HomeMy WebLinkAboutEYE CENTER OF NORTHERN COLORADO - PDP - PDP150029 - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORT W/ATTACHMENTSalternative parking ratio to the above maximum parking spaces by being allowed to have 209
total parking spaces, which equates to 6.35 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft.
We feel that the proposed alternative plan accomplishes the purpose of the Section equally well or
better than a plan which complies with the Standards for the following reasons:
• There is no available on -street parking on Ziegler Road or Precision Drive or available
shared parking with the adjacent land uses. The Eye Center anticipates having 105
employees at this new location. The clinic is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. will all staff having
staggered start and end times. This staggered schedule makes carpooling difficult.
• The patient demographics: 64% of patients are over 60; 29% are between 16 and 60; 7%
are under 16. Essentially the facility serves a predominantly elderly population with vision
problems. The new facility will have capacity for 6 providers and 3 operative rooms.
Patients in the OR are at the facility an average of two to three hours. Many of the clinic
patients are at the clinic for 1 '/2 hours. During the busiest times of day there is a need for
84-89 parking spaces to accommodate the overlapping hours of patient appointments.
In order to create a "better than" scenario, we have added plaza areas (entry portals)
where the main on -site sidewalks meet the sidewalk on Ziegler and Precision. These
plazas are enhanced with ornamental trees and shrubs. We have also provided generous
plaza areas on both the north and south building entrances. In addition, there are berms
and landscaping along both street frontages to further minimize the visual impacts along
the streets.
The larger parking ares do not detract from pedestrian connectivity or convenience to and
from adjacent uses.
• The parking area conforms to the established street pattern and is consistent with the
Main Street Health and Wellness and the Windsong Memory Care buildings and parking
patterns.
Eve Center of Northern Colorado Alternative Compliance
12-2-15
GROUP
andsaipeajdAuct.ne planning I inustratior
December 2, 2015
Re: Eye Center of Northern Colorado
Please accept this request for an Alternative Compliance to the General Office Parking
Standards.
Background
This proposal is for a new single story medical office building that will include clinical space for six
ophthalmologists and a 3 operating room ambulatory surgery center. The project is currently
32,903 square foot. In addition, the building and site will be master planned to allow for the
addition of clinical space and another operating room. The project location is at the southeast
corner of Ziegler Road and Precision Drive in the Harmony Technology Park Subdivision.
This Alternative Compliance is requested in accordance with Section 3.2.2(K)(3) Alternative
Compliance.
Exeption to Section 3.2.2(K)(2)(a)
Code Language: Section 3.2.2(K)
(2) Nonresidential Parking Requirements: Nonresidential uses shall provide a minimum number
of parking spaces, and will be limited to a maximum number of parking spaces as defined by the
standards defined below.
(a) The table below sets forth the number of minimum required and maximum allowed
parking spaces based on the square footage of the gross leasable area and of the
occupancy of specified uses. In the event that on -street or shared parking is not available
on land adjacent to the use, then the maximum parking allowed may be increased by
twenty (20) percent.
Use
Minimum
Maximum Parking Spaces
Parking
Spaces
Medical
Office
2/1000 sq.
ft.
4.5/1000 sq. ft.
Justification
Based on 32,903 sq. ft. of office space, the project would be required to provide a minmum of
66 spaces. The maximum amount of parking allowed (credit given for the future expansion
areas), and with 20% bonus for no on -street parking, is 178. The request for 209 spaces
exceeds the maximum allowed by 31 spacesThe proposed project is requesting an
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The impetus of this project is to create a facility to provide eye care services. The medical
office building is complimentary to the surrounding uses.
(v) The applicant shall submit as evidence of successful completion of the
applicable criteria, the completed documents pursuant to these regulations for each
proposed use. The planning Director may require, or the applicant may choose to
submit, evidence that is beyond what is required in that section. Any variance from
the criteria shall be described.
The project meets the applicable criteria and there are no variances requested other than
the Alternative Compliance request for the parking.
(vi) Narrative description of how conflicts between land uses or disturbances to
wetlands, natural habitats and features and or wildlife are being avoided to the
maximum extent feasible or are mitigated.
There are not existing wetlands. natural habitats or features currently located on site.
(vii) Written narrative addressing each concern/issue raised at the neighborhood
meeting(s), if a meeting has been held.
There was no neighborhood meeting.
(viii) Name of the project as well as any previous name the project may have had
during Conceptual Review.
The project name is The Eye Center of Northern Colorado and had the same name for the
PDR meeting.
