HomeMy WebLinkAboutVERIZON FTC RIVERSIDE WIRELESS FACILITY RELOCATION - FDP220012 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - RESPONSE TO STAFF REVIEW COMMENTS
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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
September 23, 2021
Ryan Sagar
Fort Collins, CO
Re: 1500 Riverside Ave Wireless Telecommunication Facility
Description of project: This is a request to construct a 60-foot-tall wireless
telecommunication facility for use by Verizon Wireless on approximately 200 square feet of
leased land at 1500 Riverside Ave (parcel #8718409031). The site is located directly north
of Riverside Ave of E. Harmony Road and .5 miles east of S Lemay Ave. Access is taken
from Riverside Ave Drive directly to the south. The property is within the Industrial (I) zone
district and is subject to Administrative (Type 1) Review.
Please see the following summary of comments regarding 1500 Riverside Ave Wireless
Telecommunication Facility. 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, Todd Sullivan via
phone at 970-221-6695 or via email at tsullivan@fcgov.com.
Comment Summary
Development Review Coordinator
Contact: Todd Sullivan, 970-221-6695, tsullivan@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!
Thank you Todd. We will work with you as our primary point of contact for this project.
2. 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
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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.
Thank you for providing the development application form and checklist to follow.
3. 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.
We have this checklist now and have utilized it for this submission.
4. Please follow the Electronic Submittal Requirements and File Naming Standards found at https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/files/electronic submittal requirements and file naming standards_v1_8 1 19.pdf?1566857888. Files are to be named PLAN NAME_PROJECT NAME_REVIEW TYPE_ROUND NO. Example: UTILITY PLANS_MY PROJECT_PDP_RD1.pdf We will submit all files following the specified naming convention.
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.
We will provide applicant response to this letter as part of our submission.
6. The request will be subject to the Development Review Fee Schedule applicable at the time
of submittal: 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.
We have been provided the expected fees for this project and will pay all required fees to complete the review.
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
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*three-week round of review, followed by a formal meeting.
Once submitted, we will look for a formal letter of acceptance or notice of incomplete application.
8. When you are ready to submit your formal plans, please make let me know with as much
advance notice as possible. Applications and plans are submitted electronically either by email
or a drop box type system. I can assist by providing a shared folder if needed. Development
Review fees can be paid by check or with credit card and are due at time of submittal. Credit Card
payments are charged an additional fee by the processing company.
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.
We’ve alerted staff of our intent to get this submitted. A check will be mailed for the PDP/FDP combo submittal.
9. *Temporary Service Changes - City of Fort Collins Development Review To best provide thorough reviews and give every project the attention it deserves, the City of Fort Collins is implementing temporary changes in how we serve our development customers. As you may be aware, we are experiencing staff shortages in a number of key departments, which has begun to impact the timeliness of our reviews. We recognize that development and construction play a critical role in our community’s vibrancy and economic recovery, and we have been exploring options for mitigating impacts to our customers. As a result, we will be making some temporary service level adjustments. Currently, one additional week of review time will be added to all 1st and 2nd round submittals (increase from 3 weeks to 4 weeks). Lengths of subsequent rounds of review will be considered after each round of review. Also, Completeness Checks will be performed on all initial and Round 2 submittals during this time. Please reach out with any questions or concerns
We do understand that the department is challenged with staff shortages, and we understand that additional review times should be
expected throughout the project.
Planning Services
Contact: Will Lindsey, , wlindsey@fcgov.com
1. Thank you for your submittal. Most comments below relate to the relevant standards found
in Land Use Code Section 3.8.13 for Wireless Telecommunication. To review that
Section in its entirety please visit the following link:
https://library.municode.com/co/fort_collins/codes/land_use?nodeId=ART3GEDEST_DIV3.8SURE_3.8.13WITE
We have reviewed the standards in the land use code section 3.8.13 and made every effort with following these requirements.
2. Wireless Telecommunication Master Plan: The City is currently in the process of adopting
the Wireless Telecommunication Master Plan. Future changes to standards and
requirements for wireless facilities may be forthcoming based on the Plan
recommendations. Depending on the timeline for an application submittal, additional
standards may be required in the future. Planning staff would like to have an additional
meeting to discuss the findings of the Plan, and how they may impact this application moving forward.
