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the potential for liability is not necessarily related to the proposed use and would remain an issue <br /> regardless of the type of use at this site. <br /> The appellant has also expressed concern about the constrained parking supply at the site. To <br /> research the issue staff conducted two parking surveys, on a Tuesday and Wednesday, in February. <br /> The survey revealed fairly high vacancy rates ranging from 63% to 66%. Staff conducted a third survey <br /> following the recent occupation of another tenant space and found a vacancy rate of 55%. Staff also <br /> noted that the 28 spaces located at the rear portion of the parking lot which would serve as the training <br /> center's loading and parking was occupied by no more than 4 vehicles. These observations suggest an <br /> adequate capacity for existing and future tenants, including the applicant. The appellant also indicated <br /> that vehicles use the site's parking area as a cut through to avoid traffic signals at Johnson and Owens <br /> Drives. Regardless, staff does not believe that implementation of the proposed project would contribute <br /> to or exacerbate cut through traffic as there is no indication the project would result in a substantial <br /> increase in the number of vehicle trips moving around the site. <br /> With regards to noise impacts, Mr. Rudick expressed concern given that his and the subject suite share <br /> an interior wall. While staff notes that the proposed project locates the room with the potentially loudest <br /> activities in the interior of the suite, the applicant has also worked with a noise consultant to indentify <br /> noise attenuating insulation along the shared walls of both adjacent suites. This is reflected in Condition <br /> of Approval No. 7, which staff has since amended via memo to indicate that the sound attenuated walls <br /> would need to achieve a 45 decibel noise threshold in adjacent tenant spaces. The 45 decibel threshold <br /> is a very protective interior noise standard indentified in the General Plan and should ensure minimum <br /> disruption to adjacent tenants. <br /> Lastly, the appellant expressed concern that the project will have a negative effect on his business, his <br /> ability to insure or sell the property, or resale values. Staff feels it is not in a position to determine this <br /> but does believe that a substantial detrimental effect on these characteristics would be speculative. <br /> Mr. Weinstein stated that the conditions of approval before the Council are comprehensive and <br /> intended to address potential noise, traffic and parking issues, including those raised by the appellant. <br /> These include a standard condition which allows for pulling of the CUP back to the Community <br /> Development Department, referral of the application back to the Planning Commission or potential <br /> revocation of the CUP should issues arise. Staff has reviewed the conditions of approval recommended <br /> for other uses with the potential for similar impacts and did not identify any additional conditions beyond <br /> the amendment already noted. Staff also visited a similar SVS facility located in Newark, which further <br /> cemented the belief that the proposed project would be operated with minimal impact on adjacent <br /> tenants. Staff therefore recommends that the City Council deny the appeal and uphold the decision of <br /> the Planning Commission. <br /> Vice Mayor Brown asked if the Newark facility is adjacent to business offices. <br /> Mr. Weinstein said "no." The facility is located next to a swimming pool, with several offices located in <br /> the same building or across the alley. <br /> Vice Mayor Brown requested confirmation that a CUP is required because the applicant is seeking an <br /> exception to the uses allowed under the property's zoning. <br /> Mr. Weinstein clarified that it is not an exception. The proposed use is a conditionally permitted use, <br /> which means it has the potential for impacts that might require certain mitigation measures which can <br /> be addressed by conditions of approval. <br /> Vice Mayor Brown said she visited the facility earlier that day and met with the occupant of Suite 50. <br /> While he is only current occupant of what is a fairly large suite, she imagined that once he fills his suite <br /> the parking survey might yield a very different result. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 6 of 13 May 5, 2015 <br />