Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCENTERPOINT PLAZA REPLAT - PDP - 35-01C - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORT W/ATTACHMENTSP L A T T E RIVER POWER AUTHORITY Estes Park • Fort Collins • Longmont • Loveland May 7, 2007 Mr. Don Tiller Vignette Studios 144 N. Mason Street Suite 2 Fort Collins, CO 80524 Re: Centerpoint Plaza, Fort Collins, Colorado Overall Grading, Erosion Control and Extended Detention Plan Sheet Number 4 of 8 Dated 11/29/2001 Dear Mr. Tiller: Platte River Power Authority previously approved the referenced project drawings in a letter to a Mr. Mike Randolph, of Stewart and Associates, dated April 22, 2001. Platte River still has no objection to the proposal and the use of their easement for the specific uses indicated (parking and drainage). Clearance requirements of the National Electric Safety Code shall be maintained. As before, this approval by Platte River shall not be construed as giving up any of the rights granted Platte River for their transmission line easement crossed by this proposal. One such acquired right is the restriction regarding planting of trees on the easement. Platte River has the right to remove trees and will do so as safety for the public and safe operation of the electrical system is of utmost concern. Contact me at (970) 229-5311 if you have any questions. Sincerely, PLATTE RIVER POWER AUTHORITY Tom McCormick System Design Engineer 2000 East Horsetooth Road • Fort Collins, Colorado 80525-5721 970/226-4000 • www.prpa.org Ea n d s c a p e Architect u re S i t e P i a tt n i n g G r a p h i c v August 17, 2007 Steve Olt City of Fort Collins - Zoning 281 North College Fort Collins, CO 80521 Dear Steve, Per our review of the Centerpoint Plaza Replat landscape plan August 16, 2007, the purpose of this communication is to request an alternative compliance approval for the Fort Collins Land Use Code (LUC) 3.2.1(E)(4) Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping and 3.2.1(Ex5) Parking Lot Interior Landscaping as applicable to the Centerpoint Plaza Replat PDP application. Specifically, the Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) owns an access, height restriction and no -build easement along the south property line. Tom McCormick, system design engineer for PRPA, has advised the developer that any ornamental or canopy trees planted within this easement will be removed. The LUC 3.2.1(N) allows for alternative compliance to the parking lot landscape requirements. To supportthe alternative compliance, the proposed landscape plan outside the PRPA easement has been modified as follows: 1. LUC 3.2.1(Ex5) requires 6% of the interior space of all parking lots with less than 100 spaces be landscape area. The PDP site plan provides 2,093 square feet of landscape area in the 29,617 square foot of parking space. This is 7.1%, exceeding the 6% requirement. 2. LUC 3.2.1(Ex4) would require 5.25 canopy trees along the 210' parking area facing Timberline Road. A dense planting of 2 canopy, 6 ornamental, and 1 coniferous tree has been provided on the perimeter of the detention pond located in the center of the parking area. 3. Two canopy trees required by LUC 3.2.1(E)(4) have been replaced by ornamental trees within the height restricted easement in the landscape islands adjacent to the 6 parking spaces south of the proposed building. 4. As required by LUC3.2.1(E)(4) — the parking areas will be screened from Timberline Road. The area of screening is hatched on the PDP landscape plan to illustrate this screening. Relative to the considerations identified in LUC 3.2.1(N): 1. The proposed alternative plan retains the majority of the existing trees associated with Lot 1. There are a total of 29 trees on or adjacent to lot 1. Three trees will be removed that conflict with the proposed building foundation. 2. This site does not contain significant natural areas or features that require protection. 3. The proposed alternative plan maximizes tree canopy cover to the extent permitted by the PRPA height restriction. 2 canopy, 6 ornamental and 1 coniferous tree has been provided on the perimeter of the detention pond located in the center of the parking area as a key element as alternative compliance for LUC 3.2.1(E)(4) which would require 5.25 canopy trees along the 210' parking area facing Timberline Road.. 4. The proposed plan does enhance the neighborhood continuity and connectivity by providing additional pedestrian access to Timberline Road and pedestrian access to/from the existing building on site. 5. The proposed plan increases the opportunity to foster non -vehicular access as a result of the additional concentration of floor space served by public transportation. ' cerely, Don Tiller 144 Nortk Mason Street Suite 2 a Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 070) 472-9125 a Fax: (970) 494-0728 II III III II IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII II IIIIIIII II IIIIIIIIoIIdILU!;i� Il illllldh,llllli;!IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!;IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIII IDFloll INS ►:1■■1pl4►111■118►:11■f/18►:1■■18►:1■■18►:I■■15►:1 Del I5►N Niel IREI 1M NO& Niel 13eN 114►1 17e1 11►.1 1�►.I 11►.1 1�►,1 .■■. 