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Conditional Use Permit No. 2007-21 March 3, 2008 Page 3 As existing, the site is non-conforming and does not meet the City's current development standards including landscaping and signage, as well as the City's Building Security Ordinance. The proposed project does not include an expansion or remodel of the existing building but only minor interior improvements to operate the check cashing business. Therefore the project site may remain as existing and only site maintenance issues may be addressed with this proposal. As part of the conditions of approval, the applicant will need to make some changes to the exterior lighting in order to comply with the Building Security Ordinance of the City. On November 26, 2007, Planning Commission considered the CUP application during a public hearing. Several comments were made regarding the appropriateness of a check cashing business at the project site. Additionally, the commission had concerns with the existing condition of the site and the lack of property maintenance. The combination of both issues prompted the Planning Commission to continue the item for two weeks in order for staff to evaluate the appropriateness of the proposed check cashing business and to determine what financial services were available within one mile of the project site. In addition, the Planning Commission instructed staff to return with findings for a denial. The property owners have made several improvements to the site that include painting of the building and two monument signs, repairing portions of the parking lot, striping parking spaces, and replacing broken signs. In the future, the owners plan to continue the improvements with slurry sealing the parking lot, repairing the damaged pole sign, and replacing any remaining wall signs. Staff verified the check cashing businesses and banks within a one mile radius of the subject site. A total of seven check cashing businesses and two banks currently exist within the mile radius. Additionally, one bank is currently proposed at 2407 South Bristol Street which is within the selected area (Exhibit 4). On January 7, 2008, the City Council approved a motion to set Conditional Use Permit No. 2007-21 for a Public Hearing. The Council requested additional information regarding the availability of commercial banking services in the area for foreign nationals who hold forms of valid identification other than a California Driver's License, Social Security Number, United States Visa or Passport. In addition, the City Council asked that staff investigate consumer protections available for patrons of non-banking check cashing facilities. 75A-3