HomeMy WebLinkAboutPARK SOUTH COMMERCIAL PLAZA, LOTS 3A THRU 3D - PDP - 37-94C - DECISION - ADMINISTRATIVE INTERPRETATIONtiY t � i • � 7 �l r , �f 1 p �:1 �l �> � ti � Y
Landscape Architecture — Site Planning - Photography
408 Whedbee Street
Fort Collins, CO. 80524
970.472.8954
January 11, 2001
Director of Planning
Cameron Gloss
Fort Collins Planning Department
281 North College Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
Ref.: Request for Interpretation of the Land Use Code
Section of the Land Use Code for which an interpretation is requested:
❑ Section 3.5.3
Specifics / Background of the Request:
Section 3.5.3 is the Mixed Use, Institutional and Commercial Buildings section of the Land Use
Code. We would like an interpretation of the Land Use Code that would exclude the interior
buildings of enclosed mini storage from the building standards set forth in section 3.5.3. We
believe that many of the standards set forth in this section of the land use code are not intended
for enclosed mini storage. Enclosed mini storage is somewhat unique in its' industrial nature and
simple style. The building layout usually places perimeter buildings around the interior buildings.
The interior buildings make up the majority of the mini storage units. Enclosed mini storage is
designed to prevent the general public from accessing the interior buildings, there are no direct
connections to the adjacent sidewalks, except at the gated entry and perimeter buildings shield
the interior buildings from most views. The views from the street or adjacent area are blocked or
buffered by the perimeter buildings, landscaping and fences. Because of the importance of the
perimeter buildings, many of the architectural standards are reasonable for the perimeter
buildings, such as articulation of wall planes, projecting ribs or multiple materials. Where the
building standards are not practical are with the interior buildings. To articulate wall planes or
include awnings, trellis', arbors, faux windows and base & top treatments for the buildings simply
do not make sense. The facades of the interior buildings are simple; they are lined with doors
accessing the storage units.
In conclusion, we hope that the Director can understand the different roles between the perimeter
and interior buildings of enclosed mini storage. We also believe that the Director will allow
common sense to prevail in this request for interpretation of the Land Use Code.
Thank You,
Land Images, inc.
Michael (Aalona
Michael Chalona
r
N
Comr -pity Planning and Environment --Services
Current Planning
City of Fort Collins
TO: Interested Parties
FROM: Cameron Glos
Current Planni g Director
DATE: January 18, 2001
SUBJECT: Administrative Interpretation #2-01 of Section 3.5.3 regarding
application of building standards for mini -storage facilities.
BACKGROUND:
Section 3.5.3 of the Land Use Code provides building standards applicable to
mixed -use, institutional, and commercial buildings. The code section is broken
down into standards for (B) Building Orientation, (C) Massing, and (D) Character
and Image.
A request has been received to interpret whether standards in Section 3.5.3
would be applied to buildings located within the interior of a mini -storage facility
site, i.e.- areas shielded from view from adjacent streets and properties.
INTERPRETATION:
The Purpose subsection (A) of 3.5.3 clearly states that the "standards are
intended to promote the design of an urban environment that is built to human
scale to encourage attractive street fronts (emphasis added) and other
connecting walkways that accommodate pedestrians as the first priority, while
also accommodating vehicular movement'. Mini -storage facilities are specifically
exempt from the first portion of the purpose statement, that of orientating
buildings to a connecting walkway (see Section 3.5.3(13)(1)). Reference to
"attractive street fronts" makes a strong case for regulating the appearance of
those buildings or uses fronting a street.
In the case of mini -storage warehouses, architectural standards of Section 3.5.3
shall only apply to the perimeter buildings with facades visible from the abutting
public street or adjacent properities. This interpretation shall not be construed as
exempting other commercial or industrial uses from the standards of Section
3.5.3.
281 North College Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6750 • FAX (970) 416-2020