Administrative Review Board
Regular MeetingFarmington, NM · August 9, 2018
Agenda
A G E N D A
Administrative Review Board
City Council Chambers
800 Municipal Drive, Farmington, NM
August 9, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
Item
Page
No.
1 Call Meeting to Order
2 Approval of the Agenda
3 Approval of the Minutes from the July 5, 2018 Meeting 70
4 Petition No. ARB 18-50 – a request from Shane Lostak, represented by Derald 1
Polston, for a variance to allow for a six-foot tall fence to be placed on the south
property line (a corner lot with double frontage) with a 0’ front yard setback for
property in the SF-7, Single-family Residential District located at 3601 San
Medina Avenue. (Helen Landaverde)
5 Petition No. ARB 18-51 – a request from Leaf Properties, represented by Douglas 32
Kinsey, for a variance from the requirements of UDC Sec. 5.2.3 Minimum off-
street parking requirements for the LNC, Local Neighborhood Commercial
District, to reduce the number of parking spaces for a Family Dollar Store on
Wildflower Parkway. (Teri Clashin)
6 Petition No. ARB 18-53 – a request from Blake Barnett and Robert & Sandra 48
Burnett, for a variance to allow a lot size variance for three properties that do
not meet the one-acre minimum lot size. The properties are located north of
Sunrise Parkway, east of Butler Avenue, across from the driveway into Piñon Hills
Golf Course in the RE-1, Residential Estates District. (Cindy Lopez)
7 Business from:
Floor:
Chairman:
Members:
Staff:
8 Adjournment
All decisions of the Administrative Review Board are final unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk ‘s
office within 15 days.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW BOARD
Petition ARB 18-51
Variance to number of parking spaces for a Family Dollar store.
August 9, 2018
DESCRIPTION OF PETITION
Petition No. ARB 18-51, is a request from Leaf Properties, represented by Douglas Kinsey for a variance
from the requirements of UDC Sec. 5.2.3 Minimum off-street parking requirements for the LNC, Local
Neighborhood Commercial District, to reduce the number of parking spaces for a Family Dollar Store on
Wildflower Parkway in the City of Farmington, San Juan County, New Mexico. The property is legally
described as:
NE1/4NE1/4 of Section 13, Township 29, North of Range 13 West, NMPM, City of
Farmington, San Juan County, New Mexico.
Otherwise located on Wildflower Parkway approximately 576 feet east of Wildflower
Mesa Drive.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Applicant ............................. Leaf Properties Inc.
Representative .................... Douglas Kinsey, CEO Leaf Properties, Inc.
Property Owner ................... Leaf Properties
Location of Property ........... Wildflower Parkway approximately 576 feet east of Wildflower Mesa Drive
(R2000551)
Nature of Petition…………..The applicant is requesting a variance from the requirements of UDC Sec.
5.2.3 Minimum off-street parking requirements for the LNC, Local
Neighborhood Commercial District, to reduce the number of parking spaces
for a Family Dollar Store.
Applicable Regulations ...... The City of Farmington Unified Development Code (UDC): Pursuant to UDC
Sec. 5.2.3 Minimum off-street parking requirements, in the LNC, Local
Neighborhood Commercial District.
Zoning.................................. LNC, Local Neighborhood Commercial District.
Existing Use ........................ Vacant and undeveloped.
Surrounding Zoning……….North: Unincorporated San Juan County/Commercial
South: MF-M, Multi-family Medium Density/Vacant
East: RE-20 SMHAO, Residential Estate with a Special Mobile Home Area
Overlay/Residential
West: Unincorporated San Juan County/Future Farmington Pump Station
and Commercial
Public Notice……………… Publication of Notice of this petition appeared in the Daily Times on Sunday,
July 22, 2018. Adjoining property owners were sent notice by certified mail
on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, and a sign was posted on the property on
Friday, July 27, 2018.
