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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWATERGLEN SOLAR ARRAY - PDP190010 - CORRESPONDENCE - RESPONSE TO STAFF REVIEW COMMENTS>The provided double gate to the fire access exhibit from Greenfields Ct is appropriate for this project Noted, Thank You. IJS Comment Number: 4 08/12/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: ACCESSING/WAYFINDING To assist with prompt emergency response, wayfinding signage shall be placed at the access from Greenfields Ct. Noted, Thank You. US Comment Number: 5 08/12/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: HYDRANT Due to the limited extent of this project, the hydrant located at Greenfields Dr and Campfire Dr will be considered in compliance for this project. No further action required for water supply. Noted, Thank You. US Department: Technical Services Contact: Jeff County, 970 221 6588, ]county@fcgov.com Topic: General Comment Number: 1 08/19/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: Unless required during PDP, a complete review of all plans will be done at FDP. Noted, Thank You. IJS 15 Essentially the railroad should be considered similar to a roadway glare study. Glare Analysis also shows that there is no effect. IJS Department: PFA Contact: Andrew Rosen, 970 416 2599, arosen@poudrefire.org Topic: General Comment Number: 1 08/12/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: SOLAR ARRAYS Ground mounted solar arrays require a separate plan review and permit from the Poudre Fire Authority. Please call Plan Review Technician Roger Smith at 970 416 2876 with Solar Array questions. Refer to 2018 IFC 1204 for access, pathway, and marking details. General Requirements for Marking: > Direct Current conduits, enclosures, raceways, junction boxes, cable assemblies, combiner boxes and disconnects must be marked. > Markings must be reflective and weather resistant. > Must be at least 3/8th of an inch and white on red background. > Contain the words in capital letters "Warning: Photovoltaic Power Source". > Main Service Disconnect must be clearly marked. > Markings must be placed every 10 feet and within 1 foot of turns or bends. Within 1 foot of penetrations and on both sides of the penetration if accessible. Noted, Thank You. US Comment Number: 2 08/12/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: GROUND MOUNTED PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAYS > IFC 605.11.4: Ground mounted photovoltaic arrays shall comply with Sections 605.11 through 605.11.2 and this section. Setback requirements shall not apply to ground mounted, free standing photovoltaic arrays. A clear, brush free area of 10 feet shall be required for ground mounted photovoltaic arrays. Vegetation height under or adjacent to arrays shall be maintained at or below 18". Noted, Thank You. IJS Comment Number: 3 08/12/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: ACCESS >The applicant has provided a Letter of Intent from the HOA that enables access to the project from Greenfields Ct to the south >The access will be 16ft wide and designed to support 40T. >A turnaround area is shown on the provided documents at the entrance to the site on sheet 4 of 6 and will be appropriate for this site. 14 Comment Number: 4 08/19/2019: FOR HEARING: Please provide a landscape plan that meets the Land Use Code 3.2.1 requirements and provides a detailed plant list for mitigation trees. This should include species, quantity, size, method of transplant and species percentage. The plans should also show the proposed locations of the mitigation trees, any current and/or proposed utility lines and meet proper tree separation requirements. Required tree sizes and method of transplant: Canopy Shade Tree: 2.0" caliper balled and burlapped Evergreen tree: 6.0' height balled and burlapped Ornamental tree: 1.5" caliper balled and burlapped Landscape Plans Provided. Plans show locations for proposed species. Sandbox Solar plans on payment - in -lieu of mitigation trees. Underground Utility lines are marked on utility and site plans. - IJS Comment Number: 5 08/19/2019: FOR HEARING: Please include the Tree Protection Notes and General Landscape Notes to the site plan. These notes are available from City Forestry (nsaha@fcgov.com) or the city planner. ITT Notes added to `General Notes and Construction Notes' plans for tree protection. Department: BNSF Railway Contact: Amber Stoffels, 303-480-6584 , amber.stoffels@bnsf.com Topic: General Comment Number: 1 08/09/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: BNSF Railway has reviewed these submittals. BNSF has not reviewed any design details or calculations for structural integrity or engineering accuracy. BNSF accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions in the design or execution of the project. If a contractor needs to work within 25 feet of BNSF track or within BNSF property, the contractor must contact BNSF Real Estate/Permitting consultant, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) for a permit. Their contact information can be found on our website at www.bnsf.com. If any changes are made to the plans affecting BNSF property, plans must be resubmitted for review. Construction will not be near or within 25 feet of the BNSF Railway. IJS Comment Number: 2 08/09/2019: FOR HEARING: Ensure the effects of glare are considered for the use of BNSF tracks. 