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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLAURIE SUBDIVISION PUD - PRELIMINARY - 44-89C - REPORTS - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTr • Planning and Environmental Analysis of Laurie Subdivision, a P. U. D. Prepared By; RICli,,'P101VD ASSOCI TES Architects/Planners DONALD L. RICHMOND ARCHITECT 420 WEST OAK STREET FT. COLLINS, CO 80521 (303) 224-3140 MARK LINDER Broker Marketed by: Linder 309 West Harmony Road Btu: (303) 229-0544 Fort Collins, CO 80526 Rea: (303) 493-5624 _J • September 6, 1990 Planning and Environmental Analysis of Laurie Subdivision, A P.U.D. INTRODUCTION__. This study is intended to analyze the various Engineering, Storm Drainage, and Environmental considerations for the design of Laurie Subdivision. It is the intent of the developer to create a unique, low density, custom home environment that is compatible with and sensitive to the unique environmental qualities of a portion of the site. Through the use of sensi- tive and practical design, strong protective covenants and architectural controls, and the creation of city -owned drainage • tracts we feel that the unique areas of the site can be preserved and the project developed with a minimum of environmental impact. DESCRIPTION_ OF SITE The subdivision site contains appoximately eight acres. The site is bounded on the east by Shields Street and on the west by The Ridge subdivision. The site is long and narrow, approximately 300 by 1200 feet from east to west. The site contains an area of approximately 1.5 acres of wooded south sloping hillside and approximately 1 acre of ravine that is crossed diagonally by a discharge ditch of the Pleasant Valley Lake and Canal Co. It is these two areas that the proposed subdivision design strives to be sensitive to and preserve intact over time. The ravine is largely a man created environment that was caused by the intro- duction of irrigation to the area and has been carved through the 100 years use of the canal system. The excess water flows have a • been diverted though this drainage channel creating the dramatic relief features on the site. CONTENT This study addresses three primary areas of concern: Access and Engineering, Storm water Drainage, and Natural Resource and Environmental issues. A specific section is included for each major.area followed by a summary of the proposal. ACCESS_ AND ENGINEERING_ISSUES The first alternative considered was a proposed access for the western portion of the site from Hepplewhite Court in The Ridge subdivision. This access would proceed due north from • Hepplewhite Court approximately 200 feet and teminate in a cul-de -sac. This access was the least intrusive on the site in that it did not require a crossing of the ravine. The easterly portion of the site would be served from a cul-de-sac off of Shields Street. This approach was protested vigorously by the residents of The Ridge and removed from consideration in the master plan phase. The protective covenants of the Ridge specifically did not allow such an access. After The Ridge access was denied, access from Shields Street became the only alternative possible. we feel that this access provides for a better unified development and also allows for the sewer service for the entire project to run in one direc- tion versus two. Soils tests were run on the property and re- • vealed that the soils exhibit suitable bearing and compaction characteristics for either a bridge or an engineered fill road 2 • design. The location of the proposed street is, we believe, the best location to affect the fewest number of trees in crossing the ravine and provides a useable cul-de-sac location that does not significantly alter the contours of the terrain on the west por- tion of the site. The decision of this proposed crossing of the ravine involved a thourough evaluation of various alternatives. The first type of crossing considered was the utilization of a bridge. This alternative had the advantage of not creating any drainage flow obstacles that could be covered or blocked by tree limbs and debris during a large storm and impacted less of the existing terrain with necessary embankments and headwalls. The disadvantages with a bridge solution are many. Perhaps the most significant is that the slopes involved due to the western end being lower than the eastern end would be a safety hazzard, par- ticularly in the winter months due to the freeze thaw cycle and the micro climate of the ravine. Please refer to exhibit A. The length of span is very long, and utilities