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HomeMy WebLinkAboutADRIAN SUBDIVISION, 1ST FILING - PDP - 42-03A - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORTAdrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan, #42-03A October 18, 2004 Administrative Public Hearing Page 12 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan - #42-03A, with the following condition: The developer, at time of building permit application to the City of Fort Collins, must provide building elevations sufficient to convey information enabling City staff to determine if the structures comply with the requirements set forth in Section 3.5.1(13) Architectural Character and Section 3.5.1(C) Building Size, Height, Bulk, Mass, Scale of the City of Fort Collins LAND USE CODE. Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan, #42-03A October 18, 2004 Administrative Public Hearing Page 11 B. The Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - PDP contains uses permitted in the RL — Low Density Residential Zoning District, subject to administrative review and public hearing. C. The Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - PDP meets all applicable standards as put forth in ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS of the LUC, including Division 3.2 - Site Planning and Design Standards; Division 3.3 - Engineering Standards; Division 3.5 - Building Standards; and, Section 3.6 - Transportation and Circulation, with the following exception: • The standard located in Section 3.2.3(B) - Solar -Oriented Residential Lots, which requires that at least 65% of lots less than 15,000 square feet in size in single-family residential developments conform to the definition of a "solar -oriented lot" in order to preserve the potential for solar energy usage. None of the 7 lots meet the definition of a solar -oriented lot. The Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - PDP is a qualified affordable housing project for 7 single-family detached dwellings on 1.2 acres. Although none of the lots satisfies the definition of "solar -oriented lot" in the LUC, the site layout does provide a configuration that orients 3 to 4 of the 7 lots in a north - south direction, thereby allowing houses on these lots to implement solar systems in a "traditional" manner. The applicant's request to design homes with the solar systems on the south sides of the structures presents an innovative approach and solution to a City purpose. The existing topography on the property is relatively flat, sloping gently from north to south, with surface drainage flows leaving the site into North Impala Drive and the property to the south. The proposed development plan will provide V to 3' of fill over the property, keeping the site relatively flat, and capture and direct storm water flows into a detention pond at the southwest corner of the site. Staff has determined that the development plan as proposed accomplishes the purposes of Section 3.2.3(B) equally well as a plan that would comply with the standard in this section. D. The Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - PDP complies with all applicable Land Use Standards contained in ARTICLE 4 - DISTRICTS, DIVISION 4.3 Low Density Residential of the LUC. E. The Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - PDP is considered to be compatible with the surrounding land uses. Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan, #42-03A October 18, 2004 Administrative Public Hearing Page 10 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. Public sidewalks will be provided along the east side of North Impala Drive and the internal private drive in the development. There will be interim pedestrian ways along North Impala Drive adjacent to Parcel B of the Adrian ODP and along the south side of West Vine Drive. The City's Traffic Engineer has waived the requirement for a Transportation Impact Study (TIS)for this development proposal, based on vehicle trips for the project being below the threshold requiring a TIS (see attachment). 4. ARTICLE 4 - DISTRICTS A. Division 4.3 — Low Density Residential District Single-family detached dwellings (residential uses) are permitted in the RL — Low Density Residential Zoning District, subject to an administrative (Type 1) review. The RL - District is: Intended for predominantly single-family residential areas located throughout the City which were existing at the time of adoption of this Land Use Code. This proposal complies with the purpose of the RL District as it is a small infill project (approximately 1.2 acres in size) that provides single-family dwellings on a property that is entirely surrounded by developed properties containing residential uses. There is existing residential to the north, existing single-family residential to the east, existing single-family residential to the south, and existing single-family and two-family residential to the west. The property is within easy walking distance of Irish Elementary School to the southwest. Section 4.3(D) Land Use Standards The proposal satisfies the applicable land use standards in the RL — Low Density Residential Zoning District. 