Page 4
Policy LIV 38.5 — Coordinate District Design
Policy LIV 38.7 — Address Parking
Policy LIV 38.8 — Provide Walkways and Bikeways
The area surrounding the Harmony Technology Park contains a mix of residential,
institutional, employment, office and retail. The site is located in the Harmony Technology
Park, which provides a campus -like setting, with platted lots, streets, sidewalks, and
infrastructure already in place. The medical office building represents a primary use in the
Employment District.
Transportation
Principle T 9: Enhanced Travel Corridors will contain amenities and designs that
specifically promote walking, the use of mass transit, and bicycling.
Policy T 9.1 — Locating Enhanced Travel Corridors
Principle T10: Using transit will be a safe, affordable, easy, and convenient mobility
option for all ages and abilities.
Policy T 10.1 —Transit Stops
Policy T 10.6 — High Frequency Transit Service
Principle T11: Bicycling will be a safe, easy, and convenient mobility option for all
ages and abilities
The location of this project at the north end of an employment campus, near residential
subdivisions, Fossil Ridge High School and its proximity to Harmony Road will promote and
support the idea of a predominance of the daily trips of the employees of this project utilizing
alternative modes of transportation (walking/biking) or public transportation. The on -street
bike lanes will help to encourage safe cycling. Harmony Road is designated as an
enhanced travel corridor.
(i) Description of proposed open space, wetlands, natural habitats and features,
landscaping, circulation, transition areas, and associated buffering on site and in the
general vicinity of the project.
There are no wetlands or significant natural habitats within the boundaries of the site.
(ii) Statement of proposed ownership and maintenance of public and private open
space areas; applicant's intentions with regard to future ownership of all or portions
of the project development plan.
The building will be owned by the LLC formed by the Eye Center and will be maintained by
the ownership.
(iii) Estimate of number of employees for business, commercial, and industrial
uses.
105
(iv) Description of rationale behind the assumptions and choices made by the
applicant.
Page 3
•
the building for the discharge of patients after surgery. We are proposing to include three
pedestrian entry plazas; two on Zeigler Road and one on Precision Drive. Two of these
entry plazas will allow pedestrian traffic to enter the building without crossing a street or
parking lot.
Due to the demographics of the patients, more parking will be required than the Land Use
Code allows. therefore, an Alternative Compliance request is provided with the P.D.P.
submittal.
Statement of appropriate City Plan Principles and Policies achieved by the proposed
plan:
Economic Health
Principle EH 3: The City will support local, unique, and creative businesses.
Policy EH 3.1 — Support Programs Emphasizing Local Business
Policy EH 4.1 —Prioritize Targeted Redevelopment Areas
Principle EH 4: The City will encourage the redevelopment of strategic areas within
the community as defined in the Community and Neighborhood Livability and
Neighborhood Principles and Policies.
Policy EH 4.2 — Reduce Barriers to Infill Development and Redevelopment
The Eye Center will continue to promote and sustain local businesses thereby further
enhancing the economic health of Fort Collins. This represents job creation and business
retention for a business that are successful and unique to Fort Collins.
Environmental Health
Principle ENV 19: The City will pursue opportunities to protect and restore the natural
function of the community's urban watersheds and streams as a key component of
minimizing flood risk, reducing urban runoff pollution, and improving the ecological
health of urban streams.
Policy ENV 19.2 — Pursue Low Impact Development
The Eye Center is implementing LID by incorporating new drainage bio-swales, water
quality pond, rain gardens, and permeable pavement areas with under drain systems (25%
of new pavement area will consist of permeable pavement).
Community and Neighborhood Livability
Principle LIV 38: Employment Districts will be the major employment centers in the
community, and will also include a variety of complementary uses to meet the needs
of employees. By design, they will be accessible to the City's multimodal
transportation system and encourage walking, bicycling, car and van pooling, and
transit use.
Policy LIV 38.1 — Mix of Uses
Page 2
•
1 0 = GROUP
December 2, 2015
Eye Center of Northern Colorado
Statement of Planning Objectives
This proposal is for a new single story medical office building that will include clinical space
for six ophthalmologists and a 3 operating room ambulatory surgery center. The project is
currently 32,903 square foot. In addition, the building and site will be master planned to
allow for the addition of clinical space and another operating room. The project location is at
the southeast corner of Ziegler Road and Precision Drive in the Harmony Technology Park
Subdivision.
