HomeMy WebLinkAboutPOUDRE HIGH SCHOOL EXPANSION SITE PLAN ADVISORY REVIEW - 59 93 - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORT W/ATTACHMENTSg
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RESULTS OF LICENSE PLATE SURVEY
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Figure 2
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Poudre School
I District Admin.
i Building i
Administration
Parking
Teacher
Parking
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North Impala
Poudre I Observation Location
I High School I Student
i I Parking
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South Impala
Observation Location
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STREET
POUDRE HIGH SCHOOL AREA I Figure 1
With the proposed change in the PHS parking lot, the base
thrus will be denied access to Impala Drive and the 'school thrus
will be required to exit from the route they entered. During each
analyzed period, there will be a reduction in traffic at the
observation locations on Impala Drive. The range of reduction will
be from 10-60 vehicles in aone hour._period. T ere will, however,
e an increase in traffic on both La Porte Avenue and Mulberry
Street. However, the increase i_tL—traf_fi.c._„on--both—La__Eorte_and__/
Mulberry will be about l0_p.er.c.gnt_more .than that which currently '
exits on--these—streets. Review of the existingtraffic volumes
indicates that there is excess capacity at both the La Porte/Taft
Hill and Mulberry/Taft Hill intersections. Therefore, the increase
in traffic can be accommodated on the arterial street system in the
area (La Porte Avenue, Mulberry Street, and Taft Hill Road).
Recommendation
It is recommended that Poudre School District continue to
pursue elimination of Impala Drive as a through street. This will
cause a reduction in traffic volumes on Impala Drive.! The south
' portion of Impala Drive is a public street. The resteents on/near
this portion of Impala Drive will. likely be receptive to this
reduction in traffic even through it will add length to trips that
have an origin or destination to the north. The number of vehicles
that are added to the arterial street can be accommodated on the
area street system.
PHS. These people are using Impala Drive as a
public street through school district property.
Some of these are school district administration
personnel.
School thrus — These are the through vehicles that drop off/pick
up a student or faculty member at PHS. A typical
description of this trip would be a parent going to
work in the morning, dropping off a student, and
then proceeding through the property to complete
the work trip.
Total -- These are the sum of the above three components.
Figure 1 is a schematic of the PHS area showing the
observation locations in relation to the physical features in the
area. Along with the license plate survey, turning movement counts
were performed at the La Porte/Impala intersection. Figures 2, 3,
and 4 show the results of the license plate survey for the
respective study times.
Referring to Figure 2 (7:00 AM to 8:15 AM survey results),
there were 290 southbound and 158 northbound vehicles destined for
PHS. This is the start of the school day, so this volume is not
surprising. In addition to these destination trips, there are also
27 school thrus southbound and 23 school thrus northbound. At this
time of day, there are only 21 base thrus southbound and 17 base
thrus northbound. The base thrus comprise only 7 percent of the
traffic on Impala Drive.
Referring to Figure 3 (12:00 Noon to 1:30 PM survey results),
there were 103 southbound and 145 northbound vehicles destined for
PHS. Based upon observation, this appeared to be the end of the
lunch break for students and generally included much of the
traditional lunch period for administration personnel. At this
time of day, the school thrus are -very small in both directions.
This is expected. The base thrus are relatively high. They
comprise over 30 percent of the entering traffic in the southbound
direction and almost 20 percent of the entering traffic in the
northbound direction. Based upon the observation at the north
Impala location, a significant portion of these base thrus are
administration personnel going to/returning from lunch. Therefore,
these base thrus are largely comprised of the school administration•
personnel using Impala Drive as a public street.
Referring to Figure 4 (4:30 PM to 6:00 PM survey results),
there were 11 southbound and 17 northbound vehicles destined for
PHS. These low numbers are not surprising, since the normal school
day is over. Of the entering traffic from each direction, there
are a significant number of school thrus. These are likely to be
parents picking up a student from an after school activity. From
a percentage basis, the base thrus are high, however the absolute
number of 'vehicles is low. Based upon observation at the north
Impala location, a significant portion of the southbound base thrus
came from the administration parking lot.
LLi
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MEMORANDUM
G To: George Brelig, RB+B
Mike Spearnak, Poudre School District
1 — Rita Davis, Fort Collins Transportation Division
o Fort Collins PlanningStaff
M From: Matt Delich
Date: August 9, 1993
Subject: Poudre High School traffic analysis
(File: 9336MEM1)
Poudre School District is proposing to expand Poudre High
School (PHS). As part of that expansion, it is proposed that
Impala Drive will be closed to through traffic between La
Porte Avenue on the north and Mulberry Street on the south.