13 Please See Attached Request Sent to USACE - IJS Department: Forestry Contact: Nils Saha, nsaha@fcqov.com Topic: General Comment Number: 6 08/19/2019: FOR HEARING: If applicable, please adjust tree locations to provide for proper tree/utility separation. 10' between trees and public water, sanitary, and storm sewer main lines 4' between trees and gas lines Updated to proposed 3 trees for total value of 4.5. Updated letter and site plan to reflect. Sandbox Solar is prepared to make a payment -in -lieu of adding new trees and meeting irrigation requirements. IJS Topic: Landscape Plans Comment Number: 1 08/19/2019: FOR HEARING: Please include the tree inventory information, preferably in a box format, on the site plans. Change the status column for tree #22 and #23 to "Remove." ITT Not a typical comment that is needed on a civil construction plan. Table is provided on the `existing conditions plan'. Comment Number: 2 08/19/2019: FOR HEARING: Please use the tree ID numbers from the tree inventory to label existing trees on the site plan instead of the diameters. ITT Not a typical comment that is needed on a civil construction plan. Table is provided on the `existing conditions plan'. Comment Number: 3 O8/19/2019: FOR HEARING: The tree removal feasibility letter indicates that there are two cottonwoods proposed for removal, each with 1.5 mitigation trees. The total should be three mitigation trees, not 4.5. Please revise the letter to reflect the correct total. Updated to proposed 3 trees for total value of 4.5. Updated letter and site plan to reflect. Sandbox Solar is prepared to make a payment -in -lieu of adding new trees and meeting irrigation requirements. IJS 12 08/20/2019: FOR HEARING: If tree removal is necessary, please include the following note on the tree mitigation plan and landscape plan, as appropriate: "NO TREES SHALL BE REMOVED DURING THE SONGBIRD NESTING SEASON (FEBRUARY 1 TO JULY 31) WITHOUT FIRST HAVING A PROFESSIONAL ECOLOGIST OR WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST COMPLETE A NESTING SURVEY TO IDENTIFY ANY ACTIVE NESTS EXISTING ON THE PROJECT SITE. THE SURVEY SHALL BE SENT TO THE CITY ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER. IF ACTIVE NESTS ARE FOUND, THE CITY WILL COORDINATE WITH RELEVANT STATE AND FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES TO DETERMINE WHETHER ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON TREE REMOVAL AND CONSTRUCTION APPLY." IJS & ITT Note above has been added to the plans. On Landscape Plan & General and Construction Notes: Tree Protection Notes: #9 Comment Number: 8 08/20/2019: FOR HEARING: Please add the following note on all sheets of the site, landscape and utility plans that show the Habitat Buffer: 'The Natural Habitat Buffer Zone is intended to be maintained in a native landscape. Please see Section 3.4.1 of the Land Use Code for allowable uses within the Natural Habitat Buffer Zone." This will help preserve the intention behind the buffer zones and the natural features into the future. IJS & ITT Note above has been added to the site, landscape, and utility plans Comment Number: 9 08/20/2019: FOR HEARING: Provide a copy to City Environmental Planner of request sent to Army Corps of Engineers for jurisdictional determination and permitting. Current site layout with improvements to the ditch rider road may impact wetlands under federal regulation. Thus a jurisdictional letter from the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) needs to be submitted. Please See Attached Request Sent to USACE - IJS Comment Number: 10 08/20/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN: A copy of the USACE jurisdictional determination letter must be submitted to the City Environmental Planner. Refer to LUC 3.4.1(0)(1) Proof of Compliance: If a proposed development will disturb an existing wetland, the developer shall provide to the city a written statement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that the development plan fully complies with all applicable federal wetland regulations