HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-019 NohrsRVCntr/CUP08-14-2001 AGENDA STATEMENT
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE: August 14, 2001
SUBJECT:
ATTACHMENTS:
PUBLIC HEARING PA 01-019 Nohr's RV Center Conditional Use Permit
(Report Prepared by: Jonelyn Whales Associate Planner)
Resolution approving a Conditional Use Permit
Applicant's Written Statement
Site Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Hear Staff Presentation
Open Public Hearing
Hear Applicant's Presentation
Question Staff, Applicant and the Public
Close Public Hearing and Deliberate
Adopt Resolution (Attachment 1) approving PA 01-019
Conditional Use Permit for Nohr's RV Center
DESCRIPTION
The applicant, Michael Nohr, of Nohr's RV Center is requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit to
operate a boat and recreational vehicle consignment sales and storage facility at 6490 Sierra Court. The new
storage facility would contain 6,400 square feet of warehouse space (including office space), plus an existing
5,000 square-foot outdoor storage area. This area would contain recreational vehicle accessories, RV
promotional items, and other automotive supplies.
BACKGROUND
Nohr's RV Center has moved from 6451 Scarlett Court, where the business had been operating for
approximately three years. In 1984, the Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit to allow the
operation of a recreational vehicle (RV) consignment sales lot at 6451 Scarlett Court. Subsequently, the City
approved conditional use permits for automobile dealerships and other RV promotional businesses owned by
the applicant. The applicant's other businesses include Good Times Promotions Inc., R V Promotions Inc., and
Repo Connection, which operate under the parent company, Nohr's RV Center. All of these businesses
promote the sales of boats and recreational vehicles.
Nohr's RV Center currently has four employees that provide customer service between the hours of 8:00 AM
and 5:00 PM, Mondays through Fridays. No maintenance, repair or servicing of vehicles will be conducted on
COPIES TO:
Applicant
Property Owner
PA File
Project Planner
site. The project site consists of a one-story 6,400 square feet of office and warehouse space within a 110,000
square foot one-story building. Primarily, boats and RVs will be stored in the warehouse for a limited time.
However, when this area exceeds vehicle capacity, the 5,000 square-foot outdoor storage area will be used as an
overflow lot for RVs and automotive parts. RVs and boats will be towed into the area by a forklift, rather than
driven inside by employees. The applicant contends that it is more feasible to tow the vehicles into the area,
rather than risk property damage from employees driving the vehicles.
Nearby businesses, include a Home and Building Showroom, Nex Chemical Extraction, Alameda County
Auction Automobile Sales, and Crossroads Church. With the exception of the neighboring church, this area is
characterized by its concentration of warehouses and manufacturing facilities along Sierra Court.
ANALYSIS
The site is located in the M-1 (Light Industrial) Zoning District. The use in which Nohr's RV Center operates
under is defined as "Automobile/Vehicle Storage Lot" (Section 8.08.020) in the Zoning Regulations. Pursuant
to Section 8.12.050 (Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Land Uses) of the Zoning Regulations,
Automobile/Vehicle Storage Lot use type requires the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. A Conditional
Use Permit may be granted if the proposal conforms to all of the General Conditional Use Permit Findings
prescribed under Section 8.100.060 and the M-1 (Light Industrial) Zoning District under Section 8.28.010 of the
Zoning Ordinance. Additionally, the applicant has not proposed signs and any other exterior changes, which are
subject to Site Development Review.
Parking
The project complies with the City's parking ordinance as it relates to vehicle storage lots. The proposed
consignment sales and storage lot requires six stalls per Section 8.9067 of the Zoning Ordinance. This parking
requirement can be accommodated by on-site parking (6 stalls allocated to the tenant space per industrial
parking ratios). Therefore, the six parking spaces designated for Nohr's RV Center are more than adequate for
the proposed project.