Staff...................................... Teri Clashin, Associate Planner
BACKGROUND
The petitioner is requesting a variance to the number of parking spaces allowed for a Family Dollar
store. The subject property (R2000551) is 5.47 acres and is located on Wildflower Parkway,
approximately 576 feet east of Wildflower Mesa Drive. The subject property is part of a larger
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parcel and will be required to be subdivided through a plat process prior to the issuance of any
building permits or release of electricity. The design drawings indicate that the subject property
will be subdivided into two lots and that the western property will be developed with a Family
Dollar Store.
On March 27, City Council approved a request from Leaf Properties, represented by Douglas
Kinsey for a zone change from Multi-Family Medium Density (MF-M) to Local Neighborhood
Commercial for the purpose of a small retail store to be located on the subject property. The
petitioner has purchased the property and is in the process of surveying the land and to come into
compliance with the City’s subdivision standards.
Parking space requirements are based on the size of the building. The petitioner submitted
conceptual design drawings for a Family Dollar Store. The proposed Family Dollar store is 104
feet X 80 feet = 8,320 ft². The UDC Section 5.2.3 Minimum off-street parking requirement for
Retail Sales and Service, Sales-Oriented is 1.0 parking space per 200 square feet.
Estimated Building Area 104 feet X 80 feet 8,320 feet²
Minimum parking requirement 1 parking space per 200 feet² 41.6
TOTAL PARKING SPACES REQUIRED 41
The minimum number of accessible spaces required per UDC Section 5.2.10 Accessible parking
for physically handicapped persons is as follows:
UDC Section 5.2.10 Accessible parking for physically handicapped persons.
Total Parking Minimum Number of Minimum Number of Van-
Spaces Required Accessible Spaces Accessible Spaces
1-25 1 1
26-35 2 1
36-50 3 1
The minimum parking requirement is 41 parking spaces with a minimum of three (3) accessible
spaces one of which has to a van-accessible space.
The petitioner is requesting a variance to reduce the number of parking spaces required from 41
to 30 parking spaces, of which two must be accessible handicap spaces. The request is a
reduction of 11 parking spaces (25%) for a total of 30 parking spaces.
As part of the justification for the variance the petitioner has stated that other dollar stores within
the City have fewer parking spaces than the UDC requires. Staff conducted the following research
for the number of parking spaces at other local dollar stores.
Name (Year Built) Location Building Area Required Parking # of Actual
(SJCAO) Spaces/Accessible Parking Spaces
Dollar General (2012) 4700 W. Main St. 9,232 46/3 45/ 3
Family Dollar (2002) * 660 W. Main St. 7,913 39/3 25/2
Dollar Tree (2014) 501 E. Broadway Ave. 9,016 45/3 72/3
Dollar General (2011) 506 E. Broadway Ave. 9,112 45/3 37/3
Dollar General (2013) 1101 S. Dustin Rd. 9,188 45/3 50/3
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Based on the other dollar stores found within the City, two have fewer parking than the UDC
requires. The Family Dollar store on West Main was built before the implementation of the UDC
in 2008 and has only 25 parking spaces.
In addition, the petitioner was able to conduct a Traffic Impact Study on Wildflower Parkway. The
consultant, Sefton Engineering Consultants conducted the study using the Institute of
Transportation Engineer (ITE) Generation Rates 9th Edition to generate rates. The findings include
AM peak hours at 35 trips and PM peak house at 63 trips. Based on the findings the development
of Dollar Store would not generate more than 100 trips during peak hours.
The physical layout of the property also poses constraints to the land. The subject property is
located on a slope, causing restrictions to the location of the building, parking area, storm water
detention and septic system placement. In addition, the location of the building cannot be placed
within the existing utility easements found on the property.
As for the setback requirements, the subject property is located in the LNC, Local Neighborhood
District. The LNC density and dimensional setbacks are as following: Front: 30 feet; Side: 20 feet;
and Rear: 30 feet. The petitioner stated that he plans on creating a lot split of the triangular shaped
lot. The western lot would be used for the Family Dollar store at 2.56 acres. The Dollar Store will
need to meet the required LNC setback requirements. If not, another variance will be required for
the setbacks.
