Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutLOFTS AT CAMPUS WEST (THE) - PDP/FDP - 28-97 - DECISION - FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS & DECISIONs Lo z � V45 140" ago soo —a/25 fli./0" p -7,�y_3yl d. Active open space is provided in close proximity to the project at the west end of the CSU campus and at City Park, located less than'/ mile away. e. All public facilities needed for this project have been provided. DECISION Based on the findings and conclusions, the request to approve file #28-97 is APPROVED which includes approval of the multifamily residential project consisting of 18, four -bedroom units and approval of the request to increase the number of unrelated persons allowed to occupy a dwelling unit from 3 to 4. Dated this 13th day of January, 1999, per authority granted by Sections 1.4.9(E) and 2.1 of the Land Use Code. Z�'7 L414 Ken Waido, Chief Planner efficiency and convenience for automobile, bicycle, pedestrian and transit modes of travel. While this project does not have the frontage to address potential intersections with City Park Avenue, it has met the requirement to provide access to adjoining parcels when appropriate. Access is provided from the drive/parking area of the proposed project both south to the Town Square commercial plaza and east to the parking area and drive aisles of the Campus West Condominiums. g. Transportation Level of Service Requirements The Transportation Impact Study was conducted based on the initial submittal of the proposed project that included 5 buildings with 26 units and analyzed the impact at the access point with City Park Avenue and the intersection of City Park Avenue and West Elizabeth Street. The current Levels of Service are LOS A in the AM and B in the PM for the intersection of City Park Avenue and West Elizabeth; and, LOS A for both AM and PM for the site entrance. Both short range and long range projections anticipate that the intersection of City Park Avenue and West Elizabeth Street will operate at LOS B in both the AM and PM. The LOS for the project entrance will remain at A. The minimum acceptable level of service for pedestrians will be achieved for all categories. The bicycle level of service will also remain acceptable. h. Compact Urban Growth Standards This PDP meets both the contiguity and the adequate public facilities requirements of the Land Use Code. 3. The availability and proximity to open space, recreational areas, parking areas and public facilities have been provided to meet the needs of the occupants of the development and to protect the adjacent neighborhood to support the request for increasing the number of unrelated persons that can occupy individual dwelling units. Including the following: a. The project is located close to the CSU campus which is a market for increased numbers of unrelated persons to occupy individual dwelling units. b. The project is within easy pedestrian access to the campus, and the entertainment, retail, and services offered at the Campus West shopping area. C. On -site parking is provided in excess of that required by the Land Use Code for dwelling units with 4 or more bedrooms. Crossings of the entrance at City Park Avenue and of the parking area are all enhanced to emphasize the pedestrian. The parking areas have no more than 15 consecutive spaces without intervening landscaping meeting the requirements of the Land Use Code. Parking areas exceed the required setback from the adjacent streets. Allowed parking was calculated at 2.5 spaces for 4 and more bedrooms per dwelling unit. This would require a minimum of 45 spaces. 49 automobile spaces are being provided, including 7 compact spaces and 3 handicapped spaces (exceeding the minimum of 2). Because of the size of the parking area, a minimum of 6% of the interior parking lot space must be devoted to landscaping. The PDP exceeds this requirement with a total of 28%. C. Site Lighting The PDP complies with all site lighting requirements. d. Building and Project Compatibility As required by the Land Use Code, building materials are generally similar to materials already being used in the neighborhood. Building materials are proposed t be lap siding in chestnut, linen and slate gray colors. Vertical siding will be provided in the peak areas of the roofline on the east and west elevations. Two large attic vents, in the form of peaked dormers, will be provided to break up the large expanse of roof on the south elevation. The building height is 39 feet (3 stories). This elevation is comparable with the perceived elevation of the buildings to the north due to the difference in elevation of the lots. e. Residential Building Standards While the front facades with primary entrances to the buildings do not face the adjacent street due to the orientation of the lot, each front fagade does face a walkway that connects to City Park Avenue without crossing any drive aisle. The western -most building, which faces City Park Avenue, includes a building entry consistent with Code requirements. Minimum setbacks have been met. Street Pattern and Connectivity Standards The purpose of the street pattern and connectivity standards is to ensure that the local street system is well designed with regard to safety, S: CC; Town Square commercial plaza, McDonalds, in -line retail E: CC; Campus West condominiums W: Unzoned (CSU); International House The property was annexed in May, 1966 as part of the 131h South Shields Street annexation. The proposed use of multifamily residential is permitted in the Community Commercial zone district subject to administrative review and will include 18, four -bedroom units. The application also includes a request to increase the number of unrelated