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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZoning Board Of Appeals - Minutes - 08/14/1997ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS REGULAR MEETING August 14, 1997 8:30am 11 Council Liaison: Ann Azari 11 Staff Liaison: Peter Barnes 11 Chairperson: Martin Breth, Jr. 229-1629(w) 226-5101(h) The regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was held on Thursday, August 14, 1997, in the Council Chambers of the Fort Collins Municipal Building. The following members were present: Shannon, Keating, Lieser, Breth, Felner, Stockover, Gustafson Absent: None Staff members present: Peter Barnes, Zoning Administrator Paul Eckman, Deputy City Attorney Elain Radford, Building & Zoning Admin. Support Leta Payton, Building & Zoning Admin. Support The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Breth. The minutes from the May 1997 meeting were approved. The minutes from the June 1997 meeting were approved. No meeting was held in July 1997. Appeal 2198, 1525 Blue Spruce, Petitioner Sonja Stephens, Larimer County Facilities Department, CN Zone, Section 3.2.2(k)(2)(a). Appeal was approved with the condition that when lot 8 is built upon, the parking is in compliance with lots 8, 10, 11, and 12. --- The variance would increase the maximum allowed number of parking spaces from 233 to 256, in order to allow 23 new parking spaces to be added to the parking lot for the 2 Larimer County office buildings located at 1501 and 1525 Blue Spruce Dr. -- Petitioner's statement of hardship: The number of allowed parking spaces by the code is calculated based on the square footage of the occupancy of specific uses. The total square footage of the 2 buildings is 63,488 sq.ft. 52,226 sq ft. is considered general office and is allowed 3 parking spaces/ 1000 sq.ft. of floor area. The remaining 11,222 sq.ft is considered medical office and is allowed 4.5 spaces/1000 sq.ft. However, due to the nature of the service provided by the social service department, which occupies the entire 31,744 sq.ft. of 1501 Blue Spruce Dr. The applicant believes that it's parking ZBA August 14, 1997 Page 2 impact is the same as a medical office and should be calculated at the higher amount. Also, 5000 sq.ft. of the storage area is going to be converted to offices, adding to the already congested situation. There is a demonstrated need for additional parking to serve the customers. Administrator Barnes discussed with the Board the nature of this appeal and gave some background information on parking code regarding Larimer County's variance request. He commented that in addition to the statement of hardship on the Agenda, there is a letter from the petitioner outlining some additional data and facts which the appellants may review with the Board. Barnes stated this is the first variance request the Board has heard regarding a new code requirement under the new Land Use Code. This is a new requirement under the Parking Ordinance. Under the old code a minimum number of parking spaces were required. The only requirement was two parking spaces for every three employees on a major shift, regardless of the zoning district or the use, as long as the use was non-residential. No maximum was required. Barnes explained that now, under the new code, parking is limited to a maximum number of spaces allowed. A maximum number of spaces cannot be exceeded which is based on the use of the property. He stated there is a table in the code that sets forth the uses and the maximum parking for a particular use, i.e.: for a fast food restaurant the maximum parking spaces is 15 per 1,000 square feet of floor area. Barnes explained that in the two requirements in question on today's appeal, the maximum number of parking spaces is calculated upon categories called General Office and Medical Office. He stated that in this particular situation, Larimer County Health Department has their clinic facility which qualifies as a medical office and they are allowed 4.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of floor area devoted to medical clinic. The remaining floor area of both of the buildings is considered General Office use and is limited to a maximum of 3 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of floor area. Barnes continued that in doing the calculations for these buildings, they are already over their maximum. Currently they have 233 parking spaces. Being over their maximum becomes a non -conforming status due to being grand fathered in. Now they want to add an additional 23 spaces, so the variance is for increasing their parking by 23 spaces which puts them more non -conforming, and over the maximum, than they already are regarding parking spaces. ZBA August 14, 1997 Page 3 Barnes clarified that Larimer County has set forth their documentation and data as to why they feel they need the additional parking and it is up to the Board to determine whether or not they have demonstrated a hardship that qualifies for a variance to increase what they are allowed. He stated that what Larimer County is allowed under the code, based on their floor area and types of use, is 207 spaces. So, if this were a new development, the maximum number of parking spaces allowed would be 207. They currently have 233 spaces which puts them 26 spaces over already, and they want to add another 23 spaces. Board member Shannon asked clarification, from Barnes, on the philosophy or purposes of the code. Barnes explained that one of the intents of the code was to reduce reliance on the automobile. Additionally, to prevent large seas of asphalt and put more of an emphasis, along street scapes specifically, on buildings as opposed to parking lots. The code went from a minimum to a maximum to encourage people to use alternative modes of transportation and things of that nature. Barnes gave