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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORT COLLINS JEEP - PDP - PDP170013 - DECISION - MINUTES/NOTESPlanning & Zoning Board October 19, 2017 Page 9 feet long. There was more discussion on how far apart the present connections are and the viability of installing security cameras. Member Hobbs is also in favor of a condition that will remove that corridor to enhance public safety. Planning Director Gloss clarified that there are no current bus routes on Mason. Member Hobbs made a motion that the Planning and Zoning Board approve the Fort Collins Jeep PDP170013, with the following condition: that the multimodal pathway on the north border of the property be removed and that the Applicant's fence line be made to be continuous with the fence line to the north to disallow traffic from Mason to the MAX line, based on the findings of fact contained in the staff report that is included in the agenda materials for this hearing and the board discussion on this item; Member Whitley seconded. Member Rollins suggested a friendly amendment to the motion to also remove the multimodal walkway on the west side; Members Hobbs and Whitley accepted friendly amendment. Vice Chair Hansen is in agreement with the motion. Chair Schneider is in favor of this project with the additional conditions. Vote: 7:0. Member Hobbs commended the applicant for repurposing an existing building rather than adding to the landfill. Project: Small Cell Land Use Code Changes Project Description: This is a request for a recommendation to City Council regarding updates to the Land Use Code related to small cell wireless technology in public right-of-way. These proposed revisions add language to Section 3.8.13 addressing small cells and revises the definition of development in Article 5 that addresses small cells. Recommendation: Approval Secretary Cosmas reported that the Legal Department submitted a revised ordinance since the work session. Staff Presentation and Board Questions Planner Frickey gave a brief overview of this proposal, explaining what "small cells" are and how they add capacity to wireless cell phone networks. He reviewed how this revision would impact the state statute and how it would modify the definitions in the LUC in Article 5, mainly affecting the City code. The LUC changes would clarify the applicability of LUC 3.8.13, which is a supplemental regulation that deals specifically with wireless equipment; he also proposes to revise the definition of development, saying that, if it doesn't meet this definition, the correct process for that application would be to use the process as defined in the City code. The proposed LUC changes would add a section to 3.8.13(D), stating that this section of the code wouldn't apply if the carrier wants to place the project within a public highway, per the State statute. Assistant City Attorney Yatabe discussed the reason the revision was made, adding that the new language and scope should fit with the current legislation. He explained that, to be exempt from the LUC criteria, the area in question must be located wholly within a public highway. He added that this is new legislation, and some portions could be open for interpretation, but the intent is to focus on public right-of-ways. Public Input (3 minutes per person) None noted. Board Questions and Deliberation Chair Schneider asked about flight path distance requirements for FAA approval; Assistant City Attorney Yatabe responded that he has noted this point for future discussion. Planning & Zoning Board October 19, 2017 Page 8 Public Input (3 minutes per person) None noted. Applicant/Staff Response and Board Questions Member Rollins asked about the original request for the pedestrian walkway; Chief Planner Shepard responded that it was a recommendation from the Midtown Plan, specifically for the area between the railroad tracks and Mason Street in this general area. Mr. More provided a slide to show where that MAX location is. Chair Schneider has a concern with lighting along that path; Mr. More stated that there is a plan for night lighting. Chief Planner Shepard stated there is light spillover from surrounding areas, which makes that section feel less like a tunnel. He discussed the planning process for creating the walkability, which he believes is essential to the project success. There was more discussion regarding light spillover. Member Hobbs asked if there were similar examples of the proposed fencing along the corridor; Chief Planner Shepard responded with several examples. Member Carpenter asked about potential hiding places along the corridor and whether low-lying lights could be installed along with fewer shrubs in order to avoid creating any dark, dense areas. Member Heinz asked about installing security cameras, but this option would result in more liability to maintain constant monitoring. Board Deliberation Member Carpenter asked