HomeMy WebLinkAbout4518 INNOVATION DR WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS - PDP210010 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - PROJECT NARRATIVE
VERTICAL BRIDGE / T-MOBILE
APPLICATION FOR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVAL
THE PROPOSED NEW TOWER
AT
4518 INNOVATION DRIVE,
FORT COLLINS, CO 80525
VERTICAL BRIDGE SITE # US-CO-5082
PROJECT NAME: 4518 INNOVATION DR CELL TOWER
Table of Contents
1. Letter of Application
2. Application Materials
3. Site Data Sheet
4. Legal Description
5. Narrative Overview
6. Project Development Plan Submittal Requirements
7. Project Review Response
Letter of Application
April 14, 2021
Ms. Tenae Beane
Development Review Coordinator
Community Development & Neighborhood Services
City of Fort Collins
281 N. College
Fort Collins, CO 80524
RE: Project Development Plan
Project Name: 4518 Innovation Dr Cell Tower
Vertical Bridge Site Number: US-CO-5082
4518 Innovation Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Dear Ms. Beane:
Vertical Bridge, on behalf of T-Mobile has finalized a lease agreement with the landowners of
the site referenced above to construct a wireless telecommunications service facility. The
proposed facility is designed to house the equipment necessary to provide the technology
needed to provide clear and uninterrupted wireless telecommunications services to the
residents of City of Fort Collins.
The proposed wireless telecommunications facility will consist of an 80’-0” monopole tower
with a 5’-0” lightning rod along with support equipment. The proposed facility will be located
on a 10’-0” x 15’-0” raised platform within an 11’-0” x 20’-0” lease parcel. The proposed tower
will be erected, owned and managed by Vertical Bridge and upon construction; T-Mobile will
locate its antennas on the tower. The proposed tower is necessary for T-Mobile to improve
coverage in the area. The facility is unstaffed and will only require service technicians, in a pick-
up/van sized vehicle, to visit the site approximately once per month.
On behalf of Vertical Bridge and T-Mobile, LCC Telecom Services has submitted all required
documentation for the proposed tower in accordance with the City of Fort Collins Zoning
Ordinance. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me. I look forward to
working with you during the approval process in order to provide the residents of City of Fort
Collins the best possible PCS coverage.
Sincerely,
Michael Bieniek, AICP
Zoning Director
Site Data Sheet
Applicant: Vertical Bridge
750 Park of Commerce Drive
Suite 200
Boca Raton, FL 33487
T-Mobile
8000 W. 78th Street
Suite 400
Edina, MN 55439
Agent: Michael Bieniek, AICP
LCC Telecom Services
10700 Higgins Road
Suite 240
Rosemont, IL 60018
Tower Owner: Vertical Bridge
750 Park of Commerce Drive
Suite 200
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Applicant’s Interest in the
Property:
Leasehold
Project Title: 4518 Innovation Dr Cell Tower
Property Owner: Stewart King – Rocky Mountain Archery
4518 Innovation Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Address of Property: 4518 Innovation Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Entitlements Sought: Application for a Project Development Plan and any other
approvals necessary to erect an 80’-0” monopole tower within
an 11’-0” x 20’-0” lease area.
Legal Description
Lot 10, except the North 10 feet, thereof, Golden Meadows Business Park, County of Larimer,
State of Colorado.
Tax Parcel No. 87314-06-010
Narrative Overview
Vertical Bridge Development LLC, (“Vertical Bridge”) and T-Mobile, seek Development
Plan Approval, and any other necessary approvals in order to install a wireless
telecommunications facility on property located at 4518 Innovation Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado
80525. Vertical Bridge and its affiliates have acquired the necessary licenses from the Federal
Communications Commission (“FCC”) to provide Personal Communications Services (“PCS”)
coverage throughout the United States. These licenses include Fort Collins, CO.
The monopole tower which Vertical Bridge is proposing to install on behalf of T-Mobile
is necessary in order to provide uninterrupted PCS services to the residents of Fort Collins,
including wireless telephone service, voice paging, messaging and wireless internet and
broadband data transmission. All registered wireless provider’s technology operates at various
radio frequency bands allocated by the FCC as part of their license.
PCS systems operate on a grid system with overlapping cells mesh together, forming a
seamless network. No one site can function as a stand-alone entity as each site is
interconnected, forming the network. The technical criteria for establishing cell sites are very
exacting as to the location and height. Within the Fort Collins area, cell sites are generally
located approximately one (1) to three (3) miles apart. Vertical Bridge is proposing to erect a
80’-0” monopole tower, along with support equipment within an 11’-0” x 20’-0” lease area.
