Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutA - Z PARTY RENTAL - PDP - 11-99 - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORT W/ATTACHMENTSSTEWART&ASSOCIATES Consulting Engineers and Surveyors PLANNING OBJECTIVES FOR A-Z PARTY RENTAL I. Policy ID-1: Industrial Districts will provide for a wide range of industrial and commercial uses that do not need or are not suited to high public visibility. The use of the site as a building for rental of party equipment such as chairs, tables, tents and dishes fits this policy. The equipment is mainly delivered but can be picked up by the renter. A-Z Party Rental presently leases space in the adjacent building to the site. H. There are no wetlands or natural areas or open space on the site. The site has the Pitkin-Riverside storm drainage outfall channel on the rear of the lot. The site backs up to the Union Pacific Railroad. III. The site is owned by Steven G. Fobes. IV. The estimated number of employees is 15. V. No comment. VI. There are no variances requested. VII. There are no apparent conflicts between land uses in the area. The site has I -Industrial zoning on three sides and E-Employment on the Southwesterly side of Riverside Avenue. VIII. No neighborhood meeting was held. IX. The name of the project is A-Z Party Rental P.D.P. P James H. Stewart and Associates, Inc. 103 S. Meldrum Street P.O. Box 429 Ft. Collins, CO 80522 970/482-9331 Fax 970/482-9382 STEWART&ASSOCIATES January 11, 2000 Consulting Engineers arxi Surveyors Mr. Troy Jones Current Planning City of Fort Collins P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, Co 80522-0580 Dear Mr. Jones, D T rr JAN 1 1 2000 U The following is an alternative compliance request for the location of street trees standard in Section 3.2. 1 (D)(2)(b) at the proposed site for A-Z Party Rental located on Lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, Riverside Subdivision, Seventh Filing, Fort Collins, Colorado. Section 3.2. 1 (D)(2)(b) of the Land Use Code states: Wherever the sidewalk is attached to the street in a manner that fails to comply with the Design and Construction Criteria, Standards and Specifications for Streets, Streetscapes, Sidewalks, Alleys and Other Public Ways, canopy shade trees shall he established in an area ranging from three (3) to seven (7) feet behind the sidewalk at thirty-foot to forty foot spacing Wherever the sidewalk is attached to the street and is ten (10) feet or more in width, or extends from the curb to the property line, canopy shade trees shall he established in planting cutout areas of at least sixteen (16) square feet at thirty-foot to forty foot spacing. Description of Existing Conditions: The site is on the Northeast side of Riverside Drive. The existing sidewalk is attached to the curb and there is an existing sanitary sewer line 9.5 feet behind the back of the sidewalk. The City of Fort Collins standards require the trees to be 10 feet from the sewer line and therefore the trees cannot be from 3 feet to 7 feet behind the sidewalk. Alternative Compliance: The street trees are to be located 8 feet from the existing sewer line which is 2 feet closer than normal. This makes the trees 17 feet from the back of the existing sidewalk which is as close as possible. The average spacing of the trees is 35 feet which is also as close as possible. Three ornamental trees are also being planted between the back of the sidewalk and the proposed building. One of the ornamental trees is substituted for a canopy tree in order to be 20 feet from an existing street light rather than 40 feet required for the canopy tree. It is impossible to place the trees within 7 feet of the back of the walk, therefore the landscape plan deviates from the Land Use Code. The Land Use Code requires the Alternative Compliance be equal to or better than the Land Use Code standard. The owner feels the alternative landscaping is equal to the standard. The intent and the overall visual result of the streetscapes are equal. We request approval of the above alternative compliance for the standard location of street trees in Section 3.2. 1 (D)(2)(b) of the Fort Collins Land Use Code. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please call. Sincerely, Richard A. Rutherford, P.E. & L.S. RAR/meh +•i�� R. nU1H•''•. c 0. 5028* .• o C James H. Stewart and Associates, Inc. 103 S. Meldrum Street • P.O. Box 429 • Ft. Collins, CO 80522 970/482-9331 • Fax 970/482-9382 \ 00''' A to Z Party Rental, Project Development Plan, #11-99 February 10, 2000 Administrative Hearing Page 8 4. The request for alternative compliance to section 3.2.1(D)(2)(b) of the Land Use Code accomplishes the purposes of the Section equally well as would a plan that complies with the standard. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the A to Z Party Rental Project Development Plan, #11-99 A to Z Party Rental, Project Development Plan, #11-99 February 10, 2000 Administrative Hearing Page 7 applicant is providing an additional 7.5 feet of street right-of-way along the Riverside Avenue frontage. 2. Water Hazards [3.3.3] — The PDP has been reviewed by and complies with the requirements of the Stormwater Department. 