This will be accomplished by providing two parking lots in
front of PHS, with no connection between them: At the present
time, Impala Drive passes in front of PHS through a parking
area. Research (by others) indicates that Impala Drive is a
private street, owned by Poudre School District, from La Porte
Avenue to Impala Circle.
While Impala Drive is used primarily for school related
trips and school district administration trips (Administration
Building is located north of PHS), some of the general public
utilize Impala Drive as a public street. This analysis
determines the mix of trip purpose of those vehicles entering
the school district property. The analyses determined how
z many vehicles will be denied "through" access on Impala Drive.
WFr Vehicles currently using Impala Drive for through trip
Z purposes will be -required to find an alternative route.
W Moving vehicle license plate surveys were conducted from
7:00 AM to 8:15 AM, 12:00 Noon to 1:30 PM, and 4:30 PM to 6:00
PM in late May 1993 and late July 1993. The July data was
• �' used to determine the base condition since school was not in
s session. In addition, the moving vehicle license plate survey
F was conducted from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM in late May 1993. This
o time period was not surveyed in late July 1993, since it is
(n a peak period that relates directly to the school activity
a rather than the normal peak period of the adjacent streets.
• The following are definitions of terminology used in this
LL memorandum:
cc
Non-thru -- These are vehicles that have either an origin
or destination at PHS.
Base thrus -- These are the through vehicles that occur in
the summer when there were no activities at
31-23-209 Government - Municipal 268
the territory affected and, after the approval by each body, shall be filed
with the county clerk and recorder of each county wherein the territory is
located.
Source: R & RE, L. 75, p. 1148, § I.
31-23-209. Legal status of official plan. When the commission has
adopted the master plan of the municipality or of one or more major sections
or districts thereof, no street, square, park or other public way, ground or
open space, public building or structure, or publicly or privately owned
public utility shall be constructed or authorized in the municipality or in
such planned section and district until the location, character, and extent
thereof has been submitted for approval by the commission. In case of disap-
proval, the commission shall communicate its reasons to the municipality's
governing body, which has the power to overrule such disapproval, by a
recorded vote of not less than two-thirds of its entire membership. If the
public way, ground space, building, structure, or utility is one the authoriza-
tion or financing of which does not, under the law or charter provisions
governing the same, fall within the province of the municipal governing body,
the submission to the commission shall be by the governmental body having.
jurisdiction, and the planning commission's disapproval may be overruled
by said governmental body by a vote of not less than two-thirds of its
membership. The failure of the commission to act within sixty days from
and after the date of official submission to it shall be deemed approval.
Source: R & RE, L. 75, p. 1148, § I.
City in advisory role. There is nothing in
§ 31-23-206 and this section which indicates a
legislative intent to broaden a city's authority.
They place ultimate governmental authority
in matters pertaining to land use in unincor.
porated areas in the county. In effect, a city is
given only an advisory role. Robinson v. City
of Boulder, 190 Colo. 357, 547 P.2d 228
(1976).
Amendment to plan not subject to refer-
endum powers. Being advisory only; an
amendment to a municipal master plan is not
legislation which is subject to the referendum
Powers reserved to the people. Margolis Y.
District Court, 638 P.2d 297 (Colo. 1981)
31-23-210. Publicity - travel - information - entry: The commission has
power to promote public interest in and understanding of the plan and to
that end may publish and distribute copies of the plan or any report and
may employ such other means of publicity and education as it may deter-
mine. Members of the commission may attend city planning conferences,
meetings of city planning institutes, or hearings upon pending municipal
Planning legislation, and the commission may pay, by resolution, [lie reason-
able traveling expenses incident to such attendance. The commission shall
recommend, from time to time, to the appropriate public officials programs
for public structures and improvements and for the financing thereof. It shall
be part of its duties to consult and advise will, public officials and agencies,.
public utility companies, civic, educational, professional, and other organiza-
tions, and with citizens in relation to protecting and carrying out the plan.
The commission has the right to accept and use Fifes liar the exercise of its
!r .