a slide presentation showing the existing parking lots for the two Larimer County buildings. The parking lot behind 1525 Blue Spruce drive would be extended a short distance to the north and there would be an identical parking lot with parking on two sides of the driveway - adding 23 parking spaces. Chairperson Breth asked if the private drive will always be there and end up being another parking lot for the fourth filing of Country Club Corners. Barnes responded that it's probably remote that it would become a parking lot since it does serve their loading and was part of the traffic study of the portion that's been built. There would have to be major amendments to approve it being vacated and replace with something else like a parking lot. Breth asked if it is an access easement. Barnes confirmed it is. ZBA August 14, 1997 Page 4 Breth asked when phase four is built on, behind the two County buildings, the drive could stay there but another landscape requirement would be made on the west side of the drive. Barnes replied that it would depend upon where they locate their buildings. If they put their service area behind the building, yes, there would be some form of landscaping requirement. Board member Stockover asked for clarification on the 1525 building considered as General Office use with a portion as Medical Clinic. Barnes explained that the Health Clinic is in 1525 and this portion qualifies as Medical Clinic use which qualifies for the 4.5 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet. The remaining portion, which is the majority of the building, is considered General Office use which is allowed 3 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet floor area. Appellant , Sonja Stevens from Larimer County Facilities, addressed the Board. She stated that the client numbers in Social Services are very high and do not reflect a General Office traffic pattern. Employees and clients are already using mass transit, car pooling, and bicycles as ways to get to work. Stevens explained that the parking is quite congested during peak client times, frequently during the month, such as when the clinics happen, when food stamps are distributed, etc. and overflows the lots. Board member Lieser asked where the parking overflow happens when the lot is full. Stevens replied that some employees park on the street on Bristlecone Street, which runs along the south side of 1501 Blue Spruce, to leave spaces in the parking lot for clients. Lieser asked if the data presented to the Board of 5455 clients per month are proven figures. Stevens confirmed that they are and were obtained from departments housed in the two buildings. Shannon asked if a "set appointment" system would alleviate the parking problem rather than a first come, first served system. ZBA August 14, 1997 Page 5 Stevens replied that appointment systems are used, particularly for the health clinics and when the food stamps are distributed they have certain letters of the alphabet on certain days that runs over a two week period. When food stamps are distributed they serve 2200 people in two weeks. Shannon commented that when she has been to the clinic for immunizations it is first come, first served and everyone sits for long periods of time. Set appointments would have 10 people waiting rather than 20 people waiting. Stevens stated that she would have to talk with the Health Clinic. Breth commented that even the additional spaces they are asking for are now enough spaces. Stevens responded that they don't want a "sea of asphalt" either. Lieser asked Barnes if Larimer County is currently meeting the landscape requirements for the parking lots, and would they have to add additional landscaping for the additional 23 spaces. Barnes replied that the new code requirements have changed a little regarding how to calculate what kind of landscaping is required, but from initial calculations they do meet the landscape requirements. They will be required to provide additional landscaping for the new portion, specifically along that private driveway on the west side. . Lieser asked what is the impact of cars parking in the roadway, if their clients actually park outside the parking lot against the curb, on traffic. Barnes responded that because Blue Spruce is fairly wide with parking permitted on the street, except by the bus stop, there would not be any traffic circulation problems or safety issues. Stevens commented that the on street parking calculated was only on the Larimer County buildings side of Bristlecone and Blue Spruce streets. They did not measure across the street. Board member Keating asked for the numbers of employees who park in the parking lots. Stevens responded that she does not have exact numbers and the numbers vary day-to-day because some employees take the bus or ride bicycles, etc. In the complex there are currently 307 employees and there will soon be 317 employees. ZBA August 14, 1997 Page 6 Keating explained that his reason for this question has to do with governmental agencies who are passing new codes to do something about alternate transportation. Stevens commented that alternate transportation means are being used though she does not know what percentage. Stockover asked about the impact of the lot when it does develop. Breth also wanted to know about the lot to the north and if it is developed, would there be another parking lot between 1525 and it. Barnes stated that the county owns the property and he doesn't know what their plans are or what kind of building will be there. The new code would basically say the majority of the parking would have to be on the side of the building or in the rear of the building. If they built a building on the property to the north, this proposed new parking lot extension would be behind that building which would comply with code. Barnes commented that when they