Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning Department

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

FROM:

Planning Staff

DATE:

For June 17, 2014 City Commission meeting

RE:

Request by Silverback Enterprises for use of artificial turf for outdoor athletic training area at 701 E 19th Street

 

Background

Silverback Enterprises requested rezoning of the property at 701 E. 19th Street from the IG (General Industrial) to the IL (Limited Industrial) District to accommodate the development of a fitness center in the former Zimmerman Steel Building. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward the rezoning to the City Commission with a recommendation for approval at their May 21, 2014 meeting. The rezoning ordinance is also on the City Commission’s June 17, 2014 agenda for adoption on first reading.

 

The fitness center will include an outdoor athletic training area in the locations shown on the attached plan. A request has been submitted to allow the use of synthetic turf in the outdoor training area.

 

Discussion

Per Chapter 18, Article 4, Section 18-402(b) of the City Code, the use of artificial turf must be limited and of small scale and be approved by the Lawrence City Commission. 

The size of the exercise areas that will utilize the artificial turf are: 45 ft x 45 ft (2,025 sq ft) and 105 ft x 180 ft (18,900 sq ft) for a total of 20,925 sq ft. The applicant has submitted a letter and site plan with this request.

 

Synthetic turf is typically used for outdoor athletic fields as it provides a durable surface for the activities.

 

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends approval of the request for approximately 20,925 sq ft of synthetic turf for an outdoor athletic training area accessory to the Silverback Enterprises fitness center at 701 E 19th Street, subject to the following conditions:

1)    Approval of the rezoning request to the IL District and publication of rezoning ordinance,

2)    Addition of the following note to the site plan: “The artificial turf area is accessory to the fitness center. The artificial turf will be removed and natural vegetation re-established in the event the fitness center use ceases or there is a change of use.”