We understand that the city is working on a wireless telecommunication master plan that may result in future changes.
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3. Co-location: Any application for the approval of a plan for the installation of wireless
telecommunication facilities or equipment must include documentation of the applicant's
good faith efforts toward alternative locations and the provision of space for co-location
on the proposed facility. Ideally, free-standing facilities should accommodate at least two-providers.
This facility has undergone a rigorous site identification process to identify alternative locations. No alternatives exist that would
present a better design or location for this facility. We do believe that this proposed design is the least intrusive means of providing
coverage and capacity for this area. The stealth structure is designed with colocation in mind for at least one other provider.
4. Setbacks: Wireless telecommunication facilities are required to have a setback from the
property lines of one foot for every foot of height. So in this instance the tower needs to
have 60 feet of separation between itself and the existing buildings. However, to the
extent that it can be demonstrated that the structure will collapse rather than topple, this
requirement can be waived by the Director. In addition, the setbacks for ground-mounted
wireless telecommunication equipment are governed by the setback criteria established
in Articles 3 and/or 4.
We have discussed this requirement with Will and confirmed that setbacks are one foot for every one foot of height from property
boundaries. This setback requirement is not required for separation from the owner’s existing buildings and is meant to protect
adjacent properties from the extremely unlikely event of a falling tower. We are currently proposing a 60’ stealth designed,
freestanding tower that is at least 60’ from the owner’s property boundaries as illustrated by setback dimensions on drawings.
5. Wireless Telecommunication Facilities: Whether manned or unmanned, wireless
telecommunication facilities are required to be consistent with the architectural style of the
surrounding architectural environment (planned or existing) considering exterior materials,
roof form, scale, mass, color, texture and character. Wireless facilities must also be
compatible with the surrounding natural environment considering land forms, topography,
and other natural features (such as the nearby Kingfisher Point Natural
Area). Photo-simulations from multiple viewpoints in the surrounding area should be
provided to illustrate the scale of the facility in relation to the surrounding context.
We have proposed a stealth designed 3-legged structure located between the warehouses. This structure will incorporate material
components of the existing adjacent buildings to aid in its ability to blend in with the surrounding environment. This is notated on
Sheets A2.0, A2.1, and A3.0. This is also illustrated in the provided photosimulations.
6. Landscaping: The City’s preference for screening is landscape plantings, specifically
coniferous species that provide year-round screening for facilities and ground-mounted
equipment. In this instance, landscaping may not make the most sense given the location
between the buildings. However, if an alternative location is proposed on the site (in one
of the more visible corners, for instance) than landscaping would be preferred.
We would agree with the assessment that landscaping doesn’t make a lot of sense for this industrial zoned property. Furthermore,
the structure is located in between buildings so it is inherently screened by 3 sides. The 4th side faces north towards railroad tracks
and what appears to be some sort of shipping facility with semi-trailer parking lot.
7. Fencing: The proposed chain link fencing for the ground-mounted equipment is not an
acceptable method of screening or enclosure. If screening with fencing the material must
be wood, masonry, stucco, or other comparable materials. Any material used should be
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opaque. Additionally, fencing cannot exceed six feet in height.
Because there was existing chain link fencing on the property, we were under the impression that chain link fencing for our
equipment area would be the most fitting for continuity with the existing building materials. However, we do not object to the request
and have updated drawings to include a new 6’ cedar fence for the equipment area. Again, this will not match existing fencing.
8. Irrigation: Any landscaping or berming affiliated with the facility has to be equipped with
an automatic irrigation system meeting the water conservation standards of the City.
As discussed in item 6 from planning services, no landscaping is suggested or proposed so irrigation is not applicable.
9. Color: Wireless telecommunication facilities and equipment must be painted to match the
color and texture of the wall, building or surrounding built environment. Muted colors, earth
tones and subdued colors are encouraged.
The proposed structure will incorporate material components of the existing adjacent buildings to aid in its ability to blend in with the
surrounding environment. This is notated on Sheets A2.0, A2.1, and A3.0. This is also illustrated in the provided photosimulations.
10. Lighting: Any light source for security lighting has to comply with the requirements of
Section 3.2.4. Light fixtures, whether freestanding or tower-mounted, are limited to
twenty-two (22) feet in height.
No new lighting sources are proposed for this facility.