269 Planning and Zoning
within a reasonable length of time, such available information a
sion may require for its work. The commission and its mem.
and employees, in the performance of their functions, may er
land and make examinations and surveys and place and maint
marks and monuments thereon. In general, the commission ha
as are necessary to enable it to fulfill its functions, to proms
planning, or to carry out the purposes of this part 2.
Source: R & RE, L. 75, p. 1148, § 1.
31-23-211. Zoning. Where a commission is establish( �6 ac
the provisions of this part 2, it has and shall exercise a f it
rights granted to the zoning commission by part 3 of this -
is a zoningcommission in existence at the time that a cor, ss
the zoning commission shall deliver to the commission ai' i
shall thereafter cease to exercise the powers and prerogatives pr
cised by it; except that, if the existing zoning commission is ne
lion of a zoning plan, the governing body of the municipality r
by resolution, the transfer of the zoning commission's powers
lion of the zoning plan; but in no event shall the period of such I
exceed six months from the date of the creation of the commis
in this section shall invalidate or otherwise affect any zoning
lion or any action of the zoning commission adopted or take
creation of a commission.
Source: R & RE, L. 75, p. 1149, § I.
C.J.S. See 62 C.1.S., Municipal Corpora-
tions, § 672.
31-23-212. Jurisdiction. The territorial jurisdiction c �=
over the subdivision of land includes all land located withi,..ac
ries of the municipality and, limited only to control wit; :ere
street plan and not otherwise, also includes all land lying with
of the boundaries of the municipality not located in any other
except that in the case of any such land lying within five i
than one municipality, the jurisdiction of each commission s
at a boundary line equidistant from the respective municipal .
municipalities. The jurisdiction over the subdivision of lant
boundary of a municipality.shall apply equally to any municipa
Source: R & RE, L. 75, p. 1149, § 1.
31-23-213. Scope of control. When a commission has ad('
street plan for the territory within its subdivision control, or an
as provided in section 31-23-208, and has filed a certified cop
in the office of the county clerk and recorder of the county ;
,r surly part is Inralyd, no plat of a subdivision of lat
or other building beyond the territorial limits of the district except in
ante with the provisions of section 22-32-109 (1) (v).
Source: (2) amended, L. 75, p. 786, § 5; (1) amended, L. 77, p. 1050, §
(2) amended, L. 79, p. 783, § 3.
22-32-124. Building codes - zoning - planning. (1) Prior tote aMillsi.
lion of land or any contracting for the purchase thereof, the board of educa•
lion shall consult with and advise in writing the planning commission, or
governing body if no planning commission exists, which has jurisdiction over
the territory in which the site is proposed to be located in order that the
proposed site shall conform to the adopted plan of the community insofar
as is feasible. In addition, the board of education shall submit a site develop•
ment plan for review and comment thereon to such planning commission
or governing body prior 0 construction of .any structure or building. The
planning commission or governing body may request a public hearing before
the board of education relating to the proposed site location or site develop-
ment plan. The board of education shall thereafter promptly schedule the.
hearing, publish at least one notice in advance of the hearing, and provide
written notice of the hearing to the requesting planning commission or gov-
erning body. Prior to the acquisition of land for school building sites or con-
struction of any buildings thereon, the board of education also shall consult
with the Colorado geological survey regarding potential swelling soil, mine
subsidence, and other geologic hazards and to determine the geologic suit-
ability of the site for its proposed use. All buildings and structures shall be
erected in conformity with the standards of the division of labor. Nothing
in this subsection (1) shall be construed to limit the authority of a board
of education to finally determine the location of public schools within the
district and erect necessary buildings and structures.
(2) (a) Notwithstanding llte provisions of section 8-1-107 (2) (d), C.R.S.,
upon request of the division of labor after consulting with the affected board
of education, the appropriate building department of a county, town, city,
or city and county wherein a building or structure has been erected pursuant
to subsection (1) of this section may make the necessaryinspections to deter-
mine that such building or slrltcture has been erected. in conformity with
the standards of the division of labor and, if such building or structure is
in conformity; shall issue the necessary certificate of occupancy prior to use
of the building.or• structure by the school district. A fee may be charged
for such inspections upon approval di'the board of education, if the amount
of the fee is determined on the basis of the direct cost of providing such
service. If the division of labor after consulting with the affected board of
education requests inspections by the building department, such inspections
shall be in lieu of any inspections made'by the division of labor; except
that this subsection (2) shall not be construed to relieve the division of labof
of the responsibility to conduct such inspections if the appropriate county,
town, city, or city and county agency does not conduct the inspections. Any
county, town, city, or city and county. conducting such inspections shall also
be authorized to annually reinspect the building or structure to assure Iha1
it is maintained and operated in accordance with the fire,code adopted b
the director of the division of labor. The inspecting entity shall cooperate
with the affected school district in carrying out the'duties of this section.