3. Engineering Design Standards [3.3.5] — This project complies with all design standards, requirements, and specifications for all of the commenting departments and agencies. C. Building Standards [3.5] Building and Project Compatibility [3.5.1] — The proposed metal building with brick accents is compatible with the established architectural character and materials of buildings in the surrounding area. Loading docks, outdoor storage, utility meters, trash collection, and other service functions are incorporated into the overall design scheme of the site so that these uses are screened and out of view of high visibility areas. D. Transportation and Circulation [3.6] Master Street Plan [3.6.1 ] — Riverside Avenue is designated as a 4-lane arterial on the Master Street Plan. Riverside is currently built as a 4-lane arterial designed to old standards. The proposed development provides and additional dedication of 7.5 feet of right-of-way in order to fulfill the current required street right-of-way width requirement of today's standards. 2. Transportation Level of Service Requirements [3.6.4] — The Transportation Planning Department has determined that the project meets the applicable Level of Service(LOS) requirements. 3. Transit Facilities Standards [3.6.5] — There is an existing Transfort route that goes down Riverside Avenue. Employees and customers can utilize this existing system including the existing bus stop locations along Riverside Avenue. FINDINGS OF FACT/CONCLUSIONS After reviewing the A to Z Party Rental Project Development Plan, #11-99, staff makes the following findings of fact and conclusions: The proposed land use is permitted in the (I) Industrial zone district. 2. The Project Development Plan complies with all applicable district standards of Section 4.23 of the Land Use Code, (I) Industrial zone district. 3. The Project Development Plan complies with all applicable General Development Standards contained in Article 3 of the Land Use Code except section 3.2. 1 (D)(2)(b) for which alternative compliance has been requested. A to Z Party Rental, Project Development Plan, #11-99 February 10, 2000 Administrative Hearing Page 6 and drive aisle crossings. No parking bays extend more than 9 spaces without an intervening landscape peninsula. • Setbacks [3.2.2(J)] — The parking lot is required to be setback from Riverside Avenue at least and average of 15 feet along the parking lot frontage and no closer than 5 feet at any one point. The parking lot is proposed to be located 22 feet behind the Riverside Avenue right of way, and therefore satisfies the setback requirement. • Required Number of Spaces for Type of Use [3.2.2(K)] — The proposed use is limited to a maximum of 4 spaces per 1000 square feet of gross leasable area. The proposed building is 9,355 square feet, therefore the site would be allowed to have a maximum of 37 parking spaces. The site plan shows 20 parking spaces, thereby satisfying the maximum parking space limitation. • Handicap Parking - [3.2.2(K)(4)] — The applicant has provided 1 handicap space, therefore the application satisfies this requirement. • Parking Stall Dimensions - [3.2.2(L)] — The standard parking stalls are 9'x19', which is in conformance with the required stall size requirement. • Landscaping - [3.2.2(M)] - The parking lot area on the site plan is required to devote at least 6% of the area of the parking lot to landscaped areas. The parking lot is 9,650 square feet. 6% of that area is 579 square feet. The applicant proposes 1,473 square feet of landscaped areas, which exceeds the minimum required of 579 square feet. The proposed parking lot configuration therefore satisfies the 6% minimum area for landscaping requirement. 3. Solar Access, Orientation, Shading [3.2.3] — The proposed plan is designed in a way that protects its roof s access to sunshine between 9am and 3pm on December 21'. The physical elements of the development plan are located and designed in a way that will not cast a shadow onto structures within the site or on adjacent property greater than allowed in this section. 4. Site Lighting — [3.2.4] — As required the applicant is using lighting fixtures that are concealed and fully shielded featuring sharp cut-off capability which reduces up -light, spill -light, glare and unnecessary diffusion on adjacent property. The maximum and minimum lighting on -site lighting levels are in compliance with this section. B. Engineering Standards [3.3] 1. Plat Standards [3.3.1] • Public Sites, Reservations and Dedications [3.3.1(C)] — In order for the City of Fort Collins to obtain the ultimate right-of-way for the future Riverside Avenue as designated on the Master Street Plan, the A to Z Party Rental, Project Development Plan, #11-99 February 10, 2000 Administrative Hearing Page 5 • Parking Lot Interior Landscaping [3.2. 1 (E)(5)] — The parking lot area on the site plan is required to devote at least 6% of the area of the parking lot to landscaped areas. The parking lot is 9,650 square feet. 6% of that area is 579 square feet. The applicant proposes 1,473 square feet of landscaped areas, which exceeds the minimum required of 579 square feet. The proposed parking lot configuration therefore satisfies the 6% minimum area for landscaping requirement. • Screening [3.2. 