HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORT COLLINS NISSAN-KIA - FDP220011 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - 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
August 2, 2022
MR. DAVE BETLEY
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
Dave,
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.
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.
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
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.
VARIANCE REQUEST #3 – VERTICAL CURVE LENGTHS
DESIGN CRITERIA OF VARIANCE BEING REQUESTED
Figure 7-18 within LCUASS shows the minimum vertical curve lengths associated with different design speeds. Venus Avenue
has a design speed of 30 mph. The minimum required vertical curve length for a grade break of 3.21% is approximate 120’.
HARDSHIP REGARDING REQUIREMENT
The proposed right flowline profile on Venus Avenue between Station 23+61.40 and 24+11.30 has a vertical curve length
of 50’ with a grade break of 3.21%. This is caused by an existing condition at the centerline and right edge of pavement
and cannot be lengthened due to the existing condition.
VARIANCE REQUEST #4 – CROSS SLOPES
DESIGN CRITERIA OF VARIANCE BEING REQUESTED
Section 7.4.2.A within LCUASS shows the maximum cross slope on any reconstruction project is 4%.
HARDSHIP REGARDING REQUIREMENT
The proposed cross section at Station 25+00 shows that the cross slope is 4.72%. The existing cross slope at the tie in is
approximately 6% as shown by cross sections at Station 25+50 and 26+00. It is not possible to tie into an existing cross
slope of 6% without exceeding the maximum cross slope threshold of 4%.
VARIANCE REQUEST #5 – MINIMUM ARC LENGTH
DESIGN CRITERIA OF VARIANCE BEING REQUESTED
Table 7-5 within LCUASS shows that the minimum centerline arc length for a Local - Commercial & Industrial Road is 200’
HARDSHIP REGARDING REQUIREMENT
The existing centerline curve length on Venus Avenue from Station 22+27.30 to 23+15.50 is 88.21’. This is an existing
condition and it not possible to change the horizontal alignment of the roadway since the roadway is established and will
remain on the east side of Venus Avenue.
It is our opinion that these variances will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare. Due to right of way
constraints, topographical considerations, and existing conditions we believe the proposed design of Venus Avenue and
College Avenue is appropriate. 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