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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSU CHALLENGE ROPES COURSE@ CSURF - PDP - 53-85BB - DECISION - CORRESPONDENCE-HEARINGV- CSU Challenge Ropes Course @ C.A.T. PDP Administrative Hearing Findings, Conclusions, and Decision May 8, 2003 Page 5 of 5 DECISION The Colorado State University Challenge Ropes Course @ the Centre for Advanced Technology Project Development Plan, #53-85BB, is hereby approved by the Hearing Officer. Dated this 9th day of May 2003, per authority granted by Sections 1.4.9(E) and 2.1 of the Land Use Code. Cameron G196S Current Plarining Director CSU Challenge Ropes Course @ C.A.T. PDP Administrative Hearing Findings, Conclusions, and Decision May 8, 2003 Page 4 of 5 There was no evidence introduced at the hearing to contradict the Staff Report; therefore, the Hearing Officer finds that the PDP is in conformance with the applicable requirements found in Article 4 of the Land Use Code. 3. Compliance with Article 3 of the Land Use Code — General Development Standards A. Section 3.2.2 — Access, Circulation and Parking Access, circulation and parking for all modes of transportation have been provided consistent with the requirements of this Section. Secure and conveniently -located bicycle parking has been provided in number that satisfies the standard. Direct, safe and continuous walkways and bicycle connections are made to major pedestrian and bicycle destinations in the surrounding area. Vehicular access, circulation and parking meeting the standards has been provided. B. Section 3.3.5 — Engineering Design Standards The proposal complies with the design standards, requirements and specifications as set forth in this Section. C. Section 3.4.1— Natural Habitats and Features The natural habitat buffer zone between the development and Arthur Ditch has been maintained consistent with the requirements of this Section. There was no evidence introduced at the hearing to contradict the Staff Report; therefore, the Hearing Officer finds that the PDP is in conformance with the applicable requirements found in Article 3 of the Land Use Code. SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS A. The Colorado State University Challenge Ropes Course @ the Centre for Advanced Technology Project Development Plan is subject to administrative review and the requirements of the Land Use Code (LUC). B. The Colorado State University Challenge Ropes Course @ the Centre for Advanced Technology Project Development Plan satisfies the development standards of the E zoning district. C. The Colorado State University Challenge Ropes Course @ the Centre for Advanced Technology Project Development Plan complies with all applicable General Development Standards contained in Article 3 of the Land Use Code. CSU Challenge Ropes Course @ C.A.T. PDP Administrative Hearing Findings, Conclusions, and Decision May 8, 2003 Page 3 of 5 None FACTS AND FINDINGS 1. Site Context The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows: N: E; CSU Married Student Housing South and parking lot S: E; undeveloped land (Centre for Advanced Technology) E: E; undeveloped land (Centre for Advanced Technology) W: E & RL; Centre for Advanced Technology and existing residential (Sheeley Subdivision) The property was annexed into the City in September 1965 as part of the Fourth College Annexation. There have been several overall development plans approved for this property and the immediately surrounding parcels. It was identified as Parcel `J' of the Center for Advanced Technology Overall Development Plan approved by Planning and Zoning Board in September 1983 and designated for open space/recreational uses. Subsequently, the Planning and Zoning Board approved Overall Development Plans in 1988, 1994 and 1999 that identified the property as Parcel W. The last amendment to the Overall Development Plan was approved by Planning and Zoning Board in February 2003 and identified the property as Parcel `D'; no land uses were defined as part of that approval. The property has not been previously platted or approved as a PDP or other site specific development plan. 2. Compliance with Article 4 and the E Zoning District Standards: The PDP complies with the standards found under Article Four of the Land Use Code. The applicant's request to plat the parcel complies with the following standards: A. Section 4.22 (13)(2) — Permitted Uses The proposed challenge ropes course is considered a "community facility", which is a permitted use within the E zone district. CSU Challenge Ropes Course @ C.A.T. PDP Administrative Hearing Findings, Conclusions, and Decision May 8, 2003 Page 2 of 5 ZONING DISTRICT: E -Employment STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Evidence presented to the Hearing Officer established no controversy or facts to refute that the hearing was properly posted, legal notices mailed and notice published. The Hearing Officer, presiding pursuant to the Fort Collins Land Use Code, opened the hearing at approximately 4:45 on May 8, 2003 in Conference Room A at 281 North College Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. HEARING TESTIMONY, WRITTEN COMMENTS AND OTHER EVIDENCE: The Hearing Officer accepted during the hearing the following evidence: (1) Planning Department Staff Report; (2) application, plans, maps and other supporting documents submitted by the applicant and the applicant's representatives to the City of Fort Collins; and (3) a tape recording of testimony provided during the hearing. The LUC, the City's Comprehensive Plan (City Plan), and the formally promulgated policies of the City are all considered part of the evidence considered by the Hearing Officer. The following is a list of those who attended the meeting: From the City: Steve Olt, City Planner From the Applicant: Bill Conn, CSU Facilities Management Mike Doyle, CSU Recreational Sports Lance L. Newman, CSU Recreational Sports From the Public: None Written Comments: Commun..y Planning and Environmental S vices Current Planning Citv of Fort Collins CITY OF FORT COLLINS ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING OFFICER TYPE I ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND DECISION ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING DATE: May 8, 2003 PROJECT NAME: CASE NUMBER: OWNER: APPLICANT: HEARING OFFICER: PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Colorado State University Challenge Ropes Course @ the Centre for Advanced Technology Project Development Plan #53-85BB Colorado State University Utility Management c/o Jim White & William Conn 251 Edison Drive Fort Collins, CO 80521 Colorado State University Research Foundation 601 South Howes Street, Room 410 Fort Collins, CO 80521 Cameron Gloss Current Planning Director The Applicant has submitted a request to construct a "challenge ropes course". The facility will be surrounded by an 8 foot -high chain link fence and will contain fourteen ropes course elements, offering teambuilding and experimental education programs to CSU and the community. The site is located west of Centre Avenue, north of Spring Creek, east of South Whitcomb Street, and south of CSU Married Student Housing South. SUMMARY OF HEARING OFFICER DECISION: Approval 281 North College Avenue • PO. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6750 • FAX (970) 416-2020