The petitioner has stated he intends on subdividing his parcel into two lots. According to the design
drawings submitted, the petitioner will develop the western part of the lot with the Family Dollar
store. Staff recommends the eastern part of the property be used as overflow parking if needed.
In addition, if the eastern lot is developed in the future a shared parking agreement between the
two businesses is highly recommended.
The petitioner is requesting a variance to reduce the number of require parking spaces from 41
to 30 spaces.
ANALYSIS
Variance Criteria – Section 8.12.4, UDC
A variance may be granted only where a literal enforcement of the Code provisions would result
in unnecessary hardship for a particular property. In order to grant a variance, the ARB must make
a positive finding of fact concerning each of the following or, if a positive finding of fact cannot be
made that the ARB specifically describes the circumstance that would outweigh the strict
requirement for a positive finding of fact and determine the variance will not be a public detriment:
1. That special conditions and circumstances exist, which are peculiar to the land,
structure or building involved and are not applicable to other lands, structures or
buildings in the same district; and, furthermore, that they are not self-imposed, self-
created or otherwise the result of actions by the applicant.
The subject property is located on vacant land and is triangular shaped. The
petitioner indicated that the buildable area of the Family Dollar store is not large enough
to accommodate 41 parking spaces due to a number of constraints that do not allow
for the required number of parking spaces. These limitations include the septic system
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and the storm water detention pond needing to be placed west of the building due to
the downhill slope. In addition, there is a gas utility easement that straddles the
northern part of the property along Wildflower Parkway. The southern part of the property
slopes uphill. The petitioner is requesting a reduction in the number of parking spaces
from 41 to 30 with 2 accessible parking spaces. The constraints of the subject
property are not self-imposed or self-created.
This criterion IS met.
2. That a literal interpretation of the provisions of the Code would deprive the applicant
of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district under the terms
of the Code.
The literal interpretation of the provision of the Code would deprive the petitioner of rights
commonly enjoyed by other property owners in the surrounding area. The petitioner is
requesting a variance to reduce the number of parking spaces allowed for a Family Dollar
store from 41 to 30 parking spaces. The shape of the parcel along with the land
constraints of easements and the sloping of the property make it difficult for the petitioner
to provide the recommended number of parking spaces. The utility easements and the
topography of the subject property considerably reduce the site’s buildable area and
parking area.
This criterion IS met.
3. The applicant demonstrates that the request is a minimum easing of the Code
requirements, making possible the reasonable use of the land, building or structure.
The variance request is to reduce the number of parking spaces for a Family Dollar store
from the required 41 parking spaces to 30 parking spaces. Less parking means a
reduction in the imperious surface and less water runoff from the parking area.
Research has indicated that local dollar stores have fewer parking spaces than required
by the UDC without any complaints or complications to the City or store. Therefore, the
request can be considered as a minimum easing of the code.
This criterion IS met.
4. That the granting of the variance is in harmony with the general interest, the general
purpose and intent of the Code, and is not injurious to the neighborhood or
otherwise detrimental to the public welfare.
The petitioner has demonstrated that the requested variance is in harmony with the
general interest, purpose and intent of the UDC. The requested variance will not be
injurious to the surrounding neighborhood or otherwise detriment to the public welfare.
This criterion IS met.
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5. That the proposed variance will not permit a use not otherwise allowed in the
underlying district.
The granting of the variance will not permit a use that is not otherwise allowed in the LNC,
Local Neighborhood Commercial District.
This criterion IS met.
6. That no nonconforming use of neighboring lands, structures or buildings in the
same district and no permitted use of lands, structures or buildings in other districts
has been or shall be considered grounds for the issuance of a variance.
No nonconforming uses, structures or buildings in the same district have been considered
as grounds for the variance request.