11. Access Roadways: Access roads must be capable of supporting all of the emergency
response equipment of the Poudre Fire Authority.
We are utilizing existing driveways to access our facility. As requested by the Poudre Fire Authority, we will assist in acquiring an
emergency access easement (EAE) for them. This is illustrated as a new 20’ EAE from owner to city on sheet A1.0. Once the
location of the proposed EAE has been reviewed and commented on for appropriateness, we will move forward with the dedication.
12. Stealth Technology: To the extent reasonably feasible, the applicant will use "stealth
technology" so as to convert the wireless telecommunication facility into wireless
telecommunication equipment, as the best method by which to mitigate and/or
camouflage visual impacts. The most obvious choice in this instance would seem to be
the placement of equipment on the existing building rooftop rather than a tower. A rooftop
location would be allowed to extend 15 feet above the roof-line.
The proposed structure will be painted to match the existing adjacent buildings. This will help the structure feel like it was built along
with the buildings as opposed to after the fact. The reuse of the vertical siding with dark trim will further link the structure to the
building’s own vertical siding with dark trim. This ‘paint to match’ technique is noted on the drawings and depicted on provided photo
simulations. Because the tower equipment will be located behind RF transparent panels, this structure will not feel like a tower
providing wireless service. Again, these panels are painted with colors matching the existing building limiting the visual impact.
In addition to the design, the location between the owner’s warehouses further adds to the existing screening of the facility by
utilizing existing buildings for screening. A rooftop placement of equipment was considered and investigated, but we did not move
forward due to concerns about structural capacity of the roof to support equipment and the likely interference of RF signals caused
by the reflective roofing materials. The freestanding facility between the buildings will avoid both of these issues.
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13. 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.
Thank you for providing the link to the LUC.
14. 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.
We understand that a modification of standard request will be required if we are unable to satisfy any of the requirements set forth in
the LUC. We will work with the city on this process should this be an issue in resolving our application.
Department: Fire Authority
Contact: Marcus Glasgow, 970-416-2869, marcus.glasgow@poudre-fire.org
1. FIRE LANES
Fire access is required to within 150 feet of all exterior portions of any building, or facility
ground floor as measured by an approved route around the perimeter. For the purposes
of this section, fire access cannot be measured from an arterial road. Any private alley,
private road, or private drive serving as a fire lane shall be dedicated as an Emergency
Access Easement (EAE) and be designed to standard fire lane specifications.
We will only require the fire lane to be dedicated to the rear of the building. A turnaround
will be required due to the distance from Riverside.
As requested, we will assist in acquiring an emergency access easement (EAE) to the rear of the building with a turnaround due to
the distance from Riverside. This is illustrated as a new 20’ EAE from owner to city on sheet A1.0. Once the location of the proposed
EAE has been reviewed and commented on for appropriateness, we will move forward with the dedication
2. FIRE LANE SPECIFICATIONS
A fire lane plan shall be submitted for approval prior to installation. In addition to the
design criteria already contained in relevant standards and policies, any new fire lane
must meet the following general requirements:
-Fire lanes established on private property shall be dedicated by plat or separate
document as an Emergency Access Easement.
-Maintain the required 20 foot minimum unobstructed width & 14 foot minimum
overhead clearance. Where road widths exceed 20 feet in width, the full width shall be
dedicated unless otherwise approved by the AHJ.
-Additional fire lane requirements are triggered for buildings greater than 30' in height.
Refer to Appendix D105 of the International Fire Code.
-Be designed as a flat, hard, all-weather driving surface capable of supporting 40 tons.
-Dead-end fire access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with an
approved turnaround area for fire apparatus.
-Dead-end roads shall not exceed 660 feet in length without providing for a second point
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of access. Dead-end access roads in excess of 1320 feet in length require a third point
of access. Dead-end access roads in excess of 2640 feet in length require a fourth point of access.
-The required turning radii of a fire apparatus access road shall be a minimum of 25 feet
inside and 50 feet outside. Turning radii shall be detailed on submitted plans.
-Dedicated fire lanes are required to connect to the Public Way unless otherwise approved by the AHJ.
-Fire lane to be identified by red curb and/or signage, and maintained unobstructed at all times.
-Fire lane sign locations or red curbing should be labeled and detailed on final plans.
