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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPEDERSEN AUTO PLAZA EXPANSION - MAJOR AMENDMENT - 26-97A - P&Z PACKET - RECOMMENDATION/REPORTRECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the request for a modification of the standard set forth in Section 3.5.3(B)(2)(b) of the Land Use Code. install a solar energy system, the strict application of the standard sought to be modified would result in unusual and exceptional practical difficulties, or exceptional or undue hardship upon the owner of such property, provided that such difficulties or hardship are not caused by the act or omission of the applicant." This correction represents the Supplement 10 version of Section 2.8.2(H) of the LUC. APPLICANT'S REQUEST The applicant has proposed that the modification of the standard meets the requirements of Section 2.8.2(H)(3) of the LUC. Please see the attached written justification by the applicant. ANALYSIS OF MODIFICATION REQUEST The applicant proposes to immediately construct an addition to the existing building that would be set back approximately 80 'from the Mason Street right right-of-way. The proposal is also to construct a future new building on the north side of the site that would be set back approximately 65' to 75' from the street right-of-way. The addition will match the building face setback of the existing auto -related building and the future building setback is predicated on the storm water detention requirements in the northeast corner of the subject site, for both on -site and off -site storm water. Staff finds that the granting of this modification request would not be detrimental to the public good and that the strict application of the standard pertaining to the "build -to" line would result in exceptional practical difficulties and place undue hardship upon the owner of the property with a requirement to place the building addition and future building within 15' of the South Mason Street right-of-way. FINDINGS OF FACT/CONCLUSION: A. The requested Modification of Standard for the Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion, Project Development Plan is subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Board. B. Granting the requested modification would not be detrimental to the public good and that the strict application of the standard pertaining to the "build -to" line would result in exceptional practical difficulties and place undue hardship upon the owner of the property with a requirement to place the building addition and future building within 15' of the South Mason Street right-of-way. Staff finds that the project as submitted, based on the land use and its contextual compatibility with the surrounding land uses, is neither detrimental to the public good nor impairs the intent and purposes of this chapter of the City Code; and. that it will protect the public interests and purposes of the standards for which this modification is requested equally well than would a plan which complies with the standards for which the modification is requested. The design of the pedestrian/vehicle interface would minimize potential conflicts between pedestrians entering the site and cross vehicular movements. Therefore, staff is recommending that the Planning and Zoning Board approve the request for modifications to the standards. MODIFICATION REQUEST — PERTINENT CODE SECTIONS This request is for a modification to the following section of the LUC: Section 3.5.3(B)(2)(b), regarding "build -to" lines, states: "Buildings shall be located no more than 15' from the right-of-way of an adjoining street if the street is smaller than a full arterial or has on -street parking." Corrected Land Use Code language: As specified in Section 2.8.2(H), the Planning and Zoning Board may grant a modification of standards only if it finds that the granting of the modification would not be detrimental to the public good; and that: (1) the plan as submitted will promote the general purpose of the standard for which the modification is requested equally well or better than would a plan which complies with the standard for which a modification.is requested; or (2) the granting of a modification from the strict application of any standard would, without impairing the intent and purpose of this Land Use Code, substantially alleviate an existing, defined and described problem of City- wide concern or would result in a substantial benefit to the City by reason of the fact that the proposed project would substantially address an important community need specifically and expressly defined and described in the City's Comprehensive Plan, or in an adopted policy, ordinance or resolution of the City Council, and the strict application of such a standard would render the project practically infeasible; or (3) by reason of exceptional physical conditions or other extraordinary and exceptional situations, unique to such property, including, but not limited to, physical conditions such as exceptional narrowness, shallowness or topography, or physical conditions which hinder the owner's ability to Commc 'y Planning and Environmental rvices Current Planning MEMORANDUM September 17, 2001 To: Planning and Zoning Board Members Paul Eckman, Deputy City Attorney Cameron Gloss, Current Planning Director From: Stephen Olt, City Planneyev Re: Modification of a Standard [Section 3.5.3(13)(2)(b)] for the Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion, Project Development Plan - #26-97A Staff is providing a correction to the Staff Report (dated September 17, 2001) regarding the Planning and Zoning Board's authority to grant a modification of a standard, as set forth in Section 2.8.2(H) of the Land Use Code (LUC). It should be included as part of the Staff Report and Recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Board for the September 17, 2001, public hearing. This is a correction to the section on Page 9 of the Staff Report to the Planning and Zoning Board that states: Modification requests may be granted if the Planning and Zoning Board determines that: (A) the granting of the modification would neither be