whether this proposal be in compliance and the modification would be needed if the City hadn't required the "turn lane" piece. Mr. Move responded that the final plan may include widening the pathway to 8 feet. Member Heinz asked if any blind spots could be created on that pathway as well; Chief Planner Shepard responded that, since the path turns 90 degrees, bicyclists would have to slow down, but he doesn't think this would create a blind spot. Member Whitley asked what would happen if bicyclist didn't make the turn; Chief Planner Shepard responded that a bicyclist would end up in the MAX lane, would be less hazardous than other scenarios. Martina Wilkinson, Traffic Operations, added that similar situations have occurred, which resulted in road markers for better wayfinding. Member Whitley also asked if using reflective materials would help; Ms. Wilkinson responded that signage is required to be retro-reflective and, since bicyclists must wear helmets, the signage would be visible. Vice Chair Hansen made a motion that the Planning and Zoning Board approve the modification of standard to Section 3.2.2(J) (parking lot setbacks for Harmony and Mason) for the Fort Collins Jeep PDP, based on the findings of fact contained in the staff report that is included in the agenda materials for this hearing and the board discussion on this item, because granting this modification would not be detrimental to the public good, and the modification is justified by reason of being an exceptional situation unique to this property. Member Hobbs seconded. Chair Schneider commented that he intends to support this modification. Vote: 7:0. Vice Chair Hansen proposed some conditions for the approval of this PDP, saying that, since the connection between the MAX and Mason Street is important, it should be inviting to the public, and moving the fence to the south side of the landscaping will improve this situation. He continued by saying the proposed lighting should be improved by modifying existing poles. Member Rollins has some concerns with the walkway, saying it doesn't have a lot of activity, and it has a tunnel -like feeling for pedestrians; she would prefer that this pathway be removed. Assistant City Attorney Yatabe suggested that the Board consult with staff before imposing conditions. Mr. More stated that he has no objection to removing that sidewalk; there should be an adequate connection to the south side of the area. There was more discussion of access through adjacent auto dealerships, most of which is unimproved walkways. Member Carpenter has a concern with the safety of this walkway, which is approximately 400 Planning & Zoning Board October 19, 2017 Page 7 Board Deliberation Vice Chair Hansen clardied the purpose of the ODP changes, which constitutes movement of the addition but doesn't include a change to building height. He feels that this change to the ODP is well done. Member Hobbs asked what the process would be if the Applicant wanted to make further changes to the ODP in the future; Planner Frickey responded that this process would be repeated, and having an original ODP would have no impact on future ODPs. Vice Chair Hansen made a motion that the Planning and Zoning Board approve the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Expansion ODP170002, based on the findings of fact contained in the staff report that is included in the agenda materials for this hearing and the board discussion on this item; Member Hobbs seconded. Vote: 7:0. Project: Fort Collins Jeep PDP Project Description: This is a request to re -develop an abandoned building supply store and lumber yard as a full -service vehicle dealership located at 224 West Harmony Road. The existing building is 25,430 square feet and would be expanded to 34,752 square feet. Additions are proposed on both the north and south. One existing metal shed will remain for vehicle storage. The site is divided by the 100- foot wide B.N.S.F Railroad right-of-way which includes the MAX bus rapid transit system. The area west of the railroad right-of-way is approximately .87 acre and would remain as is for inventory storage. This area is also the subject of a good -faith negotiation with Transfort for potential acquisition as a park -and - ride for the MAX. A plan amendment will be required should this acquisition not occur and redevelopment is pursued. A Modification of Standard is requested to allow less than the required parking lot setbacks along portions of the two public streets [Section 3.2.2(J)]. The parcel is 4.48 acres, located at the northwest corner of W. Harmony Road and S. Mason Street and zoned C-G, General Commercial. Recommendation: Approval Secretary Cosmas reported that 1 email had been received that was a response from Nicole Hahn, City Traffic Engineer, to the Wojciechoski family addressing their concerns with travel through the Harmony and Mason intersection and indicating that a turn lane will be