1 (E)(6)] — Landscape and building elements are placed to adequately screen areas of low visual interest and visually intrusive site elements including the loading dock and trash enclosure areas. • Utilities [3.2.1(K)] —The applicant is requesting alternative compliance to the required street tree locations in order to satisfy this standard (see second bullet of this section above). 2. Access, Circulation and Parking [3.2.2] • Safety Considerations [3.2.2(C)(1)] — Pedestrians are separated from vehicles and bicycles to the maximum extent feasible, thereby satisfying this requirement. • Curbcuts and Ramps [3.2.2(C)(2)] — Ramps are provided for the sidewalk where the sidewalk crosses the entry drive, and a ramp is also provided for the handicap parking space to give access to the front door, thereby satisfying this requirement. • Bicycle Facilities [3.2.2(C)(4)] — A bicycle rack is being provided adjacent to the main entrance, thereby satisfying this requirement. • Walkways [3.2.2(C)(5)] — A grade separated sidewalk directly connects the street sidewalk with the main entrance without requiring a pedestrian to cross a drive aisle or vehicle area, thereby satisfying this requirement. • Access and Parking Lot Requirements [3.2.2(D)] — Vehicle areas are clearly separated from walkway areas. Unobstructed vehicular access is provided from the public street to all parking spaces. All off-street parking areas are surfaced with materials in conformance with city specifications. The project therefore complies with access and parking lot requirements. • Parking Lot Layout [3.2.2(E)] — The parking lot provides well- defined circulation routes for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Landscaped peninsulas with raised curbs define parking lot entrances and the end of parking aisles. The proposed plan provides continuous, direct pedestrian access with a minimum of driveway A to Z Party Rental, Project Development Plan, # 11-99 February 10, 2000 Administrative Hearing Page 4 protection plans that ensure significant canopy shading to reduce glare and heat build-up, contribute to visual quality and continuity within and between developments, provide screening and mitigation of potential conflicts between activity areas and site elements, enhance outdoor spaces, reduce erosion and stormwater runoff, and mitigate air pollution. The alternative landscape plan differs from the standard in that the location of the existing underground sanitary sewer line precludes locating the street trees from 3 to 7 feet behind the sidewalk. Staff has determined that the alternative design satisfies the purposes of this Section equally well as a plan that satisfies the standards: (a) The street trees are provided 8 feet behind the existing sewer line, which is the closest available location to where they otherwise would have been required to be located. (b) Glare and heat build-up are reduced equally well with the same given number of trees in a different location. (c) The visual quality and continuity within and between developments is enhanced by the proposed alternative landscape plan to the maximum extent possible given the existing constraints (existing sewer line). (d) The issues of screening and mitigation of potential conflicts, the enhancement of outdoor spacing, the reduction of stormwater runoff, and the mitigation of air pollution are all equally well addressed with the same given number of trees regardless of whether they are located 3, 10 or 17 feet from the sidewalk. • Minimum Species Diversity [3.2.1(D)(3)] — Based on the total proposed number of trees, the applicant would be allowed to have up to 7 of any one species, but has only proposed a maximum of 5 of one species, therefore satisfies the minimum species diversity requirement. • Foundation Plantings [3.2.1(E)(2)(d)] — All exposed sections of . building walls have planting beds in excess of 5 feet in width. The landscape plan therefore satisfies the foundation plantings requirement. • Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping [3.2. 1 (E)(4)] — The parking lot does not abut a public street. Trees are provided in excess of the required 1 tree per 40 feet along the side lot line parking setback area (the southern property boundary). The parking lot is also screened by plant material along more than 70% of the length of the property boundary abutting the nonresidential use to the south of the property. The landscape plan therefore satisfies the parking lot perimeter landscaping requirement. A to Z Party Rental, Project Development Plan, #11-99 February 10, 2000 Administrative Hearing Page 3 • A 30 foot deep landscaped yard is provided along Riverside Avenue. Storage, loading, and work operations are located to the side and rear of the building, and are screened from view along Riverside Avenue, which is the zoning district boundary between this (I) Industrial Zone and the adjacent (E) Employment Zone. Article 3 of the Land Use Code — General Development Standards The Project Development Plan complies with all applicable General Development Standards as follows: A. Site Planning and Design Standards [3.2] Landscaping and Tree Protection [3.2.1] Full Tree Stocking [3.2.1(D)(1)(c)] — Full tree stocking is required in all landscaped areas within 50 feet of any building along high use or high visibility sides. Full tree stocking is formal or informal groupings of trees planted at 30' to 40' spacing intervals for canopy shade trees, or at 20' to 30' spacing intervals for coniferous evergreens or ornamental trees. The proposed site plan satisfies this standard. Street Trees [3.2. 