established in the federal Clean Water Act. 11 The City is willing to reduce the buffer distance to what was established in the Waterglen ODP along the Cooper Slough, which is 150 feet, and use the edge of wetlands from which to measure the buffer distance. Updated ECS from Matt Tobler Attached, solar array is 50' away from the top of hill of canal and 150' away from wetland - IJS Comment Number: 2 08/20/2019: FOR HEARING: The ECS calls out a mitigation measure to cluster the solar garden in uplands, away from the Larimer and Weld canal. Please update the ECS to provide mitigation recommendations that are feasible. Updated ECS from Matt Tobler Attached - IJS Comment Number: 3 08/20/2019: FOR HEARING. - If the project moves forward please label the Natural Habitat Buffer Zone on the site, grading, utility, and landscape plan and add Environmental Planner signature to all plans showing the buffer zone. The plans must also clearly show the top of bank of the Larimer and Weld canal and delineate the Natural Habitat Buffer Zone (NHBZ). The buffer zone standard for the canal is 50' and the Cooper Slough will be 150 feet. Current plans illustrate no buffering for either resource. Buffers labeled on construction plans and dotted lined in Red Color on 'Site Plan' Comment Number: 4 08/20/2019: FOR HEARING: During the neighborhood meeting, Waterglen residents were promised native and pollinator friendly species would be installed around the solar installation. Please provide a landscape plan that depicts this concept. Provided in Species List Table on "Landscape Plan". Provided Details on Alt Landscape Plan - IJS Comment Number: 5 08/20/2019: FOR HEARING: If the project moves forward, please provide the scientific names for all species to be included in the landscape plan and natural habitat buffer zone plan. Provided in Species List Table on "Landscape Plan". Provided Details on Alt Landscape Plan - IJS Comment Number: 7 10 Will provide for Final Plan - IJS Comment Number: 3 08/20/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN: Meter location will need to be coordinated with Light and Power. Please show proposed meter location on the Utility Plan. The current location seems to conflict with the proposed entrance. Will provide for Final Plan - IJS Comment Number: 4 08/20/2019: FOR INFORMATION: If any existing electric infrastructure needs to be relocated or underground as part of this project, it will be at the expense of the developer and will need to be relocated within a dedicated easement. Please coordinate relocations with Light and Power Engineering Thank You -IJS Comment Number: 5 08/20/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN: Electric capacity fees, development fees, building site charges and any system modification charges necessary to feed the site will apply to this development. Please contact me or visit the following website for an estimate of charges and fees related to this project: http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders and developers/plant investmen t development fees Thank You -IJS Comment Number: 6 08/20/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: Please contact Luke Unruh with Light & Power Engineering if you have any questions at (970) 416 2724. Please reference our policies, construction practices, development charge processes, electric services standards, and fee estimator at http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders and developers. Thank You - IJS Department: Environmental Planning Contact: Kelly Smith, ksmith@fcgov.com Topic: General Comment Number: 1 08/20/2019: FOR HEARING: Thank you for providing an Ecological Characterization Study. The information presented in the document will need to be modified to more accurately reflect the boundary and quantitative buffer distance for existing natural resources. This site represents the headwaters of the Cooper Slough, which requires a 300 foot buffer distance. The maps and narrative will have to include that information. M 08/20/2019: FOR HEARING: Per the conceptual review comments, please see the below and document that this development is not impacted the spillway path and the 100 year ponding depth within the detention basin: DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS (site specific comment): A drainage addendum to the originally approved drainage report for Waterglen Subdivision will be required to document the existing drainage patterns and discuss and analyze any impacts to the existing drainage system. The drainage addendum must be prepared by a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Colorado. The site application shows some of the solar array location options to be located within the existing