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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEAST VINE STREETS FACILITY PUD REPLAT LOTS 3-5 - Filed GC-GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE - 2003-07-31November 6, 2001 Ted Shepard Chief Planner City of Fort Collins 281 North College Avenue P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80521-0580 RE: Planning Objectives for Traffic Operations Facility, Project Development Plan (PDP). Dear Ted Shepard, The Traffic Operations Facility site is 3.2 acres in size. The project is to be built in two phases: the first phase completing the office building, and the second phase completing the signs and paint building as well as the covered vehicle storage. The Traffic Operations Facility site will be located at the southeast corner of East Vine Drive and Linden Street, north of the New Belgium Brewery. The Catholic Charities Northern Mission and a mini storage facility lie to the west of the Traffic Operations Facility. A C- Dot site is to the east, along an access drive which runs along the southern edge of the property. There is a security gate on the access drive as it enters the C-Dot property. Between the Traffic Operations property and Vine Drive runs the Burlington Northern Railroad. The Traffic Operations Facility site is zoned I, Industrial. The Traffic Operations Department is proposing a 9,000 square foot office building, with a parking area for phase one. Phase 2 consists of two buildings totaling 11,000 square feet, one for signs and paint equipment and another for vehicle storage in the north part of the site. Also included within the site is an outdoor parking area for City -owned vehicles which will be secured by a fence with Opticon technology for fire access. The site entrance is off of an access drive that runs along the southern edge of the site. `]'here are two entiy access points from the access drive into the parking area. A sidewalk will run along the west edge of the site parallel to Linden Street with three connections: the northernmost one connects to the west side of the office building where it meets the signs and paint building, the middle one connects directly into the middle of the office building, and the southernmost sidewalk connects to the main entrance of the office buildings on the south and the parking area. There are other sidewalk connections to the parking areas to the east of the buildings. A patio area and bike parking are located on the east side as well. The landscaping for the Traffic Operation Facility will serve to enhance the office area and the existing streetscape while also screening the parking areas from the streets. Deciduous trees, evergreens trees, and ornamental trees, as well as foundation plantings shall be utilized to add visual interest year round. Species will be clustered for compact Interoffice Memorandum Date: April 2, 2002 L�311rL- To: Cam McNair, City Engineer Thru: Dave Stringer, Development Review Manager--Z>jsS From: Katie Moore, Development Review Engineer RE: Variance Request for the Traffic Operations Facility Sear Brown Engineering, on behalf of the Developer for the Traffic Operations Facility project, has submitted a variance request to the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards. The variance is curb return radii for a driveway intersection with a street as well as for permitting a radius -style driveway as opposed to the standard low -volume driveway cut. The curb return radii are requested to be larger (25') than the stipulated 15' radii. Typically, the City requires that driveway cuts with flared entrances be installed for low -volume driveways intersecting with collector streets, and that high -volume driveways would have 15' radii (Table 8-2 LCUASS). These items are required to encourage lower turning speeds to increase safety. The engineer believes that these variances can be supported due to the substantial amount of heavily loaded and extended vehicles using this driveway, and that the larger curb returns could potentially reduce the maintenance costs of the curbs. It is my opinion that this variance can be supported based on the fact that, although the warrant is not met for a high -volume driveway (350 vpd), the 25' radius driveway entrance would still result in low - speed turning due to the size of vehicles using the driveway, and that the larger radii would result in lower maintenance costs due to fewer vehicles driving over the curbs. