HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRAIRIE VILLAGE - MAJOR AMENDMENT - MJA140002 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - CORRESPONDENCE-CONCEPTUAL REVIEWCommunity Development and
Neighborhood Services
281 North College Avenue
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6750
970.224.6134 - fax
fcgov.com
May 07, 2014
Brent Cooper
Ripley Design, Inc.
401 W Mountain Ave, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80521
RESPONSES TO CITY COMMENTS 7-9-14
Planning Response: Ripley Design
Civil Response: Northern Engineering
Re: 1715 W Harmony Rd - Single Family Attached
Description of project: This is a request to construct single-family attached units located at 1715 West
Harmony Road (Parcel # 97343-37-002). 8 single-family attached units with their own separate lots are
proposed fronting Fromme Prairie Way. The units would be a mixture of 1.5 & 2 stories. The site
corresponds to Phase III of the previously-approved Overlook/Seneca Center PUD. The site is located in
the Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood (LMN) Zone District. Single-family attached units are subject to
Administrative (Type 1) review.
Please see the following summary of comments regarding the project request referrenced above. The
comments offered informally by staff during the Conceptual Review will assist you in preparing the detailed
components of the project application. Modifications and additions to these comments may be made at the
time of formal review of this project. If you have any questions regarding these comments or the next steps in
the review process, you may contact the individual commenter or direct your questions through the Project
Planner, Ryan Mounce, at 970-224-6186 or rmounce@fcgov.com.
Comment Summary:
Department: Zoning
Contact: Gary Lopez, 970-416-2338, glopez@fcgov.com
1. The minimum required driveway width of the private drive is 24'.
Response: After internal discussions between City staff, we were informed that since the driveway is not being used
for a fire lane, the 24’ width could be reduced. The design team ran turning models on the drive and determined
that a 20’ width would be sufficient.
2. Minimum building setbacks are 15' from the front lot line, 8' from the rear and 0' from the sides, except
that the setback for unit 5 to the west lot line of that lot needs to be 6' and the setback for unit 4 to the
east lot line of that lot needs to be 6'. Unit 1 will be subject to a 5' miniumum side setback next to the
existing residential. The alternative compliance provision in Sec. 3.5.2(E) of the Land Use Code allows
for a front yard reduction. One of the requirements of this section is that the parking needs to be located
behind the building. The parking for units 1 and 8 doesn't meet that criteria.
Response: Setbacks are being met. A front yard reduction is not being pursued.
3. Walls and fences greater than 6' are considered structures and cannot be placed within the minimum
setbacks. In addition any walls iin the front yard cannot be greater then 4' tall, or if alternative front
setback compliance is sought, no taller than 3'.
Response: Noted.
4. The driveway length for the garage for unit 8 should be at least 20'. The rear setback (distance from
building to rear lot line of that lot) needs to be 8'.
Response: Noted
5. This will be a major amendment to the existing, approved Overlook/Seneca Center PUD.
Response: Noted
Department: Water-Wastewater Engineering
Contact: Roger Buffington, 970-221-6854, rbuffington@fcgov.com
1. Existing water mains and sanitary sewers in this area include an 8-inch water main and an 8-inch sewer in
a utility easement extending south and west from mains in Harmony Road.
Response: Thank you for the information and for meeting with us to discuss.
2. Two water services (one 1-inch and one ¾-inch) and one 6-inch sewer service were extended in Lot 2 to
the general location of the proposed mixed-use building.
Response: Thank you for the information. At this time, we plan to abandon the existing fire service at the
main, and to utilize the existing 1” line for irrigation, while using the existing ¾” to serve Unit 8.
3. City Code currently requires that each property (in this case, each single family attached property) have
separate water and sewer services connecting to City mains. Revisions to City Code have been
proposed which will allow some flexibility to this requirement. If adopted, the new regulations could
become effective in June, and a meeting to review the proposed requirements is suggested.
Response: Thank you for the information. The utility layout meets the new city code requirements.
4. If the Code revisions noted are adopted, a separate water service and separate sewer service will be
required for each building.
Response: A separate water and sewer service has been provided for each building per the new city code.
