Project Narrative

City of Glendale — Regular Meeting (2021-09-09)

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Variance Application 
 
NEC of 83rd Avenue and Glendale Road 
 
VAR 21-01 
 
 
 
 
Prepared by: 
 
Withey Morris, PLC 
2525 East Arizona Biltmore Circle 
Suite A-212 
Phoenix, AZ  85016 
 
Submittal: September 2021
VAR21-01
83rd Glendale Convenience
09/01/2021

1
Variance Narrative 
 
Case Number: VAR 21-01 
 
Glendale Board of Adjustment  
 
 
 
I. 
INTRODUCTION 
 
On behalf of DeRito Partners, we submit this request for the development of a 
new gas station and convenience store located at the northeast corner of 83rd Avenue 
and Glendale Avenue (the “Property”), as shown on the Vicinity and Aerial Maps 
attached as Exhibit 1 and 2.  This application requests the following:  
 
1. Variance to reduce the side yard building setback from 60-feet required to 15-
feet (east side). Section 5.575, Table 3 
 
2. Variance to reduce the rear setback from 60-feet required to 47-feet (north 
side). Section 5.575, Table 3 
 
 
II. 
Background History 
 
The site has historically operated as a gas station since its original construction 
in the early 1980’s according to county historical photos. Overtime, the building has 
been abandoned and the site is fenced off. It has become blighted and a major 
nuisance with graffiti and vandalism as the pictures show at Tab 3. 
 
 
Existing Building

2
 
Existing Building 
 
The gas station predates the single-family residential that was constructed to the 
north in the mid 1990’s. In addition, two billboards were constructed on the Property 
around the mid 1980’s and they will remain on site as-is.   
 
DeRito Partners proposes to redevelop the site with a new gas station.  The 
proposed development will reinvigorate a blighted vacant lot and resume a use that has 
been on this site for years.  
 
III. 
Development Proposal 
 
The development proposes a new gas station and convenience store building 
(approx. 4,151 sf) located towards the middle of the site in a similar location as the 
existing structure on the site. In addition, the gas station canopy/fuel pumps are located 
south of the building toward Glendale Avenue. Access to the site is off 83rd Avenue and 
Glendale Avenue. However, due to the older engineering and design standards, the 
current driveway locations will be shifted to meet current code standards.  See site plan 
at Exhibit 4 and elevations at Exhibit 5.   
 
IV. VARIANCE REQUEST 
 
This property suffers from some unusual site circumstances that affect its 
redevelopment potential.  Specifically, the odd shape of the parcel, and the billboard 
locations severely impact the site’s ability to redevelop. In addition, the newer 
engineering standards necessitate relocation the access drives which affects the 
internal site circulation and refuse locations.  The cumulative result is a building footprint 
area that is limited and constrained.  The site can accommodate the west and south 
setback requirements but needs some relief for the north and east building setbacks.

3
To design around the conflicts and engineering requirements, the new 
development can provide a 47-foot building setback on the north and a 15-foot setback 
on the east side of the property, where normally 60 feet is required. While the zoning to 
the east of the site is residential, there are no actual homes directly adjacent to the east. 
Instead, the subdivision’s retention/open space is located adjacent to the proposed 
building. Thus, the requested setback reduction to the east has no impact on any 
adjacent residential homes whatsoever. The minimal setback reduction to the north will 
not impact the residential homes located there, as there will be new landscaping 
proposed along the perimeter of the site, which doesn’t presently exist today. 
Furthermore, the existing billboard only has a 10-foot setback from the homes to the 
north, so the 10-foot setback is a legal non-conforming condition that is already existing 
and allowed to remain.   
 
 
V. Variance Test 
 
A. Special Circumstances – “There are special circumstances or conditions 
applicable to the property including its size, shape, topography, location, or 
surroundings which were not self-imposed by the owner” 
 
This property suffers from some unusual site circumstances that affect its 
redevelopment potential.  Specifically, the odd shape of the parcel, and the billboard 
locations severely impact the site’s ability to redevelop. In addition, the newer 
engineering standards necessitate relocation the access drives which affects the 
internal site circulation and refuse locations.  The cumulative result is a building footprint 
area that is limited and constrained.  Therefore, the site needs some relief on the north 
and east building setbacks.  
 