Refer to LCUASS detail #1418 & #1419 for sign type, placement, and spacing.
Appropriate directional arrows required on all signs.
As requested, we will assist in acquiring an emergency access easement (EAE) to the rear of the building with a turnaround due to
the distance from Riverside. This is illustrated as a new 20’ unobstructed lane utilizing existing driveway lanes for the parking lot.
Once the location of the proposed EAE has been reviewed and commented on for appropriateness, we will move forward with the
dedication
3. WATER SUPPLY
Hydrant spacing and flow must meet minimum requirements based on type of
occupancy. A fire hydrant capable of providing 1500 gpm at 20 psi residual pressure is
required within 300 feet of any commercial building as measured along an approved
path of vehicle travel. For the purposes of this code, hydrants on the opposite side of
arterial roadways are not considered accessible to the site.
The nearest hydrant is located on the north side of Riverside Avenue at the west
entrance to the neighboring property to the east. The existing hydrant will meet the requirements.
Thank you for confirming that the existing hydrants will meet the requirements of the LUC.
4. AST & UST STORAGE TANKS
The installation or removal of an Above Ground (AST) or Underground Storage Tank
(UST) requires a separate plan review and permit from Poudre Fire Authority. Tanks
shall be protected from damage and have secondary containment. All tanks shall be UL listed.
No above ground or underground storage tanks are proposed as part of this project.
5. PREMISE IDENTIFICATION: ADDRESS POSTING & WAYFINDING
Where possible, the naming of private drives is usually recommended to aid in
wayfinding. Addresses shall be posted on each structure and where otherwise needed
to aid in wayfinding. Code language provided below.
- IFC 505.1: New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building
numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible,
visible from the street or road fronting the property, and posted with a minimum of
eight-inch numerals on a contrasting background. Where access is by means of a
private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole
or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure and best route.
Access to the property comes off of Riverside Avenue. The address for the building is clear and legible on the façade facing
Riverside so wayfinding to this location should not be an issue. Furthermore, the proposed structure can be viewed from Riverside
making it pretty easy to determine the location of the structure in relation to the existing building’s on the property.
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Department: Engineering Development Review
Contact: Sophie Buckingham, , sbuckingham@fcgov.com
1. The site plan indicates that there will be new easements along with this project. Will any
of these easements be dedicated to the City of Fort Collins? Information about the City's
easement dedication process can be found at https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/devrev.php
As required by this project, Verizon will assist in acquiring a 20’ emergency access easement (EAE) from the owner. Once we know
that the proposed location for this EAE is acceptable, we will begin the easement dedication process in tandem with this application.
2. A plat will be required with the submittal of the Project Development Plan (PDP).
Once we have confirmations about the design, location, and layout of all proposed work, we will work with the city on preparing a
plat for this combined PDP & FDP to be processed.
3. There is an existing utility 6-foot utility easement along Riverside Avenue. The standard
width for a utility easement along an arterial street is 15 feet. On the new plat, please dedicate
a new utility easement for a total width of 15 feet, along all parcels included in the replat.
As the provided survey illustrates, there are existing 15’ and 6’ utility easements along Riverside Avenue. This is called out as item
number 12 on the survey. From the schedule B exceptions list, item 12 is “Deeds of Dedication for easements recorded July 7, 2005
at Reception No. 20050055575 and Reception No. 20050055576 and Deed of Dedication for Right of way Recorded July 7, 2005 at
Reception No. 20050055577. As a result, we do not feel that any additional dedication is required since 15’ is covered already.
4. An emergency access easement (EAE) must be dedicated according to Poudre Fire
Authority's standards. Please send easement dedication documents to me when you
are ready to start the dedication process.
As requested by the Poudre Fire Authority, we will assist in acquiring an emergency access easement (EAE) for them. This is
illustrated as a new 20’ EAE from owner to city on sheet A1.0. Once we have confirmations about the design and placement of the
EAE, we will begin the work of dedicating this easement to the city by sending the dedication documents your way.
5. INFORMATION ONLY:
Larimer County Road Impact Fees and Transportation Expansion Fees are due at the
time of building permit. Please contact me at sbuckingham@fcgov.com or
970-416-4344 if you have any questions.