5. The water conservation standards for landscape and irrigation will apply. Information on these
requirements can be found at: http://www.fcgov.com/standards
Response: Water budget table is provided on the landscape plan.
6. Development fees and water rights will be due at building permit.
Response: Acknowledged.
Department: Stormwater Engineering
Contact: Wes Lamarque, 970-416-2418, wlamarque@fcgov.com
1. 1. A drainage report, erosion control report, and construction plans are required and they must be
prepared by a Professional Engineer registered in Colorado. The drainage report must address the
four-step process for selecting structural BMPs. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all onsite
drainage facilities need to be prepared by the drainage engineer and there is a final site inspection
required when the project is complete and the maintenance is handed over to an HOA or another
maintenance organization. The erosion control report requirements are in the Fort Collins Stormwater
Manual, Section 1.3.3, Volume 3, Chapter 7 of the Fort Collins Amendments. If you need clarification
concerning this section, please contact the Erosion Control Inspector, Jesse Schlam at 224-6015 or
jschlam@fcgov.com.
Response: A drainage letter has been providing describing the proposed project, and how it complies with the
previously approved Overlook/Seneca Drainage plan, as well as describing how we are meeting the code
requirements for LID and water quality.
2. 2. Fifty percent of the site runoff is required to be treated using the standard water quality treatment as
described in the Fort Collins Stormwater Manual, Volume 3 – Best Management Practices (BMPs).
(http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/development-forms-guidelines-regulati
ons/stormwater-criteria) Extended detention is the usual method selected for water quality treatment;
however the use of any of the BMPs is encouraged.
Response: The proposed plan treats 100% of the site.
3. 3. Low Impact Development (LID) requirements are now required when the impervious area is increased
or a site is required to be brought into compliance with the Land Use Code. These require a higher
degree of water quality treatment for 50% of the new impervious area and 25% of new paved areas must
be pervious. Please contact Basil Hamdan at 224-6035 or bhamdan@fcgov.com for more information.
There is also more information on the EPA web site at: http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/green/bbfs.cfm?
goback=.gde_4605732_member_219392996.
LID design information can be found on the City’s web site at:
http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/development-forms-guidelines-regulations/storm
water-criteria.
Response: Due to the nature of the existing drainage patterns on the site, this project was found to be a poor
application for pavers. In lieu of pavers, the project will provide LID treatment for 100% of the site, which is
better than or equal to the water quality treatment that would have been provided by the pavers.
4. 4. This site has a previously approve drainage study under the title "Overlook/Seneca Center PUD".
The proposed impervious area for the site needs to be compared with the impervious area proposed in
the Overlook/Seneca Center Drainage Report. If the currently proposed impervious area is less than
what was previously approved, than no quantity detention is required and the site has adequate
downstream conveyance per the approved Overlook/Seneca Center Drainage Report.
Response: A review of the site plan that was originally proposed compared with the current plan indicates that
runoff from the project site will conform with the original plan. An exact determination of the previous
impervious area vs. the current has not been completed due to a lack of information about the previous plan.
However, we can generate some type of quantification if you feel it is warranted.
5. 5. The city wide Stormwater development fee (PIF) is $7,817/acre ($0.1795 sq.-ft.) for new impervious
area over 350 sq.-ft., and there is a $1,045.00/acre ($0.024/sq.-ft.) review fee. No fee is charged for
existing impervious area. These fees are to be paid at the time each building permit is issued.
Information on fees can be found on the City’s web site at
http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/plant-investment-development-fees or
contact Jean Pakech at 221- 6375 for questions on fees. There is also an erosion control escrow
required before the Development Construction permit is issued. The amount of the escrow is
determined by the design engineer, and is based on the site disturbance area, cost of the measures, or
a minimum amount in accordance with the Fort Collins Stormwater Manual.
Response: Acknowledged.
6. 6. The design of this site must conform to the drainage basin design of the Mail Creek Master Plan
Update as well the Fort Collins Stormwater Manual.
Response: Acknowledged.