5. Findings of Fact/Conclusion: A. The Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - PDP is in conformance with the approved and recorded Adrian ODP. Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan, #42-03A October 18, 2004 Administrative Public Hearing Page 9 massing and outdoor spaces, similar relationships to the street, the use of building materials that have color shades and textures similar to those existing in the immediate area surrounding the proposed new development. Compatibility, as defined by the LUC, is as follows: Compatibility shall mean the characteristics of different uses or activities or, design which allow them to be located near or adjacent to each other in harmony. Some elements affecting compatibility include height, scale, mass and bulk of structures. Other characteristics include pedestrian or vehicular traffic, circulation, access and parking impacts. Other important characteristics that affect compatibility are landscaping, lighting, noise, odor and architecture. Compatibility does not mean "the same as." Rather, compatibility refers to the sensitivity of development proposals in maintaining the character of existing development. The proposed lots, being 6,000 square feet to 7,000 square feet in size, are smaller than many in the surrounding area; however, they provide sufficient front, side, and rear yards associated with the potential size of the houses for usable outdoor spaces and pedestrian connectivity and relationship to the public street and private drive. The building setbacks for Lots 5, 6, and 7 from North Impala Drive (being a minimum of 20' from street right-of-way) will be equal to or greater than those for the existing houses in the neighborhood. Building Size, Height, Bulk, Mass, Scale. The proposed buildings will be similar in height and massing to existing single-family and two-family buildings in the area. The maximum building heights in the development will be 28', with the residential structures being 1, 1.5, and 2 stories. The building massing can be articulated and subdivided into massing that is proportional to the mass and scale of other structures in the neighboring area. Staff is recommending a condition of approval that states: The developer, at time of building permit application to the City of Fort Collins, must provide building elevations sufficient to convey information enabling City staff to determine if the structures comply with the requirements set forth in Section 3.5.1(B) Architectural Character and Section 3.5.1(C) Building Size, Height, Bulk, Mass, Scale of the City of Fort Collins LAND USE CODE. D. 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, including the following: Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan, #42-03A October 18, 2004 Administrative Public Hearing Page 8 access easement. The side lot lines are substantially at right angles or radial to the street or private drive lines. 2. The general layout of lots, roads, driveways, utilities, drainage facilities and other services within the proposed development have been previously established in the surrounding single family residential neighborhoods. The subdivision plat is in compliance with Section 3.3.1(C) Public Sites, Reservations and Dedications in that: 1. An applicant shall be required to dedicate rights -of way for public streets, access easements, drainage easements, and utility easements as needed to serve the area being platted. The right-of-way for North Impala Drive was previously dedicated by subdivision plat. Additional ROW and drainage, utility, & access easements necessary to serve these lots will be dedicated with the Adrian Subdivision, First Filing plat, if approved and filed. 2. Reservation of sites for flood control, open space and other municipal uses shall be made, as necessary, in accordance with the requirements of this Land Use Code. Section 3.3.5. Engineering Design Standards The project complies with all design standards, requirements and specifications for services as stated in this section of the LUC. C. Division 3.5 - Building Standards Section 3.5.1. Building and Project Compatibility The Adrian Subdivision First Filing - PDP satisfies all applicable Building and Project Compatibility standards, more specifically: Architectural Character. The proposed new single-family detached dwellings in the Adrian Subdivision, First Filing will be of a similar size and height to existing residential structures (single-family and two-family dwellings) in the area. Based on the size of the proposed lots (6,000 square feet to 7,000 square feet), the maximum square footage of the structures can range from 2,001 square feet to 2,350 square feet in size. They could be 1, 1.5, or 2 stories in height and, although most of the homes in the area are 1-story structures, there are existing single-family detached dwellings and two-family dwellings in subdivisions to the east and west of the Adrian property that are 1.5 and 2 stories high. Compatibility with the established surrounding neighborhoods can be achieved through techniques such as repetition of roof lines, use of similar proportions in building Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan, #42-03A October 18, 2004 Administrative Public Hearing Page 7 air and water in homes and businesses, as long as