This criterion IS met.
7. That the applicant would suffer an unnecessary hardship if the variance requested
were denied.
The strict application of the parking requirements would create an unnecessary hardship
to the petitioner to provide the required minimum off-street parking on site. Large areas of
open space would need to be replaced with additional asphalt in order to create a larger
parking lot, which in turn would diminish greenspace, impact the size of the storm water
retention area, and would be costly to the developer. Research has demonstrated that the
minimum parking spaces needed for these types of convenience stores can be reduced
and still be fully functional.
This criterion IS met.
CONCLUSION
The Community Development Department concludes that approval of ARB 18-51 is appropriate.
The request is a minimum easing of the code and it would be in harmony with the general purpose
and intent of the code concerning off-road parking requirements. In addition, the petitioner must
have an approved summary plat before any building permits are issued and the setbacks for the LNC,
Local Neighborhood Commercial District must be met or a variance to the setbacks will be required. It is
recommended that the eastern part of the parcel be used as overflow parking if needed and if the eastern
lot is developed in the future a shared parking agreement between the two businesses is highly
recommended.
RECOMMENDATION
The Community Development Department recommends approval of Petition ARB 18-51 from
Leaf Properties, for a variance to reduce the number of parking spaces from 41 parking spaces to 33
parking spaces for a Family Dollar Store on Wildflower Parkway in the City of Farmington, San Juan
County, New Mexico.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW BOARD
Petition ARB 18-53
Variance to allow a reduction in lot size
North of Sunrise Pkwy, east of Butler Ave. across from entrance to Pinon
Hills Golf Course
August 9, 2018
DESCRIPTION OF PETITION
Petition No. ARB 18-53 is a request from Blake Barnett and Robert & Sandra
Burnett for a variance to allow a lot size variance for three properties that do not
meet the one-acre minimum lot size in the RE-1 Residential Estates zoning
district. The properties are located north of Sunrise Parkway, east of Butler
Avenue across from the driveway into Piñon Hills Golf Course. The property is
legally described as:
Tracts of land located in the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter
of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SE/4SE/4NW/4) of
Section thirty-Five (35), Township (30) North of Range Thirteen (13) West,
N.M.P.M., San Juan County, New Mexico.
Otherwise located north of Sunrise Parkway, east of Butler Avenue across
from the driveway into Piñon Hills Golf Course (R0050354, R0050087 and
R0050355)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Applicant ......................... Blake Barnett and Robert & Sandra Burnett
Property Owner ............... Blake Barnett and Robert & Sandra Burnett
Location of Property ....... North of Sunrise Parkway, east of Butler Avenue
across from the driveway into Piñon Hills Golf Course
(R0050354, R0050087 and R0050355)
Nature of Petition ............ The applicant is requesting variances to a lot sizes for
three properties that do not meet the one-acre
minimum lot size in the RE-1 Residential Estates
zoning district.
Applicable Regulations .. City of Farmington Unified Development Code (UDC):
UDC 2.8 Density and Dimensional Standards, the
minimum required lot size in the RE-1 Residential
Estates District is one (1) acre.
Zoning .............................. RE-1 Residential Estates District
Existing Use .................... Vacant
Surrounding Zoning/ ….. North: RE-1 Residential Estates/vacant
Land Use South: RA Rural Agricultural/institutional-Golf Course
East: RA Rural Agricultural/institutional
West: RE-1 Residential Estates/residential
Public Notice……………. Publication of Notice of this petition appeared in the
Daily Times on Sunday, July 22, 2018. Property
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owners within 100 feet were sent notice by certified
mail on Wednesday, July 18, 2018. A sign was posted
on the property on Friday, July 20, 2018.
Staff Cynthia Lopez, Planning Manager
BACKGROUND
The applicants are requesting a variance to allow a reduction to the required one
(1) acre minimum lot size for three parcels of land north of Sunrise Parkway
across from the driveway for the Piñon Hills Golf Course east of Butler Avenue.
