HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning And Zoning Board - Minutes - 08/15/2019
Jeff Hansen, Chair
City Council Chambers
Jeffrey Schneider, Vice Chair City Hall West
Michael Hobbs 300 Laporte Avenue
Per Hogestad Fort Collins, Colorado
William Whitley
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Regular Hearing
August 15, 2019
Chair Hansen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call: Hansen, Hobbs, Hogestad, Schneider, Whitley
Absent: None
Staff Present: Everette, Yatabe, Tatman-Burruss, Wray, Blochowiak, Betley, Wilkinson, Iverson, Frickey,
Beane, Leeson, Virata and Manno
Chair Hansen provided background on the board’s role and what the audience could expect as to the order of
business. He described the following procedures:
• While the City staff provides comprehensive information about each project under consideration, citizen
input is valued and appreciated.
• The Board is here to listen to citizen comments. Each citizen may address the Board once for each item.
• Decisions on development projects are based on judgment of compliance or non-compliance with city Land
Use Code.
• Should a citizen wish to address the Board on items other than what is on the agenda, time will be allowed
for that as well.
• This is a legal hearing, and the Chair will moderate for the usual civility and fairness to ensure that
everyone who wishes to speak can be heard.
Agenda Review
Development Review Manager Everette reviewed the items on the Consent and Discussion agendas, stating that
all items will be heard as originally advertised.
Planning and Zoning
Board Minutes
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August 15, 2019
Page 2 of 7
Public Input on Items Not on the Hearing Agenda:
Mike Feldhousen, 5102 Norther Lights Dr., offered a few comments on the Harmony Gateway plan and the Land
Use Code and overall planning of the development.
Kara Lyons, 5100 Northern Lights Dr., - commented on the Harmony Gateway plan and the concerns she has with
the plan. She would like a mechanism for citizen participation.
Dr. Walter Lyons, 4022 Rock Creek Dr., - commented on the Harmony Gateway plan. He is glad that the City has
a vision but feels there is much more work to be done.
Peter Bohling, 4786 McMurry, Apt. 130, commented on the Oakridge Crossing development. He does not feel that
the product had a good result. He handed out a site plan to the Board. Issues with parking and the shops moving
in.
Board Questions
Vice Chair Schneider commented on the communication laps with the Harmony Gateway communications.
Planning Manager Everette stated they would look at the site and make necessary updates. Vice Chair Schneider
wanted clarification on who Mr. Bohling has spoken to. Planning Manager Everett confirmed that the Planning
Dept. has had conversations with him and that they have also conducted onsite investigations and can provide
more detailed information. Chair Hansen would like follow-up at the next work session and/or hearing. Planning
Manager Everette will provide a memo for discussion.
Vice Chair Schneider asked staff if they felt there was a need for a Citizen Advisory or if the outreach is sufficient.
Planning Manager Everette would like to follow up with Mrs. Lyons for clarification but specific to the Harmony
Gateway Plan, there have been several engagements with an additional meeting scheduled as well as public
hearings with the P&Z Board and City Council. Member Hogestad requested information on other Cities that have
a Citizen Advisory group. Planning Manager Everette responded that they could get information for comparable
Cities.
UConsent Agenda:
1. Draft Minutes from July 18, 2019, P&Z Hearing
2. Dutch Bros Drive-Thru, PDP190008
Public Input on Consent Agenda:
None noted
Chair Hansen did a final review of the items that are on consent and reiterated that those items will not have a
separate presentation unless pulled from the consent agenda.
Vice Chair Schneider made a motion that the Planning and Zoning Board approve the Consent agenda for
the August 15, 2019, consisting of the minutes from the July 2018 Hearing along with the Dutch Bros Drive-
Thru, PDP 190008. All these comply with the Land Use Code requirements that are stated in the staff report
and prepared for this hearing. That the information, analysis, findings of facts and conclusions which are
also contained in the staff report be included as agenda materials along with any additional items that we
have heard tonight by this Board. Member Hobbs seconded the motion. Vote: 5:0.
