Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutOTTER BOX CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS (209 S. MELDRUM ST.) - PDP - 35-09 - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORTOtter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 15 D. Staff supports the requested Modification of Standard Requests as follows: o Section 4.9(E)(1)(d) Second Floor Overhang - The criteria of Section 2.8.2(H)(1) and (2) is met because: ■ The purpose and intent of the standard is for residential building rather than commercial; ■ The plan as submitted provides for better traffic flow through the site, alleviating traffic congestion in the alley for residents to the west than a plan would that meets the standard; ■ The plan as submitted provides for more parking, but less than the maximum, than a plan would that meets the standard; ■ It supports City Plan Policy ECON 1.1; and • It supports City Plan Policy GM 8.1. o Section 4.9(E)(1)(g) Minimum Roof Pitch - The criteria of Section 2.8.2(H)(1) is met because: ■ The purpose and intent of the standard is for residential building rather than commercial; ■ The existing building has a flat roof, therefore, the proposed expansion will not diverge from the standard any more than the existing structure; and ■ The neighboring Chamber of Commerce building and several others in the area have flat roofs making the proposed building's flat roof a compatible design choice. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the two (2) Modification of Standard Requests to Section 4.9(E)(1)(d) and (g) of the Land Use Code. Staff recommends approval of the Otter Box Corporate Headquarters PDP, #35-09. Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 14 b. The existing building has a flat roof, therefore, the proposed expansion will not diverge from the standard any more than the existing structure; and c. The neighboring Chamber of Commerce building and several others in the area have flat roofs making the proposed building's flat roof a compatible design choice. Therefore, Staff recommends approval of the requested Modification to Section 4.9(H)(1)(g) because the request and plans as submitted meet the criteria set forth in Section 2.8.2(H)(1) of the LUC. 5. Neighborhood Meeting On August 27, 2009, a neighborhood meeting was held in the Community Room in 215 Mason Street. There were 387 notification letters sent to Affected Property Owners within 800 feet of the property. The notes from the meeting are attached. In general, the project was found to be compatible by the neighbors that attended the meeting. 6. Findings of Fact/Conclusion In evaluating the PDP, Staff makes the following findings of fact: A. The proposed land use is permitted in the NCB, Neighborhood Conservation Buffer zone district. B. The Project Development Plan complies with the applicable standards in Article 3 — General Development Standards of the Land Use Code. C. The Project Development Plan complies with the applicable standards. Division 4.9 Neighborhood Conservation, Buffer District (NCB), with the exception of: o Section 4.9(E)(1)(d) A second floor shall not overhang the lower front or side exterior walls of a new or existing building; and o Section 4.9(E)(1)(g) The minimum pitch of the roof of any building shall be 2:12 and the maximum pitch of the roof of any building shall be 12:12. Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 13 the roof edge to zero slope at the top of the curve. By the nature of a curved roof the areas in between are nearly equally distributed between those slopes. b. The only building that was built for commercial use, in the block containing the proposed project, is the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce building immediately adjacent to the OtterBox project on the south side. The "Chamber" building has a predominantly flat roof. c. One important concern in a buffer or transition zone, such as the NCB zone of the proposed project, is that overall building height be moderated to minimize the negative impact on the side toward the lower profile adjacent zone. If a building of this size (width) were to have a sloped roof of a slope that would be perceptible, as a sloped roof when viewed from ground level perspective within a reasonable distance, the roof would add approximately 35% to the height of the building. d. If the building were roofed entirely with sloping roofs it would make it very difficult to provide unobtrusive visual screening of inevitable roof -top mounted mechanical equipment. e. The proposed building has been designed with set backs (inward) of the topmost floor (3rd) on all sides to diminish the perceived height of the building when viewed from the ground level perspective around the project. This design feature has gone beyond what the FCLUC requires on 3 sides of the 4 sides. b. Staffs Analysis of Applicant's Request After evaluating the applicant's request against the criteria set forth in Section 2.8.2(H) of the LUC, Staff has determined that the proposed flat roof is supported by the criteria set forth in Section 2.8.2(H)(1), stating that the plan as submitted promotes the general purpose of the standard equally well or better than a plan that meets the standard. 1. Section 2.8.2(H)(1) Promotes the general purpose of the standard for which the modification is requested equally well or better than a plan which complies with the standard. Staff finds the following: a. The purpose and intent of the standard is for residential building rather than commercial; Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 12 b. The plan as submitted provides for better traffic flow through the site, alleviating traffic congestion in the alley for residents to the west than a plan would that meets the standard; and c. The plan as submitted provides for more parking, but less than the maximum, than a plan would that meets the standard. 