(b) If the division of labor conducts the necessary inspection to determine
that a building or structure erected pursuant to subsection (1) of this section
has been erected in conformity with the standards of the division of -labor,
it shall charge a fee of two hundred dollars for such inspection: Any fees
collected by the division of labor pursuant to this paragraph (b) shall be
transmitted to the state treasurer, who shall credit the same to the public
safety inspection fund created pursuant to section 8-1-151, C.K.S.
(3) The county, town, city, city and county, or fire protection district
providing fire protection service for the buildings and structures of a school
district may annually inspect such buildings and structures to assure that
they are maintained in accordance with the fire code adopted by the director
of the division of labor unless the board of education of the district has
contracted for such inspections to be conducted by a person qualified to
conduct such inspections by reason of experience, training, or certification.
Source: Amended, L. $I; p. 1064, § I; (1) R & RE and (2) amended, L.
84, pp. 599, 600, § § I, 2; (2) amended, L. 85, p. 338, § 6; amended, L.
86, p. 499, § 118.
22-32-125. Applicability of article.
Repealed, L. 75, p. 788, § 13, effective July I, 1975.
22-32-126. Principals - employment and authority.
Principal has the authority to adopt policies, 653 P.2d 743 (Colo: App. 1982), rcv'd on
des, and rtgul8lioni to implement school oihcrgrounds, 688 P.2d 219 (Colo. 1984).
)licy. DeKoevend v. Board of Educ., 653 Principal has authority to supervise teachers.
2d 743 (Colo. App. 1982), rcv'd on other Taking the steps necessary to supervise and
ounds, 688 P.2d 219 (Colo. 1984). insure the effectiveness of teachers is within
The administrative rcsponsibilitics set forth the authority delegated to the principal by the
this section could not be carried out if the school board and thus constitutes a legitimate
incipal was unable to promulgate rules and exercise of his power. Thompson v. Board of
force them. DeKoevend v. Board of Educ., Educ., 668 P.2d 954 (Colo. App. 1983).
22-32-127. Leases or installment purchases for periods exceeding one year.
1) (a) Whenever the term of an installment purchase agreement or a lease
greement with an option to purchase under which a school district becomes
Milled to the use of undeveloped or improved real property or equipment
Ora school site, building, or structure is greater than one year, the obligation
o make payments under the agreement shall constitute an indebtedness of
the district. ,
(b) Under any installment purchase agreement or under any lease or
rental agreement, with or without the option to purchase, or similar agree-
ment pursuant to which the subject real or personal property is used by the
school district for school district purposes, title shall be considered to have
assed to the school district at the time of execution of the agreement for
'urPoses of determining liability for or exemption from property tax;,tion.
(2) No board of education shall enter into an installment purchase agree-
ment of the type which constitutes an indebtedness unless such agreement
eeN."
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ITEM: POUDRE HIGH SCHOOL -
Advisory Review North
NUMBER: 59-93
Poudre High School Expansion - Site Plan Advisory Review, #59-93
October 25, 1993 P & Z Meeting
Page 8
neighborhood. The re -alignment of Impala Drive has been reviewed
and found acceptable by the City's Transportation Department.
It is recommended, therefore, that the Planning and Zoning Board
advise the Poudre R-1 Board of Education that the location,
character, and extent of Poudre High School Expansion, Site Plan
Advisory Review is appropriate and conforms to the Comprehensive
Plan of the City of Fort Collins. It is further advised that:
(1) Poudre High School establish a parking permit system
which would: (a) include a priority parking space
allocation for students based upon seniority, academic
achievement, merit, disability, and (b) give priority to
those students who car pool and those who leave their
cars parked for the entire day.
(2) Poudre High School and Poudre R-1 District officials
continue to work with representatives of Transfort to
establish a "youth passe for high school students similar
to the system presently serving C.S.U. students.
(3) Parking lot islands that define the ends of the parking
bays should be raised, protected by concrete, and each
island should feature a two inch caliper deciduous shade
tree.