UDiscussion Agenda:
3. Montava Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay, ODP180002
Project Description: This is a request to approve a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay to develop 850
acres in the northeast area of Fort Collins, roughly bound by Vine Dr. on the south, Turnberry Rd. on the west, the
Budweiser brewery on the east and Richards Lake Rd. on the north (parcels # 8833000001, 8833000006,
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Page 3 of 7
8832000001, 8833000002, 8832000002, 8704000001, 8704000002, 8832000905). The land is currently
undeveloped and in agricultural use. The Master Plan includes a mix of housing, schools, parks, commercial,
employment, natural areas and agricultural uses. Approximately 5,000 dwelling units are projected. Project
planning to date has included multiple neighborhood meetings, a weeklong design charrette and two pre-application
hearings with City Council. The proposed project includes portions of the following zone districts: Low-Density
Mixed-Use (LMN), Employment (E), and Industrial (I). The proposed project is going through the new PUD
process, which will require a Planning and Zoning Board recommendation to City Council, who is the decision
maker for PUD’s greater than 640 acres in size.
Recommendation: Approval
Secretary Gerber reported that numerous items were received as stated below:
• Multiple letters and emails of opposition from Virginia Mohr-Callahan and Gerald N. Callahan citing traffic
concerns and the items the Montava developer may have on the future November ballot.
• Letter of opposition from Lindsay Morgan asking for more thought and planning regarding the future
consequences of this development.
• Letters of opposition from Marilyn Weddel and Peter Dundee, citing traffic concerns.
• Letter of support from Casey Robinson who lives in the area and is looking forward to some commercial
development nearby
• Letter of opposition from Paul Beiser, stating the Montava developer is not in accordance with the Fort Collins
Master Street Plan.
• Email from Dave Hula. He would like approval withheld until his concerns are soundly addressed.
• Email from Kris Clagett who has concerns regarding increased traffic, light pollution, surface ware and
multiple general question.
• Email from Nan Sollo. She has concerns regarding water resources and traffic.
• Utilities Memo from Kevin R. Gertig
• FTC Montava Phase II Report
• Parks and Recreation Policy Plan Amendment – Staff Recommendation
Staff and Applicant Presentations
Planner Frickey gave a brief verbal/visual overview of this project.
Max Moss, Lead Developer, Montava, along with Angie Milewski and Matt Lambert, DPZ Design, provided a
verbal/visual presentation of this project.
Public Input (3 minutes per person)
Amanda Lima, 2613 Bar Harbor Dr., she is in support of this project for the amenities that are planned for the area,
jobs that it will create, and traffic improvements.
Dave Hula, 3540 Terry Lake Rd., Highlighted points of the information he previously provided. He is skeptical of
the traffic that will change when the project is put in. He offered recommendations for improvements.
Jeff Aguiar, 2238 Maple Hill Dr., he is in favor of the Montava project.
Greg George, 1834 Rangeview Dr., he recommends approval of the project. He does have concerns regarding
Nedra Acres and the four (4) exits onto County Club Road. The significant increase in traffic is a true concern.
There is no traffic control and residents have a tough time existing the neighborhood.
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Marily Smith, 1832 Gernoble Ct., continued with what Greg George was speaking of. She also suggested a three-
way stop sign be placed to slow down traffic, discourage some traffic and allow residents better ease turning left
onto the street.
Clinton Wilson, 4015 N. Taft Hill, Executive Director of Poudre Valley Community Farms, he is working with
Montava on their 40-acre farm. He supports the project. He is available to discuss the farm and the planning going
into it
Nic Koontz, 209 Columbine Ct., supports the project and is working with Montava on the farm.
Nancy Hanck, 1224 Forest Hills Ln. is concerned with traffic and the infrastructure.
Elizabeth Nance, 845 Juniper Lane, supports the project. Montava is a good option if someone wants something
other than downtown.
Melanie Reed, 1624 Miramont Dr., is concerned with the traffic and supports the project.
Kevin Jablonski, 5909 Blue Spruce Dr., supports the project.
Paul Beiser, 1301 Linden Lake Rd., he supports the project, but is opposed to modifying the Street Master Plan.
He would like to see more citizen involvement.
Kim Hoke, 619 W. St., is in support of the innovative ideas that the project has. She hopes the traffic issues can be
address.
Brandan Willits, 2445 Laporte Ave., Poudre School District has been working with Montava and a land agreement.
He feels the agreements benefit both parties.
Gail Spinden, 5016 NCR 3, she is concerned with the traffic the project will cause.
