The City is building a new Parmly Billings Public Library, located along the south side of 6th Avenue North between North 28th Street and North 29th Street.  The building was designed to allow the bookmobile to back into the garage from North 29th Street.  The Library is requesting a variance from Section 1203 (m) & (n) of the site development ordinance which prohibits backing maneuvers within the public right of way.  The ordinance is meant to ensure the safety and protect both pedestrian and vehicular traffic from backing maneuvers from a vehicle in the city right-of-way.   As such, staff is recommending denial of the variance request.  The Library's architect wrtote a letter of support for the variance and it is attached.  In the letter, the architect states that the garage was designed for vehicle entry on North 29th Street in order to maximize the parking south of the library and to allow room for a book drop off area that coordinates with the bookmobile functions.  

Council may:

• Approve the variance. Approval of this variance will allow vehicular backing within the public right-of-way (street) not allowed by the City Code, with no conditions or restrictions; or
• Do not approve the variance. If this variance is denied, the owner's option is to meet the requirements of the Site Development Ordinances. This will require redesign of the Library in order to meet City Code.

There is no direct financial impact to the Public Works Department regarding this variance request. Advertising costs for the public hearing are offset by the variance application fee.  If the variance is not approved, there may be financial impacts to the applicant (Library) regarding the operation of the bookmobile. 

Staff recommends that the City Council not approve the variance to allow vehicular backing within the public right-of-way (streets).