1 (D)(2)] - The applicant is requesting alternative compliance to Section 3.2.1(D)(2)(b) of the Land Use Code where it states, "wherever the sidewalk is attached to the street in a manner that fails to comply with the Design and Construction Criteria, Standards and Specifications for Streets, Streetscapes, Sidewalks, Alleys and Other Public Ways, canopy shade trees shall be established in an area ranging from three (3) to seven (7) feet behind the sidewalk at thirty-foot to fortyfoot spacing. Wherever the sidewalk is attached to the street and is ten (10) feet or more in width, or extends from the curb to the property line, canopy shade trees shall be established in planting cutout areas of at least sixteen (16) square feet at thirty-foot to fortyfoot spacing. " Section 3.2.1(N) Alternative Compliance states that upon the request by the applicant, the decision maker may approve an alternative landscape plan in lieu of a landscape plan that meets the standards of this section if the decision maker finds that the proposed alternative plan accomplishes the purposes of this Section equally well or better than would a plan which complies with the standards of this section. The "purpose" of the section to which the alternative compliance language refers, is listed in Section 3.2.1(B), which states, "the intent of this Section is to require preparation of landscape and tree A to Z Party Rental, Project Development Plan, #11-99 February 10, 2000 Administrative Hearing Page 2 COMMENTS: Background The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows: N: I; Existing A to Z Party Rental building, Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad right- of-way, POL; Kingfisher Point Natural Area, Nix Natural Area, S: I; Existing industriallwholesale development, Riverside Avenue, E: 1; Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad right-of-way, POL; Kingfisher Point Natural Area, W: E; The intersection of Riverside Avenue & East Pitkin Street, existing office uses, vacant Employment lots, Teledyne parking lot, LMN; Existing multifamily housing (west of E zone), RL; Existing single family housing (west of E and LMN zones), The property was annexed on September 6, 1973 as part of the East Prospect Street First Annexation. Division 4.23 of the Land Use Code, Industrial District (I) The proposed use of "equipment, truck and trailer rental establishments" is permitted in the (I) Industrial Zoning District subject to administrative review. The PDP meets the applicable Land Use Standards [4.23(D)j as follows: • The proposed building does not exceed the maximum permitted building height. The proposed project is less than 50,000 square feet of gross leasable area, and is therefore not subject to Planning and Zoning Board review. The PDP meets the applicable Development Standards [4.23(E)] as follows: • The building is not subject to the standards in Section 3.5.3 Mixed -use, Institutional, and Commercial Buildings of the LUC. • The building is sited so that a building face abuts upon the required 30 foot wide landscaped yard for 100% of the building frontage, and that fagade does not consist of a blank wall. • The proposed building colors are neutral, and are not white or reflective. • This proposed commercial activity is not located adjacent to residential areas. ITEM NO. MEETING DATE -`* STAFF City of Fort Collins HEARING OFFICER STAFF REPORT PROJECT: A to Z Party Rental, Project Development Plan, #11-99 APPLICANT: Richard Rutherford Stewart & Associates 103 South Meldrum Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 OWNER: Steve Fobes 3767 Bromley Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a request to build a new 9,355 square foot building on a vacant lot south of the existing A to Z Party Rental Building. The building will be used for the rental of party equipment. The site is located at 1554 Riverside Avenue which is on the east side of Riverside Avenue just south of its intersection with East Pitkin Street. It is located in the I — Industrial Zoning District. RECOMMENDATION: Approval EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The proposed land use is permitted in the (I) Industrial zone district. The Project Development Plan complies with all applicable district standards of Section 4.23 of the Land Use Code, (I) Industrial zone district. The Project Development Plan complies with all applicable General Development Standards contained in Article 3 of the Land Use Code except section 3.2.1(D)(2)(b) for which alternative compliance has been requested. The request for alternative compliance to section 3.2. 1 (D)(2)(b) of the Land Use Code accomplishes the purposes of the Section equally well as would a plan that complies with the standard. COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 281 N. College Ave. P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 (970) 221-6750 PLANNING DEPARTMENT