HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning And Zoning Board - Minutes - 05/16/2019Jeff Hansen, Chair
City Council Chambers
Christine Pardee, Vice Chair City Hall West
Michael Hobbs 300 Laporte Avenue
Per Hogestad Fort Collins, Colorado
Ruth Rollins
Jeffrey Schneider Cablecast on FCTV Channel 14 &
William Whitley Channel 881 on Comcast
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Regular Hearing
May 16, 2019
Chair Hansen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call: Hansen, Hobbs, Hogestad, Rollins, Schneider, Whitley
Absent: Pardee
Staff Present: Everette, Yatabe, Tatman-Burruss, Mapes, Bethurem Harris, Beals, Wilkinson, Holland, Smith
and Gerber
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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May 16, 2019
Page 2 of 7
Public Input on Items Not on the Hearing Agenda:
Lisa Baum, 1705 Hearthridge Rd., is in opposition of the Hughes Stadium project. This project will come before the
Board in the future, and input cannot given at that time.
Tom Farnsworth, 2707 Dixon Creek, thanked the Board. Commends the Board for their support of open spaces as
a high priority value for the community.
Mike Feldousou, 5102 Northern Lights Dr., spoke regarding the H23 and H25 projects. He stated that staff has
been professional, and that he was here to address the design standards of the apartment buildings. He would like
to know where the oversight is when it comes to aesthetics.
Planning Manager Everett communicated that there would be a revised draft to come.
Consent Agenda:
1. Draft Minutes from April 18, 2019, P&Z Hearing
2. Draft Minutes from April 12, 2019 P&Z Special Meeting
3. Draft Minutes from April 16, 2019 P&Z Special Meeting
4. Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan – Transfer of Density Units Program – Closure. Planning Manager Everette
explained this item further and reason for closure. She thanked County staff and the Larimer County Planning
Commission and Board of County Commissioners for their partnership and collaboration.
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.
Member Schneider made a motion that the Planning and Zoning Board approve the May 16, 2019 Consent
agenda including the four (4) items presented. Based on the agenda materials, information and materials
presented during the work session and this hearing and the Board discussion on these items that the
following analysis, findings of fact and conclusions contained in the staff report including the agenda
materials for this hearing shall be adopted by this board. Member Hobbs seconded the motion. Vote: 6:0.
Discussion Agenda:
5. VOA Senior Residences, PDP 190005
Project Description: This is a Project Development Plan (PDP) to construct a three-story, affordable, senior
housing project at the northwest corner of Drake Road and Joseph Allen Drive, one block west of Timberline Road.
Four modifications of standards are proposed to the LMN zone district standards for density, number of units in a
building, maximum building square footage, and required off-street parking spaces.
Recommendation: Approval
Secretary Gerber reported that the following items were received:
• Letter received at start of hearing from Myles Crane regarding the Ft. Collins Senior Advisory Board’s
support for the project. Received at beginning of hearing, added to exhibit listing and copies distributed to
Board members.
• Letter of support from Jim Becker representing the Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities, citing the
current lack of affordable housing for older adults in Larimer County.
• Letter from Jim Rose with concerns regarding the maintenance of the only public park in the vicinity, traffic
and parking, future HOA cost, and future use of the property.
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• Additional documents provided by the applicant, including: a PACF Letter of Support, Email from the HOA
representative, Highland Group Market Analysis, Fire Access Diagram, Solar Analysis, Drainage and
Erosion Control Letter, Recorded drainage easement for detention pond, Utility Plans, Photometric Plans,
Grading Exhibit, Preliminary Demand Analysis, and Senior Housing Proposed Pond.
Staff and Applicant Presentations
Planner Mapes gave a brief verbal/visual overview of this project.
Doug Snyder, Sr. Development Director with Volunteers of America, Russ Lee, Ripley Design and Ed Parcel, Shop
Works Architecture provided a verbal/visual presentation overviewing what VOA is, where and how they operate
and the overall project.
Public Input (3 minutes per person)
Sue Ballou, 1400 W. Luke St., spoke of affordable housing options for older adults. She is in support of this project.
Cheryl Noble, Ft. Collins resident, read through results from a community assessment survey for older adults. She
is in support of this project.
Myles Crane, 4913 Long Dale Ct., the Senior Advisory Board approved the plan to support the VOA residence. He
referenced the community assessment survey. He requests the Board’s support.
Wayne Lewis, 2439 Adobe Dr., the project is denser than he prefers but feels the developer has done a good job.