(4) The Poudre R-1 School District is encouraged to continue
to work with the City of Fort Collins Transportation
Department in the analysis of and potential improvements
to the LaPorte Avenue Taft Hill Road intersection. If it
is determined that the re -alignment of Impala Drive
necessitates improvements to this intersection, then
these findings shall be forwarded to the City of Fort
Collins/Poudre R-1 School District Liaison Committee for
funding and implementation options.
Poudre High School Expansion - Site Plan Advisory Review, #59-93
October 25, 1993 P & Z Meeting
Page 7
the Mulberry Street segment will diminish in importance and carry
approximately 40% of the high school trips. The LaPorte segment
will carry 60% of the high school trips and become the sole access
point for those District employees who work north of the high
school.
B. Parking Lot Circulation
The two parking lots served by the two segments of Impala Drive
will be blocked to prevent through traffic. After certain events,
however, the lots could be connected to help disperse the parking
lot in a more efficient manner. These events are infrequent and
the impact on the neighborhood is considered acceptable. This
would be the same as the current operation at Epic Center which
allows cars to exit onto East Stuart Street to relieve the pressure
on Riverside Drive and Prospect Road after certain events.
C. LaPorte Avenue/Taft Hill Road Intersection
Presently, the LaPorte Avenue/Taft Hill Road intersection is
substandard. By disconnecting Impala Drive, an increased number of
trips will be using this intersection to gain access to Poudre High
School as well as the Poudre R-1 administrative and service
facility. The City of Fort Collins Transportation Department is
concerned about future improvements to this intersection and how
the incremental increase in trips will affect the present
operation. In order to maintain the high level of cooperation
between the City of Fort Collins and the Poudre R-1 School District
in mitigating impacts on surrounding neighborhoods and in resolving
issues of mutual concern, Staff recommends the following
advisement:
The Poudre R-1 School District is encouraged to continue to
work with the City of Fort Collins Transportation Department
in the analysis of and potential improvements to the LaPorte
Avenue/Taft Hill Road intersection. If it is determined that
the re -alignment of Impala Drive necessitates improvements to
this intersection, then these findings shall be forwarded to
the City of Fort Collins City Council/Poudre R-1 School
District Liaison Committee for funding and implementation
options.
RECOMMENDATION:
The request to expand Poudre High School is found to be appropriate
in the R-L, Low Density Residential Zone District. The building
additions are compatible with the existing structure. The mass,
scale, and height is found to not have an impact on the surrounding
Poudre High School Expansion - Site Plan Advisory Review, #59-93
October 25, 1993 P & Z Meeting
Page 6
Bicycle parking will be provided in racks accommodating up to 50
bikes. The District estimates that this number exceeds the present
number of students who use bikes. Racks can be added on an as -
needed basis.
8. Height Review:
The highest point of the additions will be the new gymnasium at 43
feet above the finish floor elevation. The current high point is
the existing gym at 41 feet above finish floor.
The City Code precludes buildings of a height greater than 40 feet
unless they are located in a P.U.D. Although the District is
exempt from the strict requirements of the Zoning Code, the
Planning and Zoning Board retains the ability to comment on the
location, character and extent of public buildings.
The request for a building over 40 feet in height is reviewed by
the criteria found in Chapter 6.28, "Special Review of Buildings
with Height Over 40 Feet" as found in the Development Manual.
Staff finds that the proposed gymnasium is not a typical high rise
building that is referred to in the review criteria.
The proposed gymnasium is found to not block desirable views from
any residential area. The building will not have a negative impact
on the distribution of light onto adjacent properties or preclude
the use of solar technology. Since there are no residences in the
nearby vicinity, there will be no infringement upon the privacy of
adjacent public and private property. Finally, since the new gym
is part of larger high school complex, it is compatible with its
immediate surroundings with a relative height, length, mass, and
character that is typical and expected of a high school campus.
Staff, therefore, finds that the new gymnasium, with a height of 43
feet, is appropriate at this location.
9. Transportation:
A. Impala Drive
As mentioned, Impala Drive would be re -aligned so that it
terminates within two separate parking lots and is discontinuous
between Mulberry Street on the south and LaPorte Avenue on the
north. The objective is to reduce the traffic, litter, and noise
impacts on the existing residential area (on the Mulberry Street
segment) and to deter youthful indiscretions relating to driving
behavior. By creating two distinct and disconnected access points,
Poudre High School Expansion - Site Plan Advisory Review, #59-93
October 25, 1993 P & Z Meeting
Page 5
In general, those attending the neighborhood meeting support the
expansion. As of this writing, the Planning Department has not
received any letters or phone calls in opposition to the project.
