Commission grants deviation to screen truck dock at Knoll Hill Shopping Center

Staff presented DV 2026‑56 for a truck dock at Knoll Hill Shopping Center and recommended approval because the property configuration limits screening options on the south side of the drive and the proposed CMU screen wall matches existing rear walls in the center. The staff analysis noted the loading dock must be screened by ordinance but that physical constraints left the proposed solution as the most practical method to provide screening without reducing parking or significantly altering internal layouts.

Applicant counsel Amy Grant said redevelopment of the shopping center is challenging and that tenants require dock access; the applicant and architect agreed to stipulations A and B. Commissioners discussed preserving screening standards more generally but recognized this was an infill situation; the commission approved the deviation 11–0.