Florissant Planning and Zoning 'Rights a Wrong' for Ballard's Bar

The Florissant Planning and Zoning commission had the simple task Monday night of approving or denying a special use permit for Ballard’s Bar. It turned out to be a bit more complicated than normal, though.

Ballard’s Bar needed a special use permit for the expansion of its bar, which would double the space. The catch is, that the bar had already done its expansion one year ago.

Building Commissioner Philip Lum explained to the commission that an error in public works of approving the plans for the expansion occurred last year. The plans should have come before the commission, but the planner didn’t realize the error.

Lum said that Ballard’s Bar is a nonconforming use, which means that the bar existed before the zoning code became established. Therefore, in order for the bar to be expanded or have any changes, it would need a special use permit.

Commissioner Jim Hessel simplified the matter by saying that they were basically “righting a wrong.”

Commissioner Lee Baranowski, however, had concerns about the matter as well as possible future matters such as this one.

“What are we supposed to do?” he asked. “Our hands are tied here.”

Baranowski pointedly asked if this would continue to happen as it’s not the first time the commission has faced a situation.

Lum said that mistakes will happen in public works, but it was brought to the attention of the employee who approved the plans.

The commission unanimously recommended approval, and the request will go to City Council in three weeks.