Based on the design and mitigation measures, Staff finds the
request to be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
6. Design:
The design objective of the expansion is to provide new facilities
and better community accessibility. The new areas include an
enhanced media center, new gymnasium, new theater and lecture
spaces, and new instructional areas. To create a readily
identifiable entrance, a large amount of entry glass will be
featured on the southeast elevation. The present brick textures
will be continued with the additions.
Staff is concerned about the lack of raised islands and landscaping
in the re -designed parking lot. Since parking lots work best with
raised islands that define the ends of the parking bays, and since
these islands would be aesthetically improved with deciduous shade
trees, staff recommends the following advisement:
Parking lot islands that define the ends of the parking bays
should be raised, protected by concrete, and each island
should feature a two inch caliper deciduous shade tree.
7. Parking:
The ultimate enrollment of 1,800 students will likely be attained
at Poudre High School in a longer time frame than at the other two
high schools. Despite a slower growth rate, the transportation
needs of Poudre H.S. are dramatically different than the two
southern schools due to the vast expanse of the service area.
Recognizing these considerations, the parking lot has been designed
for a total of 556 spaces. These spaces include 423 student
spaces, 121 faculty/staff spaces, and 12 visitor spaces. Handicap
spaces are provided according to A.D.A. standards and are included
in the total. Faculty overflow parking will be allowed to the
north onto the administration building's adjoining parking lot.
This is the lowest amount of projected total parking of all three
high schools. By comparison, new Fort Collins H.S. will provide
890 spaces and expanded Rocky Mountain H.S. will provide 740
spaces. All the parking is anticipated to be constructed as a
single phase.
Poudre High School Expansion - Site Plan Advisory Review, #59-93
October 25, 1993 P & Z Meeting
Page 4
5. Neighborhood Compatibility:
A neighborhood information meeting was held on September 16, 1993
at the high school auditorium. One of the primary concerns was the
re -alignment of Impala Drive. Other concerns were lighting/campus
security, noise, drag racing, and campus expansion.
A. Re -alignment of Impala Drive
The proposed expansion includes disconnecting Impala Drive as a
through street from Mulberry Street to LaPorte Avenue. Impala
would continue to act as the primary access point from both
Mulberry Street and LaPorte Avenue but each segment would terminate
at a separate parking lot. This re -alignment was well received by
those attending the meeting.
B. Lighting/Campus Security
There is an ongoing concern that the high school campus is
generally under -illuminated and that present lighting levels do not
sufficiently deter crime and vandalism. With the expansion,
parking lot areas will be illuminated at one footcandle per square
foot. (This specification meets the recommended minimum
footcandles for self -parking according to the Lighting Handbook,
Philips Lighting Company, 1984.) The proposed increase in lighting
and security was also well received by the neighborhood.
C. Noise/Drag Racing
The inability to travel from Mulberry Street to LaPorte Avenue will
deter drag racing and help reduce noise. Between the two access
points, it is anticipated that the Mulberry Street segment will
carry 40% of the high school traffic. (Most of the affected
property owners reside south of the high school.) In addition,
District employees who work north of the high school will likely
use the LaPorte segment thus further reducing trips that impact on
the neighborhood.
D. Campus Expansion
The expansion of the structure will decrease the amount of outdoor
athletic fields. The concern of the neighborhood is that the high
school will seek to augment its athletic fields by purchasing
surrounding available parcels to the southeast and west.
Presently, there is no funding budgeted for land acquisition to
expand the Poudre High School campus. The District, however,
reserves the right to acquire additional property should the need,
the funding, and the opportunity arise.
Poudre High School Expansion - Site Plan Advisory Review, #59-93
October 25, 1993 P & Z Meeting
Page 3
3. Right of Advisory Review:
A. Section 22-32-124, C.R.S.
This section of State Statutes addresses the right of the School
District to construct schools within a municipality and the
location or manner of construction of such schools. The statute
specifically limits the municipalities' participation in the
process to a limited right of review and appeal to the Board of
Education.