natural topography, soil or other subsurface conditions or other natural conditions peculiar to the site are preserved." Additionally, the fact that all of lots on this proposed development are oriented facing west has no additional impact on the topography, soil or other subsurface conditions, or other natural conditions peculiar to the site. Staffs Evaluation: The Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - PDP is a qualified affordable housing project for 7 single-family detached dwellings on 1.2 acres. Although none of the lots satisfies the definition of "solar -oriented lot" in the LUC, the site layout does provide a configuration that orients 3 to 4 of the 7 lots in a north - south direction (essentially, the front lot line being within 30 degrees of a true east - west line), thereby allowing houses on these lots to implement solar systems in a "traditional" manner. The applicant's request to design homes with the solar systems on the south sides of the structures presents an innovative approach and solution to a City purpose. The existing topography on the property is relatively flat, sloping gently from north to south, with surface drainage flows leaving the site into North Impala Drive and the property to the south. The proposed development plan will provide 1' to 3' of fill over the property, keeping the site relatively flat, and capture and direct storm water flows into a detention pond at the southwest corner of the site. Staff has determined that the development plan as proposed accomplishes the purposes of Section 3.2.3(B) equally well as a plan that would comply with the standard in this section. B. Division 3.3 - Engineering Standards Section 3.3.1 Plat Standards The subdivision plat is in compliance with Section 3.3.1(A) General Provisions in that: 1. The subdivision plat will be filed and recorded only after having been approved by the Director of Planning, with such approval evidenced in writing on the plat and signed by the City Clerk. 2. No building permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued for construction of any new principal building or no act which changes the use of any building shall be permitted until the subdivision plat is filed and recorded in the City of Fort Collins. The subdivision plat is in compliance with Section 3.3.1(B) Lots in that: The lots have direct vehicular access to a dedicated public street (North Impala Drive) or dedicated private drive within the subdivision. Lots 5, 6, and 7 front on the public street and Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 front on and include a private drive Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan, #42-03A October 18, 2004 Administrative Public Hearing Page 6 permanently reserved open space; provided, however, that the abutting street right-of-way or open space has a minimum north -south dimension of at least fifty (50) feet. For the purposes of this definition, "permanently reserved open space" shall include, without limitation, parks, cemeteries, golf courses and other similar outdoor recreation areas, drainage ditches and ponds, irrigation ditches and reservoirs, lakes, ponds, wetlands, open spaces reserved on plats for neighborhood use and other like and similar permanent open space. Applicant's Request: Background Information. The Adrian PDP, First Filing is located south of Vine Drive, abutting Impala Drive. The development site has approximately 276 feet of frontage along Impala Drive. Impala Drive already exists and is a north - south oriented street. When lots front onto a north - south street, they naturally do not comply with the definition of a "solar -oriented lot" because the front lot lines orient to the east and west. In accordance with the definition of a "solar -oriented lot", except in the case of corner lots, it's simply not possible to make a "solar -oriented lot" front onto a north - south oriented street. As a result of this, none of the lots in the proposed Adrian PDP, First Filing are solar -oriented lots. Requested Alternative Compliance. The project, as proposed, has no "solar -oriented lots". Section 3.2.3(B) of the LUC requires at least sixty-five (65) percent of the lots less than fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet in area to conform to the definition of a "solar -oriented lot" unless the standard can be satisfied through the alternative compliance process. This request is submitted in order to request that the alternative compliance process be applied to this development application to allow none of the lots, rather than 65% of the lots, to conform to the "solar -oriented lot" definition. Review Criteria. This alternative compliance is requested in accordance with the review procedures set forth in Section 3.2.3(E) of the Land Use Code, as follows: The plan, as proposed, will accomplish the purpose of this section of the code better than a plan which complies with the standard. As an architect I have long been interested in both passive and active solar homes. Unfortunately, I have had few opportunities to actually design solar houses, though primarily due to the aesthetic issues that come with solar design. Most home owners object to the look of most active and some passive solar