HomeMy WebLinkAboutWATERFIELD FOURTH FILING - AMENDED ODP - ODP180001 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - PLANNING OBJECTIVESland planning landscape architecture urban design entitlement
July 18, 2018
Waterfield
Overall Development Plan and Project Development Plan
Planning Objectives
Introduction and background
Located north of Vine Drive and west of Timberline Road, the Waterfield site was originally planned in
1996. At that time, the site included the Bull Run Apartment site. Later, in 2013, the property was sold
and the new owner’s group created an Overall Development Plan (ODP) that included single family and
multi-family residential development, a park site, school site and a neighborhood center. Bull Run
Apartments had been constructed, so it was not included in the ODP. The ODP depicted the new
alignment for Suniga Road and revised the location of the neighborhood park site and the elementary
school site. Along with the ODP, the owner’s group also submitted a Project Development Plan (PDP) for
191 single family and two-family dwelling units. Parcel B, the multi-family site, was not included in the
PDP.
Thrive Development is now planning to develop a cutting edge, energy efficient, sustainable residential
development that includes the original PDP as well as the multi-family parcel. The ODP is amended to
reflect changes to street alignments as well as the merging of the multi-family parcel with the rest of the
residential development. The multi-family development is no longer on a separate parcel. However, the
density of the area zoned MMN meets the minimum density requirement of the MMN zone district.
In addition to the Amended ODP, the Submittal also includes a Project Development Plan for all of the
proposed residential development.
Location and site characteristics
The PDP includes ----acres located to the north and west of the existing Bull Run Apartments. The
Larimer and Weld Canal borders the property on the north with undeveloped agricultural land on the other
side. Undeveloped agricultural land exists on both the east and the west sides of the property. The
Plummer School Events Center is located to the southeast and the Burlington Northern Railroad owns the
property south of Vine Drive along the southern border. The property is bisected by the proposed Suniga
Road enhanced travel way. Suniga Road divides the residential portion of the project into two separate
residential neighborhoods connected by centrally located Merganser Drive.
Access
The northern residential area is accessed from a right in/right out on Timberline Road, a right in/right out
on Suniga Road and a full movement access point at Merganser Drive. In the future, there will be a
fourth access from Conifer Drive in the northwest portion of the ODP. The southern residential area gains
its access from two right in/right out access points along Suniga Road, a full movement access on
Merganser Drive and a full movement access on the existing Vine Drive.
Internal vehicular circulation will be facilitated with a series of public local streets and alleys. Sidewalks
and trails will facilitate pedestrian access within the site along with connections to the local and regional
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trail system. Parking will be thoughtfully integrated into the site design and incorporated into garages for
the individual residences.
Project Description and Site Plan
Thrive Home Builders is a nationally recognized, award-winning homebuilder based in Denver and has
been a leader in the design and construction of energy efficient homes since the early 1990s. The
company is founded on three core principles: energy efficiency, health, and a commitment to the local
community. Their core principles of mixed use, mixed income, age diversity, and environmental
responsibility are exemplified in the proposed Waterfield PDP.
The proposed new urbanist neighborhood layout is composed of a series of walkable blocks with inter-
connected streets and alleys. Four housing types are proposed including alley-loaded single family, front-
loaded “small lot” single family, two-family dwellings and single-family attached dwellings. A total of 499
dwelling units are being proposed creating an overall density of 5.99 dwelling units per gross acre. The
various housing types are intermixed throughout the development plan to create varied and interesting
streetscapes as well as to create mixed income diversity within the neighborhood. Individual lots are
small compared to more traditional single-family subdivisions. Small lots combined with shared open
space amenities are growing in popularity as busy families want to spend more time playing and less time
mowing the yard. Residents of this community have a large variety of recreational amenities to choose
from including a clubhouse/swimming pool complex, expansive trail system, and a wetland natural area
as well as a variety of pocket parks and green courts.
Landscape Plan
The landscape associated with the project is designed to be attractive, diverse and engaging. The
landscape buffer along the arterial frontages varies in width from the minimum requirement of 30 feet to
over 100 feet. Streets trees and turf are used to create continuity along the arterial streetscapes with
water quality features and more diverse plantings behind closer to dwelling units.