Fencing
The Zoning Ordinance requires automobiles classified under an automobile/vehicle storage lot definition to be
stored behind a 6-foot high solid wall or fence. Section 8.28.020 of the Zoning Ordinance allows an open
storage/parking area for vehicles that are enclosed by a solid fence not less than 6 feet in height with solid
entrance and exit gates. The project complies with this requirement in that the proposed outdoor storage area has
a solid 8-foot masonry wall on the northeast side, which has an enclosed inner entrance on the south side of the
wall (Attachment 3). Furthermore, this area can be accessed via a chain link gate that doubles as an entry point
for the adjacent tenant's storage space (Nex Chemical Extraction). Potential security violations can occur with
this arrangement. Possible preventive measures to discourage visitors from entering the area would be to lock
the gate or install a second gate to secure the vehicles. The draft resolution includes a condition of approval that
the applicant shall prepare a fencing detail showing the height of a proposed gate for review and approval by the
Community Development Director.
Circulation
The proposed site, 6490 Sierra Court, has wide driveways, entrances for large vehicles, and trailers typically
used to transport vehicles. Large trucks with attached boat trailers are able to travel to thc end of parking lot
and then turn around at the existing large radius cul-de-sac. This circulation configuration allows large vehicles
(i.e. trucks and recreational vehicles) to easily maneuver on and off-site with case. According to the Public
Works Department, thc proposed on and off-site traffic circulation movements arc adequate.
Compatibility with Adjacent Uses
The adjacent neighbor, Alameda County Auction Automobile Sales, has been operating in the area for some
time. It is not anticipated that the establishment of another automotive sales and storage lot would result in
incompatibility issues with surrounding neighbors. Contiguous land uses are carpet cleaning, home and building
showroom and other industrial activities. There will be no impacts to adjacent land uses by the nature of the
business. Conditions of approval ensure that the applicant is responsible for ensuring that noise from the
warehouse is not audible outside the facility. In addition, the applicant will be responsible for controlling all
on-site activities and maintaining the premises in a litter-free condition.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines list those projects, which are Categorically Exempt
from environmental review. Section 15301 exempts minor alterations of existing facilities. This proposal is to
establish an Automobile/Vehicle Storage Lot, which will not require any alterations to the existing warehouse.
Therefore, the project is considered categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA pursuant to Section
15301 (a) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
GENERAL PLAN
The General Plan designates the site within the Business Park/Industrial Outdoor Storage Land Use
Classification. This classification is intended to enhance commercial and industrial areas with automotive
dealerships. The guiding policy is to keep automobile dealers in Dublin. One way to implement this policy is to
encourage existing automotive dealers to find other appropriate locations within the City. Expansion of an
existing boat and RV sales and storage activity within the M-1 (Light Industrial) Zoning District clearly
conforms to the General Plan. Staff finds that the project is consistent with the Dublin General Plan because the
project would allow the existing RV Center auto sales occurring at 6590 Scarlett Drive to continue operation at
a new location within the City.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission:
1. Adopt Resolution (Attachment 1) approving the Conditional Use Permit to allow a boat and recreational
vehicle sales and storage facility at 6490 Sierra Court.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Property Owner:
Applicant:
Location:
Existing Zoning:
General Plan Designation:
Sam Genirberg, B/G Managemem
2520 College Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
Michael Nohr
6490 Sierra Court
Dublin, CA 94568
6490 Sierra Court
APN 941-205-011
M-1, Light Industrial Zoning District
Business Park/Industrial Outdoor Storage
RESOLUTION NO. 0l-
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
APPROVING PA 01-019 NOHR RV CENTER
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A BOAT AND RV SALES AND STORAGE
