HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORT COLLINS NISSAN-KIA - PDP210017 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 2 - VARIANCE REQUESTV ARIANCE R EQUESTS
F ORT C OLLINS N ISSAN -K IA
F ORT C OLLINS ,CO
19 OLD TOWN SQUARE #238 | FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 | 970-530-4044 | www.unitedcivil.com
January 19, 2022
MR.SPENCER SMITH
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
PO BOX 580
281 NORTH COLLEGE AVENUE
FORT COLLINS,CO 80522-580
RE: FORT COLLINS NISSAN-KIA
VARIANCE REQUESTS -VENUS AVENUE GEOMETRY
Spencer,
This letter is being submitted in reference to the Fort Collins Nissan-KIA development project located on the west
side of College Avenue at Crestridge Street in Fort Collins. The development is proposing to build a new Nissan
dealership north of Crestridge Street and reconstruct the existing facility south of Crestridge Street into a new KIA
facility. The existing Crestridge Street Right-of-Way will be vacated. The project proposes to extend Venus Avenue
as a local commercial roadway to the north and connect it to South College Avenue immediately across from
Bueno Drive. The project is currently in the Project Development Plan review process with the City and at this
time (2) variances are requested to Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (LCUASS) Chapter 7 in reference
to the Venus Avenue design as follows:
VARIANCE REQUEST #1 –MINIMUM TANGENT LENGTHS
DESIGN CRITERIA OF VARIANCE BEING REQUESTED
Section 7.4.1 - A.2 Minimum Tangent Length within LCUASS states:
The minimum required tangent lengths indicated in Table 7-3 and Table 7-4 apply to the leg(s) for which the
crown is not carried through the intersection.
Table 7-3 indicates a minimum tangent length of 100’ for tangents between curves or at intersections for local
commercial roadways.
HARDSHIP REGARDING REQUIREMENT
As designed the proposed Venus Avenue alignment has a tangent distance of 18.6’ prior to intersecting the
South College Avenue flowline. The minimum tangent distance between curves or at intersections as specified
in LCUASS Table 7-4 is 100’ for a Commercial Local Street classification/section. This reduced tangent length
has been carefully designed within the constraints of the Venus Avenue alignment in an effort to reduce the
impacts to the Silverthorne, LLC property to the east that is not being developed at this time. A longer tangent
length would require more right of way from the adjacent owner and more slope easement due to the
increased fill needed as the property falls to the west. A stopping site distance meeting the minimum LCUASS
standards of at least 200’ will still be maintained approaching the intersection. There will be some crown
transition within the 275’ radii curve, but AASHTO Table 13-3b indicates that a 219’ radii is appropriate for -
4% cross slope so this meets standards as well. The posted speed is only 25 mph on this local road and the
stop sign or signal controlled intersection at College Avenue will further slow vehicles down coming into and
out of the intersection as well as adding more precaution to traffic and pedestrians in the area.
V ARIANCE R EQUESTS
F ORT C OLLINS N ISSAN -K IA
F ORT C OLLINS ,CO
19 OLD TOWN SQUARE #238 | FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 | 970-530-4044 | www.unitedcivil.com
VARIANCE REQUEST #2 –VENUS DRIVE CROSS SECTION
DESIGN CRITERIA OF VARIANCE BEING REQUESTED
Table 7-1 – Commercial Local Section within LCUASS shows a Commercial Local Street classification/section width
of 77 feet for right-of-way width and 50 feet of roadway width.
HARDSHIP REGARDING REQUIREMENT
A right-of-way width of 72 feet was discussed with all property owners prior to the adoption of the new
LCUASS standards which widened this to 77 feet. Although right-of-way width will be reduced, it should be
noted that the roadway width has been laid out at 50 feet which matches current requirements/standards.
It is our opinion that these variances will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare. Due to right
of way constraints and topographical considerations we believe the proposed design of Venus Avenue is
appropriate in regard to roadway geometry. If you should have any questions or comments as you review this
variance request, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.
Sincerely,
United Civil Design Group
Sam Eliason, PE
Principal