The proposed site at 4518 Innovation Drive, Fort Collins, CO 50525 is within the geographic
area deemed necessary for T-Mobile and various other wireless telecommunications providers
in order to provide uninterrupted services.
In accordance with the City of Fort Collins Zoning Ordinance, Vertical Bridge has made
application to install a wireless telecommunications facility. The proposed new tower is being
erected to allow T-Mobile to provide the necessary coverage for residents in the Fort Collins
area. T-Mobile is currently on an existing facility in the area that will be removed on or before
construction of the proposed facility.
The facility is unstaffed and will only require service technicians, in a pick-up/van sized
vehicle, to visit the site approximately once per month. Access will be provided via an
easement and the proposed property entry at 4518 Innovation Drive, Fort Collins, CO 50525.
The site is entirely self-monitored through a sophisticated alarm system which is connected to a
main switch station. The system alerts personnel to any equipment malfunction or breach of
security. Additionally, there is no impact on any city services such as water, sanitation, police
and fire. The only services used in connect with the wireless telecommunications facility are
power and fiber / land-line telephone.
In accordance with FCC regulations, the wireless telecommunications facility will not
interfere with any form of communications, including but not limited to, land-line phones, cable
and satellite television and radio broadcasts. PCS technology has become a vital part of
emergency services, aiding local residents and motorists in a variety of situations, thus helping
to protect the general public’s health, safety and welfare. The proposed wireless
telecommunications facility at this site will further enhance T-Mobile’s goals of providing the
most reliable network possible in this area.
The proposed stealth wireless telecommunications facility will be designed and
constructed to meet all applicable governmental and industry safety standards. Specifically,
Vertical Bridge and T-Mobile will comply with all FCC and FAA rules and regulations regarding
construction requirements and technical standards. Any and all RF emissions are subject to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the FCC. Any height, lighting or marking issues are subject to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the FAA.
LCC Telecom Services, on behalf of Vertical Bridge and T-Mobile, looks forward to
working with the City of Fort Collins to bring the benefits of the proposed service to the entire
Fort Collins area. The addition of the wireless telecommunications facility will ensure the best
uninterrupted wireless services for the citizens of Fort Collins.
Project Development Plan Submittal Requirements
In considering a Project Development Plan application, the City Staff shall review the particular
circumstances of the Project Development Plan request. As part of the Project Development
Plan submittal, the applicant is required to submit the following information:
1) Project title: Name of the development project as well as any previous name the project may
have had during Conceptual Review. Please provide a consistent project title on all documents.
4518 Innovation Drive Cell Tower
2) Past Meeting Dates: Provide dates of any CR, PDR, and neighborhood meeting held.
A Zoom meeting was held on April 29, 2020 at 2:00 mst with Matt Grugan and Johnnie
Whitfield, Vertical Bridge; Tenae Beane and Clark Mapes, City of Fort Collins and Michael
Bieniek, LCC Telecom Services.
A Zoom meeting was held on June 15, 2020 at 2:00 mst with Matt Grugan and Johnnie
Whitfield, Vertical Bridge; Matt Simpson, City of Fort Collins and Michael Bieniek, LCC
Telecom Services.
No neighborhood meetings are required for this project.
3) General Information: The information provided is used to describe the project in the City’s
online review database. General information includes the following (as applicable): project
location, overall size of the development in acres, existing zoning, proposed zoning, number of
dwellings, amount and type of commercial space, number of off-street parking spaces provided,
number of building stories proposed, description of any Land Use Code Modifications proposed.
• Project location – 4518 Innovation Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525
• Overall size of the development in acres – 220 square feet (.0051 acres)
• Existing zoning – NC, Neighborhood Commercial District
• Proposed zoning – No change to zoning designation
• Number of dwellings – None, however T-Mobile will be placing equipment cabinets on
a steel platform
• Amount and type of commercial space – None
• Number of off-street parking spaces provided – None needed, existing parking will be
used
• Number of building stories proposed – N/a
• Description of any Land Use Code Modifications proposed – None
4) Proposed Owners: A list of names of all general and/or limited partners (if a partnership)
managers and directors (if a limited liability company) and/or officers and directors of the
corporation (if a corporation) involved as either applicants or owners of the development.
Stewart King – privately owned business Mike, do we need VB info here as well. They ask for
applicants or owners of the development.
5) Existing Owners: The name and address of each existing owner of property within the
boundaries of the development plan area.