6. INFORMATION ONLY:
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
7. INFORMATION ONLY:
Any damaged curb, gutter and sidewalk existing prior to construction, as well as streets,
sidewalks, curbs & 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.
8. INFORMATION ONLY:
All public sidewalk, driveways & 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.
9. INFORMATION ONLY:
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/streets
10. INFORMATION ONLY:
This project is responsible for dedicating any right-of-way and easements that are
necessary or required by the City for this project (i.e. drainage, utility, emergency
access). This shall include 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
11. INFORMATION ONLY:
Utility plans will be required, and a Development Agreement may be recorded once the
project is finalized.
12. INFORMATION ONLY:
A Development Construction Permit (DCP) may need to be obtained prior to starting any work on the site.
13. INFORMATION ONLY:
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 the 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.
14. INFORMATION ONLY:
The development/site cannot use the right-of-way for any Low Impact Development to
treat the site’s storm runoff. We can look at the use of some LID methods to treat street
flows – the design standards for these are still in development.
15. INFORMATION ONLY:
Doors are not allowed to open out into the right-of-way.
16. INFORMATION ONLY:
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In regard 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
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.
Department: Traffic Operations
Contact: Steve Gilchrist, 970-224-6175, sgilchrist@fcgov.com
1. TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY: The addition of a Wireless Telecommunications Facility on
this site is not anticipated to generate traffic/trips. No further traffic evaluation is
required. Traffic Impact Study is waived.
Thank you for reviewing and confirming that no further traffic evaluation is required.
**Department: Stormwater Engineering – Erosion and Sediment Control
Contact: Chandler Arellano, (970) 420-6963, carellano@fcgov.com
1. Information Only:
This project is located within the City's MS4 boundaries and is subject to the erosion
control requirements located in the Stormwater Design Criteria, Chapter 2, Section 6.0.
A copy of those requirements can be found at www.fcgov.com/erosion.
2. 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.
Department: Stormwater Engineering
Contact: Matt Simpson, (970)416-2754, masimpson@fcgov.com
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3. Minimal site improvements (site specific comment):
For your information, stormwater requirements for on-site detention apply when a site
adds greater than 1,000 square-feet of impervious area (net). Stormwater
requirements for water quality treatment and Low Impact Development (LID) methods
apply when a site adds or modifies greater than 1,000 square-feet of impervious area
(gross). Projects in this category will require a drainage report and construction plans
prepared by a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Colorado.
If the project will add between 350- to 1,000-square feet of new impervious area, a
drainage letter, site grading plan, and impervious area documentation are required.
These must document the existing and proposed drainage patterns. In most cases
these will be prepared by a Professional Engineer registered in Colorado.
If site improvements are anticipated, please contact Water Utilities Engineering at
WaterUtilitiesEng@FCgov.com to discuss the project specific stormwater requirements.
We have updated the drawings to call out the square footage of the proposed concrete pad since this is the new impervious area
being added to the site. It totals 248 square feet. This is less than the 350 square feet threshold so based on the provided
information it appears we will not need a site grading plan or impervious area documentation. Based on item 5 below, a drainage
letter is required regardless of the amount of impervious area being added to the site, but please advise if our update changes this.
4. Master plan and criteria compliance (site specific comment):
The design of this site must conform to the drainage basin design of the ‘Spring Creek
Basin’ Master Drainage Plan as well the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual
(FCSCM). The stormwater criteria manual is available on our website here:
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/development-forms-gu
idelines-regulations/stormwater-criteria
This site is also part of ‘Riverside 7th’ development and must conform to the drainage
design of the approved development plans.
We are acceptable to designing the site to conform to the drainage basin design for the ‘Spring Creek Basin, Fort Collins
Stormwater Criteria Manual, and the Riverside 7th development plans.
5. Documentation requirements (site specific comment):
Since the existing buildings are to remain, a drainage letter will be required. The letter
will need to document the existing drainage patterns, discuss the water quality
measures being provided and the four-step process for selecting structural BMPs. The
letter will also need to address where the runoff generated by the new impervious area
is going and may need to mitigate any additional runoff directed onto adjacent properties.
The drainage letter must be prepared by a Professional Engineer registered in Colorado.
We will prepare and provide a drainage letter on the effects of our installation on the property. While we believe we have proposed
the best locations for our equipment, we would like to conduct the drainage review once we know and have confirmed that the
proposed locations of the equipment are acceptable so that we are not re-doing this analysis if anything needs to move again.
