HomeMy WebLinkAboutVariance Requests - 02/18/2025
kimley-horn.com 3325 S. Timberline Road Suite 130, Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-822-7911
February 18, 2025
City of Fort Collins Development Review
281 N. College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
RE: SWC Drake/College
Variance Request – Drake & College Access Locations
To Brad Buckman:
The SWC Drake/College project is proposing a right-in right-out access onto both Drake Road and
College Avenue. Drake Road and College Avenue are classified as 4-lane arterial roadways, and as
illustrated in Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (LCUASS) Table 7-3, the minimum driveway
spacing is 460’. The Drake Road driveway spacing is approximately 350’ and matches the existing
driveway access location. The College Avenue driveway spacing is approximately 350’ and matches the
existing southern driveway access location.
The variance is being requested for the following reasons:
1) It is not feasible to move the Drake Road access further west due to the location of the existing
overhead transmission line that must remain in place.
2) The proposed Drake Road access location provides adequate spacing from the proposed City of
Fort Collins bus stop.
3) It is not feasible to move the College Avenue access further south due to the location of the
existing, adjacent property line and building.
4) Both accesses will be restricted to only right-in right-out movements which reduces turning
movements, minimizes potential conflicts, and allows for more frequent access points within a
smaller area.
5) Both access drives are proposed in the same approximate location as the existing access drives
therefore, no capital or maintenance costs are anticipated as a result of the reduced driveway
spacing. Additionally, the existing College Avenue access drives will be reduced from two to one.
6) A reduction in design life is not anticipated due to the reduced driveway spacing.
7) No negative impacts to life/safety are anticipated as a result of the reduced driveway spacing
since they meet or exceed 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
kimley-horn.com 3325 S. Timberline Road Suite 130, Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-822-7911
February 18, 2025
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 Brad Buckman:
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 7-2F, 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 (water, sanitary
sewer, electric, and telephone) 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. Sufficient spacing is provided within
the ROW and additional 9’ therefore, no capital or maintenance costs are anticipated.
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) A reduction in design life is not anticipated as a result of the reduced utility easement.
5) 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