Stewart King
4518 Innovation Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Other optional items that may be included with the narrative as applicable. The topics below
should also be addressed when designing the project:
6) Transportation Improvements: Summary of any proposed on and off-site improvements
identified with the Traffic Impact Study (if applicable).
There will be no significant impact in traffic off-site and very limited additional traffic. A cell
site is unstaffed and will only require service technicians, in a pick-up/van sized vehicle, to
visit the site approximately once per month. The utility and access will be through an existing
entrance. An extension of the existing pavement will consist of a 14’ wide access and utility
easement on the north side of the property back to the site.
7) Written narrative addressing each concern/issue raised at the neighborhood meeting(s), if a
meeting has been held. Please contact a Development Review Coordinator (or Planning Services
main number) to receive a copy of the neighborhood meeting minutes in Word format. Please
note that neighborhood meetings are required for all Type 2 projects, and if a neighborhood
meeting is required, a ten-day waiting period is required prior to submitting a Development
Application.
No neighborhood meetings are required for this project.
8) Narrative description of the site design including building placement, vehicular and
pedestrian circulation, landscaping, proposed open space and treatments of wetlands, natural
habitats and features on site and in the general vicinity of the project.
• Building placement – the proposed tower is to be located at the southeast corner of
the property, immediately behind the existing building.
• Vehicular and pedestrian circulation - utility and access will be through an existing
entrance. An extension of the existing pavement will consist of a 14’ wide access and
utility easement on the north side of the property back to the site.
• Landscaping – A row of eight (8) – five (5) gallon Viburnum Lentago (Nannyberry) will
be located on the north side of the property and ten (10) – five (5) gallon Viburnum
Lentago (Nannyberry) will be located on the south side of the property.
• Proposed open space and treatments of wetlands – The proposed platform will extend
in the existing detention area. Vertical Bridge has worked closely with Matthew
Simpson, City Engineer to come up with an acceptable solution. The steel platform
will be elevated with a non-solid surface to minimize impact on the detention. An
easement agreement has been signed and provided for the encroachment into the
detention pond.
• Natural habitats and features on site and in the general vicinity of the project – The
proposed site is located in an industrial park; no natural features will be impacted.
9) Narrative description of how disturbances to wetlands, natural habitats and features and/or
wildlife are being avoided to the maximum extent feasible.
• There are no wetlands on the property, however there is a detention pond on the east
side of the property. The proposed tower is being located on a mesh steel platform on
the southwest corner of the detention area. The only penetrations in the detention
pond will be two steel piers to hold up the platform.
• Natural habitats and features on site and in the general vicinity of the project – The
proposed site is located in an industrial park; no natural features will be impacted.
10) Narrative description of transition techniques, associated buffering and how conflicts
between existing and proposed land uses are mitigated.
The proposed monopole tower is being located on the rear of the property which is located
immediately adjacent to an electric substation. The tower is designed to blend in with the
existing towers located to the east.
11) Narrative description of the architectural design including general description of how
Building Standards are met (Sections 3.5.1 and other applicable Sections in 3.5). Depending on
the nature of the project, the narrative provided may be one page or multiple pages.
Description should also include information regarding the design approach used to satisfy any
applicable historic preservation considerations, as required in Section 3.4.7 -- Historic and
Cultural Resources, and should also include a discussion of the design approach used to satisfy
the recommendations from the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC), if applicable.
There are no historic or cultural resources which are being considered in the design. The
property is in an industrial area. As stated above, the proposed monopole tower is being
located on the rear of the property which is located immediately adjacent to an electric
substation. The tower is designed to blend in with the existing towers located to the east.
12) Development Phasing Schedule (if applicable). This shall include a development schedule
with anticipated start dates, completion dates and descriptions for each development phase
proposed. Schedule shall include the proposed phasing of construction of public improvements
and recreational and common space areas. Projects with multiple parcels and/or property
owners should review and refine shared phased elements such as streets, walkways/trails,
grading, walls and utilities and incorporate construction phasing by development parcel, if
applicable. Larger or more complex projects should include a phasing plan and supplemental
tables and notations as a plan sheet.
Narrative may be divided into topics for clarity. Topics included with the narrative may vary
and may include a justification of choices made with the project including the configuration of:
parking areas, walkways, trail connections, new tree stocking, landscape bed areas, existing
trees, site circulation and access, transition areas, buffering from incompatible uses and
adjacent features, location and design of parks and open space, configuration of trash and
recycling service areas and loading zones, preservation and enhancement of natural habitats
and features, easements needed/provided, provisions for emergency access, ADA accessibility
considerations, lighting considerations, notable utility and drainage constraints or
considerations, description of the exterior building design and articulation, interior and exterior
amenities provided that support the proposed uses, project information such as the intended
users, number of employees, or other relevant information.