The properties were created by deed in 1978. The two properties owned by
Robert and Sandra Burnett (R0050354 and R0050087) are each 0.44 acres
(19,166.4 square feet) and the one owned by Blake Barnett is 0.59 acres
(25,700.4 square feet). All three parcels are vacant. The middle property
(R0050087) is addressed as 2134 Sunrise Parkway. The property to the east
owned by Steve Biernacki (R0050088) along with the three parcels owned by the
Burnett’s and Mr. Barnett where all part of the 2.47 acre parcel created by deed
in 1978 and subsequently sold to Mr. Biernacki. Mr. Biernacki then sold the other
three parcels to the Burnett’s and Mr. Barnett. They were not aware that the lots
did not meet the City’s subdivision or minimum lot size regulations.
The Unified Development Code Section 2.8 requires a minimum lot size in the
RE-1 Residential Estates District to be one (1) acre. Section 6.3 states “No
electrical service and, where applicable, no permit for the construction of a
building or buildings upon any lot, tract or parcel shall be issued until a building
lot, tract or parcel has been created by compliance with…” a platted subdivision
or is a ‘lot of record’. A ‘lot of record’ must be deeded prior to the original
subdivision regulations established on June 22, 1971. None of the parcels were
created by plat, including Mr. Biernacki’s and the only one that meets the
minimum one (1) acre requirement is Mr. Biernacki’s.
The City annexed this area on March 26, 2000. The area of San Juan College
was annexed into the City on December 18, 1956. The petitioner’s property,
which abutted the City limit at the time the property was created, was in the
Farmington Planning and Platting Jurisdiction. To be a ‘lot of record’ the owners
are required to be submitted a summary plat to the City for review and approval.
The owners of these properties will be required to submit a subdivision plat to the
City prior to the issuance of any electric or building permits.
The properties are located in the RE-1 Residential Estates district. The RE-1
district requires a 35-foot front yard setback, a 30-foot rear yard setback and a
15-foot interior side yard setback. The Burnett’s properties are approximately 99
feet by 195 feet. Blake Barnett’s property is approximately 132 feet by 195 feet.
Depending on the location of any residence on the site, the two properties owned
by the Burnett’s could have a buildable area of approximately 34 feet by 135 feet
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and Blake Barnett’s property could have a buildable area of approximately 67
feet by 135 feet.
Patent easements (33 feet wide), which were created by Congress, are on the
south and east side of each of the original 2.5 acre parcels in this area of the
City. Access to Blake Barnett’s property can utilize the patent easement along
the south side of his property, and, to Robert and Sandra Burnett’s property from
the patent easement on the south side of the north abutting property. However,
the middle property owned by the Burnett’s will require an access and utility
easement from the patent easement through the northern-most property to the
site. Both of the patent easements access Sunrise Parkway to the east. There
is sewer access to the west in Daybreak Drive and the owners can access the
sewer through the same patent easements.
ANALYSIS
Variance Criteria – Section 8.12.4, UDC
A variance may be granted only where a literal enforcement of the Code
provisions would result in unnecessary hardship for a particular property. In order
to grant a variance, the ARB must make a positive finding of fact concerning
each of the following or, if a positive finding of fact cannot be made that the ARB
specifically describes the circumstance that would outweigh the strict
requirement for a positive finding of fact and determine that the variance will not
be a public detriment:
1. That special conditions and circumstances exist, which are peculiar
to the land, structure or building involved and are not applicable to
other lands, structures or buildings in the same district; and,
furthermore, that they are not self-imposed, self-created or otherwise
the result of actions by the applicant.
The three parcels were created by deed in 1978, prior to being annexed
into the Farmington and seven years after the adoption of the City’s
subdivision regulations. The parcels have since changed ownership,
which makes it difficult to remedy the lot sizes by consolidation. The
current owners purchased the properties in 2006 thinking they were legal
properties. The value of the land already reflects the division of land into
separate parcels. The different owners were not aware that the parcels did
not meet the zoning regulations when they purchased the property. If the
variance is not granted these properties will be unbuildable.
