Senior Activity Center seeks zoning variance for warehouse
Hill Country Senior Activity Center has requested a Special Exception Variance to the City’s zoning code for setbacks in the Commercial Services District area regulations, so that they can build a warehouse to store donated items on the NE corner of their Thrift Store lot. Recommendation for approval, with conditions, to the Dripping Springs City Council was granted by the DS Planning and Zoning Commission (7-0) at their Aug. 28th meeting.
Funds raised from Thrift Store sales support the HC Senior Activity Center’s mission. Presently, the property uses outside storage for an unsightly overflow of items, which are stored in areas which could be used to improve the overall parking dilemma -- considering up to 250 seniors are served food at the center on a weekly basis, as well as participate in its activities.
“The Activity Center has been serving the Dripping Springs community for over 42 years [1977], and as the area has realized strong growth, so to has the number of donations we take in,” stated HC Senior Activity Center Board of Directors Chair Dominic Shaw, in his letter to the City. “ We plan to use this building to move much of the donated items inside to allow for sorting and preparation for sale under cover, rather than leaving items out in the weather.”
The DS P&Z recommended conditions of a zoning variance approval, which are:
(1) All outside storage be placed in the structure, except items that use hazardous materials; which (2) need to be stored in an area to be screened from public view via a privacy fence; and (3) both utility buildings presently on the site are to be converted into parking spaces; and (4) the above conditions must be met within three months of the installation of the new structure.
“Public health, safety, and welfare will be improved by removing outside storage which could lead to the proliferation of rodents and insects,” stated Planning Director Jason Lutz in his City Staff Report listing requirements for a “Special Exception” variance. “As the property provides community service and is a non-profit organization, there is no economic gain or loss driving the requested variance.”
The proposed building will be a 3150 sq. ft. single story of metal siding, located at 1310 West Hwy 290. The property has frontage along both Hwy 290 and Old Hwy 290. There is approximately 30 ft. of right-of-way between the property and the street. The structure would encroach 10 ft. into the 25-ft. minimum required front yard [adjacent to W. Hwy 290] setback.
P&Z Chair, Mim James said, “Thank you for what you do for the community,” as the Commission concluded the item on the meeting agenda.