With more complex projects that touch on many of the subjects described above, please
use multiple headings to organize the information provided. The narrative can be an effective
tool to communicate to all stakeholders or parties-in-interest how the project meets the
developer/applicant’s objectives while mitigating project impacts in accordance with code
requirements, subarea plans and City Plan. The narrative may also include and reference how
goals and objectives of City Plan and subarea plans are satisfied. If references to City goals and
objectives are provided, it is recommended that the references include all relevant
development, neighborhood character and mitigation objectives.
There is no development phasing for this project. A typical installation takes approximately
3-4 weeks to erect the proposed tower. Once that is complete T-Mobile will install their
equipment.
Project Review Responses
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Community Development and
Neighborhood Services
281 North College Avenue
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6689
970.224.6134 - fax
fcgov.com
February 07, 2020
Matthew Grugan
Fort Collins, CO
Re: 4518 Innovation Dr. Cell Tower
Description of project: This is a request to construct an 85 foot tall wireless monopole
facility for use by T-Mobile on 680 square feet of leased land at the subject site. The site
(parcel #8731406010) is located 280 feet north of E. Harmony Road and 1,600 feet west
of S. Timberline Road. Access is taken from Innovation Drive directly to the east. The
property is within the Harmony Corridor (H-C) zone district and is subject to -Administrative
(Type 1) Review.
Please see the following summary of comments regarding 4518 Innovation Dr. Cell Tower.
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, please contact
your Development Review Coordinator, Tenae Beane via phone at 970-224-6119 or via
email at tbeane@fcgov.com.
Comment Summary
Development Review Coordinator
Contact: Tenae Beane, 970-224-6119, tbeane@fcgov.com
1. 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 you and your
team. Please include me in all email correspondence with other reviewers and keep me
informed of any phone conversations.
Thank you!
2. 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.
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Neighborhood Meetings are a great way to get public feedback and avoid potential
hiccups that may occur later in the review process.
3. I will provide you a roadmap specific to your development review project, helping to identify
each step of the process. For more detailed process information, 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.
4. I will provide a Project Submittal Checklist to assist in your submittal preparation. Please
use the checklist in conjunction with the Submittal Requirements located at:
http://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/applications.php.
The checklist provided is specific to this Conceptual project; if there are any significant
changes to this project, please let me know so we can adjust the checklist accordingly. I
can send an updated copy of the Submittal Checklist to ensure you are submitting the
correct materials.
5. As part of your submittal you will respond to the comments provided in this letter. This letter
is provided to you in Microsoft Word format. Please use this document to insert responses
to each comment for your 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.
6. The request will be subject to the Development Review Fee Schedule:
https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/fees.php.
I will provide estimated fees, which are due at time of project submittal for formal review.
This is an estimate of the initial fees to begin the development review process based on
your Conceptual Review Application. As noted in the comments, there are additional fees
required by other departments, and additional fees at the time of building permit. The City
of Fort Collins fee schedule is subject to change - please confirm these estimates before
submitting. If you have any questions about fees, please reach out to me.
7. Submittals are accepted any day of the week, with Wednesday at noon being the cut-off for
routing the same week. Upon initial submittal, your project will be subject to a
completeness review. Staff has until noon that Friday to determine if the project contains all
required checklist items and is sufficient for a round of review. If complete, a formal Letter
of Acceptance will be emailed to you and the project would be officially routed with a
three-week round of review, followed by a formal meeting.
8. When you are ready to submit your formal plans, please make an appointment with me at
least 24 hours in advance. Applications and plans are submitted electronically in person
with initial fees.
Pre-submittal meetings can be beneficial to ensure you have everything for a complete
submittal. Please reach out and I will assist in those arrangements.
Responses have been provided for all comments below. If there are any questions
pertaining to any items please reach out to Michael Bieniek, AICP – agent on behalf of
Vertical Bridge at 847-287-1156 or mbieniek@lcctelecom.com.
Planning Services
Contact: Clark Mapes, 970-221-6225, cmapes@fcgov.com
1. It appears that the proposed location will prove to be intrinsically unsuitable due to access
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and stormwater detention constraints, however, if the proposal were to go forward, an
important next step would be to explore possibilities for the design of the facility. A
slimline pole would seem to be most compatible with the context.
Vertical Bridge has worked with Matt Simpson to design a system that will work with the
detention constraints. A monopole tower is being proposed for this site following the
Zoom call on April 29, 2020 where it was decided a regular monopole design would blend
with the electric substation locate directly east of the proposed tower location.