6. Stormwater outfall (site specific comment):
The stormwater outfall options for this site appear to be the existing water quality pond
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at the NW corner of the site as well as the railroad ditch north of the site.
This sounds like an informational comment only. I will note that no additional stormwater outfall options are proposed and that I
would agree with these observations.
7. 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, additional onsite detention
is required for runoff from new impervious surfaces. These new flows will need to be
detained to the 2-year historic discharge rate. *Please contact us to discuss the details
of stormwater detention on existing sites.* Parking lot detention for water quantity is
allowed as long as it is not deeper than one foot. If there is less than 1000 but more than
350 square feet of new impervious area, a site grading plan is required along with the
impervious area documentation.
Please note that the City has landscaping requirements for stormwater detention ponds.
These requirements can be found in the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual,
Chapter 8, Section 3.0 and in Appendix B (Landscape Design Standards and
Guidelines for Stormwater and Detention Facilities).
We have updated the drawings to call out the square footage of the proposed concrete pad since this is the new impervious area
being added to the site. It totals 248 square feet. This is less than the 350 square feet threshold so based on the provided
information it appears we will not need a site grading plan or impervious area documentation.
8. 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.
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
Page 13 of 19
We have updated the drawings to call out the square footage of the proposed concrete pad since this is the new impervious area
being added to the site. It totals 248 square feet. This is less than the 1000 square feet threshold so based on the provided
information it appears we will not need additional stormwater quality treatment.
9. Imperviousness documentation (standard comment):
The existing and proposed impervious areas need to be documented in the drainage
report. Drainage requirements and development fees are based on new impervious
area. An exhibit showing the existing and proposed impervious areas with a table
summarizing the areas is required with the first project submittal.
We have updated the drawings to call out the square footage of the proposed concrete pad since this is the new impervious area
being added to the site. It totals 248 square feet. As mentioned in item 5 above, we will be happy to obtain a drainage letter for this
site, but we would like to confirm that the location of proposed equipment will be acceptable so that we aren’t redoing the letter if
staff have issues with the equipment locations. We are hopeful that the inclusion of the concrete pad sq.ft. aids in review for now.
10. 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.
The engineer completing the drainage letter/design will show compliance with the statute and upload approved spreadsheets to the
statewide compliance portal.
11. **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.
Thank you for indicating where we can find erosion control requirements.
12. 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-developement
There is no issue with a final inspection of the stormwater facilities for this property. Because we are not proposing any stormwater
drainage or changes to facilities, I’m not sure what will be gained from the inspection. The property owner will continue to be
responsible for all existing on-site drainage facilities.
13. Fees (standard comment):
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The 2021 city wide Stormwater development fee (PIF) is $9,730/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-development-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.
Monthly fees - http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/rates
We have updated the drawings to call out the square footage of the proposed concrete pad since this is the new impervious area
being added to the site. It totals 248 square feet, which is less than the 350 square feet threshold.
Department: Water-Wastewater Engineering
Contact: Matt Simpson, (970)416-2754, masimpson@fcgov.com
1. Existing Water Infrastructure (site specific comment):
There is an existing 12-inch water main in Riverside Avenue with an existing 2-inch
water service (1.5-inch meter) and 6-inch fire line to the site.
We have illustrated the location of the 12-inch water main along riverside Avenue. If you have additional details about the 2-inch
water service and 6-inch fire line, I can see if the architect can add these to the drawings for tracking purposes.
2. Existing Sewer Infrastructure (site specific comment):
There is an existing 10-inch sanitary sewer main located behind the sidewalk, northeast
of Riverside Ave., with an existing sanitary sewer service to the site. Note this main is
between 4 – 7 feet deep.
*At least 10-ft of horizontal separation and 18-inches vertical separation must be
maintained from the existing sewer main.
We have illustrated the location of the 10-inch sanitary sewer main on Sheet A1.0. I have asked the architect to include a separation
dimension between that line and our proposed utilities. Our proposed power line is at minimum 7’-6” away from the existing storm
sewer. It will not be an issue to maintain 18-inches of vertical separation. We understand that 10’ is the desired horizontal
separation, but we wish to see if it’s possible to accommodate the 7’-6” separation. We are trying to keep the utilities along the
perimeter of the property as most property owners desire and most utility providers ultimately follow. It appears that existing fiber
optic cables are much closer than 7’-6” to that same storm sewer line so I assume that experienced utility installation contractors
can safely install adjacent to lines with separation less than 10’. Please let us know if you can accommodate this request.