Uses surrounding the property consist of the following:
South: The proposed Windsong Memory Care, Zoned HC
West: Ziegler Road, Zoned HC
North: Main Street Health and Wellness, Zoned HC
East: Vacant land in the Harmony Technology Park
As described above, the building is sited to be consistent with and compliment the adjacent
properties. We have also positioned the building so the main entry can have a strong visual
presence to the corner of Zeigler Road and Precision Drive. Although the design of the
exterior has a 1.5 to 2 story glass atrium/element facing towards the intersection. The
architecture will be similar in design and character to the surrounding developments. There
is currently a skilled nursing and assisted living facility being constructed north of our site,
across Precision Drive and a memory care facility is currently planned directly south of our
site, so this location is ideal for this type of building.
The proposed project will have curb cut access off Precision Drive, aligned with the curb cut
for the new Main Street Health and Wellness building being constructed on the north side of
Precision Drive. We are proposing to have a shared access road with the Windsong
Memory Care facility planned to the south of our project. This would provide a connection
between Rock Creek Drive and Precision Drive for both properties. We are orienting and
locating our building and parking in the same east -west direction as the other adjacent
developments. This allows us to take advantage of the exposure to Zeigler Road and
provide the most functional site layout for this type of medical facility. Since most of the
patients arriving at this facility are elderly, it's important to position the patient parking as
close to the front door as possible. Also, because of the volume of deliveries coming to the
facility, it's important to separate the delivery trucks away from the patient parking.
Consequently, patient parking will be provided on the north side of the building and staff
parking, as well as deliveries, will occur on the south side of the building, which will also face
the proposed staff parking and delivery area for the memory care facility. There will be a
main entry canopy on the north side of the building and a smaller canopy on the east side of
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Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page 115
B. The P.D.P. is in compliance with the Harmony Technology Park Overall
Development Plan, Seventh Amendment.
C. The P.D.P. complies with the applicable standards of the Harmony Corridor zone
district, Land Use and Development Standards, of Article Four.
D. The P.D.P. complies with the applicable standards of the General Development
Standards of Article Three with one exception.
E. A Request for Modification of Standard to Section 3.5.3(C)(2)(a) — Orientation to
Build -to Lines for Streetfront Buildings — has been requested and found to be in
compliance with the criteria by which such Modification may be granted.
F. The proposed building placement is found to be not detrimental to the public
good and equal to or better than would a building placement that would have
otherwise complied with the standard. This is because:
(1.) The proposed building placement allows the necessary number of parking
spaces to be distributed over two parking lots versus one large parking lot.
This allows the overall development to be visually more appealing.
(2.) The proposed building placement allows for multiple entrances. This creates
four-sided architectural interest and precludes the building from having a back
side.
(3.)The proposed building placement is mitigated by site design features that
emphasize a building relationship to the corner of Ziegler Road and Precision
Drive.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the approval of the Request for Modification of Standard to Section
3.5.3(C)(2)(a) and the Eye Center of Northern Colorado P.D.P., #PDP150029, based
on the findings of fact found on pages 14 and 15 of this Staff Report.
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page 114
As can be seen, the H.T.P. is developing in a campus -like pattern envisioned by the
Harmony Corridor Plan in order to meet the specific needs of each firm. The Ziegler
Road frontage is not developing in an urban -like form where a variety of smaller -scaled
buildings, on individually platted lots, are brought up to the street edge to create an
urban context.
Having toured the facility and inspected the parking lots at 1725 East Prospect Road,
Staff agrees that there are unique attributes associated with a large-scale
Ophthalmology practice, particularly the aspects of the surgery component.
D. Staff Findings on the Request for Modification:
Staff finds that proposed site plan, which distributes the necessary parking over two
parking lots, each with its own building entrance, is an appropriate response to both the
needs of the firm and the context of the surrounding technology park. With its north -
facing entry, featuring a porte cochere, the building entrance is prominent and allows
the building to relate to the corner of Ziegler Road and Precision Drive. The three
walkways that connect the two public streets to the north and south entrances also help
establish a positive relationship between the building and the streets. Finally, the added
design features of the low screen wall and entry portals, all with matching stone, act as
extensions of the building that effectively mitigate the proposed building placement.
For these reasons, staff finds that the proposed building placement is equal to or better
than a building placement that would have otherwise complied with the standard.
7. Neighborhood Meeting:
A neighborhood meeting was not held as a Medical Office Building is classified as a
permitted use in the Harmony Corridor zone district, subject to a public hearing with the
Administrative Hearing Officer.