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns and if you need any additional clarification. r'>v� City of Fort Cc IiMs April 4, 2002 rix'az" s rrtato- Services Mr. Stanley Dunn 209 South Meldrum Fort Collins, CO 80521 Development Review Engineering Re: The variance request for large -radii driveway approach Dear Mr. Dunn, This letter is in response to your request for a variance to the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards. The variance requested was for a radius -style driveway approach with larger than standard radii (25'). This variance has been approved by the City Engineer only at the location of the driveway intersection with Linden. As with all variances to the street standards, this variance granted for this project is based on the particular situation under design and the judgment that we (the designer and the City) apply to determine whether there is a public safety concern. This variance for this project in no way sets any precedence for relaxing these standards on other projects without complete analysis and justification. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact this office. Sincerely, i Katie Moore Project Engineer City of Fort Collins cc: file Cam McNair Dave Stringer Ted Shepard �ti�,v�,v.fc� ;�✓.tom and uniform stands of plant material. Plant selection shall compliment the surrounding landscaping. City Plan Principles and Policies achieved by the proposed plan include: Principle LU-l: Growth within the city will promote a compact development pattern within a well-defined boundary. Policy LU-1.1 Compact Urban Form The project is located in close proximity downtown Fort Collins providing convenience especially to those who work there. Principle LU-2: The city will maintain and enhance its character and sense of place as defined by its neighborhoods, districts, corridors and edges. Policy LU-2.1 City -Wide Structure The site lies approximately 1000 feet from the Cache la Poudre River and in an area among several other areas zoned Industrial. Principle T-l: The physical organization of the city will be supported by a framework of transportation alternatives that maximizes access and mobility throughout the city, while reducing dependence upon the private automobile. Policy T-1.5 Targeted Areas The project site lies along Route 8 of the Transfort transit system on Linden Street. Principle T-4: Bicycling will serve as a viable alternative to automobile use for all trip purposes. Policy T-4.1 Bike racks are included on the site and will at least be used by Eric Bracke. Principle T-5: The City will acknowledge pedestrian travel as a viable transportation mode and elevate it in importance to be in balance with all other modes. Direct pedestrian connections will be provided and encouraged from place of residence to transit, schools, activity centers, work and public facilities. Policy T-5.2 Connections The project provides a sidewalk connection along Linden Street with access to the office building on site. Principle CAD-2: Public spaces, such as plazas, civic buildings, outdoor spaces, parks, and gateway landscapes should be designed to be functional, accessible, attractive, safe and comfortable. Policy CAD-2.3 Entryways The main entrance of the Traffic Operations office building will have enhanced landscaping, as will a patio at one of the east entrances. Principle CAD-6: Artistic enrichment and cultural opportunity are vital to community values, quality of life, and economic and social wellness. The City will promote, encourage and stimulate the growth of cultural development and participation. Policy CAD-6.3 Acquisitions The site will feature a display of public art near the main entrance of the office building off the southwest corner. Principle ECON'4: The City will pursue a balanced and sustainable economic development program. Policy ECON-1.2 Economic Development Policy In building this facility the city is planning for the provision of street traffic services for a growing Fort Collins. Principle ENV-3: Drinking water provided by the City's Water Utility will meet or exceed customer expectations for quality, quantity, and reliability. Water conservation will be strongly encouraged. Policy ENV-3.3 Water Demand Management Policy The landscape plan for the project will utilize the following xeriscape principles: Plant material with low to moderate water requirements Limited turf areas Effective use of soil amendments An efficient irrigation system Appropriate maintenance Principle ID-1: Industrial Districts will provide places for a wide range of industrial and commercial uses that do not need or are not suited to high public visibility. Policy ID-1.1 Land Uses The main visible use for this site will be vehicle storage, which is suited to the district in which it will be located: Industrial. Policy ID-1.4 Design Character and Image As the site lies in an industrial district and will be used as