detrimental to the public good nor impair the intent and purposes of this Chapter; and (B) the plan as submitted will advance or protect the public interests and purposes of the standard for which the modification is requested equally well or better than would a plan which complies with the standard for which a modification is requested; or (C) the granting of a modification from the strict application of any standard would result in a substantial benefit to the City by reason of the fact that the proposed project would substantially address an important community need specifically and expressly defined and described in the City's Comprehensive Plan, adopted policy, ordinance or resolution (such as, by way of example only, affordable housing or historic preservation) or would substantially alleviate an existing, defined and described problem of city- wide concern (such as, by way of example only, traffic congestion or urban blight), and the strict application of such a standard would render the project practically infeasible. 281 North College Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6750 • FAX (970) 416-2020 Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment, #26-97A September 17, 2001 P & Z Meeting Page 11 Section 4.17(E) Development Standards The proposal satisfies the applicable development standards in the C - Commercial Zoning District. 5. 1 Findings of FactlConclusion: A. The Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment contains uses permitted in the C - Commercial Zoning District, subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Board. B. The Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment meets all applicable standards as put forth in the LUC, including Division 3.2 - Site Planning and Design Standards, Division 3.5 - Building Standards, and Section 3.6 - Transportation and Circulation, with the following exception: " standards located in Section 3.5.3(B)(2) - Relationship of Buildings to Streets, Walkways and Parking (build -to line) of ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. A request for modifications to the standards has been submitted for consideration. C. The Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment is compatible with the surrounding land uses. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the request for modification to standards as set forth in Section 3.5.3(B)(2) - Orientation to Build -to Lines for Streetfront Buildings and Section 3.5.3(B)(2)(b) - Build -to Line of the LUC. Staff recommends approval of the Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment - #26-97A. Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment, #26-97A September 17, 2001 P & Z Meeting Page 10 C. Division 3.6 - Transportation and Circulation Section 3.6.4. Transportation Level of Service Requirements The proposal satisfies the applicable Transportation Level of Service standards (see the attached Traffic Impact Study), including the following: General Standard. This development proposal satisfies Section 3.6.4(8), which requires that all development plans adequately provide vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle facilities necessary to maintain the adopted transportation Level of Service standards contained in Part II of the City of Fort Collins Multi -Modal Transportation Level of Service Manual for the following modes of travel: Motor vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian. 4. ARTICLE 4 - DISTRICTS A. Division 4.17 - Commercial District Vehicle major repair, servicing and maintenance establishments and vehicle sales and leasing establishments with outdoor storage are permitted in the C - Commercial Zoning District, subject to Planning and Zoning Board (Type II) review. The purpose of the C - District is: Intended to be a setting for development, redevelopment and infill of a wide range of community and regional retail uses, offices and personal and business services. Secondarily, it can accommodate a wide range of other uses including creative forms of housing. While some Commercial District areas may continue to meet the need for auto - related and other auto -oriented uses, it is the City's intent that the Commercial District emphasize safe and convenient personal mobility in many forms, with planning and design that accommodates pedestrians. This proposal complies with the purpose of the C - District as it provides community and regional retail and ancillary uses in a community/regional shopping area of Fort Collins (the South College Avenue corridor). The retail portion of the operation is the future auto showroom and display. The ancillary use is the body shop expansion. This is an auto -oriented facility in an area along, or associated with, South College Avenue that includes a number of auto dealerships, auto maintenance and repair shops, and auto parts and supply stores. The site has been designed to provide and emphasize safe and convenient pedestrian movement from the Mason Street sidewalk system to the public entries into the facility along the east side. Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment, #26-97A September 17, 2001 P & Z Meeting Page 9 easements. An existing pattern for storm drainage has been established by prior development to the north that has effectively prohibited the proposed lot from complying to the build -to line standard. Modification requests may be granted if the Planning and Zoning Board determines that: (A) the granting of the modification would neither be detrimental to the public good nor impair the intent and purposes of this Chapter; and (B) the plan as submitted will advance or protect the public interests and purposes of the standard for which the modification is requested equally well or better than would a `plan which complies with the standard for which a modification is requested; or (C) the granting of a modification from the strict application of any standard would result in a substantial benefit to the City by reason of the fact that the proposed project would substantially address an important community need specifically and expressly defined and described in the City's Comprehensive