persons allowed to occupy a dwelling unit from 3 to 4. FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND DECISION FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS After reviewing the staff report and the record of the public hearing, the Hearing Officer makes the following findings and conclusions: The proposed use of multifamily residential is permitted in the Community Commercial zone district and the PDP complies with all applicable district standards of Section 4.14 of the Land Use Code. 2. The Project Development Plan complies with all applicable General Development Standards in Article 3 of the Land Use Code as follows: a. Landscaping and Tree Protection The PDP provides significant canopy shading to reduce glare and heat build-up. Visual quality and continuity within and between developments are addressed by provision of street trees along City Park Avenue and canopy trees along the common boundary with McDonalds to the south and parking lot islands, foundation plantings and trash enclosure screening. b. Access, Circulation and Parking The parking and circulation system will accommodate the movement of vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and transit safely and conveniently throughout the site and to and from surrounding areas. The standard requirement for bicycle parking will be exceeded with 3 areas of bicycle parking being provided with multiple spaces each. The onsite pedestrian system provides directness, continuity and safety. 5. Construction timeline. City Response: Notification: Notification of adjacent property -owners was accomplished through three means: a sign was posted on the property, letters were mailed to all owners within 500 feet of the project, and notice was published in the Coloradoan newspaper. 2. Parking: A total of 49 parking spaces are being provided (the Land Use Code requires 45 spaces based on the ratio of 2.5 spaces per dwelling unit. 3. Height: The height of the buildings is 39 feet (3 stories). 4. Noise/management: City codes are in effect to handle noise complaints. The City's Neighborhood Resources Office is currently working with neighborhood groups, property -managers, etc. to determine the most appropriate way to handle the common negative impacts of rental housing throughout the community, such as parking problems, noise, trash, etc. 5. Construction timeline: This issue is best answered by the applicant. Applicant Response: 1. Notification: This issue is best answered by the City staff. 2. Parking: The 49 spaces are in excess of City Code. Several other potential spaces were eliminated in order to save some existing tree on the site. Cross parking agreements have been made with the commercial properties to the south and the multi -family housing project to the east. 3. Height: The building will be 39 feet high (3 stories), but from the back, due to the change in elevation they will look to be 2'/2 stories high. 4. Noise/management: The Timberline Property Management company will own and manage the buildings. 5. Construction timeline: Construction will begin this spring with the plan to have the units available for occupancy by August. BACKGROUND The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows: N: CC; City Park condominiums, single family ZONING DISTRICT: CC, Community Commercial NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Notice of public hearing was made on December 28, 1998, by mailing to property owners within 500 feet of the subject property. The public hearing was advertised in the Coloradoan on January 6, 1999. PUBLIC HEARING After reviewing the Staff Report and recommendation, a public hearing was held on the subject application at 1:40 PM on January 12, 1999. The hearing was held in Conference Room C, 281 N. College Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. HEARING TESTIMONY, WRITTEN COMMENTS AND OTHER EVIDENCE: The following is a list of those who spoke at the meeting: From the City: From the applicant: From the Community: Written Comments: Community Concerns: Bob Blanchard, Current Planning Director/Project Planner Dana Lockwood Evelyn Kiel, 2433 Tamarac Drive Kristen Deatric, 108 S. College Avenue None. 1. Notification of the development plan to surrounding property -owners. 2. Parking, number of spaces and access to lot. 3. Height of buildings. 4. Noise/management of the property. ITEM NO. MEETING DATE l2 STAFF City of Fort Collins HEARING OFFICER STAFF REPORTCITYOF FORT COLLINS ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING OFFICER TYPE I ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND DECISION HEARING OFFICER: PROJECT NAME: CASE NUMBER: APPLICANT: PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Ken Waido, Chief Planner Advance Planning Department The Lofts at Campus West PDP 28-97 Dana Lockwood Lockwood Architects 420 South Howes Suite 101 B Fort Collins, CO This is a request for a Project Development Plan approval for 18 multifamily units in 3 buildings located on 1.5 acres for a density of 14.5 units per net acre and a request to increase the number of unrelated person consistent with Section 3.8.16 of the Land Use Code. The site is located at 816 City Park Avenue, north of West Elizabeth Street, just north of the McDonalds drive-thru restaurant located in the Town Square commercial plaza, just south of the City Park condominiums and east of the CSU International House. The property is zoned CC — Community Commercial. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATION AND DECISION: Staff recommendation: Approval Hearing Officer Decision: Approval COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 281 N. College Ave. PO. Box580 Fort Collins, CO80522-0580 (970)221-6750 PLANNING DEPARTMENT