Department: Fire Authority
Contact: Jim Lynxwiler, 970-416-2869, jlynxwiler@poudre-fire.org
1. FIRE LANES
06IFC 503.1.1: Fire Lanes shall be provided to within 150' of all portions of the building, as measured by
an approved route around the exterior of the building. When fire lanes cannot be provided, the fire code
official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet if the building is equipped throughout with an
approved, automatic fire-sprinkler system.
Response: Noted.
Department: Environmental Planning
Contact: Lindsay Ex, 970-224-6143, lex@fcgov.com
1. The applicant should make note of Article 3.2.1(C) that requires developments to submit plans that "...(4)
protects significant trees, natural systems, and habitat". Note that a significant tree is defined as a tree
having DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) of six inches or more. As several of the trees within this site may
have a DBH of greater than six inches, a review of the trees shall be conducted with Tim Buchanan, City
Forester (221 6361) to determine the status of the existing trees and any mitigation requirements that
could result from the proposed development.
Response: There are no existing trees on the site.
2. With respect to landscaping and design, the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code, in Article 3.2.1 (E)(2)(3),
requires that you use native plants and grasses in your landscaping or re landscaping and reduce
bluegrass lawns as much as possible.
Response: Noted.
3. Please be aware, the creation or enforcement of covenants that prohibit or limit xeriscape or
drought-tolerant landscapes, or that require primarily turf-grass are prohibited by both the State of
Colorado and the City of Fort Collins.
Response: Noted.
Department: Engineering Development Review
Contact: Marc Virata, 970-221-6567, mvirata@fcgov.com
1. Larimer County Road Impact Fees and Street Oversizing Fees are due at the time of building permit.
Please contact Matt Baker at 224-6108 if you have any questions.
Response: Noted.
2. The City's Transportation Development Review Fee (TDRF) is due at the time of submittal. For additional
information on these fees, please see: http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/dev-review.php
Response: Noted.
3. Any damaged curb, gutter and sidewalk existing prior to construction, as well as streets, sidewalks,
curbs and gutters, destroyed, damaged or removed due to construction of this project, shall be replaced
or restored to City of Fort Collins standards at the Developer's expense prior to the acceptance of
completed improvements and/or prior to the issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy.
Response: Noted.
4. The use of permeable pavers in the Fromme Prairie Way right-of-way would not be allowed and the
driveway approach would need to be in concrete for the portion in right-of-way.
Response: Permeable pavers were determined to not be required, see response to comment 3 by Wes Lamarque.
5. The design with the units having direct access off of Fromme Prairie Way has the concern that vehicles
would be parking along Fromme Prairie Way which was not intended to have on-street parking, resulting
in vehicles parking in the bike lane. Similar to the development of Harmony Ridge 2nd Filing along the
south side of the street, the project should be widening out Fromme Prairie Way for the installation of
inset parking in order to ensure that vehicles are not parking in the bike lane.
Response: Inset parking has been provided similar to Harmony Ridge 2nd
Filing.
6. The project indicates “water quality swale” along the southern boundary of the property. Water quality
cannot be situated here as mitigation for water quality needs to be placed outside of public right-of-way.
Response: Water quality swale is no longer located in the ROW. It is situated between units 4 and 5, on the west
side of unit 1 and to the south of the buildings, outside of the ROW.
7. Unit 2’s garage would appear to require a back-out maneuver along the entire length of the private drive
and appears awkward.
Response: Driveway has been modified to incorporate back out movement.
8. Please contact the City's Traffic Engineer, Martina Wilkinson (221-6887) to schedule a scoping meeting
and determine if a traffic study is needed for this project. In addition, please contact Transportation
Planning for their requirements as well.
Response: Per Ryan Mounce comment 7 a traffic study has been waived.
9. Any public improvements must be designed and built in accordance with the Larimer County Urban Area
Street Standards (LCUASS). They are available online at:
http://www.larimer.org/engineering/GMARdStds/UrbanSt.htm
Response: Acknowledged
10. Utility plans will be required and a Development Agreement will be recorded once the project is
finalized.
Response: Acknowledged
11. A Development Construction Permit (DCP) will need to be obtained prior to starting any work on the site.
Response: Noted.
