Glacier Bank is proposing a remodel and expansion project for one of its branch bank affiliates Western Security Bank, located at 2401 Grand Avenue which is the northwest corner of Grand Avenue and 24th Street West.  They have purchased property to the west of the current bank property for the expansion.  The property owner is requesting a variance from Section 1208(h)(5) of the site development ordinance pertaining to the number of curb cuts allowed by regulation.  Two curb cuts are currently allowed by code across the Grand Avenue property frontage. Currently, there are seven curb cuts onto Grand Avenue taking into account the purchased property.  The proposed development will reduce the number of curb cuts to three on Grand Avenue.

The property owner is also requesting a variance from Section 1208(i)(4) of the site development ordinance pertaining to the allowable distance of a curb cut at a signalized intersection of two arterial streets.  Code requires a minimum distance of one hundred feet of separation from points of curvature of any curb radius and the curb cut. The proposed design is showing a separation of eighty-two feet.  In addition, the proposed curb cut is actually being reduced to a sixteen foot width, which is fourteen feet narrower than the existing curb cut to accommodate one way traffic.  

The City Engineer's Office has reviewed this proposal and recommends approval of the curb cut variances.  The proposed layout is a vast improvment over what is existing today.

The City Council may:

• Approve the variances; or
• Not approve the variances.  If this variances are denied, the owner’s options to meet the requirements of the Site Development Ordinance will require redesign of the facility to meet City Code.

There is no direct financial impact to the City.  Advertising costs for the public hearing are offset by the variance application fees.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the variances.