas will not be modified with this request and there are no conflicts between pedestrian areas and vehicular ways and parking or loading areas created by this request. Staff Recommendations: Staff recommends approval of Resolution 4, Series 2022 to establish regulations for Banquet or Reception Halls Staff recommends approval of Resolution 5, Series 2022 of a Special Review Use to allow a Banquet or Reception Hall with the following condition: A note be added to the SRU stating the reception hall shall not operate past 12 am (midnight). Staff also recommends occupancy restrictions, which the applicant has agreed to limit total occupancy to no more than 251 persons per event, and total occupancy to 372 persons. Commissioner Questions of Staff. - Diehl asks in regards to creating a new category for the SRU, would there be another way to handle his special review and approve what they want without going this route? Bauer says the reason they came forward with both is because as staff reviewed in the code the current uses, nothing speaks to an event center in this way. Because the applicant's primary business strategy or business use is for an event center, staff thought it warranted a new category. Diehl asks what the total occupancy is for Empire or Waterloo.