2025.03.06 Jenks Planning Commission Meeting 6PM

This meeting of the Jenks Planning Commission covered several key agenda items, including a specific use permit for a church and proposed updates to the city's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The commission discussed zoning regulations, parking requirements, and potential impacts on existing businesses and infrastructure, particularly concerning the aquarium.

Key Takeaways

• Church Use Permit Approved: A specific use permit for a church at 219 South Gateway Place was approved, allowing the congregation to use a 1,219 sq ft space within the Candlewood Suites for more permanent services, classrooms, and offices.
• UDO Amendments Discussed: Several amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) were reviewed, focusing on yard setbacks for existing non-conforming structures, regulations for roof-mounted structures, and rules for places of assembly.
• Parking and Assembly Use Debate: A significant portion of the discussion revolved around allowing places of assembly in the Riverfront Tourist Commercial (RTC) zoning district. Concerns were raised about parking availability, potential conflicts with existing businesses like the aquarium, and the impact on sales tax revenue.
• Parking Regulations Clarified: Updates were proposed to clarify rules regarding parking on grass and the materials for driveways and parking pads, especially for older homes.
• Downtown Master Plan Updates: The commission received an update on the downtown master plan, noting that the public input phase is upcoming.

Church Secures Specific Use Permit

The commission began by approving the consent agenda. The main item of discussion was a request for a specific use permit for a church at 219 South Gateway Place. The church has been using an event space at the Candlewood Suites for a couple of years and sought a more permanent arrangement. The proposed space is approximately 1,219 square feet on the ground floor of the hotel. This change allows the church to build out the space for services, classrooms, and offices, rather than having to set up and break down weekly.

Staff noted that the hotel owner is supportive of the arrangement. The permit is considered indefinite as long as the use continues, with a two-year window to start the project. The church plans to use simple signage, like door stickers and an A-frame sign during service hours. The applicant, Josh Krabs, explained that this move provides a stable location for their activities, allowing for setup of stages and equipment without the hourly rental constraints of the current event space. The commission voted to approve the permit, which will move to the City Council.

Updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

The commission then moved to discuss proposed updates to Chapter 16 of the Jenks City Code, covering various aspects of the UDO, including base district standards, use-specific standards, and development standards. These updates aim to clarify existing regulations and address issues that have arisen since the UDO was adopted.

Yard Setbacks and Non-Conforming Structures

One key amendment discussed was related to yard setbacks, specifically for existing structures that may not conform to current UDO standards due to past zoning changes or platting issues. The proposed language aims to clarify that minimum setbacks apply to new construction, while existing structures would adhere to the setbacks defined in their original approved documents or governing zoning code at the time of construction. This change is intended to prevent hardships for property owners, such as those trying to sell properties with minor encroachments.

Roof-Mounted Structures

Amendments were also considered for roof-mounted structures. The discussion included creating a framework for these structures, which are not considered signs and cannot be used for advertising. The proposal suggested that roof-mounted structures would require a conditional use permit, be limited to non-residential and mixed-use developments, and have specific height and size limitations. The commission debated whether these should be reviewed internally or by the Planning Commission, with a preference leaning towards Planning Commission review for aesthetic considerations.

Places of Assembly in the RTC District

A significant portion of the UDO discussion focused on allowing places of assembly in the Riverfront Tourist Commercial (RTC) zoning district. Currently, such uses are not permitted by right and require a specific use permit or a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The debate centered on the potential impact on parking, especially concerning the Oklahoma Aquarium, and whether allowing assembly uses would generate needed sales tax revenue or detract from existing businesses. Concerns were raised about parking competition during peak hours. The commission discussed potential conditions, such as requiring assembly uses to be located on the second floor or higher and having specific parking requirements. The commission ultimately agreed to allow assembly uses through the PUD process, with the condition that they must be located above the first floor.

Parking and Driveway Regulations

Several changes were proposed regarding parking and driveways. The commission discussed prohibiting parking on grass in residential districts, except within designated drive aisles. They also considered allowing for exceptions to parking pad material requirements for homes built before 1985, potentially allowing gravel pads if they are part of an existing, older neighborhood's character. The commission also discussed clarifying rules for driveways, including potentially allowing for circle or semicircle driveways through a policy.

Downtown Master Plan Update

The commission received an update on the downtown master plan. The planning consultant and parking consultant have completed their research, and the public input phase is set to begin soon. Multiple opportunities for public participation, including surveys and in-person meetings, will be offered.