HomeMy WebLinkAboutVariance Requests - 12/04/2024
kimley-horn.com 3325 S. Timberline Road Suite 130, Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-822-7911
December 4, 2024
City of Fort Collins Development Review
281 N. College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
RE: SWC Drake/College
Variance Request – Drake Utility Easement Width
To Whom it may concern:
The SWC Drake/College project is proposing a variance to the easement width along Drake Road. Drake
Road is classified as a 4-lane arterial roadway, and as illustrated in Larimer County Urban Area Street
Standards (LCUASS) Figure 7-2.4F, the minimum easement width along a 4-Lane Arterial Street is 15’.
The SWC Drake/College project is proposing a 9’ utility easement along Drake, which would conform with
the standard easement width required along all other roadway classifications.
The variance is being requested for the following reasons:
1) The maturity of development in the area ensures that the majority of utilities have already been
installed within the existing right-of-way (ROW).
2) Additional ROW is also being granted as a part of the City of Fort Collins Capital Improvement
project nearby the Drake/College Intersection that provides additional ROW beyond the typical
roadway section that can be used for future utility installation.
3) A 12’ walk is proposed exceeds the standard 6’ sidewalk width by 6’. The additional sidewalk
width can be used to accommodate future utility installations. When the “extra” 6’ of walk is added
to the proposed 9’ utility easement, the usable area for utility installation is 15’, matching the
LCUASS requirement.
4) No negative impacts to life/safety are anticipated as a result of the reduced utility easement and
the utility easement is a dramatic improvement over the current conditions today.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
KIMLEY-HORN AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
Bryce Willaby, PE Andy Reese
Project Engineer Project Manager