Plan, adopted policy, ordinance or resolution (such as, by way of example only, affordable housing or historic preservation) or would substantially alleviate an existing, defined and described problem of city- wide concern (such as, by way of example only, traffic congestion or urban blight), and the strict application of such a standard would render the project practically infeasible. Staff finds that the project as submitted, based on the land use and its contextual compatibility with the surrounding land uses, is neither detrimental to the public good nor impairs the intent and purposes of this chapter of the City Code; and that it will protect the public interests and purposes of the standards for which this modification is requested equally well than would a plan which complies with the standards for which the modification is requested. The design of the pedestrian/vehicle interface would minimize potential conflicts between pedestrians entering the site and cross vehicular movements. Therefore, staff is recommending that the Planning and Zoning Board approve the request for modifications to the standards. Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment, #26-97A September 17, 2001 P & Z Meeting Page 8 Build4o Line. Section 3.5.3(B)(2)(b) states that: Buildings shall be located no more than 15' from the right-of-way of an adjoining street if the street is smaller than a full arterial or has on -street parking. The buildings as proposed would maintain an 80' setback from South Mason Street. The applicant has submitted a request for modification of the aforementioned standards for the following reasons: Part 1 An addition is proposed to the existing building which was not constructed to the build -to line. The addition proposed is an extension of the Body Shop operations. It has been designed to function properly internally, with the exterior architecture matching the existing character and quality. A modification was granted to the original PDP for the following reasons: Recent development along Mason Street has not built to this standard, establishing a pattern of existing buildings, which are not pedestrian -oriented in the spirit of this Article. This standard is not consistent with the established character of the Mason Street corridor. This specific project is located on a curve in Mason Street making this standard even more difficult. Most important, the nearly single focus of this project is auto related. By its nature, people will be driving their cars to this facility for the services offered. Few people will be walking to and from this development. Cars will be delivered, serviced, stored, displayed, bought and sold on this site. The facilities must efficiently accommodate the automobile. The building itself must accommodate the entry and exit of the auto from all sides, limiting the minimum distance to any property line. The addition is proposed in a natural extension of the existing structure. The Build -to Line standard is not appropriate for this use and addition. Part 2 Within the Pedersen Auto Plaza — Major Amendment a future building is proposed. This building lot is set back beyond the build - to line due to requirements for storm water and drainage Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment, #26-97A September 17, 2001 P & Z Meeting Page 7 B. Division 3.5 - Building Standards Section 3.5.1. Building and Project Compatibility The Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment satisfies all applicable Building and Project Compatibility standards, more specifically: Building materials. The proposed structures will consist of the following building materials: The building will be of a stucco finish, off-white and medium gray in color, identical to the existing Pedersen Auto Plaza dealership that this expansion becomes a part of. These materials comply with the standard in Section 3.5.1(E)(1), which states: Building materials shall either be similar to the materials already being used in the neighborhood,,, or, if dissimilar materials are being proposed, other characteristics such as scale and proportions, form, architectural detailing, color and texture, shall be utilized to ensure that enough similarity exists for the building to be compatible, despite the differences in materials. Section 3.5.3. Mixed -Use, Institutional and Commercial Buildings The proposal does not satisfy the Relationship of Buildings to Streets, Walkways and Parking standards, more specifically: Orientation to Build -to Lines for Streetfront Buildings. Section 3.5.3(B)(2) states that: Build -to lines based on a consistent relationship of buildings to the street sidewalk shall be established by development projects, in order to form visually continuous, pedestrian -oriented streetfronts with no vehicle use area between building faces and the street. Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment, #26-97A September 17, 2001 P & Z Meeting Page 6 Direct on -site access to pedestrian and bicycle destinations. The development proposal satisfies the standard (Section 3.2.2(C)(6) that the on -site pedestrian and bicycle circulation system must be designed to provide, or allow for, direct connections to major pedestrian and bicycle destinations including, but not limited to, parks, schools, neighborhood centers, neighborhood commercial districts and transit stops that are located either within the development or adjacent to the development as required, to the maximum extent feasible. The on -site pedestrian and bicycle circulation system must provide, or allow for, on - site connections to existing or planned off -site pedestrian and bicycle facilities at points necessary to provide direct pedestrian and bicycle travel from the development to similar major pedestrian destinations located within the neighborhood. In order to provide direct pedestrian connections to these destinations, additional sidewalks or walkways not associated with a street, or the extension of a sidewalk from the end of a cul-de-sac to another street or walkway, may be required. There is an identified multi -modal transportation corridor planned within the