Council approves planned-development amendment for commercial office/retail building

City planning staff presented a PD amendment for approximately 2 acres east of Pioneer Road proposing a mixed-use commercial building of about 33,000 square feet with retail at ground level and offices above. Staff noted the Atkinville Interchange zone plan allows a maximum building height of 35 feet with architectural elements up to 45 feet; the applicant said the proposed building would be about 42 feet 6 inches and requested allowance for the increased height.

Council discussed parking constraints, the applicant’s design choices, and whether restaurants would be allowed on the ground floor; staff and the applicant said the ground floor retail was not intended for restaurants and that parking requirements reflect non-restaurant retail uses. Jared Bates of Rosenberg Associates and project architects answered technical questions about setbacks, landscape buffers and elevations.

Natalie moved to approve the ordinance amending the zone plan; Steve seconded, and the ordinance required a roll-call vote. The motion carried. Final building permits and compliance with any additional conditions will be reviewed in subsequent permit submittals.