S. Findings of Fact/Conclusion:
In evaluating the request for Eye Center of Northern Colorado P.D.P., staff makes the
following findings of fact:
A. The P.D.P. is in compliance with the Harmony Corridor Plan.
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page 113
Also based on past practice, the applicants find there are efficiency and safety
factors gained by separating the staff entrance and parking lot from the patient
entrance and parking lot. With both staff and patients having a clear expectation as
to where to park, there is less conflict between the two groups. Each group has a
greater likelihood of finding a space closer to a building entrance.
From an urban design perspective, the impact of distributed parking over two lots is
less visually impactful than one large parking lot with a single entrance. Having
multiple entrances, served by two parking lots, creates a building that is more
architecturally interesting than a building that has a an attractive front but an
unattractive back.
As mitigation, the building orientation establishes a strong visual presence to the
corner of the two streets. This is accomplished by the low parking lot screen wall
and the two entry portals which repeat the use of cultured stone and sloping metal
roof found on the north building entrance. As noted, each entry portal features a
connecting walkway to a landscaped plaza at the main entry.
For these reasons, per Section 2.8.2(H)(1), the applicant contends that the proposed
site plan, with distributed parking and multiple entries, results in a design that is not
detrimental to the public good and is equal to or better than a plan that would
otherwise comply with the standard.
C. Staff Evaluation of the Request for Modification:
The subject P.D.P is part of the Harmony Technology Park where relatively large
users have selected to locate in business park setting that allows for each firm to
operate at a scale that would not be possible in the Downtown, the South College
Avenue corridor or within typical commercial centers. For example, along Ziegler
Road, between Harmony Road on the north and Rock Creek Drive on the south, a
distance of approximately one-half mile, the development pattern consists of single
buildings on various sized parcels:
• Intel (microchip processing) 34.40 acres
• Mainstreet Health (skilled nursing) 9.37 acres
• Eye Center (Ophthalmology) 4.16 acres
Windsong (Memory Care) 3.34 acres
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page 112
6. Section 3.5.3(C)(2) — Orientation to Build -to Lines for Streetfront Buildings
— Request for Modification:
A. The Standard at Issue and Extent of Divergence:
This standard requires that for at least 30% of the total length of the building along
Ziegler Road, the building must be placed to within 10 and 25 feet. And, for at 30%
of the building's length along Precision Drive, the building must be placed no greater
than 15 feet. If a parcel adjoins two streets, then the building shall be built to the
comer. In contrast to these build -to lines, the building is placed in the following
manner:
• 30 feet from Ziegler for 53% of the building side;
• 80 feet from Ziegler for 47% of the building side; and
• 167.5 feet (average) from Precision for the entire building front.
As can be seen, the divergence along Ziegler Road is nominal. The divergence
along Precision, however, is more notable.
B. Applicant's Justification:
As mentioned, the applicant contends that the operational aspects of a high -volume,
modemly-equipped ophthalmology practice is unique. Various procedures and
operations require time. With hours being from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., there are
both patient and staffing needs that require overlap.
Based on data derived from the existing facility at 1725 East Prospect Road, a
parking ratio of 6.4 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross leasable area is needed
which translates into 211 spaces. Without this number of spaces, there is a risk that
parking could spill off -site creating a negative externality that would have to be
absorbed either by the public (illegal parking on public streets) or by adjacent private
property owners (unauthorized parking in private parking lots). For a medical
practice, having patients park remotely or off -site is more inconvenient than perhaps
a retail center during holiday season.
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page I11
entrances. The predominant exterior material is cultured stone. This stone
product is repeated at the columns and the three entry portals along the two
public street which helps to unify the four acre site. The balance of the walls will
be stucco. Wall planes are significantly articulated with multiple recesses and
projections. By use of materials and form, the building is found to be compatible
with the newer buildings within the Harmony Technology Center: Banner Health
and Fuse Office Building. Further, the building complies with the standard to
include a distinctive base and top.
L. Section 3.5.3(B)(2) — Orientation to Build -to Lines for Streetfront Buildings
The building program requires a high number of parking spaces. In order for
these spaces to be effectively mitigated, and to divide patient and staff traffic, the
parking has been distributed over two lots, north (96) and south (106) of the
building (there are nine spaces on the east). This layout causes the building to
not comply with the build -to lines. A Modification of Standard has been
submitted and evaluated and is discussed in the next sub -section.
