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EXCERPT OF PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF 8/12/98: Ga. Planning File 3029. David M. Johnson, Suburban True Value Hardware, requesting a variance to reduce the rear yard setback to 3' and the side yard setback to 4.5' for the purpose of constructing an addition to an existing building, and a variance to reduce the setback of a pylon sign to 5' for the purpose of replacing a pylon sign at 1930 Lexington Avenue North. Chair Harms opened the public hearing and requested Dennis Welsch, Community Development Director, to provide a review, based on written reports dated July 8, 1998, of the request of Dave Johnson. Dennis Welsch advised the site is zoned B-2, with Business designation in the Comprehensive Plan. The site has preexisting non-conforming setbacks. A conditional use permit, issued in 1990, was approved for sales displays. Mr. Welsch reviewed the variance requests for the site: expand the existing building to approximately 6,000 square feet by adding 1,875 square feet to the northeast corner of the existing building and combine the existing two signs into one 4' x 8' in size, with a height of 20', at the southwest corner of the site. He outlined the staff recommendation of approval with conditions. Dave Johnson, owner of Suburban True Value Hardware, 1930 Lexington Avenue North, advised he needed the additional square footage to compete (national average is 8,000 s.1.); he needs storage space for large orders; that he would work with City staff and representative Townhome association members for an adequate landscaping plan and will place money in escrow until Spring, 1999 to accomplish this; he would replace any trees which may be damaged during excavation; he would paint the addition in a color approved by the Townhome association; he will enclose the dumpster. Mr. Johnson stated he felt there would not be a negative impact on the real estate value of the affected Townhomes and provided an appraisal to support this view. He also discussed his proposal to curb the north and south area, but not the west side (due to existing drainage of the lot) until there was a need to repave the entire lot; could change roof drainage to the south easily which should be reviewed as part of the building permit. Jay Kennedy, Assistant Public Works Director, advised there could be a concern with additional runoff on the site; that the Townhome pond was not designed to handle runoff from True Value and that detention was needed on site from the roof or parking lot. Chair Harms asked if false windows could be installed on new addition to make it more attractive (yes). She asked if additional setbacks had been considered; Mr. Johnson advised he would lose 30% of the project and an aisle. 1