would have to be attached to the structure. A bridge would require massive head- walls for the approaches and still impact a sizeable portion of the ravine. A bridge would involve the loss of appoximately three trees of 6 inches plus diameter versus six trees of that size in an embankment approach. An engineer that had designed bridges in similar terrain was consulted and asked to review.the possible alternatives. His recommendation for all of the above reasons was • }o not consider a bridge, beat opt for an embankment -fill •approach that could be sculpted, contoured, and landscaped to blend into 3 I 0, 0 . the existing environment. For the above reasons, and beacause we feel a bridge structure would be very intrusive on the site from an aesthetic standpoint our proposal includes an embankment approach. Initial proposals we made involved a standard width rig ht.- of -way and pavement section road on an engineered fill embank- ment. The embankment will be the best solution in that it can be made to look or appear again like the natural terrain and main- tain the same slope and landscape characteristics. The most difficult problem to resolve is the conflict between trying to minimize the mass and width of the fill area and not have overly steep slopes that make access difficult to the upstream drainage • way for periodic maintenance purposes. We are proposing that a 3 to 1 slope be maintained to mitigate the loss of existing trees on the site. We evaluated the possibility of retaining walls or reinforced earth on both sides to narrow the width of the fill area and feel that a "highway look" or man -created feel would be the result from an aesthetic standpoint. In examining the present road embankment crossing on Hepplewhite Court with the City Forester we determined that due to the water flows in the ravine and high levels of moisture and tree cover that the natural grasses and foliage flourished in this unique micro environment and would offer the best solution. We do not feel that the Hepplewhite crossing is intrusive and have opted £or the same natural approach in our proposal. To reduce the width and mass of • the fill area we are proposing narrowing the street, Wooded Creek Court, down to 410 feet at this point and not allowing parking on 0 I 0, 0 • either side. Because this street only serves 4 lots on the western side and nine lots total we are proposing sidewalk only on one side in this section, again with the goal of reducing the fill width and area. We will have signage and guideposts warning of the embankment and a 6 foot shoulder on both sides for safety and utility placement. We feel that with proper landscaping and revegitation in a very short time the fill area can be returned to a very pleasing condition. STORM WATER AND DRAINAGE ISSUES ------------------------------- The proposed embankment creates several conflicts between the desire to be less intrusive with regard to width and sire and the requirement to channel storm water drainage and canal dis- is charge flows through it without obstruction and blockage. Several alternatives were reviewed with regards to this problem. We re- viewed the possibility of doubling the capacity of the pipe (to 6 feet) to allow limbs and debris to flow through in the event of a large storm. Please refer to exhibit B for a cross section drawing of this. The disadvantage of this is that the potential still would exist for blockage and it did not provide an access of any kind for removal. Our proposal provides an access road with an approximate 20% slope on the uphill side to a work platform above a small headwall that would allow a rubber tired backhoe access to clear any obstructions from a normal 4 foot diameter reinforced concrete pipe. The providing of an appoximately 8 foot headwall shortens the width of the embankment by appoximately 20 feet. This access also provides a way for people to observe the bottom of the ravine if they would so 5 • desire. The access way can utilize grass Crete to have a more natural appearance and not invite abuse. The 3 to 1 side slopes of the embankment can be seeded and revegitated to appear in the same condition as the existing side slopes of the ravine. For a cross section of our proposal please refer to exhibit C. To insure that the critical areas of the embankment and storm drainage facilities remain intact and in good condition over time we are proposing to dedicate a portion of the site to the city as a drainage tract. We do not wish this area to become a parkland tract or public recreational area because of its fragile nature