M. Section 3.6.4 — Transportation Level of Service Requirements
A Transportation Impact Study was submitted (see attached). The Study
concludes the following:
• The P.D.P. will generate approximately 1,062 daily trips, 67 morning peak
hour trip ends, and 115 afternoon peak hour trip ends;
• Current operation, with Eye Center of Northern Colorado, the unsignalized
intersections of Ziegler/Rock Creek and Ziegler/Precision will continue to
meet the City of Fort Collins Motor Vehicle Level of Service Standards;
• By 2020, including new background traffic, all of the affected intersections
will continue to operate acceptably without the need for a new traffic
signal.
• Acceptable Level of Service is achieved for pedestrian, bicycle and transit
modes based upon the measures in the multi -modal transportation
guidelines and future improvements to the street system in the area,
including the completion of Technology Parkway between Harmony Road
and Rock Creek Drive.
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page 110
• The P.D.P. creates no physical impact on any facilities serving alternative mode
of transportation, especially by adjoining Transfort Route 16 along Ziegler Road.
• The P.D.P. creates no detrimental impact on natural areas or features because
there are no such attributes on the former cultivated agricultural ground.
• Finally, the P.D.P. exceeds the minimum required handicap parking ratios (seven
handicap accessible spaces are required and 10 are provided).
Staff finds that the Request for Alternative Compliance to allow 34 extra parking
spaces is reasonable based on the unique operational aspects of a large-scale,
high volume, modern ophthalmology practice. The number of spaces requested
is roughly comparable to an existing facility located on East Prospect Road
based on the one observation by Staff and the four observations by Delich. The
larger parking lots are well -buffered from the two public streets by a variety of
effective screening techniques that exceed minimum standards.
J. Section 3.2.4 — Site Lighting
Parking lot pole lighting and wall -mounted sconces will feature down -directional
and full cut-off fixtures. There are no foot-candles that exceed the maximum
allowable.
K. Section 3.5.1(B)(C)(E)(F) — Building Project and Compatibility
The essence of these standards is to encourage new commercial buildings to
take their architectural cues from the surrounding context, and where there is no
established context, to create new buildings that set an enhanced standard of
quality. The context of the area is influenced by following large buildings within
the Harmony Technology Park:
• East: Banner Health Hospital
• North: Skilled Nursing Facility and Intel
• South: Long Term Memory Care Facility
• Southeast: Fuse Office Building, Numerica, Custom Blend ing/Rodelle
The proposed building features an interesting variety of clerestory windows
capped by shallow sloping standing seam metal roofs. This roof feature is
repeated over portions of all four elevations as well as the three building
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page 19
• The applicant owns and operates an existing facility at 1725 East Prospect Road
consisting of 26,000 square feet. Per the Delich study, based on four
observations during the day, the average parking demand for this facility is 167
spaces for a ratio of 6.42 spaces per 1,000 square feet.
Staff has evaluated the request for Alternative Compliance per Section 3.2.2(K)(3):
• Staff inspected the existing facility on East Prospect Road on January 12, 2016
approximately between the hours 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. This inspection revealed
that the facility appeared to be operating near full capacity. Based on this one
observation, the three parking lots were inspected and found to contain
approximately between and 120 and 130 cars, slightly below the Delich average
of 167 which was based on four observations.
o East Prospect, Staff Observation = 5.0 spaces/1,000 sq.ft.
o East Prospect, Delich Observations = 6.4 spaces/1,000 sq. ft.
o Proposed Facility Request = 6.4 spaces/1,000 sq. ft.
The request for 34 additional parking spaces would not detract from continuity,
connectivity and convenient proximity for pedestrians between or among existing or
future uses in the vicinity. This is because the site is connected to Ziegler Road and
Precision Drive by three walkways that are highlighted by architectural features that
match the building entrances. Each walkway ties into a building entrance that is
enhanced by a landscaped plaza.
• The P.D.P. minimizes the visual and aesthetic impact along the two public streets
by placing parking lots to the rear or along the side of the building, to the
maximum extent feasible. Most of the parking lot (202 spaces) has been divided
into two lots, north and south, for the sole purpose of mitigating the impact of one
large parking. By breaking up the total number spaces, the sea of asphalt is
reduced. Further, the two parking lots, each served by its own entrance, divide
the users between patients and staff. The surgery drop-off entrance further
separates users based on need.
• The P.D.P. minimizes the visual and aesthetic impact on the surrounding
neighborhood by the use of a low screen wall, landscaping and a series of
undulating earthen berms.
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page 18
The applicant has requested Alternative Compliance. (Please see the attached
documents from Delich and Associates, dated November 25, 2015, and from TB
Group dated December 2, 2015.) The applicant contends that extra spaces are
justified for the following reasons:
• The facility will house a variety of examination and surgical procedures and will
be open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with an anticipated
105 employees. In addition, there will administrative, support and reception staff.