constructed if this project is approved. Staff and Applicant Presentations Chief Planner Shepard gave a brief overview of this project. Steve More, Architect for Commercial Building Services (representing FC Jeep), gave a more detailed presentation, discussing the existing structures onsite, site improvements, upgraded lighting, pedestrian connections, landscape plan and mitigation, buffering, materials, and parking provisions. He also discussed the design issues of the pedestrian walkway and the options that were being considered to enhance security and comfort of pedestrians. With the new design, the existing building will look completely different, and contrasting colors and faces will enhance the conversion. Staff Analysis and Board Questions Chief Planner Shepard reiterated his recommendation to approve the modification to standard for the landscaping setback and for the PDP. Vice Chair Hansen asked to clarify that the image shown represents the prototype, not the material changes made; Mr. More confirmed that the image does not properly represent the lower base material. Planning & Zoning Board October 19, 2017 Page 2 Agenda Review Planning Director Gloss reviewed the items on the Consent and Discussion agendas, stating that all items will be heard as originally advertised. Public Input on Items Not on the Hearing Agenda: None noted. Consent Agenda: 1. Draft Minutes from September 14, 2017, P&Z Hearing 2. Fox Hills Second Annexation 3. Highway 1-25 Third Annexation and Zoning 4. Reasonable Accommodation Land Use Code Public Input on Consent Agenda: A citizen requested that the Highway 1-25 Third Annexation and Zoning project be pulled from the Consent agenda. This item will be heard at the end of the Discussion agenda. Member Hobbs made a motion that the Planning and Zoning Board approve the Consent agenda for the October 19, 2017, Planning and Zoning Board hearing as originally advertised, with the exception of the Highway 1-25 Third Annexation and Zoning, which will be reviewed separately. Member Heinz seconded the motion. Vote: 7:0. Discussion Agenda: 5. Hansen Farm ODP 6. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church ODP Amendment 7. Fort Collins Jeep PDP 8. Small Cell Land Use Code Changes Member Rollins excused herself due to a conflict of interest at 6:09pm. Project: Hansen Farm ODP Project Description: This is a request for an Overall Development Plan (O.D.P.) for the vacant 69 acre parcel located on the west side of S. Timberline Road at the intersection of Zephyr Road. The property lies within multiple zone districts, including the Low Density Mixed Use Neighborhood (L-M-N), Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood (M-M-N), and Neighborhood Commercial (N-C) districts. The Neighborhood Commercial zone district will include primary and/or secondary uses. The Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhoods zone district will include primary or secondary uses including multi -family dwellings. The Low Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood zone district will consist of residential uses, including single-family and multi -family dwellings. The purpose of an Overall Development Plan is to establish general planning and development control parameters for projects that will be developed in phases, with multiple submittals, while allowing sufficient flexibility to permit detailed planning in subsequent P.D.P. submittals. There is no established vested right with an O_D.P. Jeff Schneider, Chair Jeff Hansen, Vice Chair Jennifer Carpenter Emily Heinz Michael Hobbs Ruth Rollins William Whitley City Council Chambers City Hall West 300 Laporte Avenue Fort Collins, Colorado Cablecast on FCTV Channel 14 & Channel 881 on Comcast The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224-6001) for assistance. Regular Hearing October 19, 2017 Member Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call: Carpenter, Hansen, Heinz, Hobbs, Rollins, Schneider and Whitley Absent: none Staff Present: Gloss, Yatabe, Wray, Frickey, Holland, Shepard, Beals, Everette, Kleer, Tatman- Burruss, Langenberger, Virata, Wilkinson, Uhlman, Bassinger and Cosmas Chair Schneider provided background on the board's role and what the audience could expect as to the order of business. He described the following procedures: • While the City staff provides comprehensive information about each project under consideration, citizen input is valued and appreciated. • The Board is here to listen to citizen comments. Each citizen may address the Board once for each item. • Decisions on development projects are based on judgment of compliance or non-compliance with city Land Use Code. • Should a citizen wish to address the Board on items other than what is on the agenda, time will be allowed for that as well. • This is a legal hearing, and the Chair will moderate for the usual civility and fairness to ensure that everyone who wishes to speak can be heard.