Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning and Development Services

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

 

FROM:

Sheila Stogsdill, Planning Administrator

 

CC:

Scott McCullough, Director

Amy Miller, Assistant Director

 

Date:

August 28, 2013

 

RE:

Initiation of a Text Amendment to the Land Development Code to include Bar or Lounge as a permitted use in the CN2 (Neighborhood Commercial Center) District

 

 

A request for initiation of a text amendment to the Land Development Code has been submitted to the Planning Office to add Bar or Lounge as a permitted use in the CN2 District.  The Bar or Lounge use is currently permitted in the CD, CC, CR & CS Districts and allowed with a Special Use Permit in most MU Districts. 

 

Prior to the adoption of the Land Development Code in 2006, this use (Licensed Premises) was permitted in the C-2, C-3, C-4 & C-5 Districts.  Properties that previously were zoned C-2 converted to the CN2 District as part of the 2006 code adoption.   Staff is reviewing existing uses in the CN2 District to determine what businesses may have become nonconforming with this change.

 

The applicant has suggested that the location of a neighborhood bar would be consistent with the purpose of the CN2 District by providing services at the neighborhood level.  Staff will review the Development Code to determine if conditions should be required if the use is permitted in the district.

 

The City Commission is not taking action to amend the Land Development Code with the initiation.  If initiated, the request will be scheduled for a future Planning Commission hearing and their recommendation will be forwarded to the City Commission for a final decision. 

 

Action Requested: 

Initiate a text amendment to the Land Development Code to add Bar or Lounge as a permitted use in the CN2 District, for consideration at a future public hearing at the Planning Commission.