All units are located within 200 feet of a public street sidewalk or within 350 feet of a public street
sidewalk via a major walkway spine. In addition to sidewalk connections, the plan also includes
connecting walkways and trails that link the sidewalk system to natural areas and to the future regional
trails proposed along the Larimer and Weld Canal and along Timberline Road.
In both the northern and southern neighborhoods, landscape medians are proposed in the main entry
drives to create a sense of place. Architectural variety is accomplished by placing 3-story single-family
attached units at key locations. These units are set back from the main street with a landscaped plaza in
front of the units. These areas create visual relief and are intended to be neighborhood gathering places
for special events such as a pot luck dinner, picnic or food truck rally.
Homes fronting onto green courts or walkway spines have low fences and perennial plantings that define
and separate their yard from common areas. This intimate landscape is visually attractive and functions
as a transitional element between public and private spaces.
Community Outreach
A neighborhood meeting was held on June 7, 2018.
Development Schedule
The project is proposed to begin construction in Spring 2019.
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City Plan Principles and Policies
Waterfield Overall Development Plan (ODP) and Project Development Plan (PDP)
are supported by the following Principles and Policies found in:
City Plan
Fort Collins, Colorado
Comprehensive Plan
Adopted February 15, 2011
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
Policy ENV 13.1 – Raise Awareness: Provide education and promote the City’s goals for
reducing all types of municipal solid waste (MSW) at the source and diverting discarded material
from landfill disposal.
Policy ENV 14.1 – Divert Waste: Identify and develop viable, sustainable strategies designed
to accelerate the community’s ability to meet or surpass the adopted goal of diverting 50% of
the community’s waste stream from disposal in landfills.
Solid waste will be reduced at the source by the use of separate collection bins for refuse and
recyclables.
Policy ENV 17.4 – Construction Waste Reduction: Encourage activities that help divert
debris from construction-related activities. Explore the feasibility of requiring any City-subsidized
projects to employ reduction and solid waste diversion practices that reduce the volume of
material sent from city construction sites to landfills for disposal.
Construction waste reduction is one of many sustainable building practices that will be
evaluated during the design and construction processes.
Policy ENV 19.2 – Pursue Low Impact Development: Pursue and implement Low Impact
Development (LID) as an effective approach to address stormwater quality and impacts to
streams by urbanization. Low Impact Development is a comprehensive land planning and
engineering design approach with a goal of minimizing the impact of development on urban
watersheds through the use of various techniques aimed at mimicking predevelopment
hydrology.
Policy ENV 20.2 – Follow Design Criteria for Stormwater Facilities: Utilize stormwater
facility design criteria that follow national Best Management Practices (BMPs).
The stormwater management strategy for Waterfield will implement the latest strategies for
stormwater quality treatment and low-impact development.
COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
The principles and policies in this section carry forward the City Plan vision for a community with
a compact land use pattern within a well-defined boundary, adequate public facilities, and
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development paying its share of costs of necessary public facilities and services.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT
Principle LIV 1: City development will be contained by well-defined boundaries that will
be managed using various tools including utilization of a Growth Management Area,
community coordination, and Intergovernmental Agreements.
Principle LIV 3: The City will coordinate facilities and services with the timing and
location of development and ensure that development only occurs where it can be
adequately served.
Principle LIV 4: Development will provide and pay its share of the cost of providing
needed public facilities and services concurrent with development.
Policy LIV 5.4 – Contribute to Public Amenities: Explore options for private development to
help contribute to the additional public amenities needed in areas where infill and
redevelopment occurs. Public amenities will be key to transforming outdated areas into distinct
places with identifiable character and more marketable frontage that promotes redevelopment.
Needed amenities usually include pedestrian improvements like streetscapes, plazas, special
walkways, and lighting; access improvements like new secondary streets; and landscaping and
signage for identity and wayfinding. Options for helping developers with these amenities include
tax increment financing, improvement districts, and context-sensitive design and engineering
standards for streets and development.
Waterfield is located within the City’s Growth Management Area where it can adequately be
served by streets, utilities, and urban services.