Department: Electric Engineering
Contact: Justin Fields, 970-224-6150, jfields@fcgov.com
1. Contact Light and Power Engineering, 970-221-6700, to coordinate the meter and transformer locations
and for an estimate of development charges.
Response: Will do – thanks.
Current Planning
Contact: Ryan Mounce, 970-224-6186, rmounce@fcgov.com
1. The required front yard setback is 15'. If alternative compliance is requested, what would the new front
yard setback request be?
LUC 3.5.2(E)(2)(a)(2) For an alternative compliance request, staff would need to see site plan and design
elements creating a strong visual and pedestrian focus on the street, including covered front porches, an
emphasis on parking and garages to the rear, and opportunities for functional, private open spaces
available to each unit.
Response: No alternative compliance is being pursued.
2. LUC 3.5.2(E)(1) Side yard setbacks are 5' and the rear yard setback is 8'. Building 1 is subject to the 5'
side yard setback. There is a minimum 6' side yard setback required for buildings 4 & 5 between the two
"four-plexes."
Response: Incorporated.
3. LUC 3.2.2(J) The minimum setback for the driveway and vehicle use areas is 5' along lot lines.
Response: Incorporated.
4. LUC 3.2.2(L) The driveway needs to be 24' for two-way drive aisle access.
Response: Response: After internal discussions between City staff, we were informed that since the driveway is not
being used for a fire lane, the 24’ width could be reduced. The design team ran turning models on the drive and
determined that a 20’ width would be sufficient.
5. The sidewalk along Fromme Prairie Way should also connect up to the existing commercial building to the
north (across the driveway from the car wash).
Response: 6’ sidewalk connection is now included.
6. The project is a major amendment of the Overlook Seneca Center PUD, subject to Administrative (Type 1)
review.
Response: Noted.
7. TRAFFIC OPERATIONS - no known or assumed issues related to traffic. It appears the project meets
requirements of LCUASS 4.2.3.D and the Traffic Impact STudy (TIS) requirement can be waived.
Response: Noted.
8. OTHER TRANSPORTATION - completion of multi-modal improvements such as the sidewalk along
property frontage will need to be evaluated during the process.
Response: A 6’ attached sidewalk is being proposed adjacent to the inset parking, similar to Harmony Ridge 2nd
Filing.
9. The proposed development project is subject to a Type 1 review and public hearing, the decision maker
for Type 1 hearings is an Administrative Hearing Officer. The applicant for this development request is
not required to hold a neighborhood meeting for a Type 1 hearing, but if you would like to have one to
notify your neighbors of the proposal, please let me know and I can help you in setting a date, time and
location for a meeting. Neighborhood Meetings are a great way to get public feedback and avoid
potential hiccups that may occur later in the review process.
Response: Noted. The developer is personally contacting many of the surrounding residences, but a formal
neighborhood meeting will not be held.
10. Please see the Development Review Guide at www.fcgov.com/drg. This online guide features a color
coded flowchart with comprehensive, easy to read information on each step in the process. This guide
includes links to just about every resource you need during development review.
Response: Noted.
11. This development proposal will be subject to all applicable standards of the Fort Collins Land Use Code
(LUC), including Article 3 General Development Standards. The entire LUC is available for your review on
the web at http://www.colocode.com/ftcollins/landuse/begin.htm.
Response: Noted.
12. If this proposal is unable to satisfy any of the requirements set forth in the LUC, a Modification of Standard
Request will need to be submitted with your formal development proposal. Please see Section 2.8.2 of
the LUC for more information on criteria to apply for a Modification of Standard.
Response: Noted. No modifications are currently being pursued.
13. Please see the Submittal Requirements and Checklist at:
http://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/applications.php.
Response: Noted.
14. The request will be subject to the Development Review Fee Schedule that is available in the Community
Development and Neighborhood Services office. The fees are due at the time of submittal of the required
documents for the appropriate development review process by City staff and affected outside reviewing
agencies. Also, the required Transportation Development Review Fee must be paid at time of submittal.
Response: Fees submitted.
15. When you are ready to submit your formal plans, please make an appointment with Community
Development and Neighborhood Services at (970)221-6750.
Response: Appointment made.