This criterion IS met.
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2. That a literal interpretation of the provisions of the Code would
deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other
properties in the same district under the terms of the Code.
The City annexed this area in 2000. Some of the properties to the north
and west have legal nonconforming multi-family dwellings. The properties
to the north and west existed prior to annexation into the City. The county
did not have zoning and therefore did not limit the number of residential
units on a property. The owners thought they were purchasing legal
properties and were unaware of the 1-acre minimum lot size requirement.
The properties are large enough to accommodate a single-family dwelling
on each lot.
This criterion IS met.
3. The applicant demonstrates that the request is a minimum easing of
the Code requirements, making possible the reasonable use of the
land, building or structure.
The petitioner’s properties are the only lots that do not meet the 1-acre
minimum in the surrounding area. The other parcels in the area are at
least 1-acre but primarily they are 2.5 acre parcels. However, the
properties to the east have more than one residence and a few properties
to the northeast have mobile homes, which are not allowed in this district.
This criterion IS NOT met.
4. That the granting of the variance is in harmony with the general
interest, the general purpose and intent of the Code, and is not
injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public
welfare.
The general purpose and intent of the Code is to provide a rural residential
area within the City limits. The properties are 19,166.4 square feet or
more on which a 3,000 square foot house can be built while maintaining
the desired rural character of the zoning district. The required setbacks
for the RE-1 Residential Estates zoning can still be met.
This criterion IS met.
5. That the proposed variance will not permit a use not otherwise
allowed in the underlying district.
The area is for residential uses with a rural character. The variance will
still allow for a rural residential use.
This criterion IS met.
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6. That no nonconforming use of neighboring lands, structures or
buildings in the same district and no permitted use of lands,
structures or buildings in other districts has been or shall be
considered grounds for the issuance of a variance.
No nonconforming uses, structures or buildings in the same district are
considered as grounds for this variance request.
This criterion IS met.
7. That the applicant would suffer an unnecessary hardship if the
variance requested were denied.
The applicant will suffer an unnecessary hardship if the variance is denied.
The lots that they purchased in good faith, that they thought were viable
buildable lots, will not be buildable without the variance as requested. The
petitioner’s did not create the situation. The deeds were recorded with
San Juan County and the owners were not aware that the lots did not
meet the zoning requirements, nor were they aware that the lots were not
properly subdivided by City standards.
This criterion IS met.
CONCLUSION
The Community Development Department concludes that approval of ARB 18-53
is appropriate. The need for the variance is not self-imposed, self-created or the
result of actions by the applicants. The literal enforcement of the Code would
result in an unnecessary hardship on the applicants and will not be detrimental to
the neighborhood or the public.
RECOMMENDATION
The Community Development Department recommends approval of Petition
ARB 18-53, a request Blake Barnett and Robert & Sandra Burnett for a variance
to allow a lot size variance for three properties (R0050354, R0050087 and
R0050355) that do not meet the one-acre minimum lot size in the RE-1
Residential Estates zoning district. The properties are located north of Sunrise
Parkway, east of Butler Avenue across from the driveway into Piñon Hills Golf
Course. The following conditions apply:
The two lots owned by Robert and Sandra Burnett must be no smaller
than 0.44 acres and the lot owned by Blake Barnett must be no smaller
than 0.59 acres.
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All three lots must meet the setback requirements in the Unified
Development Code for the RE-1 Residential Estates zoning district.
The owners must submit a plat to the City for review and approval for the
lots to come into compliance with Farmington’s subdivision regulations
prior to the issuance of any electric or building permits.
The lot addressed as 2134 Sunrise Parkway (R0050087) must be granted
an access and utility easement from one of the other two properties.