The proposed development will contribute to street improvements by participating in the
construction of Suniga Road from Timberline Road to Turnberry Road, providing easements for
a proposed regional trail system along the Larimer and Weld Canal and along Timberline Road,
installing street trees, and through substantial fees paid into the City’s street oversizing fund.
HOUSING
Principle LIV 7: A variety of housing types and densities for all income levels shall be
available throughout the Growth Management Area.
Policy LIV 7.1 – Encourage Variety in Housing Types and Locations: Encourage a variety
of housing types and densities, including mixed-used developments that are well- served by
public transportation and close to employment centers, shopping, services, and amenities.
Policy LIV 7.2 – Develop an Adequate Supply of Housing: Encourage public and private
for- profit and non-profit sectors to take actions to develop and maintain an adequate supply of
single- and multiple-family housing, including mobile homes and manufactured housing.
Policy LIV 7.4 – Maximize Land for Residential Development: Permit residential
development in most neighborhoods and districts in order to maximize the potential land
available for development of housing and thereby positively influence housing affordability.
Policy LIV 7.6 – Basic Access: Support the construction of housing units with practical
features that provide basic access and functionality for people of all ages and widely varying
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mobility and ambulatory–related abilities.
Waterfield will provide housing for a variety of lifestyles and income levels. Thrive specializes in
developing mixed-use communities that provide a variety of housing types that are modern,
attractive, energy efficient and healthy to live in.
Principle LIV 8: The City will encourage the creation and expansion of affordable housing
opportunities and preservation of the existing affordable housing supply.
Policy LIV 8.4 – Retain Existing Affordable Housing: Retain affordable housing options in
existing neighborhoods so that long-term residents can “age in place” and to meet the housing
needs of various household types.
Ten percent of the dwelling units at Waterfield will be affordable units that meet the City’s
affordability standards.
Policy LIV 9.1 – Increase Efficiency and Resource Conservation: Reduce net energy and
water use of new and existing housing units in order to conserve natural resources, and
minimize environmental impacts.
Thrive Home Builders is a national leader in building homes that reduce energy
consumption through energy efficient systems and conservation.
The landscape plan proposed for Waterfield is intended to provide an attractive and
sustainable landscape for many years to come. Plants are selected for hardiness, low
water consumption and ease of maintenance. Xeriscape principles regarding plant
material selection, soil amendments, mulches and irrigation will be incorporated
throughout.
COMMUNITY APPEARANCE AND DESIGN STREETSCAPES
Principle LIV 10: The city’s streetscapes will be designed with consideration to the visual
character and the experience of users and adjacent properties. Together, the layout of
the street network and the streets themselves will contribute to the character, form, and
scale of the city.
Policy LIV 10.1 – Design Safe, Functional, and Visually Appealing Streets: Ensure all new
public streets are designed in accordance with the City street standards and design all new
streets to be functional, safe, and visually appealing, with flexibility to serve the context and
purpose of the street corridor. Provide a layout that is simple, interconnected, and direct,
avoiding circuitous routes. Include elements such as shade trees, landscaped medians and
parkways, public art, lighting, and other amenities in the streetscape. Approve alternative street
designs where they are needed to accommodate unique situations, such as “green” stormwater
functions, important landscape features, or distinctive characteristics of a neighborhood or
district, provided that they meet necessary safety, accessibility, and maintenance requirements.
(Also see the Transportation chapter.)
Waterfield will construct the Suniga Road enhanced travel way from Timberline Road to
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Turnberry Road. All the streets throughout the development will include street trees and
parkways. Some primary streets will also include attractively landscaped medians to enhance
the community’s sense of place. In many cases the landscape will also function as a water
quality filtering system.
Policy LIV 10.2 – Incorporate Street Trees: Utilize street trees to reinforce, define and
connect the spaces and corridors created by buildings and other features along a street.
Preserve existing trees to the maximum extent feasible. Use canopy shade trees for the majority
of tree plantings, including a mixture of tree types, arranged to establish urban tree canopy
cover.
Street trees will be installed along Suniga Road and all the streets throughout the development.