3. Site and Utility Plan (site specific comment):
The site plan will need to show all utilities and show the physical relationship between
existing and proposed underground infrastructure. Proper minimum separations must
be maintained.
The site plan has been updated to show all known utilities and the relationship between existing and proposed utilities. As noted in
item 2, we are currently at a 7’-6” separation to the sanitary sewer main and seek approval for less than the 10’ separation.
Page 15 of 19
4. Water conservation (standard comment):
If a landscape plan is required, the water conservation standards for landscape and
irrigation will apply. Information on these requirements can be found at: http://www.fcgov.com/standards
No new landscaping is proposed and no landscaping was recommended as part of this proposal.
5. Water Allotment (site specific comment):
The existing building (1500 Riverside Ave) is currently served by a 2-inch water service
and 1.5-inch water meter. This water service currently does not have an annual
allotment associated with it. To bring this service up to City Code, an annual water use
allotment will be added upon approval of the project. Please contact our Utility Fee and
Rate Specialists at (970) 416-4252 or UtilityFees@fcgov.com for more information or
questions about annual allotments.
**I have included 2 documents with the redlines providing more information about the
allotment assignment.
**Also see this webpage for more information about changes to Fort Collins water and
irrigation code requirements: https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/wsr-update
I have contacted the utility fee and rate specialist to better understand the annual allotments. Per a discussion with Jamie Reyes on
6/28/22, an allotment would be assigned based on the meter size and estimate that no fees would be due pending final review.
Department: Electric Engineering
Contact: Rob Irish, 970-224-6167, rirish@fcgov.com
1. The existing building is fed by a 150kva 120/208v pad mount transformer located at the
front of the building. This is the only existing transformer on site. The plan set refers to
electric vaults with transformers along Riverside. These vaults do not contain transformers.
Thank you for confirming that there are no transformers in the existing electric vaults.
2. Does the applicant know what size electric service will be required for the site? The
existing transformer could be used to feed the proposed site. If the existing transformer
will not work, a new vault, primary, and transformer would need to be installed.
Typically, Verizon’s facilities require single phase, 120V, 200amp service. We have updated drawings to show our power running to
the existing transformer and Verizon will continue to work with light & power to service the site as needed.
3. Light & Power has an existing large duct bank and electric facilities running along
Riverside adjacent to this property. Relocation or modification to this infrastructure
would be very expensive. Please provide plenty of separation and protect in place all
existing electric facilities.
We do not wish to relocate or modify any of this infrastructure so we will maintain a healthy separation.
4. Relocations or modifications to existing electric facilities will be at the expense of the
owner/developer. Any existing and/or proposed Light & Power electric facilities that will
remain within the limits of the project will need to be located within a dedicated easement
Page 16 of 19
or the public right-of-way. Please coordinate relocations with Light & Power Engineering.
We do not wish to relocate or modify any of this infrastructure so we will maintain a healthy separation.
5. A Customer Service Information form (C-1 form) and a one-line diagram for all
commercial meters will need to be completed and submitted to Light & Power
Engineering for review prior to Final Plan. A link to the C-1 form is below:
http://zeus.fcgov.com/utils-procedures/files/EngWiki/WikiPdfs/C/C-1Form.pdf
Verizon will continue to work with light & power on the power coordination for this site. They will prepare and release a C-1 form and
one line diagram as the project unfolds but prior to the final plan.
6. Transformer locations will need to be coordinated with Light & Power. Transformers
must be placed within 10 feet of a drivable surface for installation and maintenance
purposes. The transformer must also have a front clearance of 10 feet and side/rear
clearance of 4 feet minimum. When located close to a building, please provide required
separation from building openings as defined in Figures ESS4 - ESS7 within the Electric
Service Standards. Please show all proposed transformer locations on the Utility Plans.
Verizon has proposed a connection to the existing on-site transformer so no transformers are proposed.
