SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR IN-LIEU PARKING INCENTIVE FUNDS FOR NEW RESTAURANT AT 117 PIER AVENUE

D.E.C. Recommendation

To provide the incentive funds to pay the applicant's in-lieu parking fee.

Background

The Downtown Enhancement Commission, at their meeting of March 5, 1997, recommended approval of the request.

The Planning Commission, at their meeting of March 18, 1997 approved a Parking Plan for the subject restaurant, allowing the use of in-lieu fees for the required parking spaces rather than requiring all or some parking on site.

Previously, the City Council approved the recommendation of the D.E.C. to modify the criteria for distribution of the in-lieu parking incentive funds to include any commercial business of less than 10,000 square feet. Further, the Council distributed funds equivalent to two parking spaces ($12,000) to authorize the Hennessey's roof deck expansion. Incentive funds for 18 more in-lieu funds are currently available for distribution.

Analysis

The proposed restaurant/coffee shop, "The Mix," will be located in the currently vacant space in the newly remodeled building adjacent and to the east of "Club Sushi." The conversion of this commercial location from retail use to a full service restaurant results in the need for 5 additional parking spaces pursuant to the City's parking requirements for a change from a retail to a restaurant use. Pursuant to Section 17.44.140(E) the required parking for the proposed intensification of 900 square feet from retail to restaurant is calculated as the difference between the required parking for a restaurant (1 per 100 square feet: 9 spaces) and the required parking for retail use (1 per 250 square feet: 4 spaces) resulting in a required 5 additional spaces.