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PLANNING MEMO COMMENTS SUMMARY
ARB 18-53 SUNRISE / BUTLER
Deadline: 7/23/18
City of Farmington Departments
CD Was a rezone to RE-20 considered for the 3
Director – M. Holton
lots?
CD Addressing – Planning Division
CD Chief Building Official – D. Childers No comment
CD Long Range Planner
CD MPO – D. Garcia
CD Oil & Gas Inspector – L. Simms
CITY City Manager’s Office – J. Baird No comment
ELEC Customer Care Manager – L. Richardson
ELEC Electrical Engineering – L Aligarbes No comment
ELEC T & D – R. Romero
FIRE Fire Captain – D. Doudy
FIRE Fire Marshall – B. Vega
LEGAL City Attorney – J. Breakell
LEGAL Deputy City Attorney – E. Wayne
POLICE Code Compliance – M. Romero No comment
POLICE Sergeant – P. Flores
PRCA C. Styron No comment
PW City Engineer – N. Westerling
PW Engineering – T. Sitta No comment
PW Streets Superintendent
PW Traffic Engineer – C. Trask
PW Water/Waste Water – M. Tso
Other Entities
New Mexico Gas Company – L. Moore No comment
CenturyLink – D. Willato No conflict
Enterprise Field Services
Comcast Cable – M. Johnson
CH2MHILL OMI – R. Rosen
Field Services
Farmington School District – C. Lyons
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MINUTES
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW BOARD
July 5, 2018 – 6:00 P.M.
The Administrative Review Board met in regular session on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
in the City Council Chamber, 800 Municipal Drive, Farmington, New Mexico.
Members present Acting Chair-James Dennis
Jeff Johanson
Oliver Roe
Members absent: Ireke Cooper
Paul Martin
Staff present: Helen Landaverde
Karen Walker
Others addressing the Board: Scott Hatch
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Acting Chair Dennis and there being a quorum
present the following proceedings were duly had and taken.
Approval of the Agenda
A motion was made by Board Member Johanson and seconded by Board Member Roe to
approve the agenda. The motion passed unanimously by a vote of 3-0.
Approval of the Minutes from the June 7, 2018 Regular Meetings
Board Member Roe made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 7, 2018 regular meeting.
The motion was seconded by Board Member Johanson and passed unanimously by a vote of 3-
0.
Swearing in of Witnesses
All parties that wished to speak on behalf of any agenda item were sworn in by Karen Walker.
Petition No. ARB 18-46
Variance to allow for a vehicle repair (auto detailing) shop to be within less than
200 feet of any property line of a residential use located within a residential
boundary property, in the IND, Industrial District
4550 Rowe Avenue
Discussion of ARB No. 18-46 on July 5, 2018
Associate Planner Helen Landaverde presented the staff report for ARB 18-46, a request from
Dennis Mould, represented by Scott Hatch for a variance to allow a vehicle repair (auto
detailing) shop to be within less than 200 feet of any property line of a residential use located
within a residential boundary; for property located at 4550 Rowe Avenue in the IND, Industrial
District. Pursuant to UDC Section 2.4.59(C) “No repairs shall be conducted within 200 feet of
any property line of a residential use located within a residential boundary.” San Juan County
Tax Assessor’s records show that the size of the property is 0.810 acres.
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There is a mini lube garage, a storage warehouse, and a three-bay carwash structure on the
property. In addition, the following businesses previously operated at this location prior to the
adoption of the Unified Development Code in 2008; except for Lubricators Incorporated:
• Countryside Construction (1989-2017)
• Pinon Hills Xpress Lube & Wash (2004-2007)
• Tucker’s Express Lube (2008)
• Lubricators Incorporated (2010-2011)
Scott Hatch, owner of King Detail, relocated his detail shop business in August 2017. The
Planning Division normally conducts the zoning compliance and approval process prior to the
relocation of a business for business license registration purposes. Mr. Hatch relocated his
detail shop before notifying the City Clerk of the business relocation. Upon updating the new
location of the detail shop it was discovered that the detail shop is next to a residential district
and less than 200 feet of a property line of a residence, said Ms. Landaverde.
