31A - CUP - 1600 E FIRST STREET - Laserfiche WebLink

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Conditional Permit No. 2017 -14 April 24, 2017 Page 3 Project Backaround and Chronolo In 1971, Variance No. 1969 -93 was approved to allow the construction of a 150 -room hotel at this location. Once constructed, the property was occupied by a variety of hotel chains until it became vacant approximately 10 years ago. In March 2011, Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 2010 -15 was approved that would allow the vacant hotel to be converted into a senior care facility. Due to changes in the economy, two extensions to the conditional use permit were granted for the care home use. Since the former applicant never moved forward with the care home project, the conditional use permit expired. As a result a new CUP is required for the hotel use. The applicant, Glacier House Hotels, is a company that specializes in the purchase, development and construction of hospitality projects such as the proposed Holiday Inn Express hotel. The Glacier team consists of a mix of entrepreneurial individuals who have been successful in all aspects of the hotel, retail and mixed use project development. Project Analysis Staff has reviewed the applicant's request to convert an existing vacant building to a Holiday Inn Express hotel. In analyzing the conditional use permit request, staff believes that the following analysis warrants staffs recommendation of approval for the conditional use permit. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel will meet all requirements specified in the C -2 zoning district relating to the proposed use. The proposed project will be in compliance with all applicable development standards, including parking, landscaping, setbacks and signage. Parking for a hotel use is one space per room plus one space for each 10 rooms, with restaurant parking at one space per 100 square feet of gross floor area. A total of 246 spaces are required and will be provided for the site. Further, the project will be in compliance with the applicable provisions of the City's Hotel and Motel Standards. Finally, appropriate conditions of approval have been included for this project that will ensure it remains in compliance with the provisions of the zoning district and Hotel and Motel Standards. The proposed Holiday Inn Express hotel will support several goals and policies of the General Plan, including Land Use Element Goal 1, which promotes the balance of land uses to address basic community needs; Goal 2, which promotes land uses that enhance the economic viability of the City; and Goal 3, which supports uses that preserve and improve the character and integrity of neighborhoods. The project will promote a balance of land uses to address basic community needs and that enhance the economic viability of the City and will provide a use that will assist in diversifying the range of services available in the City. Land Use Element Policy 2.8 promotes the rehabilitation of commercial properties and encourages increased levels of capital investment. This project will promote the re- investment of a commercial property and encourage increased levels of capital investment through the interior and exterior remodeling of two vacant buildings on this site. Further, Land Use Element Policy 5.5 encourages development which is compatible with and supportive of surrounding land uses. The proposed project will assist in providing a variety of lodging services to those working and visiting in the immediate area and will provide employment opportunities to residents that live in the surrounding community. 31A-5