Policy LIV 10.3 – Tailor Street Lighting
While most of the lighting for Waterfield will be provided by the City, the developer proposes to
add pedestrian scale lighting where it is needed to provide good visibility and security during the
evening and nighttime. This low-level pedestrian scale lighting will be located primarily in the
clubhouse area and in green courts.
The lighting will be designed to achieve the desired illumination level and preserve “dark sky”
views at nighttime, avoiding sharp contrasts between bright spots and shadows, spillover glare,
and emphasis of the light source. Fixtures will be selected to enhance the street environment by
establishing a consistent style with height, design, color, and finishes.
Principle LIV12: Security and crime prevention will be important factors in urban design.
Policy LIV 12.1 – Design for Crime Prevention and Security
Policy LIV 12.2 – Utilize Security Lighting and Landscaping
All buildings at Waterfield are oriented to streets or green courts visible from public streets. This
orientation heightens visibility that not only helps with police surveillance, but also will increase
observation by residents who feel a sense of ownership in the community. The landscape on-
site is designed to avoid hidden areas near building entrances.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Principle LIV 14: Require quality and ecologically sound landscape design practices for
all public and private development projects throughout the community.
Policy LIV 14.1 – Encourage Unique Landscape Features
Policy LIV 14.2 – Promote Functional Landscape
Policy LIV 14.3 – Design Low Maintenance Landscapes
Plant material will be selected based on water requirements, hardiness and ease of
maintenance. Plants will consist of trees types approved by the City Forester, evergreen and
deciduous shrubs and high performing grasses and perennials that require only seasonal
maintenance. Turf areas are minimized. Xeriscape principles of utilizing soil amendments,
mulches and efficient irrigation will be followed to ensure that the landscape is both attractive
and sustainable.
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APPLYING THE CITY STRUCTURE PLAN MAP
Principle LIV 19: The City Structure Plan Map establishes the desired development
pattern for the City, serving as a blueprint for the community’s desired future.
Policy LIV 19.1 – Land Use Designations - Utilize the City Structure Plan Map to set forth
a basic framework, representing a guide for future land use and transportation decisions.
Waterfield is consistent with the goals and objectives of the City’s Structure Plan. The proposed
development fits within the allowable density range of the LMN and MMN Districts and adds to
the mix of housing currently available in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Principle LIV 20: Subarea and corridor planning efforts will be developed and updated as
needed, tailoring City Plan’s citywide perspective to a more focused area of the
community, such as individual neighborhoods, districts, corridors, and edges.
Waterfield is located within the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan and is consistent with many of the
design objectives contained in that Plan including:
Providing a balanced transportation system by constructing a significant portion of
Suniga Road, the City’s newest enhanced travel corridor.
Creating a walkable neighborhood close to a school, park and natural area.
Integrating trails, open spaces, natural area and storm drainage facilities.
PRINCIPLE LIV 21: New neighborhoods will be integral parts of the broader community
structure, connected through shared facilities such as streets, schools, parks, transit
stops, trails, civic facilities, and a Neighborhood Commercial Center or Community
Commercial District.
Policy LIV 21.2 – Establish an Interconnected Street and Pedestrian Network
Policy LIV 21.2 – Design Walkable Blocks
Policy LIV 21.3 – Calm Traffic
Policy LIV 21.4 – Provide Access to Transit
Waterfield is designed to become an integral part of the surrounding neighborhood in the
following ways:
The project is designed to create walkable blocks with detached sidewalks and street
trees.
The project will enable the City’s regional trail system to extend along the Larimer and
Weld Canal and along Timberline Road in accordance with the City’s trail master plan.
The project will provide privately maintained trail systems in the developed portion of the
site and in the adjacent natural area located on the west side of the site.
NEIGHBORHOODS
LOW DENSITY MIXED-USE NEIGHBORHOODS (LMN)
Purpose. The Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood District is intended to be a setting for a
predominance of low density housing combined with complementary and supporting land uses
that serve a neighborhood and are developed and operated in harmony with the residential
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characteristics of a neighborhood. The main purpose of the District is to meet a wide range of
needs of everyday living in neighborhoods that include a variety of housing choices that invite
walking to gathering places, services and conveniences, and that are fully integrated into the
larger community by the pattern of streets, blocks, and other linkages. A neighborhood center
provides a focal point, and attractive walking and biking paths invite residents to enjoy the
center as well as the small neighborhood parks. Any new development in this District shall be
arranged to form part of an individual neighborhood.