2. 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.
The proposed design is consistent with all provisions of the Fort Collins Land Use Code
(LUC), most specifically Section 3.8.13. The proposed monopole tower will be designed
to collapse onto itself.
3. 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.
The proposed design is consistent with all provisions of the Fort Collins Land Use Code
(LUC), most specifically Section 3.8.13. The proposed monopole tower will be designed
to collapse onto itself.
Department: Engineering Development Review
Contact: Morgan Stroud, 970-416-4344, mstroud@fcgov.com
1. Larimer County Road Impact Fees and Transportation Expansion Fees are due at the
time of building permit. Please contact Kyle Lambrecht at 221-6566 if you have any
questions.
All Road Impact Fees and Transportation Expansion fees will be paid at the time of
building permit.
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
The Transportation Development Review Fee will be paid as part of the application. Per
Tenae Beane, she will notify us when the fees shall be paid.
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
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Developer's expense prior to the acceptance of completed improvements and/or prior
to the issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy.
Vertical Bridge’s contractor will repair or replace any damage prior to issuance of the
Certificate of Occupancy.
4. All public sidewalk, driveways and ramps existing or proposed adjacent or within the
site need to meet ADA standards, if they currently do not, they will need to be
reconstructed so that they do meet current ADA standards as a part of this project.
Any sidewalks, driveways and ramps will meet ADA standards if they currently do not.
The proposed tower facility will only have an access road to the site.
5. Any public improvements must be designed and built in accordance with the Larimer
County Urban Area Street Standards (LCUASS). They are available online at:
https://www.larimer.org/engineering/standards-and-guides/urban-area-street-standards
There will be no public improvements associated with the tower site.
6. This project is responsible for dedicating any right-of-way and easements that are
necessary or required by the City for this project. This shall including the standard utility
easements that are to be provided behind the right-of-way (15 foot along an arterial, 8
foot along an alley, and 9 foot along all other street classifications). Information on the
dedication process can be found at: http://www.fcgov.com/engineering/devrev.php
There will be no right-of-way dedication as part of this project.
7. All fences, barriers, posts or other encroachments within the public right-of-way are only
permitted upon approval of an encroachment permit. Applications for encroachment
permits shall be made to Engineering Department for review and approval prior to
installation. Encroachment items shall not be shown on the site plan as they may not be
approved, need to be modified or moved, or if the permit is revoked then the site/
landscape plan is in non-compliance.
There will be no fences, barriers, posts or other encroachments within the public right-of-
way.
8. The development/ site cannot use the right-of-way for any rain gardens to treat the storm
runoff. We can look at the use of rain gardens to treat street flows – the design
standards for these are still in development.
The development will not be making use of any rain gardens, therefore this does not
apply.
9. In regards to construction of this site, the public right-of-way shall not be used for staging
or storage of materials or equipment associated with the Development, nor shall it be
used for parking by any contractors, subcontractors, or other personnel working for or
hired by the Developer to construct the Development. The Developer will need to find a
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location(s) on private property to accommodate any necessary staging and/or parking
needs associated with the completion of the Development. Information on the
location(s) of these areas will be required to be provided to the City as a part of the
Development Construction Permit application.
There will be no staging or parking on the public right-of-way during construction.
Department: Traffic Operations
Contact: Steve Gilchrist, 970-224-6175, sgilchrist@fcgov.com
1. TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY: The addition of a wireless monopole on this property is not
anticipated to generate traffic, thus need for a Traffic Impact Study is waived.
Department: Fire Authority
Contact: Jim Lynxwiler, 970-416-2869, jlynxwiler@poudre-fire.org
1. FIRE LANE DEDICATION
Minimum fire lane widths are 20'. The one proposed is 14' in width. This matter was
previously considered and determined to be acceptable as a pre-existing condition of
the site. The fire lane shall be labeled on future plans as an Emergency Access
Easement.
The Emergency Access Easement is shown on Land Survey Sheet LS3.
2. FIRE LANE SIGNS
The limits of the fire lane shall be fully defined. Fire lane sign locations should be
indicated on future plan sets. Refer to LCUASS detail #1418 & #1419 for sign type,
placement, and spacing. Appropriate directional arrows required on all signs.
The limits of the fire lane are indicated on the plans on Land Survey Sheet LS3.
3. ADDRESS POSTING
The address shall be posted on the cell tower enclosure.
The address will be posted on the tower site along with all required signage per the FCC
requirements.
4. ENERGY SYSTEMS
Energy systems shall be shown to comply with applicable sections of IFC Chapter 12.