He would like signage to reduce congestion, shielding from lighting and fencing. He would like costs for the park be
shared or reimbursed.
Kristin Fitz, 1715 W. Mountain, Direct of Development for Housing Catalyst, they are there to demonstrate their
support for the VOA residence project. Proud to be a partner.
Carrie Olenick, Northern Colorado Services Director for VOA, spoke of the impact of the housing market and areas
that cannot be afforded by aging individuals. She also spoke of the assistance/services available through the VOA
that may be included in this project.
Jim Becker, 4217 Piccadilly Dr., spoke of the need for affordable housing for older adults. He agrees with the
modifications. VOA is a great neighbor.
Staff Response
Planner Mapes responded to lighting in the corridor. This is not reviewed in the land use code but appreciates the
point to the extent that the building would spill out. In the site plan, the fencing is shown along the head-in parking
stalls and then a switch to shrub plantings and evergreen tree plantings around the cul-de-sac. The idea is that this
would be more pleasing for neighbors and screen the parking. Regarding the ownership, arrangements and
agreements between the trails at Timberline, The Spring Creek Farms, small park and this property, there are some
agreements that are private between the original developer and seller of these properties, we do not know this
information and whether or not this property would redo some of these agreements is not something the City is
involved with. Chair Hansen did want information given so that residents knew how to proceed for resolution. The
applicant stated the park was between the master developer and the trails, this property has nothing to do with that
agreement, it is separate and private. There is a retention agreement between the single-family neighbors, costs
will be shared, and some carried to make changes to the pond. The shrubbery will be dense and better than a
fence. Martina Wilkinson responded to signage on Joseph Allen. The approach will have managed signage.
Board Questions / Deliberation
Member Rollins asked that the parking analysis be checked, of which the applicant stated that it was. Planner
Mapes confirmed this was the case.
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Member Whitley inquired about the snow melt system and how it works. Ed Parcel explained the system. This will
be a hydronic boiler system under the pavers or an electric mat.
Member Hogestad asked about the architecture in the middle section and if at pedestrian level if it was all brick.
Mr. Parcel responded that it is a new elevation with the bump out and yes, it is all brick veneer except for a few
areas.
Chair Hansen asked that the zoning map be pulled back up. Chair Hansen wanted to know how many
modifications this project would require if it were in the adjacent MN zone. Planner Mapes responded, just the
parking. Overflow parking would be on Joseph Allen street with no restrictions.
Member Hobbs agrees with the modifications and that the project is very nice looking.
Member Whitley feels they have done a great job.
Member Rollins agrees with Member Hobbs and Member Whitley. She does not feel that the justification for the
modification being equal to or better than, but rather as staff has presented, an overall community need. She will
be fully supporting the project.
Member Hogestad will be supporting the project.
Member Schneider appreciates the applicant’s team.
Chair Hansen spoke of the context of the modifications and how they make a better density transition than if the
project strictly applied with the LNM zone. He will be supporting the project.
Member Hobbs made a motion that the Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board approve modification one
(1) in the staff report pertaining to LUC 4.5(b1) Maximum Residential Density, based on the findings that
approving the modification will substantially help alleviate an important community need. This approval is
based upon the agenda materials, the information and materials presented during the work session and
this hearing and the Board discussion on this item. This modification is not detrimental to the public
good. Member Whitley seconded. Vote: 6:0.
Member Hobbs made a motion that the Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board approve modification two
(2) LUC 4.5(e4a) Maximum number of Dwelling Units per Building based on the findings that the
modification will substantially alleviate an important community need and is not detrimental to the public
good. This approval is based upon the agenda materials, the information and materials presented during
the work session, this hearing and the Board discussion on this item. Member Whitley seconded. Vote:
6:0
Member Hobbs made a motion that the Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board approve modification three
(3) LUC 4.5(e.4.i) Maximum Floor Area based on the findings that the modification will substantially
alleviate an important community need and is not detrimental to the public good. This approval is based
upon the agenda materials, the information and materials presented during the work session, this hearing
and the Board discussion on this item. Member Whitley seconded. Vote: 6:0
Member Hobbs made a motion that the Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board approve modification four
(4) LUC 3.2.2(k.1.a) Reduction in the Number of Off Street Parking Spaces based on the findings that the
modification will substantially alleviate an important community need and is not detrimental to the public
good. This approval is based upon the agenda materials, the information and materials presented during
the work session, this hearing and the Board discussion on this item. Chair Hansen commented that he feels
it is good that this modification is standalone and is in support of it. Member Whitley seconded. Vote: 6:0
Member Hobbs made a motion that the Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board approve the VOA Senior
Residences PDP190005 and that this approval is based upon the agenda materials, the information and
materials presented during the work session and this hearing and the Board discussion on this item with
the following findings: That the PDP complies with all applicable land use code requirements as stated in
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the staff report prepared for this hear and contained in the agenda materials. Member Whitley seconded.
