Title
A Use Variance to allow the establishment of a restaurant use (coffee shop) within the R-5 (Multi-Family High) zone district, consisting of approximately 0.91 acres located at 16 E. Platte Avenue.
(Quasi-Judicial)
Located in Council District 3
Presenter:
Ryan Tefertiller, Urban Planning Manager, City Planning Department
Kevin Walker, Director, City Planning Department
Body
Summary:
Owner: Mike Malan, Woodmen Valley Chapel
Representative: Brad Nichols, YOW Architecture
Location: 16 E Platte Avenue
The applicant requests approval of a Use Variance to allow a coffee shop as a second principal use within the existing Woodmen Valley Chapel building at 16 East Platte Avenue. The property is zoned R-5 (Multi Family - High), where religious institutions are permitted, but standalone restaurant uses are prohibited. The proposed coffee shop would occupy approximately 1,600 square feet of the building’s northeast ground floor wing and would establish a public facing storefront along Cascade Avenue.
Background:
Please see the attached City Planning Commission Staff Report for a complete analysis of the proposed application.
Review Criteria:
The review criteria for a Use Variance set forth in City Code Section 7.5.527 (UDC) are noted below.
1. That there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved or to the intended use of the property that do not apply generally to the property or class of uses in the same zone so that a denial of the Use Variance would result in undue property loss and not solely a mere inconvenience or financial disadvantage;
2. That the Use Variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a property right of the and if not approved, the property or structure cannot yield any beneficial use;
3. That the Use Variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or convenience nor injurious to the property or improvements of other owners of property;
4. That the hardship is not the result of the applicant's own actions;
5. That because of these conditions, the application of the UDC prohibition on the requested use on the subject property would effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict the use of the property; and
6. That the Use Variance is not being requested primarily to avoid the time or expense of complying with UDC standards generally applicable to similar properties and development.
Staff finds that the proposed application meets the review criteria.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
N/A
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
City Planning Commission voted 8-1-0 to recommend approval of the Woodmen Valley Chapel Coffee Shop Use Variance at the August 12, 2026, meeting. (8 yes votes, 1 no vote, 0 recusals)
Recommended Action
Proposed Motions:
Should the City Council wish to approve the Use Variance application, the following motion is suggested:
Move to approve a Use Variance to allow the establishment of a restaurant use pertaining to approximately 0.91 acres located at 16 E. Platte Avenue, based upon the finding that the request complies with the Use Variance criteria set forth in City Code Section 7.5.527.
Should the City Council wish to deny the Use Variance application, the following motion is suggested.
Move to deny a Use Variance to allow the establishment of a restaurant use pertaining to approximately 0.91 acres located at 16 E. Platte Avenue, based upon the finding that the request does not comply with the Use Variance criteria set forth in City Code Section 7.5.527.