1F.4►,1 1�4►.1 1�4►.1 1�►.1 1�►.1 —.Mmmmk- 11INHwill 13►:1 13►1 15►;1 13►:1 15►:1I Steve Ott - Centerpoint Plaza Replat landscape plan.pdf Page 1 lrrt rvpLaAu �/MMRT� O ' OEM" Q. o 0 i Steve Olt - Centerpoint Plaza Replat site plan.pdf Page 1 1r"--Erg RR�RI "a•"' �Alla ill o MO AYMWY�Mf RJYw.R.MYwfIw�M------�a+•�•� 210� •Yw'.Rf �� SRQW M.T:LS 1 wMR11YW�V i.�lR J��,M1�NOM. � n�n1.M�f'R�wMnewR1#Mr • w.+r....+�a.ww•wa• • �.YIN1MRMw 0"/rtR �1.lwl�.M� Y�1�Yw_ w•� M 0 wwn�w�wwne.R. e.s.nrzwW� ti R'V..4VAVw.a i N.A ism tsmr� PROSPECT RD - i d U - SITE IDPOINT DR 0 w z J W Cd �� H 6f Cn °ram dy N #35-01 C Centerpoint Plaza PDP 1 inch : 300 feet 6/6/2007 A Centerpoint Plaza, Phase 2 of Lot 1 - Project Development Plan, #35-01 C September 6, 2007 Administrative Hearing Page 9 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the Centerpoint Plaza, Phase 2 of Lot 1, Project Development Plan - #35-01 C. Centerpoint Plaza, Phase 2 of Lot 1 - Project Development Plan, #35-01 C September 6, 2007 Administrative Hearing Page 8 4. Neighborhood Information Meeting The Centerpoint Plaza, PDP contains numerous Institutional/Civic/Public Uses, Commercial/Retail Uses, Industrial Uses, and Accessory/Miscellaneous Uses that are permitted in the E - Employment District, subject to administrative (Type 1) review. The LUC does not require that a neighborhood meeting be held for a Type 1 development proposal and a City -facilitated neighborhood meeting was not held to discuss this proposal. FINDINGS OF FACT/CONCLUSIONS After reviewing the Centerpoint Plaza, PDP, staff makes the following findings of fact and conclusions: 1. The proposed land uses are permitted in the E - Employment Zone District of the LUC. 2. The PDP complies with applicable General Development Standards contained in Article 3 of the LUC, with the following exception: Section 3.2.1(E)(4)(b) in that the on -site parking area will be screened from non-residential uses with deciduous trees and shrub plantings that will block at least 75% of the vehicle headlights and extend along at least 70% of the property boundary along the parking area. The proposal does not; however, satisfy this requirement as it relates to screening of the parking area along the south property line adjacent to the Burlington Northern Railroad. The applicant submitted a request for approval of an alternative compliance plan in lieu of a plan that would comply with the requirement. Staff has determined that, based on Platte River Power Authority's position on restrictions on their exclusive non -buildable and height restricted transmission line easements (letter attached) along the south property line of Lot 1 (which does affect the southerly tier of parking for this development proposal) the proposed shrub area along the perimeter of the parking area, with the use of larger deciduous and evergreen materials, will be sufficient to provide sufficient screening to the developable property on the south side of the railroad tracks. 3. The PDP complies with all applicable Land Use and Development Standards contained in Article 4, Division 4.27 of the LUC. Centerpoint Plaza, Phase 2 of Lot 1 - Project Development Plan, #35-01 C September 6, 2007 Administrative Hearing Page 7 B. Division 3.3, Engineering Standards 1. Section 3.3.1, Plat Standards The proposal complies with the general plat requirements as set forth in this section. 2. Section 3.3.5, Engineering Design Standards The proposal complies with the design standards, requirements, and specifications for the services as set forth in this section. C. Division 3.5, Building Standards 1. Section 3.5.1, Building and Project Compatibility The proposal satisfies the architectural, building scale and mass, building materials, and building colors standards as set forth in this section. All three buildings will contain a mix of masonry, stucco, and prefinished metal siding and standing seam metal roofs. All of these materials have been used and are present in the Prospect Park East and Prospect Industrial Park employment / industrial parks. The proposed colors will be consistent with the colors present in the employment / industrial parks. 2. Section 3.5.3, Mixed Use, Institutional and Commercial Buildings The proposal satisfies the relationship of buildings to streets, walkways and parking standards as set forth in this section. The buildings all have one or more entrances facing and opening onto public sidewalks or connecting walkways without having to cross driveways or drive aisles. The buildings meet the "build -to" line standards on both the arterial street (Timberline Road) and the collector street (Midpoint Drive) adjacent to the development. D. Division 3.6, Transportation and Circulation The proposal satisfies the vehicular and multi -modal transportation requirements set forth in this section of the LUC. Centerpoint Plaza, Phase 2 of Lot 1 - Project Development Plan, #35-01 C September 6, 2007 Administrative Hearing Page 6 Staffs Evaluation In lieu of Platte River Power Authority's position on restrictions on their exclusive non -buildable and height restricted transmission line easements (letter attached) along the south property line of Lot 1, which does affect the southerly tier of parking for this development proposal, staff has determined that the proposed shrub area along the perimeter of the parking area, with the use of larger deciduous and evergreen materials, will be sufficient to provide sufficient screening to the developable property on the south side of the railroad tracks. d. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(E)(5) in that it provides 7.1 % interior landscaping in the parking areas (containing less than 100 parking spaces), satisfying the minimum requirement. 2. Section 3.2.2, Access, Circulation and Parking a. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(C)(4)(a) in that it provides secure and conveniently located bicycle parking in the amount of 5% of the total number of 83 automobile parking spaces on -site, satisfying the minimum requirement of 5%. b. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(C)(5) in that it provides direct, safe, and continuous walkways and bicycle connections to major pedestrian and bicycle destinations in the surrounding area. There will be direct sidewalk connections from all three buildings to Timberline Road and/or Midpoint Drive. c. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(D) in that it provides for safe, convenient, and efficient bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular movement to and through the site. Vehicular access will occur via an existing curb cut and one new curb cut from Midpoint Drive to the parking areas. d. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(K)(2) in that is providing 83 parking spaces for the new building and at least 140 spaces would be allowed for the 48,000 square feet of leasable floor area. Centerpoint Plaza, Phase 2 of Lot 1 - Project Development Plan, #35-01 C September 6, 2007 Administrative Hearing Page 5 1. LUC 3.2.1(E)(5) requires 6% of the interior space of all parking lots with less than 100 spaces be landscape area. The PDP site plan provides 2,093 square feet of landscape area in the 29,617 square foot of parking space. This is 7.1 %, exceeding the 6% requirement. 2. LUC 3.2.1(E)(4) would require 5.25 canopy trees along the 210' parking area facing Timberline Road. A dense planting of 2 canopy, 6 ornamental, and 1 coniferous tree has been provided on the perimeter of the detention pond located in the center of the parking area. 3. Two canopy trees required by LUC 3.2.1(E)(4) have been replaced by ornamental trees within the height restricted easement in the landscape islands adjacent to the 6 parking spaces south of the proposed building. 4. As required by LUC3.2.1(E)(4) — the parking areas will be screened from Timberline Road. The area of screening is hatched on the PDP landscape plan to illustrate this screening. Relative to the considerations identified in LUC 3.2.1(N): 1. The proposed alternative plan retains the majority of the existing trees associated with Lot 1. There are a total of 29 trees on or adjacent to lot 1. Three trees will be removed that conflict with the proposed building foundation. 2. This site does not contain significant natural areas or features that require protection. 3. The proposed alternative plan maximizes tree canopy cover to the extent permitted by the PRPA height restriction. 2 canopy, 6 ornamental and 1 coniferous tree has been provided on the perimeter of the detention pond located in the center of the parking area as a key element as alternative compliance for LUC 3.2.1(E)(4) which would require 5.25 canopy trees along the 210' parking area facing Timberline Road.. 4. The proposed plan does enhance the neighborhood continuity and connectivity by providing additional pedestrian access to Timberline Road and pedestrian access to/from the existing building on site. The proposed plan increases the opportunity to foster non - vehicular access as a result of the additional concentration of floor space served by public transportation. Centerpoint Plaza, Phase 2 of Lot 1 - Project Development Plan, #35-01 C September 6, 2007 Administrative Hearing Page 4 c. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(E)(4)(b) in that the on - site parking area will be screened from Timberline Road to the west with deciduous trees and shrub plantings that will block at least 75% of the vehicle headlights and extend along at least 70% of the street frontage along the parking area. The proposal does not; however, satisfy this requirement as it relates to screening of the parking area along the south property line adjacent to the Burlington Northern Railroad. The applicant has submitted a request for approval of an alternative compliance plan in lieu of a plan that would comply with the requirement. 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. Applicant's Request (in Times New Roman font) Per our review of the Centerpoint Plaza Replat landscape plan August 16, 2007, the purpose of this communication is to request an alternative compliance approval for the Fort Collins Land Use Code (LUC) 3.2.1(E)(4) Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping and 3.2.1(E)(5) Parking Lot Interior Landscaping as applicable to the Centerpoint Plaza Replat PDP application. Specifically, the Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) owns an access, height restriction and no -build easement along the south property line. Tom McCormick, system design engineer for PRPA, has advised the developer that any ornamental or canopy trees planted within this easement will be removed. The LUC 3.2.1(N) allows for alternative compliance to the parking lot landscape requirements. To support the alternative compliance, the proposed landscape plan outside the PRPA easement has been modified as follows: Centerpoint Plaza, Phase 2 of Lot 1 - Project Development Plan, #35-01 C September 6, 2007 