Please detail this information with the next submittal. Such systems shall be shown to
comply with MAQ's and posted with warning signage as applicable.
The construction drawings will be done in accordance with IFC Chapter 12 as it pertains to
energy systems.
Department: Erosion Control
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Contact: Chandler Arellano, carellano@fcgov.com
1. Information Only:
No Comment from Erosion Control. Based upon the submitted Planning Materials it has
been determined that this project; will disturb less than 10,000 sq. ft., is not proposed to
be in a sensitive area, has no steep slopes (greater than 3H:1V) within or adjacent to
the project, and is not part of a larger common development that will or is under
construction. Therefore, no Erosion Control Material submittal is needed. If this project
substantially changes in size or design where the above criteria now apply, erosion
control materials should be submitted. Though the project at this time requires no
erosion control material submittal, the project still must be swept and maintained to
prevent dirt, saw cuttings, concrete wash, trash debris, landscape materials and other
pollutants from the potential of leaving the site and entering the storm sewer at all times
during the project in accordance with City Code 26-498. If complaint driven or site
observation of the project seem not to prevent the pollutant discharge the City may
require the project to install erosion and sediment control measures. Nearby inlets that
may be impacted by the pollutants, in particular dirt, should be protected as a good
preventative practice and individual lots should be protected from material escaping
onto the sidewalk. If at building permit issuance any issues arise please email
erosion@fcgov.com to help facilitate getting these permits signed off.
No comment per Staff, this section has been met.
Department: Stormwater Engineering
Contact: Matt Simpson, (970)416-2754, masimpson@fcgov.com
2. Existing Stormwater Quality Pond Encroachment (site specific comment):
This project is proposing improvements that would encroach into the existing water
quality pond on the east portion of this property. This pond may not be encroached in
the manner presented on the conceptual plans. An access road to the proposed cell
tower may not be routed through the stormwater pond. However, the cell tower is in an
acceptable location. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss options.
3. Master plan and criteria compliance (site specific comment):
This site is part of the Golden Meadows Business Park, Rocky Mountain Archery site
and must conform to the drainage design of those approved development plans. In
addition, the design of this site must conform to the drainage basin design of the Fox
Meadows Master Drainage Plan as well the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual.
Please note, a new stormwater criteria manual was released in December 2018:
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/development-forms-gu
idelines-regulations/stormwater-criteria
4. Documentation requirements (site specific comment):
* (Comment from 2017 Conceptual Review): The previous drainage report for this site
notes that the developed runoff coefficient for this site was just below the threshold for
requiring onsite detention. Therefore, if this proposed monopole adds any additional
imperviousness, the site would be required to provide stormwater detention with a
2-year historic release rate during the 100-year storm. Please note that gravel surfacing
is considered 50% impervious. *
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If there is an increase in impervious area, a drainage report, erosion control report and
construction plans are required and must be prepared by a Professional Engineer
registered in the State of Colorado. The drainage report must address the four-step
process for selecting structural BMPs. *
If there is no increase in impervious area, then a drainage letter along with a grading
and erosion control plans should be sufficient to document the existing and proposed
drainage patterns. In most cases these will be prepared by a Professional Engineer
registered in Colorado.
**UPDATED COMMENT**
The previous drainage report for this site has not been found and will require more
research to determine the amount of impervious area that may be added before
stormwater detention requirements are triggered. If you want to proceed with this site,
please contact Matt Simpson to request more research for this site.
5. Stormwater outfall (site specific comment):
The stormwater outfall options for this site appear to be flow through the existing water
quality pond on the east portion of this site. Then surface flow south, to the drainage
channel along the north side of Harmony Road. Note, this flow path is across another
property before reaching the public drainage channel.
6. Detention requirements (standard comment):
When improvements are proposed to an existing developed site and there is an
increase in impervious area greater than 1000 square feet, onsite detention is required
with a 2-year historic release rate for water quantity.
*Note, the redevelopment of this site in 2008 has consumed most of the allowable
impervious area (1000-square feet) before additional detention is required*
7. Imperviousness documentation (standard comment):
It is important to document the existing impervious area since drainage requirements
and fees are based on new impervious area. An exhibit showing the existing and
proposed impervious areas with a table summarizing the areas is required prior to the
time fees are calculated for each building permit.
8. Detention drain times (standard comment):
Per Colorado Revised Statute §37-92-602 (8) that became effective August 5, 2015,
criteria regarding detention drain time will apply to this project. As part of the drainage
design, the engineer will be required to show compliance with this statute using a
standard spreadsheet (available on request) that will need to be included in the
drainage report. Upon completion of the project, the engineer will also be required to
upload the approved spreadsheet onto the Statewide Compliance Portal. This will
apply to any volume-based stormwater storage, including extended detention basins.