These employees will be staggered over various shifts which will, by necessity,
overlap so that patient care is not disrupted.
• The surgery center will have six surgeons and three operating rooms. Patients
are in the operating rooms an average of two to three hours. For other
procedures and exams, patients are in the facility for an average of 1.5 hours,
primarily due to dilation time. The facility operates in a manner where a logical
progression takes a patient through a specific sequence of steps. In order to
achieve efficiency, each step is occupied by patients and attending staff. During
the busiest times of day, there is a need for 84 to 89 spaces to accommodate the
system.
• A floor plan has been submitted. Typically, floor plans are not a required
component of a P.D.P., but where a unique operational aspects result in a
request for an increased number of parking spaces, the layout of the facility is
informative. The floor plan reveals a sophisticated, systematic approach to a
wide variety of eye care exams and procedures. The applicant contends that the
Land Use Code category of "medical office," with its maximum of allowance of
4.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet, is more reflective of a prototypical "doctors'
office" and not an accurate ratio that reflects the high volume, modem practice of
ophthalmology.
• For example, due to the aging population, there is an increased demand for
cataract and glaucoma procedures. There are new procedures for macular
degeneration that involve retina injections versus surgery. Pediatrics care
continues to be a service that is in much demand. Finally, the use of lasers in
Lasik surgery has increased the demand for these procedures. All of these
treatments involve specialists, technicians and support staff. Consequently, each
patient is treated by a team over the course of their stay.
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page 17
G. Section 3.2.2(C)(6) — Direct On -Site Access to Pedestrian and Bicycle
Destinations
As mentioned, the multiple sidewalks to the two adjoining public streets allow for
both bikes and pedestrians to connect to multiple destinations and the
surrounding Harmony Technology Park, including Transfort Route 16
(southbound) which adjoins the site along Ziegler Road.
H. Section 3.2.2(J) — Setbacks for Vehicular Use Areas
As mentioned, the parking lots face both Ziegler Road and Precision Drive. The
two parking lots are setback in compliance with the standard in the following
manner:
o Ziegler Road: required average setback is 15 feet (minimum width at any
point if 5 feet); setback provided ranges from 30 to 35 feet.
o Precision Drive: required average setback is 10 feet (minimum width at
any point is 5 feet); setback provided ranges from 27 to eight feet.
Section 3.2.2(K)(2)(3) — Parking Lots — Maximum Number of Spaces and
Request for Alternative Compliance
A medical office building is required to have no less than 2 spaces and no more
than 4.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross leasable area. The building will
contain 32,903 square feet at full build -out. In cases where there are no
opportunities for shared parking with adjoining uses or on -street parking, a 20%
bonus to the allowable maximum is allowed. For the P.D.P., no parking is
allowed on either public street.
Required/Allowed Provided Difference
Minimum 66 211
Maximum 148 (+ 20% = 29) = 177 211 34
As can be seen, P.D.P. provides 211 spaces which exceed the allowable
maximum by 34 spaces. Section 3.2.2(K)(3) allows for an applicant to request
Alternative Compliance as a method for seeking a higher number of parking
spaces.
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page 16
D. Section 3.2.2(B) — Access Circulation and Parking
The parking and circulation system is complete and capable of serving the
expected number of patients and staff in the following manner:
o North Parking Lot — main entrance for patients and visitors;
o East Parking Lot — surgery patient drop-off; and
o South Parking Lot — secondary entrance for staff, deliveries,
trash/recycling pick-up.
As mentioned, there is a private north -south drive along the entire length of the
east property which allows for connectivity between Precision Drive and Rock
Creek Drive. This allows for circulation within the Harmony Technology Park
without having to rely on Ziegler Road, an arterial street.
E. Section 3.2.2(C)(4) — Bicycle Parking
For a medical office building, bike parking is required to be no less than one
space per 4,000 square feet with 20% being enclosed and 80% may be outside
in fixed racks. This means for the Eye Center, there must be at least nine
spaces, two enclosed, and seven in a fixed rack. The P.D.P. provides a total of
10 spaces, two enclosed, and eight in fixed racks, at the north and south
entrances, in compliance with the standard.
F. Section 3.2.2(C)(5)- Walkways
There are three direct connecting walkways that link the sidewalks along the two
public streets to two of the three building entrances:
o Ziegler Road to the south entrance;
o Ziegler Road to the north entrance; and
o Precision Drive to the north entrance.