stormwater detention basin and/or within the existing drainage conveyance channel located along the east side of the parcel. There is also a spill path from the Larimer and Weld Canal into the detention basin that needs to be identified and located on the plans. Please note that solar arrays cannot be located within the extents of the detention basin 100 yr waterline or within the drainage conveyance channels. We are open to having the solar arrays located adjacent to the drainage improvements and within the same parcel as long as the placement/arrangement of the solar arrays and any access roads to the solar arrays do not interfere with proper drainage functionality and proper maintenance of the drainage facilities (i.e. access, mowing, vegetation and debris management still need to be able to be fully performed for the drainage facilities) ITT Addendum to originally approved drainage report is provided with the submittal package. Department: Light And Power Contact: Luke Unruh, 9704162724, lunruh@fcgov.com Topic: General Comment Number: 1 08/20/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: It is my understanding that all electric / solar integration to L&P existing facilities have been worked out and that the solar array will be tying into the existing transformer that is on site. Please contact Luke Unruh if this plan changes. Thank You - IJS Comment Number: 2 08/20/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN: A commercial service information form (C 1 form) and a one line diagram for all commercial meters will need to be completed and submitted to Light & Power Engineering for review prior to Final Plan. A link to the C 1 form is below: http://zeus.fcgov.com/utils procedures/files/EngWiki/WikiPdfs/C/C 1 Form.pdf 0 4of6. Comment Number: 4 08/19/2019 FOR HEARING: Please include a note that there is to be no grading, storage of materials or construction activity in the floodway. This area will be staked and fenced prior to construction. ITT Note has been added to the plans that states no grading, storage of materials or construction activity in the floodway. See Site Plan sheet 4 of 6. Comment Number: 5 08/19/2019 FOR HEARING: Please Review the Floodplain Review Checklist for required notes to include on the plans and items to include in the Drainage Report. The checklist can be found at: https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site—specific/uploads/fp checklist100 2018 Update.pdf?l522697905 ITT Link or file path above does not work to find the check list. Floodplain Review Checklist requirements and notes have been incorporated into the plans and drainage addendum. Comment Number: 6 08/19/2019: FOR HEARING: Drainage Report needs to include the FEMA FIRM panel and the correct FEMA map date based on the revised Boxelder map. Please describe the projects compliance with Chapter 10 of City Code — Floodplain and floodway requirements. ITT The new and updated FIRM map and information is included in the plans and memo. Plans and drainage addendum describe compliance requirements with Chapter 10 of the City Code. Contact: Wes Lamarque, 970 416 2418, wlamargue@fcgov.com Topic: General Comment Number: 7 08/20/2019: FOR HEARING: The hydrology calculations are using percent impervious assumptions that are inconsistent with the City of Fort Collins. The existing pond is landscape, not native dirt as well. Please contact the City regarding these calculations. Due to the obvious increase in gravel, which results in an increase in impervious area larger than 1,000 sf, discussion needs to take place on mitigation. ITT Percent impervious numbers and hydrology calculations have been updated. Comment Number: 8 N disturbs greater than an Acre during any of the revisions an erosion control report and state permit will be required as noted in the Conceptual Comments. Also Please review the redlines in the drainage report as the erosion control letter is quite confusing. ITT Project disturbance is less than an acre. See civil construction plan set for erosion control plan recommendation (sheets 5 & 6) for projects contractor. Contact: Marsha Hilmes Robinson, 970 224 6036, mhilmesrobinson@fcqov.com Topic: Floodplain Comment Number: 1 08/19/2019: FOR HEARING. - The floodplain linework does not appear to match the approved Boxelder mapping. Please review and revise. 