and the future residents of Laurie Subdivision's desire for privacy. In this way once ownership of the lots passes • to the eventual residents and the city's and architectural control committee's reviews are done (as to the improvements) the most critical portion of the site will be subject to city control. NATURAL RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ----------------------------------------- The general goal statements involving natural resource environmental issues are fairly well summarized in the staff report issued by Bob Wilkenson on October 11, 1988. The first five goal statements are as follows: 1. "Encourage all waterways, including irrigation canals, in areas to be developed be incorporated imaginatively and skill- fully into a satisfactory environmental design." We believe that the proposal as provided will satisfy this requirement. • 2. "Encourage developers to utilize natural contours, topo- graphical features, and existing trees where possible in no S • 9 • accordance with the proposed use of the site." The proposed embankment creates the loss of approximately 6 cottonwood trees of 6 inch diameter or larger. We have proposed through the protective covenants and landscape plan to replace any lost trees with the addition of a minimum of fifty new trees of various species. In addition, the proposed embankment will be sculpted into the existing contours on the site and once revegitated will not appear obstrusive. 3. "Encourage joint use of drainage facilities, such as open channels and detention ponds, for open space purposes." The solution proposed for storm water utilities access to the head- wall of the channel also provides for pedestrian access to the • lower part of the ravine. This area will be accessible through a public right-of-way street for the benefit of all. 4. "Insure that the type, design, and location of new development be compatible with environmental considerations." We have proposed that the development be a very low density of 1.5 units per acre. Only three housing envelopes encroach in a wooded area and there would be requirements to communicate with the city forester prior to any development on these sites. In addition specific recommendations and remedies will be provided •:luring construction to protect the existing trees during the construc- tion period. 5. "Encourage developers to provide protection and mainten- ance of the environment." The owner of this subdivision has in- 0 corporated many different mechanisms to insure the protection of the environment. The primary mechanism is through the creation of protective covenants that require the lot owner to plant trees in a ratio of 1 tree per one tenth of an acre. Also, the plat will provide that before a building permit can be issued the City Forester must -)De consulted to determine the disposition of any trees that may be damaged or removed during the construction of housing. An additional and important consideration in regard to environmental concern is general in nature in that homes on this subdivision will be required to be more energy efficient than the average production home. The covenants will require that each home obtain an energy rating of G 80 or above prior to construc- tion of the home through the city's new energy score program. • This rating will insure in a small way that less energy is consumed in the subdivision over time than in other types of similar housing. We are proposing that the embankment be completely land- scaped and revegitated. The slopes will be temporarily covered and maintained with landscape fabric until full growth is achieved. A complete landscape plan will be provided with the final approval documents at the appropriate time. SUMMARY It is the intent of the developer to create a unique, low density cutom home environment in Laurie Subdivision. To achieve this end the protective covenants will be firm and architectural • review controls thorough. Included as exhibits D & E are the proposed architectural guidelines and submittal requirements. They are very similar to those used in The Landings and 8 • Clarendon Hills subdivisions. The covenants will require a minimum finished floor area of 2500 square feet. Building envelopes are specified with building height limitations and controls will be in place requiring the City Forester to review and approve tree disposition before any construction on the lots. Only three of the nine lots have significant trees that may be affected by house construction. The street has been located far enough away from them so that assuming a normal 30 