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Application Narrative APPLICANT'S REQUEST The applicant requests approval of a Willamette River Greenway Permit, Site Review, Adjustment Review, and a Sign Variance to allow construction of a 101-room hotel on the subject 2.2-acre 'flag lot. " Access to the site is provided from Valley River Drive via a narrow, 26 foot wide strip of land that extends south for approximately 350 feet before reaching the location of the proposed hotel, (Attachment B). The four-story building will have a maximum height of approximately 58 feet, (Attachment J). A total of 88 parking spaces are provided on site. Another 23 spaces will be available to guests of the hotel through a reciprocal parking and access agreement with McGrath's Fish House, which immediately abuts the site to the north, (Attachment B). Several factors influence where the proposed hotel can be placed on the site. First, the subject site is located within the Willamette River Greenway boundary, so the proposed site plan has been designed to balance the appearance of the proposed development to the extent practicable given the river's proximity. The hotel will be setback from the property line nearest the river by approximately 150 feet, with its shorter elevation oriented toward the river. While a portion ofparking and vehicular circulation areas for the hotel will be situated along its south elevation, a distance of at least 90 feet will separate these improvements from the property line nearest the river. Arranging the building and parking in this manner places all proposed development outside of the Water Resources Overlay affecting the site, (Attachment D). Lastly, the hotel is situated nearer the west boundary of the property to avoid conflicts with an existing utility easement for the Eugene Water & Electric Board and City of Eugene that crosses through the site, (Attachments B and G-1). SITE AND VICINITY The subject parcel is located on the south side of Valley River Drive, just west of the Delta Highway/U.S. 105 overpass. It is noted as Tax Lot 1200 on Lane County Assessor's Map 17- 03-30-20, and has a total area of approximately 2.2 acres, (Attachment A). The site is currently undeveloped, with the exception of driveway that provides access to the McGrath's Fish House located just to the north. Several deciduous trees are located within the boundaries of the property and it is mostly flat, except at its southern end where existing grade slopes gently toward the Willamette River. A segment of the shared-use path that runs along the north bank of the Willamette River (i. e., North Bank Trail) is immediately adjacent to the site. Existing uses within the immediate vicinity of the property include Valley River Center, Valley River Inn, and, as noted above, McGrath's Fish House. Other retail and restaurant uses are located just north of the site along Valley River Way. Opposite the site and along Eugene Towneplace Suites Page 1 January 11, 2016