2. Section 2.8.2(H)(2) Granting the Modification will help alleviate a defined City wide problem. a. City Plan Policy ECON-1.1 Balance of Employment Opportunities is supported by this proposal in that it is retaining and expanding a local business that: - Provides high wage employment opportunities, and - Has a positive commitment to the environment and community as evidenced by their corporate policies and practices (i.e. goals for LEED Gold Certification with this development). b. City Plan Policy GM 8.1 Targeted Redevelopment/Infill is supported by this proposal in that this is a redevelopment of a site located in the Targeted Redevelopment Area. Therefore, Staff recommends approval of the requested Modification to Section 4.9(E)(1)(d) because both criteria 1 and 2 of Section 2.8.2(H) are met by the request and submitted plans. ii. Section 4.9(E)(1)(g) The minimum pitch of the roof of any building shall be 2:12 and the maximum pitch of the roof of any building shall be 12:12. a. Summary of Applicant's Request The applicant requests a Modification to allow the proposed building to have a flat roof, for the following reasons. 1. The proposed building design with 77% flat roof is in keeping with the existing building that has exclusively flat roofs. 2. The proposed building design 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 this modification is requested (Refer to FCLUC 2.8(H)(1)). a. The proposed building has approximately 23% sloping roof and 77% flat roof. The sloping roof is curved which varies from 6:12 at Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 11 4. The alternative design, in the applicant's opinion, would not represent a "better" design. Indeed, the applicant believes the proposed design incorporates an excellent aesthetic and will provide a positive contribution to the aesthetic of the neighborhood. b. The applicant contends the granting of a modification would substantially alleviate an existing, defined and described problem of citywide concern or would result in 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. i. This applicant, OtterBox, represents a significant and growing employment (over 100 initially), that will remain in the downtown area by the completion of this project. Refer to City Plan ECON-1.1 for pertinent goal statement of the City of Fort Collins related to this. ii. The proposed project is a significant example of infill redevelopment within the downtown area taking a commercial property that has been vacant, and therefore a deteriorating presence, in the downtown for well over a year and revitalizing it and in the process improving the neighborhood and in doing so improving the entire city. Refer to City Plan GM-8.1 for pertinent goal statement of the City of Fort Collins related to this. b. Staffs Analysis of Applicant's Request After evaluating the Applicant's request against the criteria set forth in Section 2.8.2(H) of the LUC, staff has determined that the proposed overhang is supported by the criteria set forth in Section 2.8.2(H)(1) and (2), stating that the plan as submitted promotes the general purpose of the standard equally well or better than a plan that meets the standard and that granting the modification alleviates a Citywide problem defined in the City's Comprehensive Plan. 1. Section 2.8.2(H)(1) Promotes the general purpose of the standard for which the modification is requested equally well or better than a plan which complies with the standard. Staff finds the following: a. The purpose and intent of the standard is for residential building rather than commercial; Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 10 4. Modification of Standards Requests A. Modification Requests i. Section 4.9(E)(1)(d) A second floor shall not overhang the lower front or side exterior walls of a new or existing building. a. Summary of Applicant's Request The applicant requests a Modification to allow the proposed building's 2"d story to overhang the first floor by 36 feet, and supports this request as follows: 1. City Staff has advised the applicant that the purpose and intent of the standard is to regulate design of residential building in a manner that encourages compatible building design. The policy was not intended for commercial buildings such as the OtterBox proposed building. 2. Per the LUC the applicant contends: a. 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. i. An alternative to the proposed building design, which would comply with the LUC in its entirety, would be to "fill in" under the "overhung" 2nd floor with enclosed floor area (approximately 4,400 sq. ft.) and reduce the 3rd floor area by the same amount in order to keep the total floor area of the building within the maximum allowed. The effects of this LUC compliant alternative design would be as follows: 1. Reduce the existing traffic flow through the site by eliminating one of the two existing curb -cuts and drive aisles to Meldrum Street and thereby increasing traffic to and from the project via the alley on the west and negatively impacting the residential area to the west. 2. Reduce the number of on -site parking spaces by 10 spaces (25% of total) negatively impacting the immediate surrounding area by adding 10 additional cars from the employees and users of this property into the available on street parking. 3. The height of the building would remain the same height as the proposed building. Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 9 - There is a recognizable top and base with the use of stone and metal detail. iii. Section 3.8.19 Setback Regulations The Applicant has requested the use of a "contextual" front setback of four (4) feet. The NCB zone district requires the front setback be 15'. The . existing building is closer than that and the neighboring Chamber of Commerce building has a zero lot line along Meldrum Street. It is Staffs determination that this is an appropriate request and complies with the context of the Meldrum Streetscape. 3. Compliance with Division 4.9 Neighborhood Conservation, Buffer District (NCB) The proposed use is considered an office use with structural additions in the NCB zone district, and is permitted, subject to a Type 2 (Planning and Zoning Board) review and public hearing. The PDP complies with the standards set forth in Division 4.9, with the exception of Section 4.9(E)(1)(d) and Section 4.9(E)(1)(g). The applicant has submitted Modification of Standard Request to these sections of the LUC, they will be analyzed in detail in Section 4 of this report. The PDP complies with the remaining standards of Division 4.9 of the LUC, more specifically as follows: A. Section 4.9(D) Land Use Standards i. The proposal complies with Section 4.9(D)(5) Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in that. the maximum floor area ratio is 38,000 square feet and the proposed building is 37,949 square feet (basement floor area is not included in the FAR). ii. The proposal complies with Section 4.9(D) (6) Dimensional Standards with the exception of the front setbacks and maximum height, which have already been discussed in previous sections of this Staff Report (Section 2.D.i.d. and Section 2.D.iii.). B. Section 4.9(E) Development Standards i. The proposal complies with Section 4.9(E)(1) Building Design (with the exception of (d) and (g)) in that all exterior walls are greater than 6' in length are parallel to right angles. Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 8 d. Section 3.5.1(G) Building Height Review Since this building exceeds forty (40) feet in height, the PDP must comply with Section 3.5.1(G) Building Height Review. The Applicant has submitted a View and Shadow Analysis that has been reviewed by Staff. - After reviewing the Pre -Development and Post Development View Analysis, Staff has determined that the proposed building will not "substantially alter the opportunity for, and quality of, desirable views from public places" surrounding the project site (LUC, Art. 3, pg 88). This area is fortunate enough to have very mature shade trees making the additional height of the proposed building nearly unnoticeable through the dense vegetation. - After reviewing the Pre -Development and Post Development Shadow Analysis, Staff had determined that the proposed building will not have a "substantial adverse impact on the distribution of natural and artificial light on adjacent public and private property" (LUC, Art. 3, pg 88). The way that the structure has been designed, the shadows off the property are changed very minimally. ii. Section 3.5.3 Mixed -Use, Institutional and Commercial Buildings a. The proposal complies with Section 3.5.3(B) Relationship of Buildings to Streets, Walkways and Parking in that: - The main entrance of the building opens directly onto a public walkway, - The building is designed to align with the existing sidewalks in the neighborhood, and - The building is located no more than 15 feet from the public right-of- way. b. The proposal complies with Section 3.5.3(C) Variation in Massing in that the building is not designed in a single large mass. c. The proposal complies with Section 3.5.3(D) Character and Image in that: - The building is designed so it will add to the character of the neighborhood by incorporating existing design elements with some new architectural features that will be unique to this building; - The facade is broken up into bays with brick and stone column features; - The facade bays are articulated by windows, metal and awnings so the facade is not blank or uninterrupted; - The entrance is clearly defined; and Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 7 Preservation Commission (LPC) for a Complementary Review on November 5, 2009. The LPC overwhelmingly approved of the design as submitted, stating that they believe the building design is compatible with the surrounding historic properties and made specific note of their approval of the building setbacks and architectural articulation. D. Division 3.5 Building Standards i. Section 3.5.1 Building and Project Compatibility a. The proposal complies with Section 3.5.1(C) Building Size, Height, Bulk, Mass and Scale in that the building is designed to reduce "the mass of the building as viewed from the ground surrounding the property by pulling inward the third story wall from the second story wall on 85% of the perimeter of the building" (from Applicant's Planning Objectives). Staff has determined that the 3 story, 477' building is designed in a way to be compatible with the surrounding structures. The north side of the building, closest to the property line, is 30' high (essentially the same as it is now) and the historic structure to the north is approximately 31' at its peak. The south side of the proposed structure closest to the property line is also 30' high and the Chamber of Commerce Building is approximately 20' tall. In addition, the buildings to the east of the proposed building are between 4 and 10 stories in height. b. The proposal complies with Section 3.5.1(D) Privacy Considerations in that trees and other landscaping is proposed along the perimeter of the parking lot to maximize the privacy of the residences to the west. c. The proposal complies with Section 3.5.1(E) Building Materials in that the exterior of the building includes a mixture of: "brick, native stone, integrally colored composite panels, standing seam metal roofing on vaulted/curved roofs, tinted glass in bronzed metal framed windows, painted steel features at exposed beams, roof support columns, sunshade trellises above windows and railings" (from Applicants Planning Objectives). This variety of materials takes from the design of some of the surrounding structures, incorporating the historic look of the Lund House with the use of brick and stone columns and the more modern buildings in the area with the metal accents, composite panels and horizontal massing that is seen in the Federal Post Office, Cortina and the Chamber of Commerce building. Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 6 iii. Section 3.2.4 Site Lighting a. The proposal complies with the standards of Section 3.2.4(D) Design Standards in that all lighting is appropriate for the development and all light sources are downward facing and will not spill from the site. iv. Section 3.2.5 Trash and Recycling Enclosures a. The proposal complies with the standards of Section 3.2.5(B) Regulations in that: - An adequate size trash and recycling enclosure is being provided on the site; - The enclosure is designed to allow walk-in access without opening the service gates; - The trash and recycling areas are screened from the public by masonry walls with landscaping on the north side; - The enclosure is located in an appropriate location for collection; and - The enclosure is located on a cement concrete pad. B. Division 3.3 Engineering Standards i. Section 3.3.5 Engineering Design Standards a. The proposal complies with the design standards of this Section in that the following services will be adequately provided for: - Water supply, - Sanitary sewer, - Fire protection, - Telephone, - Irrigation companies, - Electricity, - Natural gas, - Storm drainage, and - Cable television. C. Division 3.4 Environmental, Natural Area, Recreational and Cultural Resource Protection Standards i. Section 3.4.7 Historic and Cultural Resources The structure to the north of the site is an individually eligible historic residence that has been converted to an office building, known as the Lund House. The Applicants brought their building design to the Landmark Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 5 includes showers and maintenance facilities to encourage bicycle commuting. c. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(C)(8) Transportation Impact Study in that a TIS was reviewed and approved by the City's Traffic Engineer. d. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(D) Access and Parking Lot Requirements in that: - Pedestrians are separated from vehicles to the maximum extent feasible by sidewalks along the parking areas; - Unobstructed access is provided for vehicles from parking spaces to the public street; and - All off street parking and vehicular use areas will be paved to City Standards. e. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(K)(2) Nonresidential Parking Requirements in that the proposal has 37 parking spaces which is less than the maximum number allowed (the maximum number allowed is 132, 3/1000 square feet of building). The applicant intends to lease parking from near by private parking facilities. f. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(K)(5) Handicap Parking in that there are two (2) handicap parking spaces provided. g. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(L) Parking Stall Dimensions in that: Parking space dimensions conform to the requirements of this section; and No more than 40% of the parking spaces shall be considered "compact." The "compact" spaces will have signs indicating they are for employee use only. h. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(M)(1) Landscaping Coverage in that at least 6% of the interior parking lot is devoted to landscaping. The parking area is approximately 13,100 square feet and the required landscaping area is approximately 790 square feet, the proposal contains approximately 850 square feet of interior landscaped area. Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 4 d. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(E)(2) Landscape Area Treatment in that: - Turf grass is maintained in all high use areas; - Planting beds are separated from turf grass by sidewalks and will have ground cover such as mulch or rock cobble; - Foundations plantings are provided along all highly visible building walls of at least 5 feet in width; and - Parkway landscaping will remain along Meldrum Street. e. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(E)(4) Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping in that there are 7 trees along the alley (1 per every 25' of ROW) and 5 trees along the side property line (1 per every 40' of side parking lot). In addition, there is fencing and landscape buffering between the parking lot and all adjacent uses. f. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(E)(5) Parking Lot Interior Landscaping in that: - Visibility is not obstructed by any landscaping over 24" in height located within 15' of a curbcut; - Landscape islands are provided in the parking lot, all with canopy shade trees; - Landscape islands are large enough to allow for root aeration; and - Parking bays do not extend more than 15 spaces without having a landscaped island. g. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(E)(6) Screening in that landscape materials are used to buffer areas of low visual interest, such as the trash enclosure. h. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(F) Tree Protection and Replacement in that the proposed building expansion has been designed to minimize its impact on any significant trees on the site. The City Forester has also reviewed and approved the Tree Protection and Mitigation Plan. ii. Section 3.2.2 Access, Circulation and Parking a. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(C)(2) Curbcuts and Ramps in that the curbcuts and ramps are not changing with this design. b. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(C)(3) Site Amenities and Section 3.2.2(C)(4) Bicycle Facilities in that the both exterior and interior bicycle parking for staff and visitors are provided. The building also Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January, 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 3 COMMENTS 1. Background The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows: N: NCB; Three (3) historic residences (75-100 years old) that have been converted to office buildings (Directly north is the historic Lund Building) (1 and 2 stories) NE: D (Downtown); Key Bank office building (10 stories) S: NCB; Existing Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce office building (1 story), one residence (1 story), and one residence that has been converted to an office building (1 story) SE: D; Existing Federal Post Office building (4 stories) E: D; Rocky Mountain office building (7 stories) and Cortina mixed use building (6 stories) W: NCM (Neighborhood Conservation Medium Density); Several residences (predominately single family) (between 1 and 2 stories) The subject property was part of the original Fort Collins Town Plat of 1873. The existing structure was originally built by Public Service Company in 1974. The building was most recently occupied by Stantec, an engineering firm, until 2008. Since then the property has been vacant. 2. Compliance with ARTICLE 3 — GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS The PDP complies with all applicable General Development Standards in Article 3 of the Land Use Code (LUC), more specifically as follows: A. Division 3.2 Site Planning and Design Standards i. Section 3.2.1 Landscaping and Tree Protection a. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(D)(2) Street Trees in that the existing trees along Meldrum will remain and additional trees are proposed to be added to the rear of the lot, along the alley. b. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(D)(3) Minimum Species Diversity in that the maximum percentage of any one species is less than 50% of the total number of trees on the site. c. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(D)(4) Tree Species and Minimum Sizes in that all trees meet the size requirements of the Section. Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), PDP, #35-09 January 21, 2010 P & Z Meeting Page 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The PDP complies with the applicable standards of the Land Use Code (LUC) as follows: • The process located in Division 2.2 — Common Development Review Procedures for Development Applications of ARTICLE 2 — Administration; • The standards located in Division 3.2 — Site Planning and Design Standards, Division 3.3 — Engineering Standards, and Division 3.5 — Building Standards of ARTICLE 3 — General Development Standards; and • The proposed office use is permitted in Division 4.9 — Neighborhood Conservation, Buffer District (NCB) of ARTICLE 4 — Districts, subject to a Type 2 (Planning and Zoning Board) hearing and review. The PDP does not comply with the following applicable standards of the LUC as follows (see Section 4 of this report for Modification Requests): • The standards located in Division 4.9 Neighborhood Conservation, Buffer District (NCB), specifically: o Section 4.9(E)(1)(d) A second floor shall not overhang the lower front or side exterior walls of a new or existing building; and o Section 4.9(E)(1)(g) The minimum pitch of the roof of any building shall be 2:12 and the maximum pitch of the roof of any building shall be 12:12. The purpose of the NCB District is: Intended for areas that are a transition between residential neighborhoods and more intensive commercial -use areas or high traffic zones that have been given this designation in accordance with an adopted subarea plan. The proposal complies with the purpose of the NCB District as it is an infill project designed to makes use of an existing office building that has been vacant since 2008. The office use will remain, but the proposed structural additions to the existing building require the proposal be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Board. City of ort Collins I i EM NO S MEETING DATE A4 ho STAFF r-ir_ ;Ue- PLANNING & ZONING BOARD PROJECT: Otter Box Corporate Headquarters (209 S Meldrum Street), P.D.P., #35-09 APPLICANT: Otter Properties, LLLP Curt Richardson #1 Old Town Square, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80524 Everitt -MacMillan Development Stuart MacMillan 3003 E Harmony Rd, Suite 400 Fort Collins, CO 80528 The Architects' Studio, Inc Don Bundy 151 Mountain Ave Fort Collins, CO 80524 OWNER: Thomas Geggie 39665 Rangeview Dr Ault, CO 80601 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a request for an office building to be located at 209 S Meldrum Street. This site is in the Neighborhood Conservation Buffer (NCB) Zone District. The existing 1.5 story building is approximately 14,000 square feet and the proposed addition is 3 stories with 37,949 square feet above grade and 6,230 square feet at the basement level, for a total square footage of 44,179. The addition will preserve the majority of existing parking spaces and the applicant plans to lease parking in nearby private parking facilities. The proposed use is considered an office use with structural additions in the NCB zone district. RECOMMENDATION: Approval Current Planning 281 N College Av PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 fcgov.com/currentplanning 970.221.6750