see a site specific development plan application for that lot, the code requirements on circulation and shared parking would apply. Breth commented that the proposed extension of 23 spaces may be of minor impact, if there was another building built on the north lot and another parking lot installed. Barnes replied that, from that standpoint, the parking lot would be where they would want it to be. Stockover stated that in the Land Use Code it is stated that, "off street parking shall be located on the same lot or same premises as the building or use for which they are required unless such spaces are provided collectively by two or more buildings or uses on adjacent lots in a single parking area located within the boundaries of the adjacent lots." He commented that the adjacent lot does not have a building for the use. Barnes replied that the next statement in the Land Use Code is: "or an alternative location as approved by the director" which is carried over from the old code ,and we still have that flexibility to approve alternative locations. He explained that a parking lot is also listed as an accessory use in the code and the Accessory Use section of the code states that "...it is ordinarily ZBA August 14, 1997 Page 7 located on the same lot" which means it does not have to be on the same lot. Barnes stated that if Larimer County wants to, they can amend a legal description so their legal description of 1525 Blue Spruce was lot 8 and lot 9, then it would be one parcel. Stockover asked if the county should be required to do this. Bames stated no, because nothing in the code precludes them from putting it on another parcel of ground with a separate legal description. Dick Anderson, Larimer County Facility Management, addressed the Board and requested to add his comments. He stated that in reference to the 307 employees that work in the two buildings, the county's intent, and direction from the commissioners, is to encourage employees to consider alternative transportation. He commented that each building has showers and bike racks, and he feels a majority of employees do use alternative transportation. Anderson also added that a number of employees and clients do use the bus. He stated that their request to add the 23 spaces still leaves them short of what is needed, but they are not encouraging more spaces than this due to economics and they do not want a "sea of asphalt" there. Anderson explained that, in reference to expanding, the Human Development and Social Services departments have recently combined to better provide community services. They see the growth happening and the purpose of buying the properties is to expand their services there, and this 23 spaces extension would be integrated into the plans for the new building to the north and includes adding to the landscaping along the west side. Board Discussion: Shannon commented that it seems some of the problem is self-imposed and there may be alternatives that could be utilized to alleviate the problem. They are already over what is the new law and they should have to conform. Keating stated he concurs and has a problem with the city and county passing new laws for alternative transportation, then the city and county ought to be the leaders in this. He commented he does not see a hardship. Gustafson stated they do have a definite hardship with parking and some of it may be the way they operate their business and some of it is the actual nature of their business with low income people dropping in who maybe are not able to schedule definite appointment. He stated that in order to approve their request some of their office space may have to be reclassified as a health service use rather than general office. If both buildings were classified as health service use, they • 0 ZBA August 14, 1997 Page 8 would be at the allowed number of spaces of 4.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet. Gustafson commented he has been to these buildings when no parking could be found in the lot or on the street. Stockover stated he is in agreement with that, however, his concern is in partially developing a lot. He asked how can the county partially develop what would be lot 8? Stockover requested that if this appeal is approved, could an amendment be added so, when the next building is built, it would have to bring the four lots into compliance. He explained that his concern is with a building being built that would need even more parking spaces due to high pedestrian use. Barnes asked for clarification from Stockover that for the next building the floor area would have to be calculated and added to the two existing buildings, in order to determine the maximum number of parking spaces allowed total for the three buildings, and they could not exceed this amount under any condition. Stockover confirmed this is correct. City Attorney Eckman stated that since there is a single owner of the property, this may be done. If there was more than one owner of these properties, it may not be possible to impose this requirement to an owner who is not a party to this appeal application. Stockover asked what would happen if the two non -developed lots were sold. Eckman explained that because these appeals are recorded and become permanent record with the Clerk and Recorder of Larimer County, any purchaser would know of this burden on that property before they purchase the property. Stockover asked if it would be a pre-existing parking easement. Eckman stated it would not be an easement but would be an incumbrance on that property that any new parking would have to worked into the adjacent parking at the time they construct their building. Board member Felner asked how the City defines general offices versus health offices. Barnes explained that medical offices are not defined and there is a definition for professional offices which includes