9. Water Quality and Low Impact Development requirements (standard comment):
If the improvements create or modify greater than 1000-square feet of impervious area,
stormwater quality treatment will need to be provided for the new or modified impervious
areas.
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All new or modified impervious areas require stormwater quality treatment. In addition,
the City requires the use of Low Impact Development (LID) methods to treat stormwater
quality on all new or redeveloping property, including sites required to be brought into
compliance with the Land Use Code. There are two (2) categories of LID requirements;
the development will need to meet one of the two following options:
1. LID with Permeable Pavers: When using the permeable pavers option, 50% of the
new or modified impervious areas must be treated by LID methods. Of the new or
modified paved areas, 25% must be pervious.
2. LID - without Pavers: 75% of all new or modified impervious areas must be treated
by LID methods. This typically consists of a rain garden or bioretention system, but other
options are allowed.
The remainder of the water quality treatment can be accomplished ‘standard’ or LID
water quality methods. Accepted methods are described in the Fort Collins Stormwater
Criteria Manual (FCSCM), Chapter 7:
http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/development-forms-gui
delines-regulations/stormwater-criteria
10. Erosion control requirements (standard comment):
The erosion control report requirements are in Chapter 2, Section 6 of the Fort Collins
Stormwater Criteria Manual (December 2018, www.fcgov.com/erosion). If you need
clarification concerning this section, please contact the Erosion Control Inspector, Jesse
Schlam at 224-6015 or jschlam@fcgov.com.
11. Inspection and maintenance (standard comment):
There will be a final site inspection of the stormwater facilities when the project is
complete and the maintenance is handed over to an HOA or another maintenance
organization. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for on-going maintenance of all
onsite drainage facilities will be included as part of the Development Agreement. More
information and links can be found at:
http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/what-we-do/stormwater/stormwater-quality/low-impact-dev
elopment
12. Fees (standard comment):
The 2020 city wide Stormwater development fee (PIF) is $9,447/acre of new impervious
area over 350 square feet and there is a $1,045/acre of site 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 at:
http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/plant-investment-develo
pment-fees or contact our Utility Fee and Rate Specialists at (970) 416-4252 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.
Vertical Bridge and its engineers worked with Matt Simpson to address the above items in
a Zoom meeting on June 15, 2020. The property owner has signed an easement
agreement which has been provided for the City to sign, allowing for the construction of
the grated steel platform to be erected above the detention pond. As part of the
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submission, Vertical Bridge has also provide the design specification for the platform.
Department: Water-Wastewater Engineering
Contact: Matt Simpson, (970)416-2754, masimpson@fcgov.com
1. No water and sewer needs (site specific comment):
This project site is located within the City of Fort Collins service area for water and
sanitary sewer, however, it does not appear that this proposed project is going to
require any changes or upgrades to the water and sewer services to this lot. Please
contact Matt Simpson in Utilities if this changes.
No water or sewer will be required for this project, the only utilities necessary for the
proposed tower are power and fiber which are readily available to the site.
Department: Electric Engineering
Contact: Austin Kreager, 970-224-6152, akreager@fcgov.com
1. FOR HEARING:
Your submitted plans call out an existing transformer on Innovation Dr. This transformer
does not exist, and what is being referred to as a transformer is in reality a phone
pedestal. You cannot get electric service from a phone pedestal. The building is
currently served from a 75kVA single phase transformer on the north property line of the
existing property. There are four positions available in this transformer according to our
records. Depending on final service amperage, an upgrade may be required.
The transformer information has been addressed on the updated drawings as shown on
Overall Site Plan, Sheet Z1.
2. INFORMATION:
Light and Power would like to remind you that all of our facilities must have a ten foot
clearance away from all water, wastewater, and storm sewer facilities. We also require
a three foot clearance away from all other utilities with the exception of communication
lines.
3. FOR FINAL REVIEW:
Please provide a one line diagram and a C-1 form to Light and Power Engineering. The
C-1 form can be found at:
http://zeus.fcgov.com/utils-procedures/files/EngWiki/WikiPdfs/C/C-1Form.pdf
Form C-1 has been completed and is attached to the application, however, contractors
have not been assigned to this project, that information will not be available until a bid has
taken place which will not happen until we reach the Building Permit stage of the project.
4. INFORMATION:
This project will be financially responsible for all system modifications and capacity
charges applicable to the project.