17-T Floodplain linework matches except for within the survey limits of the project that could be updated to match the real topography and flood -plain modal known cross-section base flood plain elevations. The floodplain linework provided by the City of Fort Collins does not account for the smaller scale of the proposed construction documents or field survey. The floodplain linework provided crosses contours in the project area like a fat tip marker and was cleaned up to match the approved BFE elevations. Comment Number: 2 08/19/2019 FOR HEARING: The fencing design is of concern. We would like to see a fence design that is more flood compatible. The mesh will catch debris and can cause a potential change in flood elevations. The floodway will need to be surveyed and staked to ensure the fence is outside the floodway. Please include notes on the plans regarding the surveying and staking of the floodway. Breakaway fence could create downstream safety and drainage structures issues. Breakaway fence will be used at the City of Fort Collins request if required. The proposed fence is outside the floodway, and any detention ponds. The proposed fence is located and situated to not impact storm drainage flows and should not require breakaway fencing. Comment Number: 3 08/19/2019: FOR HEARING: Please include a note on the plan that states a floodplain use permit is required prior to building permit and that an as built survey is required prior to CO to document the required flood elevation protection of the electrical. ITT Mote has been added to the plans that states a floodplain use permit if required. See Site Plan sheet C I had trouble finding a response for the CDR comment related to the access. Please provide information on where the access will be for construction, maintenance, and emergency access. How does it tie to Greenfields? Existing Access Shown Below from Greenfields Dr. Will either remove postings or have drive -over signs for emergency vehicle access. This will provide 16' Fire Access. - US Department: Stormwater Engineering Contact: Basil Hamdan, 970 224 6035, bhamdan@fcgov.com Topic: Erosion Control Comment Number: 9 08/20/2019: FOR HEARING: Please describe how the site will be stabilized during construction and in the ultimate condition. Please specify reseeding that will be done to the disturbed areas. Please use the add the standard Erosion and Sediment Control notes per the City's Criteria. ITT See Erosion Control Plan, notes and seeding notes are included in the construction documents. See sheet 2 of 6 for notes. Contact: Jesse Schlam, 970 218 2932, ischiam@fcgov.com Topic: Erosion Control Comment Number: 10 08/21/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN: No erosion control escrow was provided. Also, it is questionable whether this project will disturb greater than an Acre as it is boarderline 1 acre. If the project 6i There is a document labeled "Site Plans" that has the same format as our Utility Plans. Are these the utility plans and not site plans? If they are Utility Plans, please change the title of the document. ITT The Site Plan for the proposed solar array shows existing utilities and the site layout for the solar array. Because the solar array is an electric utility, the Site Plan is showing existing utilities to help present context and information of the site plan. Comment Number: 2 08/16/2019: FOR HEARING: Please delineate the roadway/path that is going to be used to access this site with a different line type or hatching, it is a little confusing differentiating between the contours, easements, and this path. ITT Access path is now presented with new dimensions, hatch, and legend for clarity. See Site Plan sheet 4 of 6. Comment Number: 3 08/16/2019: FOR HEARING: Please detail how this roadway/path connects to Greenfields Drive. ITT Access path at greenfields is now presented with new call out on the Site Plan. Also see response below with photo of access location. See Site Plan sheet 4 of 6. Comment Number: 4 08/16/2019: FOR HEARING: It is unclear if there has been conversation with the Cheyenne Poudre Transmission Line and if there is a need to obtain a letter of intent from them for this project. Please see provided letter from Tracy Rogers at WAPA - IJS Department: Traffic Operation Contact: Martina Wilkinson, 970 221 6887, mwilkinson@fcqov.com Topic: General Comment Number: 1 08/19/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: Due to the low anticipated traffic to be generated by this proposal, based on Chapter 4 of the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (LCUASS), the requirement for a Traffic Impact Study is waived. Thank You -IJS Comment Number: 2 08/19/2019: FOR HEARING: 4 Landscape Plan Elevation Details (fence and solar array) Staff will provide an example site plan for you reference and please refer to the 'Submittal Requirement Resources' for what information should be contained on each sheet. ITT Plan set sheet sizes have been updated to 24"x36" (Note that the engineer would prefer 11 "x17" or 22"x34" plan sets to have scaled plans on 11 "x17" and save on