02/14/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

III. REVIEW OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ISSUANCE IN VICINITY OF AIRPORT--Memo and Map Distributed. Manager noted because of the number of persons in the audience interested ~ in this matter, the agenda would be reordered. The matter is brought before Council because of a growing concern of the developments occurring in the airport vicinity, and what relationship that has to the future development of the Eugene Airport. Staff was asking Council to consider requesting the Lane County Commissioners to reconsider at their next meeting their position on a recent request for an office building for the engineering firm of Bonrey, Bennett, & Peters. Staff felt the original intent of the airport vicinity zoning was to protect the integrity of Mahlon Sweet Airport and the agricultural uses around the airport. If that is not possible, Manager noted the City should be authorized to seek recourse such as action before LCOC or the courts. Council IS consideration is essential because legal actions in the court must proceed by February 28. John Porter, Planning Director, said the memo distributed outlines some of the major land-use concerns of the City regarding airport development. He said some dealt with direct aviation uses, i.e., runways; others were indirect such as growth around the airport and its impact on the airport. In the past several years, certain developments had been occurring along the airport road which have concerned City planners. The recent request for this office building might set a precedent that would allow many industrial and office uses in that area around the airport. Bob Shelby, Airport Manager, recalled the massive effort that took place to develop the current existing zoning around the airport today. At the conclusion of that effort, it was felt that many compromises had been made by both sides. ~ He noted at this time it seems there may be some loopholes that need to be ~ addressed. Mr. Haws asked for a clarification of the issue before Council today: Whether this particular application was at issue, or whether City policy was to be directed regarding the airport area. He was most interested in the long-range approach and did not necessarily want to have to consider each application as it came up. Manager replied the major issue may be that there is a conflict in the interpretation of what the long-range plans and purposes are for the existing zoning. Currently, the Master Airport Plan is being updated, and it seemed the action on this particular conditional use seemed contrary to the City's interpretation of the types of development that should be occurring. Mr. Delay further clarified the Council was simply being asked to request the County Commissioners to reconsider its issuance of a conditional use permit for the engineering firm, and to present the City's concerns. If the issue were not resolved, the Council would allow staff to pursue whatever actions are necessary to clarify the issue. Mr. Porter reiterated the staff is concerned that the issuance of this parti- cular conditional use permit would set a precedent. He directed Councilors to Item C of the memorandum distributed as the major concern, which may violate the intent of the existing zoning. e 2/14/79--4 &b