Staff Response
Planner Frickey provided an overview of the Planned Unit Development process, an overview of the requested plan
amendments made by the Montava team, compliance and Land Use Code and staff findings and
recommendations.
Traffic Engineer Wilkinson responded to traffic concerns. The approach is that of a Master Plan. Traffic studies will
be completed with each phase. Country Club Road is not an arterial roadway and it is intended and classified as a
collector roadway. We do not want to create a roadway that functions as an arterial. If improvements are made it
is possible to draw more traffic to the roadway. It is under Larimer County jurisdiction. Roundabouts are generally
supported in Fort Collins.
Aaron Iverson, reiterated Mrs. Wilkinson’s point on the intent of the requested Master Street Plan amendments.
Vice Chair Schneider inquired about Giddings St. and the analysis completed. Why is this a two-lane as opposed
to four-lane? The analysis does include response to this question. It is felt this is adequate for the project. Traffic
Engineer Wilkinson added that there are times that roads are restricted by their intersections.
Member Hobbs wanted to know the status of talks with Tom Moore. Planner Iverson responded that the City has
been working closely with the individuals involved.
Chair Hansen brought forward I-25 and Mountain Vista interchange impact concerns. Traffic Engineer Wilkinson
responded that all will be evaluated and that the bridge over I-25 is adequate and the intersections would be
signalized as the project progresses.
Chair Hansen questioned the timing of the infrastructure expansion. Traffic Engineer Wilkinson commented that
this continues to be worked on and will be over the next couple of years as the Montava project nears.
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Chair Hansen brought forward questions on the extension of Turnberry and overall fit. Planner Iverson responded
that the current Master Street Plan does not show Turnberry being extended. As for the change in number of
lanes, Planner Iverson commented that the City Master Plan shows four lanes and that the number of lanes is not
scheduled to change.
Member Hobbs recalled a question of the possible need for a railroad overpass on Mountain Vista. Planner Iverson
responded the overpass is in the Master Street Plan as a future overpass. No other additional work in developing
an overpass is in the works as of this time.
Member Hobbs questioned the current truck traffic on Country Club Road and what staff feels is the reason. Traffic
Engineer Wilkinson responded that conversations have taken place with the County as the roadway is in
unincorporated Larimer County as to what has changed. It is believed that it is construction on County Road 70
and some from the construction on 287. Staff is waiting until the construction projects are complete. The City will
continue to work with the County.
Board Questions / Deliberation
Modification of density and development standards
Member Hobbs asked multiple questions relating to the oil well buffer setbacks: What was the origin of the
coordinates used for the soil and groundwater sampling. Planner Blochowiak’s understanding is that the origin
comes from the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission maps and records. The coordinates were field verified prior
to phase II environmental site assessment. The applicant team confirmed and commented that since there was no
visible site of a well the developer hired GPRS Associates with the electromagnetic system to look at the
underground anomalies. They did find two wells sites. Both sites have been flagged in the field.
Chair Hansen has heard that the testing has been completed and wanted to know how the results relate to a
normal background level, are there any indications of contamination? Planner Blochowiak responded that there is
higher levels of nitrates and arsenic which is common in our geology in Colorado. The level did not exceed limits
and is considered normal. Planning Manager Everette expanded on the background of levels.
Member Hogestad had heard that one of the wells was a boring not capped or covered. Planning Blochowiak
stated that is her understanding. Member Hobbs does not feel that this is accurate as he has reviewed the
COGCC logs. Chandler well has little information available with no indication of whether it was capped or cased.
Member Hogestad wondered if there was a requirement for capping or filling. Member Hobbs responded that there
is. Planning Manager Everette responded that on the State level, in the case of an old abandoned well, plugged or
unplugged, if the operator is no longer in existence, which is the case with the two wells, these are considered
orphaned wells. The owner of the surface land is not obligated to do anything with the wells, unless they encounter
the wells. Member Hobbs feels that the wells should be located as this is part of the PUD request that we
guarantee that we give them the 150’ setbacks. Vice Chair Schneider asked staff if as part of the PUD is there
subdivision or platting or dedication of rights-of-way happening? Planner Frickey responded no.
