This request is from Michael Mardian to rezone a parcel approximately 4.25 acres in size from C1 (neighborhood Commercial) to C2 (General Commercial).

The site is located at 2050 Pyramid Way.  It is the former location of a Raley’s grocery store.  The site is owned by Wal-Mart Realty Company. A Special Use Permit (PCN05003) was approved in 2005 for the construction of a 36,690 square foot building on the site but expired without the building being constructed.  The site is currently vacant with only the foundation of the former building and the parking lot remaining.  (The previous building was demolished in 2005) 

The Master Plan Land Use designation for the site is GC (General Commercial).  Rezoning the site to C2 would be in conformance with the Master Plan.

The site is adjacent to or in close proximity to other C2 zoned properties.   The property is bounded on the south by the Greenbrae shopping center which is zoned C2.  To the west, across Pyramid Way, the Scolari’s shopping center is also zoned C2.  There are apartments east of the site (across Richards Place) which are zoned MF4.  To the north of the site are single family homes zoned SF6.

Staff has made all of the rezoning findings and on November 5, 2015 the Planning Commission voted to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council.

REZONE:

FINDING Z1:

The request, as submitted, is consistent with the City of Sparks Master Plan.

RELATIONSHIP TO THE MASTER PLAN

1. The Master Plan Land Use designation for the site is GC (General Commercial).  Both C1 and C2 zoning are in conformance with the GC Land Use designation.  Rezoning from C1 to C2 will not create any inconsistencies or conflicts between the Master Plan and the zoning.

2. The Land Use Plan Goals and Policies in the 2002 Master Plan update that are relevant to this proposal include:

“GOAL LU1:         To create a growth pattern which assures flexible, feasible and efficient developments and which includes natural and cultural amenities.”

“POLICIES

               LU1a.           The City will support a preferred growth pattern which applies consistent and uniform standards to areas planned for similar uses. 

               LU1b.           The City will ensure that development is in accord with the Master Plan and other land use controls to accomplish growth management goals.

This site has been vacant for the last 5 years. Rezoning from C1 to C2 will increase the range of uses permissible on the site, allowing for a more flexible and efficient development of this property.  A change in zoning to C2 is consistent with adjacent and nearby properties (Greenbrae and Scolari’s shopping centers).  The rezoning to C2 is also in accord with the GC Master Plan Land Use designation

FINDING Z2:

The project is consistent with the surrounding existing land uses.

The proposed zoning is consistent with the surrounding uses.  The surrounding uses are:

The proposed zoning of C2 is compatible with the adjacent uses (two of which are currently C2).  The adjacent residential (both multi and single family residential) could benefit from the development of a vacant parcel and the additional uses that C2 offers.   Any future development of the site will, at a minimum, be subject to the city’s Administrative Review process during which any potential impacts on the surrounding properties can be considered and mitigated.

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) was notified of this rezoning request.  RTC, in their review of this project, stated that any future project will be required to meet access management standards and will, at a minimum, be required to meet pedestrian access standards.

FINDING Z3:

Public notice was given and a public hearing held per the requirements of the Sparks Municipal Code.

Public notice was given per the requirements of the Sparks Municipal Code and the Nevada Revised Statutes.  The Planning Commission and the City Council meetings function as the public hearings for this item.

I move to adopt Bill No. 2700 and approve the Rezoning request associated with PCN15043 to rezone a site approximately 4.25 acres in size from C1 (Neighborhood Commercial) to C2 (General Commercial), based on the findings Z1 through Z3, and the facts supporting these findings as set forth in the staff report.