As mentioned, each of these walkways is highlighted by a detail feature referred
to as an entry portal. The cultured stone and metal overhang is a design that
matches the three building entrances and is intended to invite pedestrians and
bicyclists into the site. At the north and south entrances, the walkways are
enhanced with plazas and landscaping. The two walkways from Ziegler Road do
not cross a drive aisle. The walkway from Precision crosses one drive aisle
where a cross walk is provided.
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page 15
5. Compliance with Applicable General Development Standards:
A. Section 3.2.1(C)(D) — Landscaping and Tree Protection
The P.D.P. provides full tree stocking around the entire site. Street trees are
provided along both Ziegler Road (4-lane arterial) and Precision Drive
(commercial local, no parking). Foundation shrubs are provided around all sides.
The two patios (north and south) that frame two of the three the building
entrances are landscaped by a combination of trees and shrubs.
There are three entry portals, two on Ziegler Road and one on Precision Drive,
located behind the public sidewalks. These pedestrian portals consist of a
cultured stone column and a metal canopy that match the building entrances,
and are designed to draw attention to the three connecting walkways. Each of
these portals is detailed with landscaping.
B. Section 3.2.1(E)(4)(a)(b) — Parking Lot Perimeter Landscaping
There are three parking lots with two facing public streets. The north parking lot
contains 96 spaces and serves the main entrance and the surgery center drop-
off porte cochere. The south parking lot contains 106 spaces and serves the
employee entrance and deliveries. (A small parking along the east side of
building contains nine spaces and serves the entrance to the surgery center.)
Both of the large parking lots are screened from the adjoining streets by a
continuous row of shrubs. In addition, between this shrub bed and the back of
the public sidewalks, there is a mix of both deciduous and evergreen trees that
are planted informally and interspersed with a series of undulating earthen berms
ranging in height between two and three feet. As a further enhancement, the
north parking lot is partially obscured by a solid, low screen wall, four feet in
height, constructed of cultured stone that matches the building's exterior. This
wall screens the entire length of the north lot along Ziegler Road and
approximately one-half of the length along Precision Drive.
The streetscape design along Ziegler Road has been coordinated with the
project to the south, Windsong at Rock Creek P.D.P., which is being reviewed
concurrently with the Eye Center P.D.P. This will allow for a consistent design
between Precision Drive on the north and Rock Creek Drive on the south; a
distance of approximately 800 feet.
C. Section 3.2.1(E)(5) — Parking Lot Interior Landscaping
Both parking lots exceed 10% interior landscaping in the form of islands which
exceeds the required minimum for lots with more than less than 100 spaces.
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page 14
2. Compliance with Harmony Corridor Plan:
The entire 270 acre O.D.P. is within the Basic Industrial Non -Retail Employment Activity
Center (B.I.N.R.E.A.C). The proposed land use, Medical Office / Surgery Center, is a
primary use in the H-C zone district. Development of the subject parcel, therefore,
contributes to fulfilling the vision of the Harmony Corridor being an area reserved for a
variety of both primary and business -related uses on relatively large parcels within an
attractive industrial park setting.
3. Compliance with the Harmony Technology Park, Seventh Amendment
Overall Development Plan:
By being located within the B.I.N.R.E.A.C. and zoned H-C, the Overall Development
Plan is divided between 75% primary and 25% secondary uses. Eye Center of
Northern Colorado is a Medical Office and Surgery Center which is permitted in the H-C
as a primary use. The parcel is located on Parcel C of the O.D.P. which is 42.55 acres
and designated on the O.D.P. for Primary Uses. The project, therefore, complies with
the approved Overall Development Plan.
4. Compliance with Applicable Harmony Corridor Zone District Standards:
As mentioned, a Medical Office Building / Surgery Center is a permitted primary use
subject to review by the Administrative Hearing Officer. The building is below the
maximum allowable height of six stories.
The applicant is participating with the master developer of the Harmony Technology
Park to establish and comply with an integrated pattern of streets and streetscaping
along Ziegler Road. For example, in conjunction with the recently approved Windsong
at Rock Creek Memory Care P.D.P (Planning and Zoning Board — February 11, 2016)
to the south, the following site plan elements of Eye Center of Northern Colorado are
being coordinated:
• Both P.D.P.'s will share a north -south private drive along their respective east
property lines that will connect Precision on the north to Rock Creek Drive on the
south. This drive will be designated as a public access easement allowing for
internal circulation without having to load local traffic onto Ziegler Road.