5. INFORMATION:
The City of Fort Collins now offers gig-speed fiber internet, video and phone service.
Contact Julianna Potts with Fort Collins Connexion at 970-207-7890 or
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jpotts@fcgov.com for commercial grade account support, RFPs and bulk agreements.
6. INFORMATION:
You may contact Austin Kreager, project engineering if you have questions. (970)
224-6152. You may reference Light & Power’s Electric Service Standards at
http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/ElectricServiceStandards_FINA
L_18November2016_Amendment.pdf
You may reference our policies, development charge processes, and use our fee
estimator at http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers.
Department: Environmental Planning
Contact: Kelly Smith, ksmith@fcgov.com
1. no comments
No comment per Staff, this section has been met.
Department: Forestry
Contact: Christine Holtz, choltz@fcgov.com
1. 1/30/2020: PRE-SUBMITTAL: Forestry Tree Inventory
There appear to be existing private property trees within the limits of development. What
are the anticipated impacts to them associated with this development? Regardless of
tree impact, please schedule an on-site meeting with City Forestry to obtain tree
inventory and mitigation information. Existing significant trees should be retained to the
extent reasonably feasible. This meeting should occur prior to first round PDP.
2. 1/30/2020: INFORMATION ONLY FOR PDP
Please provide a landscape plan that meets the Land Use Code 3.2.1 requirements
such as ‘full tree stocking’. This should include the existing tree inventory, any proposed
tree removals with their locations clearly noted and any proposed tree plantings
(including species, size, quantity and method of transplant). The plans should also
include the following City of Fort Collins notes:
General Landscape Notes
Tree Protection Notes
Street Tree Permit Note, when applicable.
These notes are available from the city planner or Nils Saha (Nsaha@fcgoc.com)
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
Required mitigation tree sizes:
Canopy Shade Tree: 2.0” caliper balled and burlapped
Evergreen tree: 8.0’ height balled and burlapped
Ornamental tree: 2.0” caliper balled and burlapped
3. 1/30/2020: INFORMATION ONLY FOR PDP
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Please include locations of utilities on the landscape plan including but not limited to
water service/mains, sewer service/mains, gas, electric, streetlights and stop signs.
Please adjust tree locations to provide for proper tree/utility separation.
10’ between trees and public water, sanitary, and storm sewer main lines
6’ between trees and water or sewer service lines
4’ between trees and gas lines
10’ between trees and electric vaults
40’ between canopy shade trees and streetlights
15’ between ornamental trees and streetlights
4. 1/30/2020: INFORMATION ONLY FOR PDP
If applicable, please provide an “Existing Tree Removal Feasibility Letter” for City
Forestry staff to review. Proposals to remove significant existing trees must provide a
justification letter detailing the reason for tree removal. This is required for all
development projects proposing significant tree removal regardless of the scale of the
project. The purpose of this letter is to provide a document of record with the project’s
approval and for the City to maintain a record of all proposed significant tree removals
and justifications. Existing significant trees within the project’s Limits of Disturbance
(LOD) and within natural area buffer zones shall be preserved to the extent reasonably
feasible. Streets, buildings and lot layouts shall be designed to minimize the disturbance
to significant existing trees.
(Extent reasonably feasible shall mean that, under the circumstances, reasonable efforts
have been undertaken to comply with the regulation, that the costs of compliance clearly
outweigh the potential benefits to the public or would unreasonably burden the proposed
project, and reasonable steps have been undertaken to minimize any potential harm or
adverse impacts resulting from noncompliance with the regulation.) Where it is not
feasible to protect and retain significant existing tree(s) or to transplant them to another
on-site location, the applicant shall replace such tree(s) according to City mitigation
requirements.
An appointment has not been set up for the forestry walk, once this takes place Vertical
Bridge will be able to address any questions or comments regarding the landscape plan.
Department: Building Code Review
Contact: Russell Hovland, 970-416-2341, rhovland@fcgov.com
1. No comments.
No comment per Staff, this section has been met.
Department: Technical Services
Contact: Jeff County, 970-221-6588, jcounty@fcgov.com
1. As of January 1, 2015, all development plans are required to be on the NAVD88 vertical
datum. Please make your consultants aware of this, prior to any surveying and/or design
work. Please contact our office for up to date Benchmark Statement format and City
Vertical Control Network information.
The coordinates provided are in NAVD88.
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2. If submitting a replat for this property/project, addresses are not acceptable in the
Subdivision Plat title/name. Numbers in numeral form may not begin the title/name.
Please contact our office with any questions.
A replat of the property is not necessary for this project.