general office type of use and medical use of offices. He stated the table that is in the code states medical office and the intent was for the type of use where there is constant short-term use of parking - a high client turnover where they only stay a short time then 0 0 ZBA August 14, 1997 Page 9 leave. A general office is where employees stay all day and maybe leave for lunch, and there is not much of a client base. The table does not recognize much in between these two. The county has stated that while they are a general office use, their client base and the amount of traffic they get is similar to a medical office. Their situation is unusual in that they have so much floor area taken up by general office use, however, the impact of their business is no different than the health clinic there. Shannon asked if it would be possible to add another classification Barnes responded that it is possible because the table in the code is not complete. The code went into effect on March 28, 1997. They have been to council twice since then , in April and in July, with code changes which will go into effect August 15, 1997. More substantive issues have not been dealt with yet. Staff have discussed among themselves potential changes for the parking section but there is no guarantee anything will be added or changed. Stockover motioned to grant this appeal with an amendment that when lot 8 is built upon, the parking is in compliance with lots 9, 10, 11 and 12, and if not in compliance, they will go to an additional review at that time. Gustafson seconded the motion. VOTE: Yeas: Lieser, Breth, Stockover, Gustafson Nays: Shannon, Keating, Felner Bames clarified that the motion was approved with that condition on a vote of four to three. He asked if the county was aware of that condition. The county confirmed they are aware. ZBA August 14, 1997 Page 10 NEW BUSINESS: The Board discussed with Bames concerns and questions they had regarding this appeal. Barnes assured the Board that the code table will be discussed and possibly changed for the Fall code amendments. A. Introduction of Leta Payton, new Administrative Support staff. B. Parade: Community Homecoming parade. This year's theme is "Community Unity" and it is proposed to have all members of Boards and Commissions ride on a float in the parade to "show the unity of the volunteers who work to make our city better through participation on boards and commissions." A meeting will be held in September of all interested participants. The parade will be held on Saturday, October 4, 1997 in the morning. The application must be completed by the end of September. Barnes will let it be known that there is interest from ZBA and will inform Board members when the meeting is in September. C. City Manager's memo regarding the City Council's policy agenda asks the Boards to play a role in the completion of their policy plan, review the six policy theme areas, and evaluate where the work of our board can support the goals stated in the agenda. The Board spent time commenting on the Policy agenda. A memo needs to be submitted by September 15, 1997. Barnes will put a memo together for Board review at the September meeting and submit the final memo to the City Manager by the September 15, 1997 deadline. /9a,-. >gj- Martin Breth, Chairperson Peter Bames, Zoning Administrator FACILITIES MRAGEMENT DEPARTMENT Dick Anderson AIA, Director Post Office Box 1190 Fort Collins, Colorado 80522-1190 July 30, 1997 City of Fort Collins Zoning Board of Appeals 281 North College Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80522 RE: APPLICATION NO. 2198 PHONE (970) 498-7310 FAX (970) 498-7359 E-MAIL andersrc@co.larimer.co.us This documentation will further clarify Larimer County's request for a variance to increase the maximum allowed number of parking spaces at 1501-1525 Blue Spruce Drive. Currently this office complex has 233 spaces and an additional 23 spaces is requested to increase the total number of parking spaces to 256. Under the current code, section 3.2.2(k)(2)(a), "general offices" are allowed 3 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet (SF) and "health offices" are allowed 4.5 parking spaces per 1,000 SF. conclude that medical offices are allowed more spaces due the number of patient visits throughout the day and that "general offices" are assumed to have less client traffic. Both 1501 and 1525 Blue Spruce are 31,744 SF office buildings, while the Larimer County Health Department occupies 11,222 SF at 1525 Blue Spruce. Currently, in addition to the spaces in the parking lot and on -street parking, employees and clients utilize altenative transportation including bicycles, carpools and the Transfort Bus System. The Transfort Bus Schedule Brochure (effective January 2, 1997) even designates Social Services on the Aqua Route 8 map and, I can only assume, this is do to the number of clients needing Social Services that utilize the bus service. (On -street parking calculations include lineal footage of current and proposed parking lots.) Larimer County Department of Social Services occupies the entire 31,744 SF at 1501 Blue Spruce and, due to the nature of their business and the number of clients served, parking spaces are at a premium. Social Services has 175 employees, distributes food stamps to 2,200 clients per month and an additional 600 clients visit Social Services offices each month. I contend that the Social Services office can be compared to the client numbers that would visit an average health office. The Human Development Department (1525 Blue Spruce) has 16 regular employees, 2 intems and approximately 45 people attend meetings at the Human Development offices each month. The Health Department has 114 employees that serve an average of 4,205 clients per month. Additionally, the County is converting 5,000 SF of storage into offices