• Both P.D.P.'s will share a common emergency only access drive for the benefit
of a providing a secondary access for emergency vehicles and equipment.
• Both P.D.P.'s are designing an integrated landscape along Ziegler Road that
coordinates a common theme for over 800 feet of public street frontage.
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2, 2016
Page 13
Since 1997, the following annexations occurred:
• Kendall -Harmony Annexation — June, 2000
• Johnson -Harmony Annexation — July, 2000
These annexations triggered cooperation among various land owners which created the
Harmony Tech. Park, First Amended O.D.P. (267 acres) — September, 2000
In 2004, the Harmony Technology Park, O.D.P., Second Amendment was approved
which added three residential properties and increased the total acreage of the O.D.P.
from 267.19 acres to 270.19 acres.
Since 2004, five additional amendments to the O.D.P. were approved in response to the
great recession, parcel adjustment for various end -users, and re -allocation of the
primary and secondary uses.
The governing O.D.P. is the Seventh Amendment approved in 2014 and encompasses
270 acres among several property owners.
The following projects have been approved in the Harmony Technology Park:
Project Name
Applicant/Use
Year
Site acres
H.T.P.1 Filing
Celestica/Intel
1998
34.4
H.T.P. 2" Filing
H-P South Campus
2001
60.14
Brookfield Townhomes
Chateau Development
2002
42.39
H.T.P. 3rd Filing
Custom Blending
2008
5.01
Presidio Apartments
2011
11.83
H.T.P.3` Filing
-Multi-Family
Numerica
2012
4.90
Milestone Apartments
Multi -Family
2013
10.20
Banner Health
Hospital
2013
27.95
H.T.P. 41Filing
Fuse Office
2014
1.62
Main Street Health
Long Term Care
2015
7.5
The following projects are under current review:
Project Name
Proposed Use
Site acres
Harmony Commons
Commercial Mixed -Use
4.00
Windsong at Rock Creek
Long Term Medical Care Facility
3.34
Eye Center of Northern Colorado #PDP150029
Administrative Hearing: March 2. 2016
Page 12
Executive Summary:
A. The P.D.P. is in compliance with the Harmony Corridor Plan.
B. The P.D.P. is in compliance with the Harmony Technology Park Overall
Development Plan, Seventh Amendment.
C. The P.D.P. complies with the applicable standards of the Harmony Corridor zone
district. Land Use and Development Standards, of Article Four.
D. The P.D.P. complies with the applicable standards of the General Development
Standards of Article Three with one exception.
E. A Request for Modification of Standard to Section 3.5.3(C)(2)(a) — Orientation to
Build -to Lines for Streetfront Buildings - has been requested and found to be in
compliance with the criteria by which such Modification may be granted.
F. The proposed building placement is found to be not detrimental to the public
good and equal to or better than would a building placement that would have
otherwise complied with the standard.
Comments:
1. Background:
The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows:
N: H-C Intel
S: H-C Windsong at Rock Creek Memory Care
E: H-C Vacant, Tract C (42 acres), Harmony Technology Park
W: R-L Wildwood Farm Neighborhood
The property was annexed as part of the 156 acre Harmony Farm in 1984.
The first Harmony Technology Park Overall Development Plan consisted of 155 acres
and was approved in 1997 in conjunction with Celestica Manufacturing.
City of
FCollins
ITEM NO One
MEETING DATE March 2. 2016
STAFF Ted Shepard
HEARING OFFICER
Project: Eye Center of Northern Colorado P.D.P., #PDP150029
Applicant: Eye Center of Northern Colorado
c/o Ms. Cathy Mathis
TB Group
444 Mountain Avenue
Berthoud, CO 80513
Owner: Harmony Technology Park, LLC
c/o M.A.V. Development
2723 South State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Staff: Ted Shepard
Project Description:
This is a request for a P.D.P. for a 32,903 square foot, one-story medical office building
and surgery center located on 4.16 acres at the southeast corner of Ziegler Road and
Precision Drive. Primary access would be gained from Precision Drive. There would be
211 parking spaces divided between three parking lots. The P.D.P. includes a request
for a Modification of Standard to the build -to line requirement of Section 3.5.3.(C)(2)(a).
The parcel is a component of the Harmony Technology Park Overall Development Plan
and zoned H-C, Harmony Corridor.
Recommendation: Approval of the Modification of Standard and approval of the P.D.P.
Planning Services
fcgov.com/developmentreview/
281 N College Ave - PO Box 580 - Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
970.221.6750