7. Please provide adequate space along the private drives to ensure proper utility
installation and to meet minimum utility spacing requirements. A minimum of 10 feet
separation is required between water, sewer and storm water facilities, and a minimum
of 3 feet separation is required between Natural Gas. Please show all electrical routing
on the Utility Plans.
Proposed electrical routing has been added to the plans. We have a 7’-6” minimum separation from the existing sanitary sewer
main. All the rest of the existing utilities are all bunched up together less than 10’ from each other along Riverside Avenue.
8. Electric capacity fee, building site charges, and any system modification charges
necessary to feed the site will apply to this development. Please contact me or visit the
following website for an estimate of charges and fees related to this project:
http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/plant-investment-development-fees
Verizon will continue to work with light & power on the power coordination for this site. They will pay any related fees.
9. The secondary services to the cell site will be consider commercial; therefore, the
service line from the transformer to the meter is required to be installed, owned and
maintained by the property owner.
Understood. Verizon will be required to install, own, and maintain the service line from the existing transformer to the meter.
10. “The City of Fort Collins now offers gig-speed fiber internet, video and phone service.
Contact John Stark with Fort Collins Connexion at 970-207-7890 or jstark@fcgov.com
for commercial grade account support, RFPs and bulk agreements.”
Page 17 of 19
Thank you for this information.
Department: Environmental Planning
Contact: Scott Benton, (970)416-4290, sbenton@fcgov.com
1. INFORMATION ONLY: Further coordination with the City's Natural Areas Department
may be needed as this site is within 500-feet of Kingfisher Point Natural Area.
Department: Forestry
Contact: Molly Roche, 224-616-1992, mroche@fcgov.com
1. 9/21/2021: PRE-SUBMITTAL: Forestry Tree Inventory
There appears to be existing trees onsite and near the limits of development. Please
schedule an on-site meeting with City Forestry (mroche@fcgov.com) to obtain tree
inventory and mitigation information. Please note that these existing significant trees
should be retained to the extent reasonably feasible. This meeting should occur prior to
first round of formal submittal. Forestry recommends scheduling the on-site tree
inventory as early in the design process as possible.
An on-site meeting with city forestry was completed earlier this year to obtain tree inventory and mitigation information. No
landscaping is proposed for removal so all existing significant trees will be retained. Tree mitigation information has been added to
the drawings on sheet A1.0 and includes a special landscaping note.
2. 9/21/2021: INFORMATION ONLY FOR PDP
Trees provide many environmental and socioeconomic benefits including reduced
cooling expenses, providing natural wind breaks, improving air quality, and increasing
property values.
Existing significant trees shall be preserved to the extent reasonably feasible. Will there
be construction within the critical root zone of any of the existing trees on your property?
The critical root zone is defined as 12 inches in radius per one inch in tree diameter
measured at 4.5 ft above the ground.
If so, please consider how the construction will impact the health of the nearby trees and
consider alternate scenarios to preserve them. Additionally, please add a detail
outlining the critical root zones of each existing tree on the landscape plans.
3. 9/21/2021: INFORMATION ONLY FOR PDP
Please provide a landscape plan that meets the Land Use Code 3.2.1 requirements.
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 by following the link below and
Page 18 of 19
clicking on Standard Plan Set Notes:
https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/applications.php
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
4. 9/21/2021: INFORMATION ONLY FOR PDP
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
5. 9/21/2021: 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 with specific details of the reasons for removal. For example, tree X
removed due t grading; grading proposed to enhance storm water flow in this section of
the development. 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.
6. 9/21/2021: INFORMATION ONLY FOR PDP
According to Land Use Code 3.2.1.(D)(c), canopy shade trees shall constitute at least
(50%) of all tree plantings.
7. 9/21/2021: INFORMATION ONLY
If the project is responsible for right of way improvements along Riverside Ave, please
incorporate street trees every 30-40-ft.
Page 19 of 19
Department: Building Code Review
Contact: Katy Hand, , khand@fcgov.com
1. FOR BUILDING PERMIT:
Please visit our website for current adopted codes, local amendments and submittal requirements.
https://www.fcgov.com/building/application.php
https://www.fcgov.com/building/codes.php
https://www.fcgov.com/building/energycode
Thank you for providing these links.
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.
Our surveys are completed in NAVD88 so this should not be an issue.
2. If submitting a replat is required 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.
Thank you for this information.