for the Extension Department. This office will add another 10 employees and 1,250 clients monthly to already congested parking areas. July 30, 1997 City of Fort Collins Zoning Board of Appeals RE: APPLICATION NO. 2198 page 2 These offices are not designated "health offices" but the client numbers are much greater than the "general office" designation. If another "high client" designation were available the number of allowable spaces could jump from 233 (under the current designation of 3 parking spaces per 1,000 SF) to 286 spaces (4.5 parking spaces per 1,000 SF). If the designation were to change, Larimer County could then add 63 spaces and the actual request is to only add 23. This two building complex has a total of 317 employees that serve 8,300 clients in an average month. Since the parking lot accommodates 233 vehicles and 34 vehicles can park on the street, an additional 23 parking spaces would help to relieve this already congested situation. Respectfully Submitted, Sonja J. Stephens Larimer County Facilities Management PO Box 1190 Fort Collins, CO 80522 (970) 498-7313 (phone) (970) 498-7359 (fax) stephesj@co.Iarimer.co.us (email) EMPLOYEE & CLIENT COUNT 1501 -1525 BLUE SPRUCE DRIVE department employees clients - weekly average clients - monthly average Extension 10 312 1250 Human Development 18 11 45 Health & Environment 114 1051 4205 Social Services 175 700 2800 total 317 2074 8300 Parking lot spaces 233 On -street parking * 34 total 267 * On -street parking calculations include lineal footage of current and proposed parking lots YEAR ROUND SERVICE Prods Ya/Ly M . S&NAM Dow MOM a N 11 %IP wm Provides 30-minute service from LaPorte & Mason (NTC) to The Mission, Social Services & Poudre Valley Mobile Home Park. Returns to NTC on College Ave. Service begins 6:23 a.m. from NTC Last full run leaves NTC at 6:23 p.m. Last run south from "the Y" at 6:40 p.m. Service ends 6:45 p.m at NTC 8-BLUE SPRUCE/Y-Northbound Selected Stops/Minutes Past Hour NTC :23 :53 Oak St Plaza C TIME :25 :55 DMA :27 :57 Linden & Willow :30 :00 Social Services :36 :06 8-OA K ST PLAZA-Southbound Mobile Home Park TINIF :40 :10 NTC CHApICZES :49 :19 See pages 32 and 33 for a complete list of stops. 16 City Vager Citv of Fort Collins MEMORANDUM TO: Citizen Board and Commission Chairs •� FROM: John F. Fischbach, City Manager F �' tI� RE: City Council's 1997-99 Policy Agenda DATE: July 15, 1997 Attached you will find a copy of the City Council's 1997-99 Policy Agenda. This document represents the City Council's vision of the policy work which it plans to accomplish during the next two years. It represents a broad and ambitious set of goals which touch each service which the City provides. You and your board or commission have a role to play in the successful completion of Council's policy plan. Please review the six policy theme areas and evaluate where the work of your board can support the goals stated in the agenda. I encourage you to discuss the Policy Agenda with your board or commission at your next available meeting. I would appreciate each board and commission submitting a memorandum to me outlining how your group believes that its work will support the accomplishment of the agenda. These work plans should be submitted to me by September 15 and should include the following information: What projects is your board or commission working on that relate to items on the policy agenda? What advisory roles of your board should the City Council utilize in accomplishing its specific policy goals? What resources from City staff would be helpful in providing this support and advice? City Council will schedule a study session for the Chairs of its Boards and Commissions to discuss ways in which you can support the Council's work plan. This meeting will be scheduled later this fall. The agenda for this meeting will include: 1. Review of the Policy Agenda Themes 2. Input from Board and Commission Chairs regarding their efforts to support policy goals 3. Direction from Council on items to be addressed I look forward to working with you in supporting this ambitious policy agenda. If you have questions about this process, please contact either your staff liaison, or Ann Turnquist, Council Policy Manager in my office, 224-6094. cc: Mayor and City Council Members Service Directors Board and Commission Staff Liaisons 300 LaPorte Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6505 • FAX (970) 224-6107 EXHIBIT A Council Policy Agenda Themes and Outcomes 1997-99 Theme I: Planning for Land Use, the Environment and Transportation The quality of our community is, in part, related to numerous policies and plans that impact the physical form of the community, the public facilities that are available, and the public services and programs that address a broad range of needs. Over the next two-year period, a major thrust will be to implement City Plan. City Plan sets the framework and direction for managing the expected growth of the community and providing the infrastructure to sustain the quality of life in the community. Elements that will still require our diligent efforts include: maintaining and renewing the vitality of our core areas; ensuring the availability of affordable housing for community citizens; minimizing urban sprawl; annexing areas that are or will be developed to urban levels. Additional policy work will need to be done in the area of transportation as well as determining how to implement adopted plans. A significant amount of work will need to be done related to regional transportation planning, transit programs (including ways to finance expanded Transfort service), facilities to support pedestrian and bicycle travel, and street maintenance, e.g., constructing streets that last longer and shifting the dependency from special 1/4-cent financing to the General Fund for street maintenance. Environmental policies