The special circumstances are not self-imposed and were not created by the 
Applicant.  They are unique to this site and inherent in its unusual parcel shape. 
 
B. Deprive Property Owner of Privileges Enjoyed by Others – “Due to the 
special circumstances, the strict application of the Zoning Ordinance would deprive the 
property of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the same classification in same 
zoning district.” 
 
The strict application of the variance would deprive the Property from a new 
development opportunity and cause the continued decline of blight and trashed 
condition of the Property. It would cause this site to lose out on privileges enjoyed by 
other properties in the same commercial zoning designation. Recognizing the parcels 
unique size and odd shape, the setback reduction on the east and north side is the 
proper way to restore equity and allow this site to develop in a way that benefits the 
surrounding area and solves the problem with blight, graffiti, and vandalism.

4
C. Minimum Necessary to Alleviate the Hardship – “The variance is the 
minimum necessary to alleviate the property hardship” 
 
The development is requesting a variance to the east side where the retention 
basin which is the minimum necessary to alleviate the property hardship. In addition, to 
accommodate the development, we need minimal relief on the north side to resolve the 
site conflicts, driveway, and refuse requirements. The requests are the minimum 
necessary in to alleviate the property hardships.  
 
D. No Detrimental Impact – “Granting the variance will not have a detrimental 
effect on the property, adjoining property, the surrounding neighborhood, or the City in 
general.” 
 
The setback reductions will have no detrimental impact on the adjacent property 
or properties in the area.  While the zoning to the east of the site is residential, there are 
no actual homes directly adjacent to the east. Instead, the subdivision’s retention/open 
space is located adjacent to the proposed building. Thus, the requested setback 
reduction to the east has no impact on any adjacent residential homes whatsoever. The 
existing 10-foot billboard setback is also a legal non-conforming condition that is 
permitted, and which already affords the relief granted on the northside. The minimal 
setback reduction to the north will not impact the residential homes because there is a 
wall, an existing 10-foot billboard setback, and proposed landscaping along that 
perimeter to provide an additional buffer.  
 
The approval of the variance will have a positive impact on the area. It removes 
blight, graffiti, and vandalism.  The new development is a substantial improvement for 
the area and replaces the old use with a newer, similar use. 
 
 
IV. 
Summary 
 
Variance relief is appropriate for this Property and merits approval.  The Property 
suffers from special circumstances, beyond the applicant’s control, which affect the 
Property’s use.  The special circumstances are unique to this application and are not 
caused by the applicant.  Granting of the variance is necessary for the preservation and 
enjoyment of property rights and allows the applicant to continue to enjoy its investment 
and improvements in the area while expanding within the same shopping center.  The 
use will not be a detriment to the area. The new development brings life to a blighted lot 
and resumes the same convenience store use that previously operated at this location 
for years. 
 
By granting this request, the intent and purpose of the ordinance is preserved, 
and the relief requested does not substantially impair the purpose of the setback 
ordinance.  We respectfully request your approval of this application.