Typically, Low Density Neighborhoods will be clustered around and integral with a Medium
Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood with a Neighborhood Commercial Center at its core. For the
purposes of this Division, a neighborhood shall be considered to consist of approximately
eighty (80) to one hundred sixty (160) acres, with its edges typically consisting of major
streets, drainageways, irrigation ditches, railroad tracks and other major physical features.
The Purpose states that the LMN District is intended to be a setting for a predominance of low
density housing. The zone district as outlined in Article 5, Division 4.5 of the Land Use Code
defines densities appropriate for the LMN District as follows. The overall average density range
allowed in the LMN District is 3-9 dwelling units per gross acre depending on the size of the
development. For affordable housing projects, the maximum density is 12 dwelling units per
gross acre. Waterfield proposes 5.5 dwelling units per acre, well within the allowable range.
Neighborhood Design and Character
Principle LIV22: The design of residential neighborhoods should emphasize creativity,
diversity, and individuality, be responsive to its context, and contribute to a comfortable,
interesting community.
Policy LIV 22.2 – Provide Creative Multi-Family Housing Design
Policy LIV 22.3 – Offer Multi-Family Building Variation
Policy LIV 22.4 – Orient Buildings to Public Streets or Spaces
Policy LIV 22.5 – Create Visually Interesting Streetscapes
Policy LIV 22.6 – Enhance Street Design and Image
Policy LIV 22.11 – Promote Neighborhood Upkeep and Property Maintenance
The proposed homes at Waterfield will be unique and respond to what homeowners want --
attractive, energy efficient homes that are healthy to live in and financially attainable.
Four housing types and multiple building variations create a visually interesting
community.
All the proposed buildings are oriented to public streets or street-like private drives.
All streets will have detached sidewalks, street trees and periodic enhanced xeriscape
plantings.
Principle LIV 26: Neighborhood stability should be maintained and enhanced. Most
existing residential developments will remain largely unaffected by these City Plan
Principles and Policies.
Policy LIV 26.1 – Maintain Existing Neighborhoods
Policy LIV 26.3 – Promote Compatibility of Uses
Waterfield is for the most part surrounded by undeveloped properties in a rapidly growing area
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of Fort Collins. We believe this project will set the bar very high for development projects in the
future, as an exemplary mixed use community demonstrating City Plan Policies.
Policy LIV 26.4 – Balance Resident Preferences with Communitywide Interests: In
determining the acceptability of changes to parcels of land adjacent to existing residential
developments, balance the adjacent residents’ preferences with communitywide interests.
A neighborhood meeting was held on June 7th, 2018.
Comments mainly centered on transportation issues including Turnberry Road extention and
traffic on Vine Drive.
Principle LIV 28: Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhoods will provide opportunities for a
mix of low density housing types in a setting that is conducive to walking and in close
proximity to a range of neighborhood serving uses.
Policy LIV 28.1 – Density
Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhoods will have an overall minimum average density of four
(4) dwelling units per acre, excluding undevelopable areas. This minimum density for parcels 20
acres or less will be three (3) dwelling units per acre.
Policy LIV 28.2 – Mix of Uses
Include other neighborhood-serving uses in addition to residential uses. Although the actual mix
of uses in each neighborhood will vary, Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhoods may include the
following:
Principal uses: Predominantly detached single family homes; however, may include a range of
duplexes, townhomes, and small scale multi-family dwellings (twelve or less units per
building).
Supporting uses: Places of worship, day care (adult and child), parks and recreation facilities,
schools, and small civic facilities. In addition to these uses, a mix of other complementary uses
is permitted within a designated Neighborhood Center, including the following: neighborhood-
serving market, shops, small professional offices or live-work units, clinics, or other small
businesses in addition to the list of secondary uses listed above. Retail uses will be permitted
only in a designated Neighborhood Center. Home occupations are permitted provided they do
not generate excessive traffic and parking or have signage that is not consistent with the
residential character of the neighborhood.
