19.15.05 General Standards and Considerations Governing Conditional Uses

In reviewing an application for a Conditional Use permit, the following considerations and standard shall be applied: 1. The siting of the structure or use, and in particular: a. the adequacy of the site to accommodate the proposed use or building and all related activities; b. the location and possible screening of all outdoor activities; c. the relation of the proposed building or use to any adjoining building with particular attention to protection of light, air, and peace and quiet; d. the location and character of any display of goods and services; and e. the size, nature, and lighting of any signs. 2. Traffic circulation and parking, and in particular: a. the type of street serving the proposed use in relation to the amount of traffic expected to be generated; b. the adequacy, convenience, and safety of provisions for vehicular access and parking, including the location of driveway entrance and exits; and c. the amount, timing, and nature of traffic generated by the proposed conditional use. 3. The compatibility of the proposed conditional use with its environment, and in particular: a. the number of customers or users and the suitability of the resulting activity level to the surrounding uses; b. hours of operation; c. adequacy of provisions for the control of any off-site effects such as noise, dust, odors, light, or glare, etc.; d. adequacy of provisions for protection of the public against any special hazards arising from the intended use; e. the expected duration of the proposed building, whether temporary or permanent, and the setting of time limits when appropriate; and the degree to which the location of the particular use in the particular location can be considered a matter of public convenience and necessity. 4. The Conditional Use shall meet the following standards: a. the use will not, under the circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity, or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity; b. the use will be consistent with the intent of the land use ordinance and comply with the regulations and conditions specified in the land use ordinance for such use; c. the use will be consistent with the character and purposes stated for the land use zone involved and with the adopted Land Use Element of the General Plan; d. the use will not result in a situation which is cost ineffective, administratively infeasible, or unduly difficult to provide essential services by the City, including roads and access for emergency vehicles and residents, fire protection, police protection, schools and busing, water, sewer, storm drainage, and garbage removal; and e. the proposed use will conform to the intent of the City of Saratoga Springs General Plan. 5. When necessary, the Land Use Authority may attach conditions to ensure compatibility with the surrounding area and to mitigate harmful effects. Such conditions may include the following: a. additional parking; b. water, sewer, and garbage facilities; c. landscape screening to protect neighboring properties; d. requirements for the management and maintenance of the facilities; e. changes in layout or location of uses on the lot; and f. any other condition the land use authority finds necessary to reasonably ensure that the proposed Conditional Use will comply with the standards noted above. 6. The Land Use Authority shall make its decision based upon the facts presented for the record; expressions of support or protest alone shall not constitute the basis of approval or denial.