such, the buildings will have a highly practical and vehicle -oriented appearance, though the landscaping will appropriately preserve the pedestrian value along Linden Sheet through screening and maintaining a streetscape pattern. Principle UGE-11: The City's development will be contained by well-defined boundaries. Policy UGE-1.1 Community Growth Management Area Boundary The site is infilling within the growth management area adjacent to other similar uses. 03/25/02 12:15 FAX 970 482 6368 THE SEAR -BROWN GROUP 2 003 SEAZBROWN February 28, 2002 Ms. Katie ]Moore City Engineering 281 N. College Avenue Ft. Collins, CO 80522 ARCMITECTVRL' 2095=h Meldrum rNS;INFF(IINC. FonCOIlIM.005021 FI ANNIN : 970.482.5922 phone CONSTRUCTION 970R82,636e fax wwwsearbrown.com RE: Variance Requests for The City of Ft. Collins Traffic Operations Facility Dear Ms. Moore: We are pleased to have worked successfully with the City of Ft. Collins Engineering, Utilities Departments, and yourself in coming to a point Where Project Utility and Site Plans may be approved by City Staff. In the course of the final design compliance for the Site, and per our discussions recently, we have encountered site design issues that may require certain allowances by the City, and respectfully request your favorable consideration in approving variances requests for the following items. Please note, that every attempt has been made to achieve a minimal number of these types of request, and we actually feel certain benefits may be provided by these design requests. Variance Request Item #1 Private Drive Access Curb Radii — Linden/Drive Intersection Due to the nature of vehicle traffic, which will include a substantial amount of heavily loaded and extended vehicles, a 25-foot curb return (existing) is considered to most adequate in this circuinstance. This, with further improvements (upgrading the drive access to a fully concrete apron, and not necessarily being warranted by the vehicle trips per day traffic volume — less than 350 vtpd), is considered to provide the most effective use, improve safety, and potentially reduce maintenance of curbs. It this basis that a variance is sought, and felt warranted. Variance Request Item 92 Retaining Wall Structure (Planter Pox Feature) —ROW of Linden Based on a dual requirement for the Site's setback requirements and respective ADA requirements (maximum 5 percent slope for a minimum of two exits from structures that ultimately lead to a public access)_ While it is acknowledged that by LCUASS Section 11.4.2 retaining walls are discouraged in the 'ROW, this option is assumed to be in compliance with LCUASS Section XIV of Appendix E-4 (Checklist for Utility Plans) as 03/25/02 12:15 FAX 970 482 6368 THE SEAR -BROWN GROUP 10 004 it is not achievable to meet a maximum 4:1 slope betweeA the east edge of Linden Street and the west side of the walls. As the landscape plan calls for a tree in that exact location, several objectives can be met (i.e., grade -bust mitigation via a minor retaining wall - less than 4 feet in height, landscape feature, safety feature wheeled pedestrian traffic exiting west from the structure). Further, the nature of the Site with respect to the most conservative of Linden Street design improvements and on -site grading still precludes a shoulder slope that is equal to or less than 4:11 (h:v). Therefore, it is requested that a variance be given to this Project item, with the understanding that design of such wall would be in full compliance with City of Ft. Collins retaining structures, and that the design would be minimized to reduce factors such as appearance. t IT D Variance Request Item #3 }fir lxl ° 114 6-Foot Curb Cut — On -Site Drainage .System''" The CDOT Site adjacent this Site's on the east constructed the area inlet and curb & gutter system in a manner that precludes conventional use of street drainage capacity. As a result it is necessary to provide a practical drainage path via a 6-foot "curb cut" at this location and for this size_ This option mitigates drainage concerns (assuming no plugging of inlets) that might otherwise exist for the private drive. Variance Request Item #4 Cross Slope Exceedance — Linden Street Due to the necessity of a vertical curve to mitigate grade break constraints, and the constraints imposed by the City's Land Use Code which adversely impacts the nature of grading of Linden Street and respective ROW area, two street cross sections (Stations 10.89.18 and 1.1+00) are seen to slightly exceed the City's maximum allowable cross slope. It is fortunate, however, that the sections are in the locale of the 5-foot Type k inlet proposed for Linden Street. Again, it is felt that these requests actually