PC 08/27/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

. . . Mr. Iserson described the process used for the public noticing and review of this Code amendment. He noted that as a result of the public meetings with the massage therapists, there are virtually no issues of concern regarding what is being proposed. He reported that the single issue of concern was the 9:00 p.m. closing requirement, which has now been clarified. He also advised that there had been one request to begin appointments at 7:00 a.m., but there was consensus among those attending the informational meetings that this time would be earlier than that desired by most of the therapists. It is suggested that requests to begin at 7:00 a.m. should come before the Planning Commission. Mr. Iserson noted that with regard to parking, there was generally support for the proposed standards of two parking spaces per therapist; however it was brought up that there be some latitude by the Zoning Administrator for flexibility regarding parking if all the other criteria is met. He commented that the Planning Commission may wish to discuss this matter. Mr. Iserson noted that staff believes the recommended Code amendment meets the Planning Commission's objective to allow smaller, non-controversial establishments that meet standards to be approved by the Zoning Administrator, and those that are larger and do not meet the standards of the Code to come before the Planning Commission. In response to Chair Cooper's question, Mr. Iserson confirmed that it is not the intent for the Planning Commission to act on the amendment to Chapter 6.24, but that the Commission could certainly comment on the revisions and that those comments would be referred appropriately. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Ms. Jane Perkins, a massage therapist at 1811 Santa Rita Road #112, thanked the Planning Commission for doing a good job in working with the massage therapists so professionally to make it easier for the therapists to obtain a use permit. She noted that the two issues of concern were hours and parking. She commented that the 9:00 p.m. time as interpreted by staff was acceptable, or if deemed necessary by the Planning Commission it could be changed to 9:30 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Dove commented that he believes that if there is a parking problem it may not be a result of the one, two, or three spaces utilized for the massage therapist business. Ms. Perkins noted that the ordinance enforced by the Police Department states that the hours of operation may be from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and that she thinks the hours should be the same. Mr. Iserson advised that the hours will be the same with the new Code amendments. Commissioner Dove stated that he felt comfortable with the hours of operation as stated in the proposed amendment. Commissioner Lutz advised that he supports the changes with the way we are doing business. He noted that it will be much easier for the massage therapists, as well as the Planning Commission, and that the new process is much more streamlined. Chair Cooper noted that he agrees with Commissioner Lutz in that the massage therapist approval process was probably over regulated due to events in other towns were more scrutiny was needed. He supports the idea that the Zoning Administrator be allowed the flexibility to "waffle" a little on Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 Aogust 27, 1997