Policy LIV 28.3 – Mix of Housing Types
Distribute a variety of housing types to make an attractive, marketable neighborhood with
housing for a diversity of people. Include a minimum of four (4) distinct housing types in any
residential project containing more than thirty (30) acres. As the acreage of the residential
project increases, so should the number of housing types.
The LMN District is intended to be a setting for a predominance of low density housing. The
zone district as outlined in Article 5, Division 4.5 of the Land Use Code defines densities
appropriate for the LMN District as follows. The overall average density range allowed in the
LMN District is 3-9 dwelling units per gross acre depending on the size of the development.
Waterfield proposes 5.2 dwelling units per acre, well within the allowable range. Likewise the
density for the portion of the project zoned MMN is 8.2 dwelling units per acre above the
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required minimum density of 7 dwelling units per acre.
Policy LIV 30.3 – Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Access: Improve pedestrian and bicycle
connections within and to Commercial Districts as infill and redevelopment occur over time.
(Also see the Transportation chapter.)
Provide direct access between commercial Districts and adjoining uses.
Clearly identify and distinguish pedestrian and bicycle travel routes from auto traffic through
parking areas, across streets, and along building frontages.
Improve pedestrian/bicycle linkages across arterial streets and along transportation
corridors.
Avoid superblocks, dead-end streets, and cul-de-sacs.
Coordinate with impacted neighborhoods to find context-sensitive solutions to address
connectivity and neighborhood needs.
Waterfield will contribute to the system by constructing Suniga Road (part of the N. College /
Mountain Vista Enhanced Travel Corridor) from Timberline Road to Turnberry Road.
SAFETY AND WELLNESS PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
Policy SW 1.2 – Maintain and Enhance Fire Protection: Coordinate with Poudre Fire
Authority (PFA) to foster fire and life safety as a priority within the city. Support the PFA
Strategic Plan and its mission to protect citizens and their property by being prompt, skillful, and
caring.
The Design Team is committed to addressing any fire and life safety issues on the site. At this
time, we believe emergency vehicles have adequate and appropriate access to all proposed
dwelling units. We are working with PFA to address concerns related to man doors.
Policy SW 1.5 - Maintain Public Safety through Design: Provide a sense of security and
safety within buildings, parking areas, walkways, alleys, bike lanes, public spaces, and streets
through environmental design considerations, such as adequate lighting, visibility, maintained
landscaping, and location of facilities.
All public streets in the project will have City standard street lighting.
COMMUNITY WELLNESS
Policy SW 2.3 - Support Active Transportation: Support means of physically active
transportation (e.g., bicycling, walking, wheelchairs, etc.) by continuing bike and pedestrian
safety education and encouragement programs, providing law enforcement, and maintaining
bike lanes, sidewalks, trails, lighting, and facilities for easy and safe use, as outlined in the
Pedestrian Plan and Bicycle Plan
Policy SW 2.4 – Design for Active Living: Promote neighborhood and community design that
encourages physical activity by establishing easy access to parks and trails, providing
interesting routes that feature art and other visually interesting elements, and locating
neighborhoods close to activity centers and services so that physically active modes of
transportation are a desirable and convenient choice.
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This project achieves Safety and Wellness policies by locating low to medium density housing in
an area where residents can walk or ride bikes to an elementary school and a City
neighborhood park in the future. In addition, they will have access to planned regional trails
along the Larimer and Weld Canal and along Timberline Road.
TRANSPORTATION PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
Principle T 3: Land use planning decisions, management strategies, and incentives will
support and be coordinated with the City's transportation vision.
Policy T 3.1 – Pedestrian Mobility: Promote a mix of land uses and activities that will
maximize the potential for pedestrian mobility throughout the community and minimize the
distance traveled.
Policy T 3.2 – Bicycle Facilities: Encourage bicycling for transportation through an urban
development pattern that places major activity centers and neighborhood destinations within a
comfortable bicycling distance.