designs. It is for this reason that I believe that the best chance of accommodating solar design is to orient the sides of the houses to the south. This way the solar aspect of the house design is not on the primary facade of the house. I believe that this will result in a less objectionable front facade and in more buyers willing to entertain the possibility of a solar system. Therefore, it is our contention that this layout better accomplishes the purposes of this section, which states: "It is the city's intent to encourage the use of both active and passive solar energy systems for heating Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan, #42-03A October 18, 2004 Administrative Public Hearing Page 5 Section 3.2.3 SolarAccess, Orientation, Shading The proposal does not satisfy the requirement set forth in Section 3.2.3(B) pertaining to "solar -oriented lots". All 7 lots (single-family detached residential) on the Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - PDP are subject to this section of the LUC that requires a minimum of 65% of the lots that are less than 15,000 square feet in size (in single- family and two-family residential development) conform to the definition of a "solar - oriented lot" in order to preserve the potential for solar energy usage. None of 7 lots meet the intent of the LUC. Therefore, this development request does not satisfy the requirement. The applicant has submitted a request for approval of an alternative site layout that is being substituted for a plan meeting the standards, per Section 3.2.3(E) of the LUC. The decision maker is authorized to approve an alternative site layout that may be substituted in whole or in part for a plan meeting the standards in this Section. The Review Criteria is as follows: In approving an alternative plan, the decision maker shall find that the proposed alternative plan accomplishes the purposes of this Section equally well. or better than a plan which complies with the standards of this Section. In reviewing the proposed alternative plan, the decision maker shall take into account whether the alternative design enhances neighborhood continuity and connectivity, fosters nonvehicular access, and preserves existing natural or topographic conditions on the site. A of lot", as defined by the LUC, is as follows: Solar -oriented lot shall mean: (1) a lot with a front lot line oriented to within thirty (30) degrees of a true east -west line. When the lot line abutting a street is curved, the "front lot line" shall mean the chord or straight line connecting the ends of the curve. For a flag lot, the "front lot line" shall mean the lot line that is most parallel to the closest street, excluding the "pole portion of the flag lot"; or (2) a lot which, when a straight line is drawn from a point midway between the side lot lines at the required front yard setback to a point midway between the side lot lines at the required rear yard setback, is oriented to within thirty (30) degrees of true north along said line; or (3) a corner lot with a south lot line oriented to within thirty (30) degrees of a true east -west line, which south lot line adjoins a public street or Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan, #42-03A October 18, 2004 Administrative Public Hearing Page 4 3. ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS The Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - PDP does not meet all of the applicable standards in ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS of the LUC. Of specific note are Division 3.2 - Site Planning and Design Standards; Division 3.3 - Engineering Standards; Division 3.5 - Building Standards; and, 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 35' to 40' on -center in the parkway (between curb and sidewalk) along North Impala Drive, a local street. Tree Protection. The proposed Landscape Plan for the PDP satisfies the Tree Protection and Replacement Standards set forth in Section 3.2.1(F). Definitive tree mitigation measures will be submitted and reviewed with the Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Final Compliance plans. Section 3.2.2 Access, Circulation and Parking The proposal satisfies the applicable Access, Circulation and Parking standards, including the following: Direct On -site Access to Pedestrian and Bicycle Destinations. The development proposal satisfies the standard set forth in Section 3.2.2(C)(6) in that the on -site pedestrian and bicycle circulation system is designed to provide for direct connections to major pedestrian and bicycle destinations such as Irish Elementary School that is located to the south and west of the Adrian Subdivision, First Filing development. Access and Parking Lot Requirements. The vehicular use areas in the proposed Adrian Subdivision, Filing 1 development are designed to be safe, efficient, convenient, and attractive for all modes of transportation using the system, satisfying Section 3.2.2(D). All of the minimum parking requirements for the 7 single-family detached dwellings will occur on the lots. Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan, #42-03A October 18, 2004 Administrative Public Hearing Page 3 COMMENTS: 1. Background: The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows: N: RL in City of Fort Collins; existing single-family residential (Adrian property) E: FA in Larimer County; existing single family residential (unplatted, Poudre Plains Subdivision) S: FA in Larimer County; existing single-family residential (unplatted, Green Acres Subdivision) W: FA in Larimer County; existing single-family and two-family residential (Green Acres Subdivision, Irish Green Acres Subdivision) The property was annexed as part of the Adrian Annexation in April, 2004. The entire Adrian property was zoned RL - Low Density Residential. The Adrian ODP was approved by the Planning and Zoning Board in September, 2004. It is a 2-phase ODP consisting of the following: Parcel A - Proposed single-family detached residential (no more than 7 residential lots) on 1.18 acres. Lots to be at least 6,000 square feet in size and building height of one or two stories. Parcel B - Existing and proposed single-family residential (no more that 2 residential lots) on 0.47 acre. Lots to be at least 6,000 square feet in size and building height of one or two stories. One existing house is located within Parcel B. 2. ARTICLE 2 -ADMINISTRATION Section 2.2.2 Step 2: Neighborhood Meetings The proposed development is for single-family residential dwellings, which are permitted uses in the RL - Low Density Residential Zoning District, subject to an administrative (Type 1) review and public hearing. The LUC does not require that a neighborhood meeting be held for development proposals that are not subject to a Planning and Zoning Board (Type II) review. However, there was a City -sponsored and facilitated neighborhood information meeting held on August 12, 2004, for the Adrian development proposal. This meeting was held at the Unity Church, approximately 1 mile east of the subject property on West Vine Drive. Most citizen concerns expressed were related to the proposed density (number of dwelling units proposed for the size of the property). A copy of the notes taken at the meeting is attached to this staff report. Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan, #42-03A October 18, 2004 Administrative Public Hearing Page 2 • and the applicable district standards located in Division 4.3 RL - Low Density Residential Zoning District of ARTICLE 4 - DISTRICT STANDARDS. The Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - PDP does not comply with the following requirement of the LUC: • The standard located in Section 3.2.3(B) - Solar -Oriented Residential Lots of ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, which requires that at least 65% of lots less than 15,000 square feet in size in single-family residential developments conform to the definition of a "solar -oriented lot" in order to preserve the potential for solar energy usage. None of the 7 lots meet the definition of a solar -oriented lot. The applicant has submitted a request for approval of an alternative site layout that is being substituted for a plan meeting the standards, per Section 3.2.3(E) of the LUC. Single-family detached dwellings (residential uses) are permitted in the RL — Low Density Residential Zoning District, subject to an administrative (Type 1) review. The RL - District is: Intended for predominantly single-family residential areas located throughout the City which were existing at the time of adoption of this Land Use Code. This proposal complies with the purpose of the RL District as it is a small infill project (approximately 1.2 acres in size) that provides single-family dwellings on a property that is entirely surrounded by developed properties containing residential uses. There is existing residential to the north, existing single-family residential to the east, existing single-family residential to the south, and existing single-family and two-family residential to the west. The property is within easy walking distance of Irish Elementary School to the southwest. ITEM NO. MEETING DATE p 1 Ali- STAFF E5, Iq Citv of Fort Collins HEARING OFFICER STAFF REPORT PROJECT: Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - Project Development Plan (PDP) - #42-03A APPLICANT: M. Torgerson Architects c/o Troy Jones 223 North College Avenue Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 OWNER: William John & Julie K. Adrian c/o M. Torgerson Architects 223 North College Avenue Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a request for a total of seven (7) lots, each for a single-family detached dwelling, on 1.2 acres. The property is located at the southeast corner of West Vine Drive and North Impala Drive. It represents Parcel A of the Adrian Overall Development Plan (ODP). This proposal has been qualified as an affordable housing project by the City of Fort Collins. The property is zoned RL - Low Density Residential. RECOMMENDATION: Approval EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - PDP is in conformance with the approved and recorded Adrian ODP. The Adrian Subdivision, First Filing - PDP development proposal complies with the applicable requirements of the 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 3.3 - Engineering Standards; Division 3.5 - Building Standards, and 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