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Planning panel approves DeKalb Mechanical driveway addition but requires zoning variances
Summary
Fraser Planning Commission approved a site-plan amendment allowing an additional driveway and overhead door at 16945 Masonic Boulevard, conditioned on obtaining zoning variances for parking and driveway dimensions; the vote was 5–0 with two members absent.
The Fraser Planning Commission on a 5–0 vote approved a site-plan amendment that will allow DeKalb (Deacal) Mechanical to add a driveway and an overhead bay door at 16945 Masonic Boulevard, but the approval is conditioned on the applicant obtaining zoning variances for parking and/or driveway width, or submitting a revised, compliant plan.
City planning staff described the proposal as an amendment to the existing site plan so the business can add a new driveway on the east side of the lot and install an overhead bay door to permit trucks to drive into the building. City planner Sarah said the proposal shows a two-way driveway of 21 feet, 2 inches, and noted "the ordinance states that 2 way driveways have to be a minimum of 30 feet," so the applicant must either narrow the driveway to one-way, widen it to 30 feet, or obtain a variance. Sarah also said the plan shows 26 parking spaces are required; she reported seven of the shown spaces fall in front of bay or pedestrian doors and are therefore not usable, leaving the site deficient unless a variance is granted.
Applicant Randy De Beal, identified as an owner of Deacal Incorporated, said the change is intended to make it safer and more efficient for employees to back trucks into the building and offload pipe inside. De Beal said the business typically has about six to seven employees at the Fraser site and that larger deliveries are infrequent but do occur.
Engineering and public safety reviewers raised no objections to the concept but flagged technical concerns. Staff said Public Works asked that the approach in the right-of-way be approved by engineering at permit stage; engineering requested confirmation that sidewalks remain ADA compliant and noted driveway radii are tight but workable given site constraints. Staff recommended approval of the driveway amendment with conditions that the driveway be widened to 30 feet if it remains two-way, be made one-way, or that a variance be obtained, and that the applicant provide the seven displaced parking spaces or obtain a variance for the reduced parking.
Commissioner Kyle moved to approve "site plan 25-01 at 16945 Masonic Boulevard, with the condition of going to the zoning board and get the variance on the parking and also the drive." The motion passed on a roll call: Commissioners Joanne Barr, Zarnacki, Kyle, Meyer and Chair Warnec voted yes; Commissioners Frank Farina and Trevor Tuller were absent.
The commission stamped the approved plans at the meeting and staff notified the applicant that an application must be in by February 11 to be scheduled for the March meeting's hearing and noticing requirements.
What this means: The commission has given conditional approval that allows the applicant to pursue the next step — zoning-board variances or plan revisions. The city will not issue final site permits until the required zoning approvals or design changes are complete.
