75D - 2032 N. MAIN ST. - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Amendment Application No. 2005-04 Conditional Use Permit No. 2005-20 July 25, 2005 Page 4 Conditional Use Permit In order to maintain consistency with the Bowers Museum Specific Development Plan No. 78 would require a conditional use permit to operate a banquet facility. The current development proposal includes a 6,300 square foot atrium that would be utilized for banquets and special events. Currently, the Bowers Museum hosts approximately 625 banquets and special events per year in their outdoor courtyard, conference center, north parking lot, galleries and restaurant. These events have included weddings, academic seminars, fundraising galas and corporate meetings. The proposed atrium space is intended to house most of these events. The events have ranged in size from a dozen to hundreds of participants. The parking for the proj ect will be directly tied to the specific floor plan submitted. Any future expansion of the assembly areas or deviation from the approved uses or floor plan resulting in a higher parking demand would require a re-evaluation of the conditional use permit by the Planning Commission. Bowers Museum currently manages the parking through a professional parking company that arranges shared parking agreements. These agreements typically coordinate events in the evening and weekends when surrounding parking supplies are available. This method has proved successful due to the willingness of surrounding properties to participate and the availability of spaces. The proposed Specific Development 78 would allow the continued practice of shared off-site parking through the use of a professional parking management company. A parking study was conducted analyzing the existing and future proj ect conditions. As a part of that analysis, parking was studied during weekend peaks, large assembly events and weekday peaks. The study concludes that a peak demand of 369 parking spaces are needed on the weekends, 213 on weekdays and 450 during large assemblies. Approximately 221 parking spaces will be provided between the new parking lot along the north side of the expansion and the triangle parking lot at Main Street and the southbound 1-5 on-ramp. Additionally, there is a small parking lot (approximately 20 spaces) located directly across from the museum along Main Street. These locations will accommodate any weekday peak demands. For weekend and large assembly events, the use of additional parking at the Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union and the Rancho Santiago sites will sufficiently provide parking. Approval is recommended for the proposed amendment application and conditional use permit as the Bowers Museum will continue to provide a use that will serve the community and region through the provision of exhibit, 750-8