HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupporting Documentation - Response to Comments - 04/25/2025
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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/developmentreview
April 25, 2025
Andy Reese
3325 S. Timberline Rd.
Suite 130
Fort Collins, CO 80525
RE: The Edison at University Plaza, PDR250002, Round Number
Please see the following summary of comments from City staff and outside reviewing
agencies for your submittal of The Edison at University Plaza. If you have questions about
any comments, you may contact the individual commenter or direct your questions through
your Development Review Coordinator, Brandy Bethurem Harras via phone at
970-416-2744 or via email at bbethuremharras@fcgov.com.
Comment Summary:
Department: Development Review Coordinator
Contact: Brandy Bethurem Harras bbethuremharras@fcgov.com 970-416-2744
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
04/14/2025: INFORMATION:
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!
Civil Response: Great, thank you Brandy!
Comment Number: 2
04/14/2025: HEARING:
The proposed development project is subject to a Type 1 Review. The decision
maker for your project will be an Administrative Hearing Officer at a public
hearing. Staff will need to agree the project is ready for Hearing approximately 4
to 6 weeks prior to a hearing date to accommodate scheduling and notice
requirements.
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For the hearing, we will formally notify surrounding property owners within 800 -
1,000 feet (excluding public right-of-way and publicly owned open space). As
your Development Review Coordinator, I will assist with preparing the mailing
and coordinating the hearing date with your team.
A neighborhood meeting is not required for this development request. If you
would like to hold a meeting to engage your neighborhood regarding the
proposal prior to the hearing, I can assist you with this request.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 3
04/14/2025: INFORMATION:
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 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.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 4
04/14/2025: SUBMITTAL.
I will provide a Project Submittal Checklist to assist in your submittal
preparation. Please use the checklist in conjunction with this comment letter and
the Submittal Requirements located at:
http://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/applications.php.
If you have questions regarding items in the checklist, or the applicability of an
item to your project, please reach out to me.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 5
04/14/2025: SUBMITTAL:
As part of your submittal, a response to the comments provided in this letter is
required. The final 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.
Provide a detailed response for any comment asking a question or requesting
action. Any comment requesting a response or requiring action by you with a
response of noted, acknowledged etc. will be considered not addressed. You
will need to provide references to specific project plans, pages, reports, or
explanations of why comments have not been addressed [when applicable].
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 6
04/14/2025: SUBMITTAL:
Correct file naming is required as part of a complete submittal. Please follow
the Electronic Submittal Requirements and File Naming Standards found here:
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https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/files/electronic-submittal-requiremen
ts-and-file-naming-standards_v1_8-1-19.pdf?1736463712
File names should have the corresponding number, followed by the file type
prefix, project information, and round number.
For example: 2_SITE PLAN_Project Name_FDP_Rd1.
A list of numbers and prefixes for each file can be found at the link above.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 7
04/14/2025: SUBMITTAL:
Please note that addresses are not permitted to be included in the name of a
project or in the title of a plat. This ensures clarity and consistency in the naming
conventions for all related documents and plans.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 8
04/14/2025: SUBMITTAL:
All plans should be saved as optimized/flattened PDFs to reduce file size and remove layers.
Per the Electronic Submittal Requirements AutoCAD SHX attributes need to be removed from the PDF’s.
AutoCAD turns drawing text into comments that appear in the PDF plan set,
and these must be removed prior to submittal as they can cause issues with the PDF file.
The default setting is "1" ("on") in AutoCAD. To change the setting and remove
this feature, type "EPDFSHX" (version 2016.1) or “PDFSHX (version 2017 and
newer) in the command line and enter "0".
Read this article at Autodesk.com for more on this topic:
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarti
cles/sfdcarticles/Drawing-text-appears-as-Comments-in-a-PDF-created-by-Aut oCAD.html
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 9
04/14/2025: FEES:
The request will be subject to the Development Review Fee Schedule:
https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/fees.php.
I will provide 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.
Development Review Application Fees will be due at time of the project being
submitted for formal review. If you have any questions about fees, please reach out to me.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 10
04/14/2025: FEES:
Payments can be made by check, debit/credit card or eCheck.