FACILITY WITHIN AN EXISTING FACILITY LOCATED AT
6490 SIERRA COURT.
WHEREAS, the Applicant, Michael Nohr, ofNohr's RV Center has filed a Conditional Use Permit
application to allow a boat and recreational vehicle sales and storage facility within an existing warehouse
located at 6490 Sierra Court, in a M-1 Light Industrial Zoning District; and
WHEREAS the Planning Commission held a properly noticed public hearing on said application on
August 14, 2001; and
WHEREAS, the Staff Report was submitted recommending that the Planning Commission
application be conditionally approved; and
WHEREAS, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), together with the State guidelines
and City environmental regulations require that certain projects be reviewed for environmental impact and
that environmental documents be prepared; and
WHEREAS, the project has been found to be Categorically Exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), according to the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301 (a), and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did hear and consider all said reports, recommendations and
testimony herein above set forth and used their independent judgment to make a decision; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has found that the proposed project is appropriate for the
subject site.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Dublin Planning Commission does find
that:
The proposed use serves the public need by providing a location for sales and storage of boats and
recreational vehicles that provides an opportunity for the community to purchase distinct recreational
vehicles where limited opportunity presently exists.
The proposed use will not adversely affect the health or safety of persons working in the vicinity, and
will not be viewed as detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare because of the proximity of
its location to other automotive storage lots. Neighboring property owners in the vicinity of the
project include the Alameda County Automobile Auction Center where vehicles are sold and stored
for a certain period of time. Additionally, conditions of approval will ensure ongoing compatibility
with other surrounding land uses that are of a light industrial nature.
A T'I'6CHMENT,/
The use, under all circumstances and conditions of this permit, will not be injurio.us t.o property uses
or improvements in the neighborhood. Other automotive sales and storage facilities in the immediate
vicinity would complement the proposed project.
There are adequate existing provisions for public access, water, sanitation, and public utilities and
services to ensure that the proposed use and related structures would not be detrimental to the public
health, safety and welfare. No alteration or extension of such services would be necessary.
The subject site is physically suitable for the type: density and intensity of the use and related
structures being proposed. The proposed project ~s consistent with the intent of the M- 1 Light .
Industrial Zoning District, which encourages industrial uses adjacent to major transportation corrictors
such as the adjacent roadways.
The proposed use is consistent with the Dublin General Plan and all applicable Specific Plans in
terms of land use and development standards.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE Dublin Planning Commission does hereby approve
PA 01-019 Conditional Use Permit to allow establishment of a boat and recreational vehicle sales and
storage facility as generally depicted by the site plan, labeled Exhibit A, stamped approved on August 14,
2001 and on file with the Dublin Planning Department, subject to compliance with the following conditions:
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
Unless stated otherwise, all Conditions of Approval shall be complied with prior to the issuance of building
permits or establishment of use, and shall be subiect to Planning Department review and approval. The
following codes represent those departments/agencies responsible for monitoring compliance of the
;onditions of approval: [PL] planning~ [BI Building, [PO] Police, [PW] Public Works [ADM]
Administration/City Attorney, [FIN] Finance, [F~ Alameda County Fire Department, [DSRSD] Dublin San
Ramon Services District, [CO] Alameda County Department of Environmental Health.
PA 01-019 Nohr's RV Center Conditional Use Permit is approved for a recreational vehicle sales and
storage facility within an existing 6,400 square feet warehouse located at 6490 Sierra Court. This
approval shall conform to the project plans stamped approved on August 14, 2001, Labeled Exhibit 1,
consisting ora site plan dated received by the Planning Department on July 28, 2001. [PL]
This Conditional Use Permit shall be revocable for cause, upon the determination by the Community
Development Director that the conditions of approval are not being met, or if the above related
findings of approval cannot be met. Failure to comply with the conditions of approval or to make
progress on required improvements within 1 (one) year from the effective date of approval will cause
the permit to become null and void. [PL]
The project shall be in compliance with all appropriate local, state and federal laws and regulations
and shall be in compliance with all conditions listed within the Municipal Code, Non-Residential
Building Security Requirements, adopted standard conditions for non-residential building security.
