Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Special Exception topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
BZA approves Precision Auto Care special exceptions for downtown Frankfort site
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved special exceptions allowing Precision Auto Care to operate a commercial garage and sell vehicles at 452 North Main Street, with conditions including a six-car display limit, screening for stored vehicles, changes to curb cuts, pavement/landscaping upgrades within three years, and an oil-water separator inspection before a certificate of occupancy.
The Board of Zoning Appeals voted to recommend approval of a pair of special exceptions that will allow Precision Auto Care to operate a commercial garage and display vehicles for sale at 452 North Main Street in downtown Frankfort.
The decision followed a staff presentation that described the property as a previously commercial site that has been vacant for more than a year and therefore lost any prior nonconforming status. Staff said the property sits in the Central Business District and that the Unified Development Ordinance requires BZA approval for the garage and sales uses proposed.
"As long as the applicant maintains the site neatly, the standard will be met," a staff member said while outlining the ordinance requirements, including parking, buffer and outdoor storage limits. Staff also noted a 2011 violation at a prior business on the site (Bob's Service Center) involving accumulation of tires that was addressed at the time.
Petitioner Aidy Burrows told the board she had scheduled an oil-water separator inspection for the next day and asked whether the business could move forward once documentation of that inspection was submitted. "We got it all scheduled for the inspection done on the oil water separator tomorrow," Burrows said, adding she would provide any paperwork to staff as requested.
Staff recommended approval subject to conditions intended to limit impacts on adjacent properties and downtown traffic flow. Those conditions include no more than six cars displayed for sale at a time; all tires and dismantled vehicles awaiting repair stored inside or behind a screened fence; no rental vehicles or trailers operating from the site; all cars awaiting repair or listed for sale parked on-site (not in any road right of way); abandonment and blocking of the two parking-lot entrances closest to the Main and Jefferson intersection; installation of a four-foot green space between sidewalk and parking where gravel now exists and painting parking stripes within three years; and successful completion of an oil-water separator inspection with sewer maintenance before a certificate of occupancy is issued.
On questions from board members, staff confirmed the proposed work would not change the building footprint and that a six-foot privacy fence in the rear yard was allowed under the ordinance so long as it did not face a road. Staff also recommended reducing the number of curb cuts to improve pedestrian safety and bringing parked vehicles back from the sidewalk so vehicles are wholly on private property.
Committee member (motion maker) moved to recommend approval based on the staff report and its conditions; the Chair seconded. The board recorded an affirmative roll call and the motion passed, allowing the applicant to pursue permits and inspections consistent with the conditions.
Following the vote, staff advised the petitioner to submit inspection documentation to the office so building and fire inspections can be scheduled and the certificate-of-occupancy process completed. The board had no further business and adjourned the meeting.