existing Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way to the west of this site. Some improvements to this corridor are planned to occur within approximately 8 years. In addition to 12' wide access easement along the south property line of the existing Pedersen Auto Plaza facility, dedicated to accommodate a future 8' wide paved trail for pedestrian and bicycle access to the corridor from South Mason Street and the commercial corridor along South College Avenue, the expansion of the auto facility will provide a second pedestrian -oriented pathway from the northwest corner of the new attached building to the corridor. Required number of parking spaces. The development proposal satisfies the parking requirements set forth in the LUC for the vehicle servicing and maintenance, general retail (auto sales), and general office uses in this project. " There are 75 proposed parking spaces on -site, equaling 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of leasable floor area. Section 3.2.2(K)(2)(a) sets forth maximum parking requirements for non-residential land uses. They range from 3 spaces per 1,000 square feet (for general office), to 4 spaces per 1,000 square feet (for retail), to 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet (for vehicle servicing and maintenance) of leasable floor area, depending on the type of use. There is no category for allowable parking for the auto display areas, being the property owner's product line. Therefore, staff finds that the parking to be provided is in compliance with the requirements of the LUC, based on the breakdown of the proposed auto - related uses. Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment, #26-97A September 17, 2001 P & Z Meeting Page 5 its winter seasonal condition within 3 years of construction of the vehicular use area to be screened. The screening for the South Mason Street frontage will consist of shrubs, totaling a minimum of 30" in height, extending a minimum of 70% of the street frontage along the parking lots. Screening along the north and west property lines will consist of a mix of deciduous and evergreen shrubs meeting the requirements of the LUC. The second standard referenced (Section 3.2.1(E)(5)] states that: Six (6) percent of the interior space of all parking lots with less than 100 spaces, and ten (10) percent of the interior space of all parking lots with 100 spaces or more shall be landscape areas. This development proposal meets or exceeds the standard for Parking Lot Interior Landscaping, providing a minimum of 10% interior landscaping in the auto display and auto repair area parking lots. Section 3.2.2. Access, Circulation and Parking The proposal satisfies the applicable Access, Circulation and Parking standards, including the following: Directness and continuity of walkways. The development proposal satisfies the standards (Sections 3.2.2(C)(5)(a)(b)] that walkways within the site shall be located and aligned to directly and continuously connect areas or points of pedestrian origin and destination, and shall not be located and aligned solely based on the outline of a parking lot configuration that does not provide such direct pedestrian access. Also, where it is necessary for the primary pedestrian access to cross drive aisles or internal roadways, the pedestrian crossing shall emphasize and place priority on pedestrian access and safety. The development proposal provides for a sidewalk network that includes a detached walkway along the minor arterial street. Primary pedestrian walkways and driveway crossings will be provided from the detached sidewalk to the building. The driveway crossings will be defined with striping on the pavement to differentiate them from the vehicular lanes. Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment, #26-97A September 17, 2001 P & Z Meeting Page 4 adjacent neighborhood could be mitigated through the physical separation and design of the project and, therefore, a neighborhood meeting was not held. 3. ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS This Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment proposal does not meet all of the applicable standards in ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS of the LUC. There has been a request submitted for review for a modification to the standard which has not been met. Of specific note are Division 3.2 - Site Planning and Design Standards, Division 3.5 - Building Standards, Division 3.6 - Transportation and Circulation. Further discussions of these particular standards follow. A. Division 3.2 - Site Planning and Design Standards Section 3.2.1. Landscaping and Tree Protection The proposal satisfies the applicable Landscaping and Tree Protection standards, including the following: Street trees. The proposed street tree planting is in accordance with Section 3.2.1(D)(2)(a), providing trees at 30' to 40' on -center in the 5' wide parkway (between curb and sidewalk) along South Mason Street, a 2-lane minor arterial street. Parking lot landscaping.- perimeter and interior. Parking lot landscaping for this project is in accordance with the standards, including those related to Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping (Section 3.2.1(E)(4)(b)] and Parking Lot Interior Landscaping (Section 3.2.1(E)(5)]. The first standard reference (Section 3.2.1(E)(4)(b)] states that: Parking lots with 6 or more spaces shall be screened from adjacent uses and from the street. Screening from the street and all non-residential uses shall consist of a wall, fence, planter, earthen berm, plant material or a combination of such elements, each of which shall have a minimum height of 30". Such screening shall extend a minimum of 70% of the length of the street frontage of the parking lot and also 70% of the length of any boundary of the parking lot that abuts any non-residential use. Plant material used for the required screening shall achieve required opacity in Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment, #26-97A September 17, 2001 P & Z Meeting, _ Page 3 COMMENTS: 1. Background: The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows: N: C; existing auto dealership (Highline Motors) S: C; existing auto dealership (Pedersen Auto Plaza) W: RL; existing residential, railroad and irrigation ditch corridors (Flagstone Patio Homes PUD, Burlington Northern Railroad, New Mercer Canal) E: C; existing commercial/retail (South College Avenue retail corridor) This property was annexed into the City as part of the Horsetooth-Harmony Annexation in July, 1978. The property was subdivided as part of Tract "B" of the Fossil Creek Commercial Plaza Subdivision, approved by City Council on November 6, 1978. The Pedersen Auto Plaza was approved by the Planning and Zoning Board on April 2, 1998 for an auto -related facility that includes auto servicing, express lube services, auto body repair, auto parts storage, retail parts sales, auto sales, and auto showroom. The facility is in a 30,000 square foot building on 3.5 acres. The Board approved an alternative compliance plan for landscaping and a modification to Section 3.5.3(13)(2)(b) — Build -to Line in the LUC. 2. ARTICLE 2 - ADMINISTRATION Section 2.2.2. Step 2: Neighborhood Meetings The Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment contains proposed land uses that are permitted as Type II uses, subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Board. The proposed uses are auto body repair, auto sales, and auto display. The LUC requires that a neighborhood meeting be held for development proposals that are subject to Board review unless the Director determines that the development proposal would not have significant neighborhood impacts. The Current Planning Director and staff determined that the proposed auto -related facility is in the community/regional shopping corridor between South College Avenue and the Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way, and that the physical separation between the west side of this facility and the nearest residence is 200' to 250' and includes the railroad tracks and the New Mercer Irrigation Canal. It was determined that the impacts of this development on the Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment, #26-97A September 17, 2001 P & Z Meeting Page 2 * and the applicable district standards located in ARTICLE 4 - DISTRICT STANDARDS of the LUC (Division 4.17 C - Commercial Zoning District). The Major Amendment proposal does not comply with the following requirement of the LUC: * standards located in Section 3.5.3(B)(2) - Relationship of Buildings to Streets, Walkways and Parking (build -to line) of ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. A request for a modification to the standards has been submitted for consideration. Vehicle major repair, servicing and maintenance establishments and vehicle sales and leasing establishments with outdoor storage are permitted in the C - Commercial Zoning District, subject to Planning and Zoning Board (Type II) review. The purpose of the C - District is: Intended to be a setting for development, redevelopment and infill of a wide range of community and regional retail uses, offices and personal and business services. Secondarily, it can accommodate a wide range of other uses including creative forms of housing. While some Commercial District areas may continue to meet the need for auto - related and other auto -oriented uses, it is the City's intent that the Commercial District emphasize safe and convenient personal mobility in many forms, with planning and design that accommodates pedestrians. This proposal complies with the purpose of the C - District as it provides community and regional retail and ancillary uses in a community/regional shopping area of Fort Collins (the South College Avenue corridor). The retail portion of the operation is the future auto showroom and display. The ancillaryuse is the body shop expansion. This is an auto -oriented facility in an area along, or associated with, South College Avenue that includes a number of auto dealerships, auto maintenance and repair shops, and auto parts and supply stores. The site has been designed to provide and emphasize safe and convenient pedestrian movement from the Mason Street sidewalk system to the public entries into the facility along the east side. ITEM NO. 4 '"� A `� MEETING DATE 9/17/01 STAFF Steve Olt Citv of Fort Collins PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD STAFF REPORT PROJECT: Pedersen Auto Plaza Expansion — Major Amendment - #26-97A APPLICANT: Lockwood Architects c/o Dana Lockwood 217 Jefferson Street Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 OWNERS: Pedersen Properties, LTD. 4455 South College Avenue Fort Collins, CO. 80525 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a request for an expansion of the existing Pedersen Auto Plaza, an auto related facility that includes auto servicing, express lube services, auto body repair, auto parts storage, retail parts sales, auto sales, and auto showroom. The property is located on the west side of South Mason Street at the northwest corner of the intersection of South Mason Street and Kensington Drive, 500' west of South College Avenue, and 500' north of West Harmony Road. The applicant proposes to construct a 1-story building addition and a future detached building, with associated parking and auto display areas, on 1.6 acres. The total floor area of the two new structures (building addition and future detached building) would be approximately 15,000 square feet. The property is in the C - Commercial Zoning District. RECOMMENDATION: Approval EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This Major Amendment proposal complies with the applicable requirements of the Land Use Code (LUC), more specifically: * the process located in Division 2.2.- Common Development Review Procedures for Development Applications of ARTICLE 2 - ADMINISTRATION; * standards located in Division 3.2 - Site Planning and Design Standards, Division 3.5 - Building Standards, Division 3.6 - Transportation and Circulation of ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS; COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 281 N. College Ave. P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 (970) 221-6750 PLANNING DEPARTMENT