The applicant feels that they have completed all tasks asked of them and want to know why and understand why
they would be required to do more. Member Hobbs responded that until they have absolutely identified the location
of the well, they do not know if there is contamination in the farm area. This should be the core concern and is a
public safety issue. Max Moss questioned the type of technology needed and the timing to meet location
requirements. Member Hobbs responded straight magnetics. Max Moss is comfortable at the PUD level deciding
to or not to spend the money today to do this.
Vice Chair Schneider has concerns with reduction or modification of parking. Matt responded to parking standards
and short-term rental parking. They will be using a shared parking model. There will be plenty of on-street parking
which will also cover short-term rentals. The anticipation is that not every house will be a short-term rental unit.
Chair Hansen questioned transect zoning and its adjacency to other zoning. The perimeter of the Montava project
is low density with exception of a larger portion of the T5 Zone. What is happing directly South, what will we have
for buffering for future development? Planner Frickey responded in this instance there may not be a buffer or
similar use would go in. Stormwater will add a green buffer. Discussions are ongoing.
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Vice Chair Schneider questioned on the 25 years of vesting. Is there the ability to extend this? Is this set-in stone
or after 25 years is it said and done? Mr. Moss responded that he does not believe they have asked for an
extension and does not think they would need to and is comfortable where it is set.
City Attorney Schmidt did comment that the code is different for the vesting of a PUD Masterplan of a PUD Overlay.
It does permit extended vesting with no limit, there is no code language stating they are entitled to a renewal or an
extension of that vesting. This will not stop a request to extend, but there is no expectation built into the code that
would give someone the opportunity to argue that it is anything truly discretionary. Planner Frickey commented that
in section 2.211 (C3) that there is an extension provision for the PUD Master Plan vesting term. It allows the
developer to request two periods of one-year extensions.
Vice Chair Schneider asked about PSD, there is a reference that there is not an elementary site, though it is shown
on the Master Plan. Mr. Moss commented that it is a negotiation and they have not engaged in the conversation. It
will be in the development.
Plan Amendments – Sub-area Plan, Parks Plan and Street Master Plan
Vice Chair Schneider questioned the park plan size reduction. From 100 to 80 acres. The applicant responded
that it is contiguous acres. 80 acres sits on the Montava, 20 acres are located on another landowner’s property. It
is not felt that there is a reduction and lesser ability to create a community park.
Chair Hansen commented on additional amenities if the park is 80-acres as opposed to 100-acres. If the applicant
did find the entirety of 100-acres the conditions are still imposed. There would have been no conditions added if
the park were at 100-acres. Member Hogestad asked how it was that they could not 100-acres. Mr. Moss
commented that the complexity of the project was the key factor in determining 80-acres. It is connected to the
town center and 300-acres of open space. This is a better scenario.
Traffic Engineer Wilkinson spoke of how the development may be phased regarding the Streets Master Plan and
improvements and what the first improvements might be.
Member Hogested questioned the offset on Timberline. Traffic Engineer Wilkinson commented that the offset on
Timberline is intentional. There is a ditch that runs through the area. The intersection will be aligned.
PUD Overlay
No further discussion.
Member Hobbs made a motion that Based on the analysis set forth in the staff report and the testimony and
evidence received at this hearing, I move that the Planning and Zoning Board find and recommend that City
Council approve the modifications of uses, densities and development Standards for the Montava Planned
Unit Development Overlay (ODP 180002) described in the Montava PUD Master Plan, because taken as a
whole these modifications meet the standards in LUC Section 4.29(G), subject to the following condition
applicable to the modification of standards to permit a 150 buffer around abandoned wells:
Prior to approval of a PDP for areas containing the two abandoned wells, reasonable efforts will be
made by the developer to determine the location of the wells as verified by excavation and further
mapping and that a repeat of soil and groundwater sampling and analysis program will be conducted
if necessary. If after reasonable efforts are made by developer, one or both wells are not located,
staff may eliminate the buffer requirement. Annual monitoring shall commence not later than PDP
application.
Member Whitley seconded. Member Hogestad is in support of the motion, though he is disappointed with the
size of the park. Member Whitley acknowledged the complexities and feels the open space is adequate. Chair
Hansen feels the changes to the Master Street Plan is great and a big improvement for the City in general. Vote:
5:0.
Member Hobbs Made a motion that based on the analysis and findings of fact and conclusions set forth in
the staff report and the testimony and evidence received at this hearing, I move that the Planning and