Currently, the mini lube garage is being used as an auto detailing shop. The nearest residential
structure from the mini lube garage is approximately 189 feet away. The three-bay carwash
structure is not being used for the auto detailing shop; nevertheless, the nearest residential
structure is approximately 56-71 feet away from the carwash structure. The three-bay carwash
structure openings face Main Street and it is closed off by a solid wall facing the residences.
Ms. Landaverde noted that Mr. Hatch has a two-year lease agreement with the petitioner for the
use of the subject property as an auto detailing shop and the hours of operation for King Detail
are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday
and is closed on Sunday. The surrounding properties are commercial, zoned IND, Industrial
and GC, General Commercial District, except for the properties to the south, which are zoned as
SF-7 Single-family Residential.
On June 24, 2014 special use permit SUP 14-09 was approved by City Council. The SUP was
also a request from Dennis Mould for 4550 Rowe Avenue, to allow for a craft distillery and
tasting room, and a waiver to the 200-foot distance requirement from any residential structure
for a liquor store. The operation of the approved craft distillery and tasting room did not
commence within 18 months from the date of approval and has expired.
A vehicle repair shop is an allowed use in the IND District subject to the following requirements:
• All repairs must be conducted within an enclosed building.
• All inoperable automobiles upon which repairs are to be conducted shall be enclosed
behind a six-foot screening fence.
• No repairs shall be conducted within 200 feet of any property line of a residential use
located within a residential boundary.
• No automobile repair or service facility shall be permitted to have bay doors facing a
residential use located within a residential district.
The Community Development Department concludes that the request for ARB 18-46 is a
minimum easing of the code, is in harmony with the neighborhood, and will not be injurious to
the neighbors. The property has a unique circumstance and the approval will allow the
applicant a practical and reasonable use of the property. Staff recommends approval.
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Ms. Landaverde mentioned an email from Coleen and John Wayne who own property at 4502
Rowe Avenue. Their concerns were in regards to noise, odors, and late hours of operation.
Community Development also received a telephone call from Jessie McConnell retarding the
variance and was not opposed to the proposed detail shop being less than 200 feet from
residences.
Scott Hatch, owner of Detail King, 4550 Rowe Avenue, said he came to the City prior to moving
into the building and was told he needed to get the building up to the requirements of the City
fire code. Mr. Hatch said it took approximately 6 months and $3,000 to bring the buildings up to
code. He said he did not know the building was not zoned for a detail shop until he tried to get
his business license.
Mr. Hatch said he does not use loud tools. He said he would like to have air blowers to dry the
cars after they have been washed. Mr. Hatch reiterated that his hours of operation will only be
during the daytime. He said he does not do body work or painting. Mr. Hatch said he hopes to
buy the property once his 2-year lease is over.
Board Member Dennis mentioned that the detail shop would be no more invasive than the car
wash that was already there.
Administrative Review Board Action of July 5, 2018
A motion was made by Board Member Roe and seconded by Board Member Johanson to
approve Petition No. ARB 18-46, a request from Dennis Mould, represented by Scott Hatch for
a variance to allow a vehicle repair (auto detailing) shop to be within less than 200 feet of any
property line of a residential use located within a residential boundary property; for property
located at 4550 Rowe Avenue in the IND, Industrial District.
AYE: Acting Chair Dennis, Board Members, Johanson, and Roe.
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: Martin
ABSENT: Board Members Ireke Cooper and Paul Martin
APPROVED 3-0
Business from the Floor: There was no business from the Floor.
Business from the Chair: There was no business from the Chair.
Business from the Members: There was no business from the Members.
Business from Staff: There was no business from Staff.
Adjournment: The July 5, 2018 meeting of the Administrative Review Board was adjourned at
6:19 p.m.
_________________________________ ________________________________
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James Dennis-Acting Chair Karen Walker-Administrative Assistant
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