foot front set back very few will actually be affected. The proposed embankment will require that several trees be removed but over time as the subdivision builds out these will be replaced ten fold. After extensively reviewing numerous alternatives we feel • that our pr.oposal of a sculpted and landscaped earthen embankment to be the most compatible and sensitive development solution. The issues of architectural design, scale, bulk and building height and orientation will be determined over time as the subdivision builds out and have to be entrusted to the architectural control committee. We feel that we have adequately addressed the various access, engineering, storm drainage and environmental issues and that Laurie Subdivision can become one of Fort Collins' finest neighborhoods that we all can be proud of. Exhibit F is an enlarged scale plan of the fill area discussed in this report. This plan is the concluding recommend- ation in preliminary form of concerns expressed for access, storm drainage and environmental criteria in the planning of Laurie 0 Subdivision P.U.D. We believe the specific measures contained in this report regarding controls set forth in covenants, 9 • architectural control and plat statement requirements will both • mitigate environmental damage to the drainage way and even enhance other areas or the site. 10 Ba - X � � 1 • u 4 CAv�Jm'\O�Pjosl�,b-- .__ %4 6 ► A 0 • V - � F /Ac-FeT2 VC,- F1 TY--,-- I r� F L G. L .................. 111,1.....M 14VI -7 61P-AID or- PIPS- -- ---- lwv cw_ 34 0 0 G� 40 PEI Hf�,AD wA—i, � fo55 G� IZ:- -- �y - — ' � II k VLATrOPH j�►-, sa m I I �. 31 PIA {zz p 41 41 - - Al Cy W���fl �� K GoV jZT of/6/oj o i J e)� tiI p ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE RO EMENTS Documents required for submittal should be delivered to Nordic Homes 309 W. Harmony Rd. Fort Collins, Co. 00526 226-2266 I. Conceptual Review • Submit one set. Conceptual review Is not mandatory but Is available to prospective purchasers In ♦dvance of preparing dotal 1.d submittal requirements. A. Elevations B. Plot Plan (with sq. ftg, of all floors finished and unfinished. I1. Final submittal Submit 2 complete sets of plans. One will be returned to you after approval. All the following requirements must be met. All plans must be prepared by an Architect or previously approved professional capable of preparing architectural quality documents. A. Site plan w 1. Owner's name, address, phone number i signature. 2. North arrow 3. Scale of 1'-20' or larger 4. Lot dimensions S. Lot number 6. Street names and number 7. Building location with dimensions to property lines, location of setbacks, easements, all paved areas such as drives, patios L stoops as well as decks and other outdoor structures wether to be built initially or In the future. 0. Existing and future grades at 2' Intervals and lot corner elevations. 9. Elevations of top of foundation and elevation of the first floor level relating to the contours of the site and a lot corner elevation. 10. Builders name, address and phone R. B. Landscape plan I. To be prepared by a landscape professional 2. Scale to match the site plan 3. Location of fence, type of fence (see approved designs) • 4. All planting beds locations S. Plant ■aterfal and sizes Shrubs sin. 9 gal. Trees sin. 3 shade of 1 3/4' caliper, 2 - 4' conifer. Front yard sod 6. Location of sod and seed 7. Edging and mulch type a. Location of storage, play areas, decks, etc. 9. Completion dates and any phasing C. Architectural plans 1. Complete working drawings Including floor plans (all floors), elevations (all sides) building sections, etc. The first floor plan 13 to show the square footage of each floor, both finished and unfinished sq. ftg. plus a total of all. 2. Engineered foundation plan. 3. Elevations shoving specifications of all materials 1. Trim, siding, windows. doors, roof, rail -Ing$. shade structures, ornamentation, garage doors etc. (see guidelines) 2. Show the height of the building from the lowest point along the front lot line and from grade at the front door. 4. Exterior perspective shoving the street view of the building to be built, showing the exterior ■aterl^ls that will be Incorporated In the building. D. Samples Submit one set. 1. Siding with color painted/stained on actual piece of siding (sin. 12' long) 2. Trim with color painted/stained on ar.tuwl piece of trim (min. 12* long) 3. Masonry (actual board from brick or stone supplier. 