Administrative Hearing Page 3 and institutions. This District also is intended to accommodate secondary uses that complement or support the primary workplace uses, such as hotels, restaurants, convenience shopping, child care and housing. Additionally, the Employment District is intended to encourage the development of planned office and business parks; to promote excellence in the design and construction of buildings, outdoor spaces, transportation facilities and streetscapes; to direct the development of workplaces consistent with the availability of public facilities and services; and to continue the vitality and quality of life in adjacent residential neighborhoods. This proposal complies with the purpose of the E District as it is a primary workplace that may include Institutional/Civic/Public Uses, Commercial/Retail Uses, Industrial Uses, and Accessory/Miscellaneous Uses. However, many of the uses are defined as Secondary Uses in the E District and together shall occupy no more than 25% of the total gross area of the development plan. The first building on the northerly portion of Lot 1 is an office building. The Final Plans for Centerpoint Plaza, Phase 2 of Lot 1 must be more specific about proposed uses to ensure that the Secondary Uses on Lot 1, as listed in Section 4.27(D)(2), will not exceed 25% on Lot 1. 3. Article 3 of the Land Use Code — General Development Standards The Project Development Plan complies with all applicable General Development Standards as follows: A. Division 3.2, Site Planning and Design Standards 1. Section 3.2.1, Landscaping and Tree Protection a. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(D)(2)(a) in that canopy shade (street) trees are provided at a 30' spacing in the parkway along Timberline Road adjacent to this proposed development. b. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(D)(3) in that no one species of the proposed 26 new trees on the development plan will exceed 33% of the total trees on -site. This requirement will be verified at time of Final Plan review. Centerpoint Plaza, Phase 2 of Lot 1 - Project Development Plan, #35-01 C September 6, 2007 Administrative Hearing Page 2 * standards located in ARTICLE 4 - DISTRICTS, Division 4.27 - Employment District (E) of the LUC. Numerous Institutional/Civic/Public Uses, Commercial/Retail Uses, Industrial Uses, and Accessory/Miscellaneous Uses are permitted in the E District, subject to administrative (Type 1) review. However, many of the uses are defined as Secondary Uses in the E District and together shall occupy no more than 25% of the total gross area of the development plan. The first building on the northerly portion of Lot 1 is an office building. The Final Plans for Centerpoint Plaza, Phase 2 of Lot 1 must be more specific about proposed uses to ensure that the Secondary Uses on Lot 1, as listed in Section 4.27(D)(2), will not exceed 25% on Lot 1. COMMENTS: Background The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows: N: E; commercial center (Spring Creek Center) S: I, T; existing single family residential and planned mixed -use property (Johnson Property ODP) E: E; existing employment / industrial park (Prospect Park East, Prospect Industrial Park) W: E, I; existing undefined storage and City facility (large storage tanks, Light & Power station) The property was annexed in September, 1973 as part of the East Prospect Street First Annexation. Lot 1 of the Centerpoint Plaza Subdivision was previously platted in September, 2003. 2. Division 4.27 of the Land Use Code, Employment Zone District Numerous Institutional/Civic/Public Uses, Commercial/Retail Uses, Industrial Uses, and Accessory/Miscellaneous Uses are permitted in the E District, subject to administrative (Type 1) review. The purpose of the E District is: Intended to provide locations for a variety of workplaces including light industrial uses, research and development activities, offices r ITEM NO. MEETING DATE STAFF 40r 4?A_hL (�)L-r City of Fort Collins HEARING OFFICER STAFF REPORT PROJECT: Centerpoint Plaza, Phase 2 of Lot 1, Project Development Plan (PDP) - #35-01 C APPLICANT: VF Ripley Associates, Inc. c/o Louise Herbert 401 West Mountain Avenue, Suite 201 Fort Collins, CO. 80521 OWNER: Co -Flex Investments, LLC 1708 East Lincoln Avenue Fort Collins, CO. 80524 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The request is for 48,000 square feet of leasable floor area in one 2.5-story building, with parking, on the southerly portion of Lot 1 of the previously approved Centerpoint Plaza, PDP and subdivision plat. The building will be up to 40 feet in height. The property is located at the southeast corner of Timberline Road and Midpoint Drive. The property is in the E - Employment Zoning District and the proposed land uses include all uses permitted in the E District that are subject to Administrative (Type 1) Review, with the exception of residential uses. RECOMMENDATION: Approval EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This PDP complies with the following applicable requirements of the Land Use Code L( UC), 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, and Division 3.5 - Building Standards of ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS; and COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 281 N. College Ave. P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 (970) 221-6750 PLANNING DEPARTMENT