Policy T 3.3 – Transit Supportive Design: Implement and integrate Transit Supportive Design
strategies with respect to new and infill development opportunities along Enhanced Travel
Corridors.
Policy T 3.4 – Travel Demand Management: Manage development in a manner that
minimizes automobile dependence, maximizes choices among other modes of local and
regional travel, and encourages the use of telecommunications.
The Waterfield project will help the City achieve the above land use planning objectives related
to transportation by constructing Suniga Road, an enhanced travel corridor between Timberline
Road and Turnberry Road. This corridor with pedestrian sidewalks, raised bike paths and bus
routes will extend from Timberline Road to College Avenue in the future.
Policy T 10.1 – Transit Stops: Integrate transit stops into existing and future business districts
and Neighborhood Commercial Centers in a way that makes it easy for transit riders to shop,
access local services, and travel to work. Provide transit stops within easy walking distance of
most residences and destinations. Design and locate transit stops as an integral part of these
origins and destinations and provide adequate lighting, security, pedestrian amenities,
wheelchair accessibility, bicycle parking, and weather protection.
The project proposes an east bound and westbound bus stop along Suniga Road west of
Merganser Drive.
Principle T11: Bicycling will be a safe, easy, and convenient mobility option for all ages
and abilities.
Policy T 11.1 – Bicycle Facilities: Ensure safe and convenient access by bicycle in
neighborhoods and other pedestrian and bicyclist- oriented districts.
Policy T 11.3 – All Ages and Skill Levels: Design a bicycle network that maximizes safety,
convenience, and comfort for bicyclists of all ages and skill levels.
Principle T 12: The pedestrian network will provide a safe, easy, and convenient mobility
option for all ages and abilities.
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Policy T 12.1 – Connections: Direct pedestrian connections will be provided from places of
residence to transit, schools, activity centers, work, and public facilities.
Policy T 12.2 – Pedestrian Network: Develop a complete pedestrian network in ETCs and
Activity Centers.
Policy T 12.3 – Pedestrian Plan: The adopted pedestrian plan will be considered in the
development of all transportation projects.
Policy T 12.4 – ADA Compliance: Pedestrian facilities will comply with Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Policy T 12.5 – Safe and Secure: Develop safe and secure pedestrian settings by developing
and maintaining a well-lit, inhabited pedestrian network and by mitigating the impacts of
vehicles. Connections will be clearly visible and accessible, incorporating markings, signage,
lighting, and paving materials.
Policy T 12.6 – Street Crossings: Design street crossings at intersections consistent with Fort
Collins Traffic Code, Land Use Code, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and the
Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards with regard to crosswalks, lighting, median
refuges, corner sidewalk widening, ramps, signs, signals, and landscaping.
Policy T 12.8 – Safety: The City will promote development of educational programs and
appropriate utilization of traffic enforcement.
Principle T 14: The City will be a responsible steward of transportation resources for
multiple modes of travel, making it easy to choose transportation options that support a
healthy lifestyle.
Waterfield provides pedestrian and bike access to activity areas including the clubhouse,
wetland natural area, park site, school site, future neighborhood center and a variety of green
courts and pocket parks. The project’s pedestrian/bike system will also connect into future
regional trails and to Suniga Road, an enhanced travel corridor.
TRAFFIC FLOW
Principle T 25: Transportation infrastructure will ensure the provision of high quality
facilities for the movement of goods, people, and information.
Policy T 25.1 – Level of Service Standards: The City will have current Level of Service
standards positioned in alignment with transportation and land use goals.
Policy T 25.3 – New and Existing Roadways: New roadways will be designed and
constructed to ensure an acceptable Level of Service and design standards. Existing roadways
will be enhanced as necessary to meet current and future needs and design standards.
The City is acutely aware of transportation issues surrounding the Vine and Lemay intersection.
Completion of Suniga Road will help to alleviate the unacceptable LOS at this intersection.
Waterfield project will contribute by constructing Suniga Road from Timberline Road to
Turnberry Road.
The proposed development will also contribute to street improvements through substantial fees
paid into the City’s street oversizing fund. The Traffic Impact Study has been prepared by
Delich Associates. The results of the study will be reviewed with the City through the
development review process.