Commission approves conditional use permit for bookstore/stationery at 703 Donaghy Avenue

The commission voted to approve a conditional use permit allowing a bookstore/stationery use at 703 Donaghy Avenue in the O-3 zoning district.

A staff member summarized the request as "a very straightforward request," saying the applicant plans to operate a stationery store even though the zoning code groups bookstores and stationery stores together. Staff noted the site has operated as a child-care facility since about 2020 and was a medical clinic from at least 2007. The existing CUP for the child-care use will be voided and replaced if the new CUP is implemented.

The permit was approved with six conditions recommended by staff. Key conditions include limiting operating hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; requiring compliance with applicable zoning, subdivision and building codes for any development standards not addressed by the CUP; prohibiting consideration of zoning variances related to this CUP; requiring an amended or new CUP for any change or expansion of the approved use; and a timing provision that the CUP becomes null and void if the approved use does not commence within 18 months, and that the CUP will expire if the use ceases for a consecutive period greater than 18 months.

During questions, a commissioner asked whether the proposal triggers site plan review. Staff said no site changes are proposed at this time and therefore site development review is not required now; any future physical changes to the site would require site development review. A commissioner also asked which zoning districts allow stationery stores by right; staff said they did not have that list on hand and would check and report back.

Applicant Eric Kinspatter came forward, gave his name and address for the record and said he had no issues with the staff-proposed conditions. No one spoke in opposition. A commissioner moved to approve the CUP with the recommended conditions; the motion was seconded and the commission voiced 'Aye.' The motion passed. The staff record notes verbal approval and no recorded opposition.

After the vote, a commissioner asked whether a commissioner who arrived in time to vote would be added to the minutes; staff said the arrival will be read into the minutes. The meeting then adjourned.

The approved CUP allows the permit holder to operate the stationery/bookstore use subject to the adopted conditions; if the use is not begun within 18 months or ceases for more than 18 months, the CUP will lapse per the adopted condition.