TAB 1

Vicinity Map
N

TAB 2

Aerial Map
N

TAB 3

Site Photos

Site Photos

Site Photos

Site Photos

TAB 4

TAB 5

FFE
0' - 0"
T.O. LOW
PARAPET
22' - 8"
T.O. HIGH
PARAPET
23' - 4 1/4"
1
2
2
FC-1
FC-2
FC-2
MT-1
MT-1
MT-1
4
MT-1
4
MT-1
4
MT-1
8' - 0"
5' - 11 1/16"
12
FFE
0' - 0"
B.O. LOW CANOPY
8' - 6"
B.O. HIGH CANOPY
10' - 0"
T.O. LOW
PARAPET
22' - 8"
T.O. HIGH
PARAPET
23' - 4 1/4"
1
2
FC-2
MT-1
MT-1
MT-1
FC-1
FC-1
MT-3
FC-3
2
FC-2
2
FC-2
MT-1
1
FC-1
S1
MT-4
1
FC-1
3
FC-3
4
MT-1
4
MT-1
4
MT-1
5
MT-2
6
MT-3
7
MT-5
7
MT-4
8
S1
11
11
11
5' - 0"
3' - 8 7/16"
2
FC-2
12
8
S1
2
FC-2
FFE
0' - 0"
B.O. LOW CANOPY
8' - 6"
T.O. LOW
PARAPET
22' - 8"
T.O. HIGH
PARAPET
23' - 4 1/4"
1
2
2
2
2
MT-1
FC-1
FC-2
FC-2
1
FC-1
FC-2
FC-2
FC-2
2
FC-2
4
MT-1
4
MT-2
4
MT-1
4
MT-1
5
MT-2
5
MT-2
8
S-1
9
P-1
5' - 0"
3' - 8 7/16"
12
FFE
0' - 0"
B.O. LOW CANOPY
8' - 6"
B.O. HIGH CANOPY
10' - 0"
T.O. HIGH
PARAPET
23' - 4 1/4"
MT-1
MT-1
S1
S1
MT-4
MT-3
S1
1
FC-1
2
FC-2
1
FC-1
2
FC-2
4
MT-1
4
MT-1
5
MT-2
6
MT-3
7
MT-4
8
S1
8
S1
10
11
11
11
8' - 0"
5' - 11 1/16"
12
1/8" = 1'-0"
4
EAST
1/8" = 1'-0"
2
WEST
PROJECT NO:
DRAWN BY:
PROJECT MANAGER:
CHECKED BY:
THIS DRAWING IS AN INSTRUMENT OF SERVICE AND THE PROPERTY OF ARCHICON DESIGNERS AND SHALL REMAIN THEIR PROPERTY.  THE USE OF THIS DRAWING SHALL BE RESTRICTED TO THE ORIGINAL SITE FOR WHICH IT WAS PREPARED AND PUBLICATION THEREOF IS EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO SUCH.
SHEET DESCRIPTION
SHEET NO.
B
A
C
D
E
B
A
C
D
E
2
1
3
4
5
6
2
1
3
4
5
6
07/13/2021
Architecture & Interiors, L.C.
ARCHICON
5055 E. WASHINGTON STREET
SUITE 200
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85034
(602) 222-4266
FAX (602) 279-4305
www.ARCHICON.COM
SR20-0221
CUP 21-03
VAR21-01
CITY APPROVAL
7/13/2021 8:42:33 AM
\\192.168.135.254\AAI Projects\2022515-05 - DeRito Development - 83rd Ave & Glendale (NEC)\Revit\Central File\2022515-05 - Derito
Development 83rd Ave & Glendale.rvt
DR301
COLOR ELEVATIONS
DR316
CORNER PAD DEVELOPMENT
Author
Checker
8250 W GLENDALE AVE
GLENDALE, ARIZONA
1/8" = 1'-0"
3
NORTH
1/8" = 1'-0"
1
SOUTH
KEYED NOTES1
1
CEDAR COLORED FIBER CEMENT PANELS
2
GREY COLORED FIBER CEMENT PANELS
3
MEDIUM BRONZE COLORED FIBER CEMENT SOFFIT CEILING
4
PRE-FINISHED MTL COPING AND COMPRESSION EDGE. PAINTED MEDIUM BRONZE
5
PRE-FINISHED ALUMINUM CANOPY. PAINTED BLACK
6
PRE-FINISHED ALUMINUM CANOPY. PAINTED ORANGE
7
BRAKE MTL. PAINTED DARK BRONZE
8
ENDURING BRONZE COLORED ALUMINUM STOREFRONT AND SUPPORT COLUMNS
9
EXTERIOR DOOR. PAINTED ENDURING BRONZE
10
NON-ILLUMINATED WELCOME SIGN - SEE SIGN RESOURCE DOCUMENT
11
NON-ILLUMINATED THREE STRIPE BAND - SEE SIGNAGE RESOURCE DOCUMENT
12
EXTERIOR BUILDING SIGNAGE - SEE SIGN RESOURCE DOCUMENT
FC-1
FC-2
FC-3
MT-3
MT-4
S-1
P-1
MT-1
MT-2
NO. REVISION
DATE