B. Section 31-23-209, C.R.S.
This section provides that no public building shall be constructed
or authorized in a city until the "...location, character, and
extent thereof" has been submitted for approval by the Planning and
Zoning Board. In the case of disapproval, the Planning and Zoning
Board shall communicate its finding to the School District. The
disapproval of the Planning and Zoning Board may be overruled by
the School Board by a vote of not less than two-thirds of its
membership.
Under Section 31-23-209, C.R.S., the Planning and Zoning Board
should make a finding as to the location, character, and extent of
the public buildings and structures relative to the adopted Master
Plan of the City. Such findings help ensure that the proposed
structures conform to the adopted plan of the community. This is
the same statutory authority used to review the new Fort Collins
High School, expansion of Rocky Mountain High School, as well as
all other new schools.
4. Land Use:
A. Zoning
Poudre High School is located
Zone District. A public high
zone. The proposed additions
comply with the Zoning Code.
B. Location
in the R-L, Low Density Residential
school is a permitted use within this
to the existing structure, therefore,
Unlike the expansion of Rocky Mountain High School, the expansion
for Poudre High School does not involve the acquisition of
additional land area. The proposed expansions will occur on land
already owned by the District.
Poudre High School Expansion - Site Plan Advisory Review, #59-93
October 25, 1993 P & Z Meeting
Page 2
COMMENTS
1. Background:
The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows:
N: R-L; Poudre R-1 Administrative Offices, Transportation, Bus
Storage, Grounds, and Support Services
N: R-L-P; Residential
S: R-L; Single Family Residential
S: R-L-M; Multi -Family Residential
E: R-M; Multi -Family Residential (Ramblewood Apartments)
W: FA-1; Rural Residential
Poudre High School was built in 1964 to serve a student population
of 1,200. With the construction of Poudre High, Impala Drive was
extended to connect Mulberry Street to LaPorte Avenue. In 1990,
the Board of Education voted to expand the student population to
1,800 at both Poudre High School and Rocky Mountain High School to
match the projected enrollment of the new Fort Collins High School.
A bond issue to fund the structural improvements at all three high
schools was approved by the voters within the Poudre R-1 School
District in 1991.
2. Context Within the Section:
Poudre High School is located in a square mile section that forms
the northwest edge of the city limits. The entire western half of
the section is located outside the city but within the U.G.A. The
section is dominated by previously divided rural residential
parcels, and county -approved subdivisions. With the exception of
Tenth Green Subdivision (Briarwood Drive) and Ramblewood
Apartments, the section is characterized by mature, non -urbanized
residential uses. There are virtually no commercial uses in the
section.
Poudre High School is part of a larger complex owned by Poudre R-1
School District. Located north of the campus is the District
administrative offices, bus storage area, bus service garage,
transportation offices, grounds shop, facilities office, print
shop, and the plumbing, heating, and electrical shop.
On February 22, 1993, the Planning and Zoning Board approved a
P.U.D. for the Poudre R-1 Above Ground Fuel Storage and Dispensing
Facility located on the former driver's education training range.
This project has not yet begun.
ITEM NO. 4
MEETING DATE IQ/2S/93
STAFF Ted Shepard
City of Fort Collins PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
STAFF REPORT
PROJECT: Poudre High School Expansion - Site Plan Advisory
Review, #59-93
APPLICANT: Poudre R-1 School District
c/o George Brelig
Robb, Brenner, and Brelig Architects
125 South Howes Street, Suite 880
Fort Collins, CO 80521
OWNER: Poudre R-1 School District
2407 LaPorte Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80521
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This is a Site Plan Advisory Review for the expansion of Poudre
High School, located at 201 North Impala Drive. The request is to
add 104,800 square feet to the existing 158,000 square foot
structure. With the new additions, the total square footage would
be 262,800 square feet to serve an ultimate enrollment of 1,800
students. The primary addition is to the southeast or the front of
the existing building. The request also includes the re -alignment
of Impala Drive. The campus is zoned R-L, Low Density Residential.
RECOMMENDATION: Approval With Advisements
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City's right to advise the Board of Education on matters
relating to the expansion of Poudre High School is found in the
Colorado Revised Statutes. A public high school is a permitted use
in the R-L, Low Density Residential Zone District. The expansion
of the building and the re -alignment of Impala Drive are considered
compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. The new areas
include a gymnasium, theater and lecture spaces, media center, and
instructional areas. Four advisements are recommended to encourage
alternative forms of transportation and address air quality issues.
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 281 N. College Ave. P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 (303) 221-6750
PLANNING DEPARTMENT