If paying by check, make payable to “City of Fort Collins”. This is accepted at
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the Development Review Center, 281 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524,
by mail or can be placed in the blue drop box located at the northwest side of
the building. Please mark it to the attention of your Development Review
Coordinator and reference the project it is associated with.
If paying by debit/credit card or eCheck, please go to fcgov.com/CitizenAccess,
select Planning/Development Review and search by inputting your project's
information*.
• Debit/Credit card payments include a convenience fee of 2% + $0.25 added
to all payments under $2,500.00, and 2.75% added to all payments over
$2,500.00.
• ECheck payments include a convenience fee of $0.50 added to all
payments between $0.00 - $99,999.99.
*Please advise your Development Review Coordinator as to which payment
method will be used. If choosing to pay online, your Development Review
Coordinator will provide you with the project information when the fees are available to be paid.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 11
04/14/2025: SUBMITTAL:
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 its initial round of review, followed by a
formal meeting. Please check with me, your Development Review Coordinator,
regarding review timelines.
As you are preparing to submit your formal plans, please notify me with an
anticipated submittal date. Applications and plans are submitted electronically
to me by email or secured file sharing applications.
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.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 12
04/14/2025: NOTICE:
Upon the scheduling of a Neighborhood Meeting, or initial review of the formal
Development Review Application, a Development Review sign will be posted
on the property. This sign will be posted through the final decision and appeal
process. A request for the removal of signs will be made by your Development
Review Coordinator at the appropriate time.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 13
04/14/2025: INFORMATION:
Once your project has been formally reviewed by the City and you have received
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comments, please resubmit within 180 days, approximately 6 months, to avoid
the expiration of your project.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Department: Planning Services
Contact: Kai Kleer kkleer@fcgov.com 970-416-4284
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
Staff has several redlines that are specific to the submitted concept. These
redlines will be provided in a separate mark-up file. Below is a general
summary of redlines.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you. Responses have been added to the redline PDF and have been
included as a part of the submittal.
Landscape Response: Responses have been added to the redline PDF and have been included as a part
of the submittal.
Architect Response: Noted, thank you. Responses have been added to the redline PDF and have been
included as a part of the submittal.
Comment Number: 2
04/22/2025: Outdoor Spaces
This site is located within the 'Upper Midtown District" and encourages a
'Garden District' theme that should guide landscape and site amenity selection.
Please work with planning and environmental planning on what an appropriate
pant palette might look like for the site.
Landscape Response: Thank you for the comment. We have reviewed the garden district theme. At the
PDP level, all planting areas are being shown at a hatch. At FDP, we will specify shrubs, ornamental
grasses, and perennials and will create a plant palette that is appropriate for the theme.
Comment Number: 3
04/22/2025: Architecture
The Midtown Plan and adopted standards call for excellence in design
promoting high quality durable materials like brick and stone.
For this project, it will be critical to define the first floor with human scale
elements such as canopy overhangs. There are a variety of other techniques
that should be considered. Please avoid changes in materials without
substantial changes in wall articulation.
Staff suspects that this will be a flat roofed building, if so, ensure that
threedimensional cornice treatment on all walls
facing streets or connecting walkways, or a rail at the top of the wall of a usable
rooftop deck, unless the top floor is stepped back to form a usable roof terrace
area. A single continuous horizontal roofline shall not be used on onestory
buildings. Accent roof elements or towers may be used to provide articulation of
the building mass. To the maximum extent feasible, a minimum pitch of 6:12
shall be used for gable and hipped roofs. Where hipped roofs are used alone,
the minimum pitch shall be 4:12.
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TOD Overlay (LUC 2.6.1(E)(3)) mandates high-quality options like brick, stone,
or stucco, prohibiting untreated concrete or prefabricated steel panels. Specify
brick or stone, ensuring articulation at the base and top of the building to align
with Midtown Plan’s design excellence (Pages 20, 117-119) and Residential
Standards (LUC 5.3.2(C)(4)).
TOD Overlay (LUC 2.6.1(E)(3)) requires low-reflectance, neutral, or earth-tone
colors, prohibiting high-intensity or fluorescent colors. Use neutral or earth-tone
colors for facades, with brighter accent colors for trim, to ensure compliance
with TOD Overlay standards.
Architecture Response: Noted. Materials being proposed include neutral and earth-tones such as beige,
taupe, dark brown, and various shades of gray. Black is being proposed as an accent color and would be
utilized on items such as windows, storefronts, doors, awning, balcony railings, metal flashing, and trim
boards.