and programs will continue to be a focus of public policies and services in Fort Collins. In particular, we want to continue to improve our air quality and to incorporate into the fabric of our community significant natural areas and other types of open lands. Finally, we want to ensure that the public's investment in the City's facilities is sound, of good quality, and is utilized in a way that is effective, efficient and addresses a wide variety of needs. OUTCOMES: CITY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION: In the next two years, City Council will make significant progress in implementing the values stated in City Plan. Specific outcomes will include the following areas: • The land use code will be implemented. Revisions will be made to improve its effectiveness. • The City will actively promote design excellence through its planning and regulatory programs. • The City will look for opportunities to showcase its efforts and partnerships in City Plan implementation. • The City will explore opportunities to implement aspects of the Civic Center Plan. • The City will examine options for funding transit as recommended in City Plan. 1997-99 Council Policy Agenda —Revised June 17, 1997 Page 1 Theme 1: Planning for Land Use, the Environment and Transportation — continued ENVIRONMENT: The City will continue to focus on the community's value of being a good steward of our environmental resources. The City will establish ties with the environmental community. In the next two years, the City will focus on the following environmental issues: • The City will ensure that its environmental plans are implemented in a coordinated way, including: ✓ Air Quality Action Plan ✓ Natural Areas Policy Plan ✓ Parks and Recreation Policy Plan ✓ Water Quality Plan for drinking water and stormwater ✓ Poudre River Land Use Plan ✓ City Gateways, including Gateway Park The City will pursue ways to deal with the impact of solid waste on our community. The City will be proactive in acquiring natural areas and open lands and will work in partnerships to make purchases. TRANSPORTATION: In the next two years, the City's transportation system will be improved as a balanced, multi -modal system. Specific outcomes will include: • The City will develop a long-term financing plan for the transportation system which relies less on short-term funding, and more on a variety of long-term sources. • A balanced transportation system will be further developed, including improvements to the pedestrian system, bicycle facilities, transit services and the Mason Street Multi -Modal Corridor. • The City will examine new initiatives for addressing street maintenance needs, including reducing street wear, districted trash hauling, and street construction warranties. • A secondary transportation network will be encouraged by bringing trail spurs from new developments into the City trail system. 1997-99 Council Policy Agenda —Revised June 17,1997 Page 2 Tlienze 2: Sense of Community — continued DELIBERATIVE DEMOCRACY: The City will incorporate and continuously improve a systematic method for gathering community input on issues, values and direction, without the outreach being tied to current issues. Important parts of this outcome will be a better public information program, examination of campaign finance issues and the mail -in ballot. DIVERSITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS: The City will develop ways to make Fort Collins a more inclusive and welcoming community for all people, especially through the development of a new Human Rights Ordinance. YOUTH: The City will continue to work to ensure that youth in the community have positive choices and activities in which to be involved. POLICE SERVICES: The City will enhance the role of the police department in ensuring a safe, inclusive community. Areas of focus during the coming two years will include examining the civilian review process, "calming" our streets, emphasizing community policing, and using new enforcement techniques for speeding. 1997-99 Council Policy Agenda —Revised June 17,1997 Page 4 0 Theme 3: Economic Vitality and Sustainability The future of Fort Collins' local economy is of key concern to the community. The financial stability of our employers and the businesses that make up our economy has a significant influence on the well-being of our residents. Other aspects of the economy which are of concern are the cost of housing, and the community's place in the global economy. Several major employers and a wide variety of small and medium-sized businesses make up our business community. The effect that government has on each of these groups is of interest to the City. The City can undertake a variety of economic policies to positively influence the local economy. These include financial incentives evaluated in light of the Fiscal and Environmental Impact Model; the new microloan program; the new business virtual incubator, and additional opportunities that will build local capacity for creating jobs and generating economic activity. Affordable housing is an important issue in our community. Housing which is available to residents at all income levels is important because it ensures that people can both live and work in the community. By ensuring this breadth of housing opportunities, we can reduce vehicle miles traveled to and from housing in other communities, and its related impact on traffic congestion and air quality. Housing at all income levels also contributes to the rich diversity that we enjoy in our population. OUTCOMES: ECONOMIC POLICIES: The City will re -focus its attentions on its economic policies. Specific outcomes of emphasis will include: • The City will improve its working relationship with the business community. • The City will cooperate with other groups in defining ways in which to measure local economic