The applicant shall also comply with all applicable regulations, requirements and ordinances of the
City of Dublin Planning and Building Department, Alameda County Fire Authority, and the Dublin
Police Department. [PL, B, F, PO]
The applicant shall be responsible for maintaining the site in a clean and litter-free condition at all
times. [PL]
All activities associated with Nohr's RV Center shall be conducted entirely within the enclosed
2
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
building. No recreational vehicles shall be stored or parked in front or beside the main entrance to the
site. [PL]
The applicant shall be a good neighbor and not create a public or private nuisance to existing
businesses and surrounding neighbors'. [PL]
All signs shall be subject to the signage regulations established in the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter
8.84. [PL]
Any additional uses other than automobile storage shall be subject to the Planning Manager review
and approval prior to commencement of USe. [PL]
With the exception of storage of boats and recreational vehicles, no exterior demonstrations, vehicle
displays, vehicle and equipment washing, and automotive repair activities shall occur on-site. [PO,
PL]
The applicant shall obtain the proper licenses and pennits through the Department of Motor Vehicles
and the State Board of Equalization prior to the establishment of USe. Said licenses and permits shall
be displayed at all times during the operation of business. [PO, PL]
The applicant shall work with the Dublin Police Services Department to establish and maintain an
effective theft prevention and security program and have on file a completed Emergency Response
Plan with current emergency contact information prior to occupancy of the building. [PO]
Prior to the issuance of business license, the applicant shall provide a fencing detail and construct an
inside gate at the entrance of the 5,000 square foot "outside" storage area subject to review and
approval by the Community Development Director. [PO, PL]
If required, the applicant shall obtain any necessary encroachment permits from affected agencies,
including but not limited to the City of Dublin Public Works Department. Copies of approvals or
permits from other agencies must be submitted to the City of Dublin Public Works Department. [B,
PW]
The applicant shall construct a "van accessible" par.king stall for the disabled near the main entrance
to the tenant space, including a compliant ramp, m accordance with Sections 1007 and 1129B,
respectively, of the CBC Code as approved by the Director of Public Works. lB, PW]
The applicant shall contact the Alameda County Fire Department, City of Dublin, Fire Prevention
Division to schedule an inspection of the site for a review of the existing sprinkler system to
determine if a current Title 19, 5-year, Certification and the U.L. listing are to the satisfaction of the
Alameda County Fire Department, City of Dublin, Fire Prevention Division. [FI
The applicant shall provide proof that the tenant space has a two-hour wall separating the adjacent
tenant, Crosswinds Church, based on the occupancy ratings orA-2.1 and S-3. IF]
If required, the applicant and/or owner shall be responsible for installing an adequate ventilation
system for vehicle storage as per the 1998 UBC, Section 1202.2.7 and provide evidence to the
Alameda County Fire Department, City of Dublin, Fire Prevention Division. [FI
The applicant shall provide evidence that proper drainage systems are installed inside the warehouse
to the Alameda County Fire Department, City of Dublin, Fire Prevention Division. [F]
This permit shall be revocable for cause in accordance with Section 8.96.020 (I) of the Dublin Zoning
Ordinance. Any violation of the terms or conditions of this use permit shall be subject to citation.
[PL]
3
20. This approval shall become null and void in the event the approved uses cease to operate for a one-
year period. [PL]
PASSED APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of August, 2001.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
Planning Commission Chairperson
Community Developmem Director
G:\pa01019kreso
4
June 11,2001
WRITTEN STATEMENT NOI-IR'S C.U.P. SUBMITTAL
L
g. No
h. No
i. No
m Business will be general offices,warehouse, storage, and consignment sales and
outside storage of.P,.V.s, automobiles, and boats for Mr. Nohr's various businesses as
licensed being Repo Connection, Nohr's R.V. Center, Good Times Promotions Inc,
and R.V. Promotions, Inc. These businesses have operated in Dublin since 1983 with
no complaints and Iow key exposure. Them are no parts or service available.
b. There w/Il be four (4) employees
c. Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9mm. to 6 p.m. Saturday by Appointment Only ·
d. No
e. The promotion business has been of benefit in the past to the city with the Pasta
Fest/val and Saint Patrick's celebration. The consignment sales are an opportunity to
buy a used vehicle from a Bank on a bid basis.
No
.ATTACHMENT
~' iN3LqHOV. LL¥
I_
Il