PLANNING APPROVAL STAFF REPORT Date: January 18, 2018

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1 # 4 PA PLANNING APPROVAL STAFF REPORT Date: January 18, 2018 NAME Larry Scott LOCATION CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT District Dauphin Street (North side of Dauphin Street, 70 ± West of North Joachim Street). PRESENT ZONING AREA OF PROPERTY CONTEMPLATED USE Downtown Development District T5.2 Sub-District 0.5 ± Acre Planning Approval to allow a cigar bar/ lounge with an occupancy load of 122 persons in the Downtown Development District. TIME SCHEDULE FOR DEVELOPMENT Mid-January ENGINEERING COMMENTS TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMENTS No comments. No traffic impacts anticipated with this request. URBAN FORESTRY COMMENTS Property to be developed in compliance with state and local laws that pertain to tree preservation and protection on both city and private properties (State Act and City Code Chapters 57 and 64). FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMENTS All projects within the City Limits of Mobile shall comply with the requirements of the City of Mobile Fire Code Ordinance. (2012 International Fire Code). REMARKS The applicant is requesting Planning Approval to allow an cigar bar/ lounge with an occupancy load of 122 persons in the Downtown Development District (DDD). The DDD requires Planning Approval for certain uses with occupancy loads over 100 persons in a T5.2 District. The review required for Planning Approval examines the applicant s location and site plan with regard to transportation, parking and access, public utilities and facilities, traffic congestion and

2 # 4 PA hazard, and to determine if the proposal is in harmony with the orderly and appropriate development of the district. It is very important to note that the Planning Approval review is site plan specific; therefore any future changes to the site plan or to the scope of operations for the facility, as approved, by current or future applicants must be submitted for Planning Approval. The site is located on Dauphin Street, which is in the Downtown Development Area as identified on the Map for Mobile Development Framework Maps. The Map for Mobile states that the development framework map and development area descriptions serve as a guide for future land use and design decisions and also for decisions regarding public improvements and projects. While the site is not specifically designated as a center, but rather within the Downtown Development Area, the intent for development is as follows: DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AREA Infill development that complements the existing character and enhances the pedestrianfriendly urban environment; Fewer surface parking lots - more structured parking; Increased streetscaping, including improved sidewalks, street furniture and lighting along corridors; Greater mix of uses - retail, restaurant, office, residential. It should be noted that the Map for Mobile Plan is meant to serve as a general guide, not a detailed lot and district plan or mandate for development. Moreover, the Plan allows the Planning Commission and City Council to consider individual cases based on additional information such as the classification request, the surrounding development, the timing of the request, and the appropriateness and compatibility of the proposed use and zoning classification. The applicant states the following regarding this request: I am requesting Planning Approval to allow a Cigar Bar/ Lounge with an occupant load of 122, in a T-5.2 mixed use, medium intensity, sub-district of the Downtown Development District. The property will be painted and cleaned. Sofas and lounge chairs added along the standard bar accessories (bar stools, chairs, etc.). Televisions will be added for customer entertainment. An approximate time for completion of the lounge is mid-january The subject site has been used commercially in the past as a lounge, most recently as of 2008, as it was previously the Dahlias Electric Piano Hall. The building has been vacant for more than two years, thus the site has lost nonconforming status, hence the reason for the Planning Approval application. The proposed site is approximately 2, 604 square feet and the applicant states that the hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday 10 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 1 am, and Sundays from 12 pm to 8 pm

3 # 4 PA The site is located within a mixed-use area consisting of parking lots, offices, restaurants, retail, and condominium residential. The site is also located within the Entertainment District boundaries designated by the City Council. There is no parking available on-site, however, there are numerous on-street parking spaces available as well as commercial surface parking lots within a two block area. While parking is not required for the reuse of existing buildings within the Downtown Development District, the availability of parking helps to address any concerns relating to creating any additional vehicular congestion. It should be noted that the submitted plans appear to be for the interior renovations only. However the applicant should be aware that, as the site is located within the Lower Dauphin Street Historic District and within the Downtown Development District, a Certificate of Appropriateness and approval from the Consolidated Review Committee will be required for any exterior work to the building prior to the issuing of permitting for exterior alterations to the structure. Signage will also require review and approval. It should also be pointed out that another site, located approximately 2 blocks away for this site, recently received Planning Approval to allow an event space with an occupancy load of 142 persons in the Downtown Development District; thus this request is in keeping with similar approvals within this district. RECOMMENDATION Planning Approval: Based upon the preceding, this application is recommended for Approval, subject to the following: 1) any increase in occupancy load beyond 122 people will require new Planning Approval to be obtained from the Planning Commission; 2) obtainment of a Certificate of Appropriateness and approval from the Consolidated Review Committee will be required prior to the permitting of any exterior alterations to the structure, including signage; and 3) full compliance with all municipal codes and ordinances

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