and environmental health, community well-being, and sustainability. • The Fiscal and Environmental Impact Model will be developed and used in decision making on issues such as financial incentives and local tax structure. The community will have been involved in its development. • City Council will consider creating an Economic Policy Advisory Board/Council of Economic Advisors. Roles may include assessing the state of the local economy and developing proposals for economic health and community sustainability. • The virtual incubator and micro -loan programs will be developed, implemented and evaluated annually. • The City will take a leadership role in the community to support small businesses by coordinating and sharing information about private sector activities and programs. AFFORDABLE HOUSING: The city will continue to support the development of affordable housing in the community. A major focus will be to set specific, quantitative goals for affordable housing, and techniques to achieve these goals, especially using tools learned though the Provincetowne project. 1997-99 Council Policy Agenda —Revised June 17,1997 Page 5 Theme 4: Intergovernmental Cooperation: Many problems faced by our community are not the City's alone to solve. They involve other entities, including Larimer County, other cities and counties, Colorado State University, Front Range Community College, Poudre and Thompson School Districts, Poudre Valley Hospital, and the state and federal governments. Key issues which must be addressed cooperatively include land use planning, regional transportation, the impact of growth on the region, solid waste management and the role of our educational institutions on the future of the community. Working together and building effective cooperative relationships will be key to the success of the City in accomplishing its goals with these entities. OUTCOMES: The City will continue to develop and reinforce its relationships with Larimer County, our neighboring cities, public schools and CSU. Specific areas of progress will include: LARIMER COUNTY: • City Plan and its concepts will be supported through cooperation with Larimer County. • The City and County will work together to examine the comparability of impact fees and infrastructure needs. • The City, County and City of Loveland will continue to work together toward a regional solid waste management plan to address future landfill siting, recycling, composting, and other waste reduction measures. • The City will support the Mountain Back Drop program initiated by Larimer County. REGIONAL PLANNING: • The Northern Colorado regional partners will continue to work together on issues of common concern, including transportation, land use, employment and utilities. • Partners throughout Larimer and Weld counties will work together to implement the vision defined in the Cache La Poudre-Big Thompson Rivers Legacy Project and to develop the regional heritage plans called for in the federal Poudre River Corridor Act. • The City will continue to support the North Front Range Transportation and Air Quality Planning Council. EDUCATION: Regional cooperation will be developed and enhanced with schools and universities. Specific areas of focus will include: • Completing cooperative projects with Poudre School District, using shared funding. • Developing a business incubator with CSU and FRCC. (CSURF) • Looking for opportunities to develop volunteerism with CSU. 1997-99 Council Policy Agenda —Revised June 17,1997 Page 6 Theme S: Financial Policies Long-term financial planning is a key policy concern for the City Council. Fiscal responsibility for the organization requires that the City review several key financial policies. The City's revenue sources are an area of key concern as we review our dependence on sales and use taxes and user fees. Balancing these sources and ensuring that they are appropriate to meeting the community's long term financial goals will be important. The City must also continue to evaluate whether development fees adequately compensate for the impact of new development on the City's capital resources. With the adoption of Capital Expansion Fees in 1996, significant progress was made toward this goal, and a review of these fee levels may be appropriate. Adequate revenue to fund basic and necessary services such as transportation services will continue to be a key concern to the community. Street maintenance, traffic management, parking, pedestrian and bike facilities and the transit system are all key components of this system. OUTCOMES: The City will develop strategies for addressing its future fiscal health by creating long- term financial plans in the following areas: • Permanent sources of funding for Transportation Services. • Review the level of Development Impact Fees and make annual automatic adjustments. • Examine the City's overall revenue policies. • Look for ways to measure healthy community financial metrics. -99 June 17, 7 Theme 6: Utilities and Telecommunications The coming years will bring significant challenges to our community as we deal with utility deregulation and changes in the telecommunications industry. It will be important for the City to anticipate these challenges and position itself to act in the best interests of the community. Electric, water, wastewater and natural gas utilities are all faced with changing regulations and a new legislative environment. There are possible opportunities in the areas of electric, telecommunications and natural gas to lower customer costs and provide better local service. Along with these issues will come threats and opportunities in utility support of the General Fund. The Water Utilities look to the future by updating its master plans and regional planning studies. Financing of future capital needs will be an issue of continuing concern, especially