paper). Comment Number: 2 08/20/2019 FOR HEARING: The landscape plan must show quantity and location of each plant. The proposed removal of two cottonwood trees will also need to be shown on the landscape plan and their respective mitigation values and installation locations. IJS Sandbox Solar proposes to remove 3 cottonwood trees. Noted in `Waterg/en Existing Tree Removal Feasibility Letter' and Landscape Plan. Landscape plan shows quantity and location of each plant. Comment Number: 3 08/20/2019 FOR HEARING: The applicant did not provide responses to the Conceptual Review Comment letter as required. At time of next submittal please provide responses of how you addressed each of the comments contained within the letter. Let me know if you have not gotten this yet, Thank You - IJS Comment Number: 4 08/20/2019 FOR HEARING: The glare memo does not adequately demonstrate that the height, location, setback or base elevation of a solar energy system minimizes potential glare and visual impacts of the system on adjacent properties. Staff can provide an example of a glare analysis that has satisfied this requirement. Updated Glare Memo Provided - IJS Department: Engineering Development Review Contact: Morgan Uhlman, 970 416 4344, muhlman@fcgov.com Topic: General Comment Number: 1 08/16/2019: FOR HEARING: 3 08/21/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: Submittals are accepted any day of the week, with Wednesday at noon being the cut off for routing the same week. Round 2 is also a three week round of review. Meetings to review comments with City staff are held on Wednesday mornings after the three week review. Noted, Thank You - US Comment Number: 3 08/21/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: As part of your submittal for round 2 you will provide responses to the comments the reviewers have provided in this letter. This letter is provided to you in Microsoft Word format. Please use this document to provide written responses to each comment for submittal, using a different font color. When replying to the comment letter please be detailed in your responses, as all comments should be thoroughly addressed. Provide reference to specific project plans or explanations of why comments have not been addressed, when applicable. Will Do, Thank You - US Comment Number: 4 08/21/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: The proposed development project is subject to a Type 2 Review. The decision maker for your project will be the Planning & Zoning Board at a public hearing. For the hearing, we will formally notify surrounding property owners within 800 feet (excluding public right of way and publicly owned open space). Will Do, Thank You. We've been engaged with the community for awhile. - US Comment Number: 5 08/21/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: Staff would need to agree the project is ready for Hearing approximately 3 5 weeks prior to the hearing. Everyone is able to prepare their presentations for the hearing during this time, and we do send out notices as it is a public hearing. Noted, Thank You - US Department: Planning Services Contact: Kai Kleer, 970 416 4284, kkieer@fcgov.com Topic: General Comment Number: 1 08/20/2019 FOR HEARING: The fence elevation set is incorrectly sized @ 11 "x17" and must be 24"x36". It also appears that the site plan is merged with the utility plan to be two distinctly different plan sets. Planning Services requires the following: Title Sheet Site Plan 2 Community Development and Neighborhood Services 281 North College Avenue PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221.6689 970.224.6134 fax icgov. com/developmentreview August 23, 2019 Ian Skor Sandbox Solar 430 N College Ave #435 Fort Collins, CO 80524 RE: Waterglen Solar Array, PDP190010, Round Number 1 Please see the following summary of comments from City staff and outside reviewing agencies for your submittal of the above referenced project. If you have questions about any comments, please contact your Development Review Coordinator Brandy Bethurem Harras at 970.416.2744 or bbethuremharras@fcgov.com. Comment Summary: Department: Development Review Coordinator Contact: Brandy Bethurem Harras, 970 416 2744, bbethuremharras@fcgov.com Topic: General Comment Number: 1 08/21/2019: INFORMATION ONLY: I will be your primary point of contact throughout the development review and permitting process. If you have any questions, need additional meetings with the project reviewers, or need assistance throughout the process, please let me know and I can assist your team. Please include me in all email correspondence with other reviewers and keep me informed of any phone conversations. Thank you! Will Do, Thank You - US Comment Number: 2