Vote 6:0
6-A. Annual Land Use Code Amendments
Project Description: This is a request for a Recommendation to City Council regarding an update to the Land Use
Code. There are proposed revisions, clarifications and additions to the Code that address a variety of subject
areas that have arisen since the last annual update in the Spring of 2018 and the Mid-Winter update in January of
2019.
Recommendation: Approval
Secretary Gerber reported that no citizen emails or letters had been received.
Staff and Applicant Presentations
Planner Beals gave a brief verbal overview of this project.
Public Input (3 minutes per person)
None reported
Staff Response
None reported
Board Questions / Deliberation
None reported
Member Schneider made a motion that the Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board make the
recommendation to City Council to update the annual land use code amendments as presented at this
hearing. This is based on the agenda materials, information in the packets, information that was presented
during the work session, this hearing tonight and the Board discussion on this item. This information,
analysis, findings of fact and conclusion contained in the staff report included in the agenda materials for
this hearing are to be adopted by this Board. Member Rollins seconded. Vote: 6:0.
6-B. Land Use Code Revisions
Project Description: This is a request for a Recommendation to City Council regarding revision to the Land Use
Code. This revision would allow minor variances that are considered routine to be authorized by the Director. This
revision is accompanied by the annual Spring package of revisions to the Land Use Code but is a separate
Ordinance due to the new authorization.
Recommendation: Approval
Secretary Gerber reported that no citizen emails or letters had been received.
Staff and Applicant Presentations
Completed in 6-A
Public Input (3 minutes per person)
None noted
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May 16, 2019
Page 6 of 7
Staff Response
None noted
Board Questions / Deliberation
None noted
Member Schneider made a motion that the Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board make the
recommendation to City Council land use code revisions to law variances by the Director. This is based on
the agenda materials and information in the packets, information that was presented during the work
session, this hearing tonight and the Board discussion on this item. This information, analysis, findings of
fact and conclusion contained in the staff report included in the agenda materials for this hearing are to be
adopted by this Board. Member Hobbs seconded. Vote: 6:0.
7. CSU Lake and Prospect Parking Lot
Project Description: This a request for a Site Plan Advisory Review (SPAR) by Colorado State University to
construct a new surface parking lot at 615 Lake Street and 634 & 626 Prospect Road (parcels #9714300018,
9714000002, and 9714300026). Approximately 120 parking stalls are proposed. Primary access is taken from West
Lake Street to the north, with emergency service access provided to West Prospect Road to the south. The total
project area is approximately 1.4 acres. The proposed project is within the High-Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood
(H-M-N) zone district.
Recommendation: Approval
Secretary Gerber reported that no citizen emails or letters had been received.
Member Hogestad recused himself as he is in the notification area.
Staff and Applicant Presentations
Planner Holland gave a brief verbal/visual overview of this project.
Fred Haberecht, Colorado State University Facilities Management, provided a brief presentation of the project.
Public Input (3 minutes per person)
Jim Swanstrom, 638 W. Prospect, he is not in support of the project as there should not be a commercial grad
parking lot in a residential neighborhood.
Staff Response
Planner Holland responded to the use of the property. This location allows for private and institutional uses.
Board Questions / Deliberation
Member Hobbs questioned the CSURF property located to the East. Why was the decision not made to connect
through for additional access either by vehicle or pedestrian? Mr. Haberecht responded they felt it might be a
negative. They wanted to keep the traffic out of the residential neighborhood.
Member Rollins asked for clarification on the fencing height. Mr. Haberecht responded that in the plan it is a 4’
fence unless the Board recommended a higher fence. Martina Wilkinson added that there is no specific data to
share regarding the height of headlights from vehicles. Chair Hansen asked about the type of material the fence
would be constructed out of. Mr. Haberecht responded a solid fence with a top rail, express columns and a
horizontal batten to finish. Vertical boards will be kept tight and maintained.
Member Rollins questioned sidewalks. Mr. Haberecht believes it would not be positive to build in a sidewalk.