serve as enhancements to the Site given the constraints imposed by adjacent development, City Land Use Code, and the general nature of the Site, and respectfully request your approval for each. It is also important to note that all efforts were exhausted to reach this point of design, and that modifications outside the allowance of these requests will create the need for a new Site plan, and new planning process_ 03/25/02 12:15 FAX 970 482 6368 THE SEAR —BROWN GROUP IM 005 Your attention and direction given to this Project has been both helpful and appreciated, and we look forward to finalizing the Project Plans with your department. Respectfully, Sear -Brown Stanley Dunn, P.E. Project Engineer cc: Ron Kechter, City of Ft. Collins Vaught -Frye Ripley 03/25/02 12:15 FAX 970 482 6368 THE SEAR -BROWN GROUP fa 006 iii City of Fort Collins Transportation Services l-Ingineering Department Mi. Stan Dunn Sear Brown 209 South M:eldrum Fort Collins, CO 80521 March 4, 2002 Re: Variance Requests for the City of Fort Collins Traffic operations Facility Dear Mr_ Dunn: Your requests for engineering variances to the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards for the City of Fort Collins Traffic Operations Facility have been received, but were not in following with the requirements set forth in the Standards under Section 1.9 (pages 1-16 and 1-17). Please provide a clearly written letter including the additional information and justifications as required so that these requests maybe processed. AIso, Please provide your PE stamp on the revised variance request letter. Regarding item #2: it is difficult to use ADA accessibility as a justification when all other entrances are accessible and, legally, it is not required. For a person in a wheelchair to use the west side entrance, they would have to use the ramps either at the front of the building, at the driveway cut to Linden, or the future sidewalk connection to Vine since there is no mid -block ramp to Linden. These routes would be the only ways for them to Teach that sidewalk if they parked on the street or even in the parking lot, and the argument that. this sidewalk needs to meet ADA standards becomes more and more difficult to make. Variance item #3 is not needed since the curb cut is not within ROW. Additionally, please submit the revised Linden Street plan and profile and cross-section sheets (as discussed with Katie Moore) for consideration of variance item #4 regarding excessive cross -slopes on Linden Street. Respectfully, Dave Stringer Development Review Manager Cc. Katie Moore 281 North CoUe ;e Avenue • PO_ Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 - (970) 221-6605 • FAX (970) 221-6378 ww- tv fcgov com ANI ill([IURI N'S7AR-BROWN March 25, 2002 Mr. Cam McNair.P.E. City Engineering 281 N. College Avenue Ft. Collins, CO 80522 209 South Meldrum FortCollins, CO 80521 970.482.5922 phone 970.482.6368 fax www.searbrown.com RE: Variance Requests for The City of Ft. Collins Traffic Operations Facility Dear Mr. McNair: We are pleased to have worked successfully with the City of Ft. Collins Engineering, Utilities Departments, and yourself in coming to a point where Project Utility and Site Plans may be approved by City Staff. In the course of the final design compliance for the Site, and per our discussions recently, we have encountered site design issues that may require certain allowances by the City, and respectfully request your favorable consideration in approving variances requests for the following items. Variance Request Item #1 Private Drive Access Curb Radii — Linden/Drive Intersection Due to the nature of vehicle traffic, which will include a substantial amount of heavily loaded and extended vehicles, a 25-foot curb return (existing) is considered to most adequate in this circumstance. This, with further improvements (upgrading the drive access to a fully concrete apron, and not necessarily being warranted by the vehicle trips per day traffic volume — less than 350 vtpd), is considered to provide the most effective use, improve safety by off -setting the location of potential pedestrians with respect to the type of vehicle traffic that uses this traffic corridor, and potentially reduce maintenance of curbs. It this basis that a variance is sought, and felt warranted. Your attention and direction given to this Project has been both helpful and appreciated, and we look forward to finalizing the Project Plans with your department. Respectfully, LL Ear Sear -Brown V y Stanley Dunn, P. �" Project Engineer cc: Ron Kechter, City of Ft. Collins Vaught -Frye Ripley 77"7777 "e8'r . � .'iY I,:. _ nr d ���,� , —r., ..:? v+vw_ ��� . n , r �a� I , . ., ;�, , s , ,- ..�'� M..�'..