12' x 12') 4. Typed list of materials with owner's name, lot number. manufactures name, color number. • style number tir setc. S. Sticks of the siding and of the trim color with the afg. name. number of the color, lot number and owner+ name on the back. No approval& will be given until all the requirements newt been met. No partial approval& will be given. No construction can start until final approval is given All changes and comments from the Architectural Control committee regarding Submittal will be signed by the owner and contractor. any dewiatlon will result In legal action -'in all attorney and Court costs assuaed by the owner and,Or ContraCtor. 01 9 xti I'81T �F-- 0 Note: This outline is to be used as a guide for the Committee and homeowners. Covenants require all items to be submitted to the Committee for specific approval. Item Guideline Design scheme Traditional Roof materials Wood shingles, shakes (#2 or better), tile Roof slope Min. 6/12 (no exceptions) Overhangs Min. 12' Masonry Stone or brick, no artificial brick or stone, wrap outside corners an min. of 4' on lower and upper walls. A minimum of 30: of the street facing elevation walls including doors and windows excluding roof area shall be masonry. Siding 6' Masonite or wood lap siding with a max. 5' exposure. Trim 1 x 4 min. at the windows (all around) 1 x 6 min. at the corners is 1 x 10 at the floor changes 1 x 4 to 1 x 10 at the top of siding adjacent to the soffit I x 10 at the bottom of the siding above the foundation Fascia i x 10 with l x 4 trim or gutter Exterior vents To fit exterior design Furnace, Plumbing vents Located on the back side of the ridge facing the street Colors Subtle, traditional colors to blend with the character of the neighborhood. All exterior railings, wood, trim etc. to match trim color. No clear finish! Windows Double hung/ Casement clad or painted with color to match trim color, window grills outside face to be painted to match trim. Fences See approved designs Landscaping See submittal requirements Antennas, Dishes Antennas to be locate in the attic space and satellite dishes are not allowed. Items that need approval Storm doors, basketball hoops, play houses, dog houses, swing sets, signs, house numbers, clothes lines, site lighting, windows air conditioners, swamp coolers, firewood storage, change 1n color scheme, RV, boat, additional vehicle parking. L6h•TINc x Sh r-- 1.0T Mv MBEF 70 sa LO To Bo 10 Alan t 41' 7,0' w r nor F4w l A. -711 II M11� 'D AC t-V A6 F- 5a90 �677 Fiusr rf6vR f6i• I M Ax R4VF PEs+IK ELL. 1 GPVL Z%j. CA* 2 F I'- 15QJ ql A � /�p,TrM l— MIN no so'arn R.D 3 90 �-+ zel �~ -� ' r —— j-----FR"T PIUNa II I S . I Fl 11 ; I? �ErCRINMT Ha+E*W I ��AL = I pt a, I — / E� Ems., •T� o,, �.. YT►�i t - 1OLTM Iyt -1 11, 44-75 ]SO 4' I 5 M94 a W sG2,7 N �1 G 32 .41 I ul fA RltYjt PIN 1� d [uxlHc _ I fu WOODED CREEK CT �^.OL A yI F.HfE: �iEC GT'1PNC h v.- -z' CQJIJTtiuRS Lux!W PITft1 �,!_' o \ \ N\ l w. � g_ r=- I ,z�.41 _. 1 -- - -- 40 � O Es rbT1N c 7p I Un 26 F141j1 o. w.-PRELIMINARY /91C[f1110NU ASSOCfdTCS LAU A I E SUBDIVS I O N ArelaitecLa/111"noters SECOND FILING, A RU.D. 420 WEST OAK STReeT 1 Preliminary Plan/Plat FT. COLLINS, Co80521 . [7031224-9140 l dots-fts. --- - - - -------- The obleotlr. of the plam 1. to .ff.ct Lvelr utilise the 6.44 �•. .- .ere .Its for for de osltr ruldantlsl d.w lop.eot whll. ulnta In tng e . ......nuntal gwlltle. of the .1to. !. All portion@ of the site will be maintained by individual owner. of the site. 1 - C. Thew. ar. no bun lno.as or oDloy.m■ propou, !or she ..cone flung. d. The a N daalgn le the result of trylog to ■lt lq ate the _ Impact of the sccu. road accrou the lrr lgat loo rvoolf twine that I. located on tM site. The nlocat ion of the acc... road Is the moat Hulble beat lob for the road abd allows the .,,a.�,� developean' o! the .f" rlthout dut ruction of the tree.loe HNf ttL1UTH. -� • Y H#,v11'I,%M, WM Va ir+'- hl ll. ids. The .cceaa road rill at appur /otrva re to the .Its OF p,ri.�• pvr fih'�CMCNT from the lower visible locations In The III,. .ubdlrl1lon. Build log sous. op.a will be •elect., that c...te 04,e Iea.t 1..to. to the .1 to. a h./ght reetr lct ion rlll_bIspo..d FbHPh 04 WTTIp, 3{,1916 g6VIM I InF 1,88041901 n t.rrslo chaNcterl.tlas of the site that losure that g�u k A �r M both on and off site property owners have an unrestricted view I r'F accrou the -it-. ..�..�� ��.w.... rJ. v-, • ,%lrtu _ _. .__ _. __ ........ .. . a... n. .,. Site Data a * Total Acreage 6.44 a Lot Total 5.76 a Public R.O.W. Total .68 : Density: 9 D.U. p 1.4 DU/acr • Approximately 3.5 Bedrooms p s Building Coverage 6.4% • Driveway Coverage 3.2% it Public R.O.W. 11.0% s Off Street Parking 3.5 p m Open Area 79.4%