regarding plant investment fees and the funding of the Water Treatment Master Plan and the Dry Creek stormwater diversion project. By defining in advance the City's roles and responsibilities in promoting technology infrastructure, and by acting on those responsibilities, Fort Collins will keep itself in the forefront of ensuring quality services to our customers. Business alliances between electric utilities and telecommunications changes come about. OUTCOMES: ELECTRIC UTILITY: companies will be an exciting avenue to explore as these The Citywill position itself for the coming deregulation of the Electric Utility Industry. Alternatives to the recently defeated charter amendments will be examined and the City will work with Platte River Power Authority to develop cooperative actions. WATER UTILITIES: The Water Utilities will adopt its updated master plans and focus on water conservation efforts and water supply strategies for Northern Colorado. TELECOMMUNICATIONS: The City will consider a more active role in the telecommunications industry. Areas of particular focus will include telecommunications infrastructure, business alliances to lower community costs, and cellular antennae siting. 1997-99 Council Policy Agenda —Revised June 17,1997 Page 8 Other Areas of Council Interest 1997-99 • Enhance the City's legislative tracking and activism program • Support the creation of a national Steady State Conference • Work with local arts agencies in creating a Congress of Arts • Explore developing a Sister Cities program 1997-99 Council Policy Agenda —Revised June 17,1997 Page 9 City of Fort Collins August 4, 1997 and and Inspection Division LEGAL NOTICE The purpose of this letter is to inform you of a request for a modification of the Zoning Code of the City of Fort Collins. The procedure for a person requesting a modification of the Zoning Code is to make application and appear before the Zoning Board of Appeals. This Board has been established to hear cases, where by reason of exceptional situations or conditions, the strict application of the regulation would result in peculiar and practical difficulties or exceptional undue hardship upon the owner of such property, provided that the granting of a variance would not result in a substantial detriment to the public good. A variance of Code Section(s) Section 3.2.2(k)(2)(a) has been requested by Sonja Stephens, Larimer County Facilities Department, for the following described property, 1525 Blue Spruce. The variance would increase the maximum allowed number of parking spaces from 233 to 256, in order to allow 23 new parking spaces to be added to the parking lot for the 2 Larimer County office buildings located at 1501 and 1525 Blue Spruce Dr. This item will appear on the Zoning Board of Appeals agenda as Appeal No. 2198. As an adjacent property owner, your input would be appropriate in the consideration of the variance request. The hearing on this appeal will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 1997, in the Council Chambers at 300 Laporte Avenue. Those interested may appear at this meeting, or if unable to attend may submit comments in writing. Meeting sites are generally accessible to handicapped persons. If you are disabled and need special assistance to participate, please call 221-6760. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact Peter Barnes, Zoning Administrator at 221-6760. Peter Barnes, Zoning Administrator 281 North College Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6760 Theme Z: Sense of Community Fort Collins is characterized by people who care about and are very active in their community. As the municipal government, we want to continue to look for ways to improve how citizens can participate in meaningful ways in shaping public policies and programs --ways to move toward a more deliberative approach of democratic governance. Issues that are likely to be addressed include the voting process (mail -in balloting v. polling process) and campaign finance reform. Neighborhoods are an essential building block in our community and we want to continue to search for ways to enhance neighborhoods solving their own problems, improving relationships among those who live and work in neighborhoods, and ensuring a sense of safety within the neighborhoods. It is also important for people of all backgrounds to feel welcome and respected in our community. Work will continue to update the City's human rights and diversity policies and practices. The City has a role in supporting the children and young people of our community -- through our recreational programs, employment opportunities, programs that address special needs (e.g., youth at risk), and the Youth Advisory Board. Finally, we want to work with other local organizations and interested citizens to cultivate and underscore the importance of Fort Collins as a learning community. OUTCOMES: NEIGHBORHOODS: The City will develop its neighborhood support programs with the following goals in mind: • Neighborhoods should be empowered to address their problems. • Neighborhoods should have the resources available to them to help "turn themselves around," and revitalize themselves. • Strong ties should exist between the Neighborhood Resources Office and Police to enhance neighborhood policing. • School buildings should be increasingly available as community centers. RENTAL PROPERTIES: The City will develop ways to reduce the negative impacts of rental properties on neighborhoods by focusing on the symptoms of rental property problems, and developing effective methods for both neighbors and the City to address the problems. Property owners will be held responsible for problems which arise in their rental units, and the City will develop ways to address rental units which are not approved by the building code. 1997-99 Council Policy Agenda —Revised June 17,1997 Page 3