02/11/2009 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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? CM509-03: Chambers Funeral Homes Inc.; 29150 Lorain 12oad: Representative: Dan Chambers, President of Chambers Funeral Home Mr. Laslco said the proposal consists of an additional curb cut and noted variances were required. Ms. Wenger said the curb cut would be approximately 60 feet from the Lorain Road intersection. The Zoning Code requires curb cuts to be 100 feet from the nearest intersection; therefore, the proposal requires a variance. The proximity of the curb cut to the Lorain Road intersection raises safety considerations. Vehicles exiting the site onto Pheasants Wallc will nearly always be tui7ling left towards Lorain Road. The potential exists for vehicle conflicts between those entering the subdivision and those exiting. Additionally, a building light on the front of the building to illuminate the parking lot is proposed which requires a variance as it is not a full cutoff fixture. She noted the installation of briclc pavers along the treelawn was previously approved via minor change. Mr. Mitchell said the required 100 foot setbaclc for the curb cut is required for any parlcing lot which accommodates more than ten cars. Mr. Collins said the Engineering Department would not recommend a variance for the proposed curb cut and aslced why such an opening was requested. Mr. O'Malley reviewed Chapter 1161.10(A) governing parlcing facilities as they relate to exit drives and the flow of traffic onto adj acent streets. He advised the cominission as to how they should review the request and provide the BZA their recommendations. Mr. Chambers said the idea of requesting a curb cut onto Pheasants Wallc came from the temporary access onto the street they had during the Croclcer Stearns construction. The temporary drive worked well and they felt the second exit drive would benefit the flow of traffic on the property. The main source of ingress/egress would continue to be Lorain Road. The second curb cut would be an improvement to the site. The light requested is due to the CEI light fixture that used to light the parking lot being turned off. For the safety of the patrons in the parlcing lot they will install a light on the building that will only be on during operating hours. Mr. Collins said the building is quite tall and the non-conforming light will be 22 feet high without a deflector. He is concenied that the exposed light and glare will create safety issues for vehicles on Lorain Road. Mr. Chambers said his engineer felt the light projecting onto Lorain would not be objectionable and is needed for safety. Mr. Mitchell said the light would not be objectionable as long as it is a full cutoff fixture. At 22 feet with a 400 watt halide light, without a full cutoff, the light source itself will be visible and the glare will affect the traffic at the intersection. Mr. Rerlco said that the applicant could find a full cutoff fixture which would meet code and the needs of the parlcing lot, or bollard lights could be installed along the edge of the parking lot. Ms. Wenger said if a full cutoff fixture were used the variance would be eliminated. Mr. Chambers said he would use a full cutoff fixture and eliininate the variance. Mr. Rerlco said the safety issues of the curb cut would not be diminished by having a left turn only. The issue is any vehicle exiting onto Pheasants Wallc malcing a left turn will not be noticeable to vehicles turning into Pheasants Wallc. The short distance to the curb cut is such that it will create dangerous situations. Mr. Bohlmann said an average size funeral doesn't seem to create issues; it's when there are large services that vehicles become stacked along residential streets and installing the curb cut will only add more confusion. He asked if the applicant had 3