Comment Number: 4
04/22/2025: Site Planning
A major concept of the Midtown Redevelopment Study and Midtown Plan for
this area is the redesign of the existing drives into a system into a system of
streets and blocks. In the case of this development, and pursuant to 5.3.2
Multi-unit building and Mix of Housing and 5.4.7 - Street Pattern & Connectivity
standards the north/south drive street would be the north/south drive that
currently exists on the site.
Civil Response: After discussion with staff, the existing street network will remain in place, but will be
enhanced with landscaping and sidewalks to more closely align with the Midtown Plan.
Comment Number: 5
04/22/2025: Access Circulation & Parking
Regarding the Pedestrian Promenade, on the south side of the site, please
avoid crossing the service drive to the extent possible. From what staff can
gather, an access easement exists on the property to the south that will allow for
the completion of an off-site connection into the existing King Soopers
Walkway. As part of the projects pedestrian level of service requirements and
standards found under "off-site access to individual and bicycle destinations" in
the Land Use Code, staff will be looking for this and the northern off-site
connection to be made.
Civil Response: There is currently no access easement to the south and our project needs to align with the
existing access drive to the south. This forces the trail to cross as shown. The project will provide an
access easement so this connection can be reconfigured in the future.
On the north side of the site please provide a green- backed sharrow within the
service drive to help delineate pedestrian space extending to the max station.
As a potential consideration for the applicant team, staff would like to explore
the extension of a permanent walkway/landscape area that replaces the parking
stalls closest to the MAX Guideway. This could be a long-term solution is not warranted
at this time, however, will future redevelopment of other commercial spaces to the north.
Civil Response: A 10-foot pedestrian promenade is provided along the west side of the Project where
proposed improvements occur. In the current configuration, pedestrians can access the MAX Guideway
station via walkways along the adjacent building frontage. Note that no improvements are being proposed
further north within the existing parking lot at this time.
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In several key locations around the perimeter of the building there are proposed
crossings of the service drive, new private and new private street. Please
ensure that the enhanced walkways relate to critical components of the the
building design (such as front entrances, For this project, it would be to align
the front entrance with a direct walkway connection to cross the street and allow
access to the parking field. Where the walkway crosses the street standards will
require that the crossing emphasize pedestrian access through the use of
raised paving, pavement treatments, signs, striping, lighting, traffic calming, and
landscaping. The image below represents what is envisioned by the standard.
Architecture Response: The primary building entrance is roughly aligned with the main entry drive to create
a direct visual connection and a sense of arrival.
Civil Response: The project includes a section of different materials to differentiate the cross walk
connections. Note that a raised crosswalk provides some grading/drainage challenges. Cross-walks were
aligned to be aligned with front entrances as feasible.
Regarding interior and perimeter parking lot landscaping standards, please
ensure that landscape islands with canopy shade trees interrupt parking bays at
not less than 15-stall intervals. For perimeter areas ensure that canopy shade
trees are planted at 40 foot intervals.
Landscape Response: Shade trees are provided in parking lot islands where they do not conflict with
easements. Some trees are existing to be protected in place. Where trees are unable to be located due to
easements, we propose a shrub substitution.
Civil Response: Landscape islands have been provided to meet parking bay requirements.
Regarding 'full tree stocking' requirements, there are several areas around the
building where the landscape edge is too small. Standards require that
landscape beds are no less than 7 feet, while 15 feet is preferred. This not only
allows for adequate space for trees and landscaping, but allows some
additional separation and privacy between ground-floor residential units and
walkways that run parallel to each building side. If the perimeter of the site is fully
paved, please ensure that window sills are elevated to maintain privacy within
the ground-floor units. First Floor elevation should start 2-3 feet above finished sidewalk level.
Landscape Response: Landscape areas are maximized. Full tree stocking is provided in areas at least 7’
wide. Trees are located on the east side of the building within the fully paved area with tree grates. See
landscape plan and tree grate detail.
Comment Number: 6
04/22/2025: Street and Urban Design
Generally, TOD standards require, "developments shall provide formal
streetscape improvements which shall include sidewalks having street trees in
sidewalk cutouts with tree grates, planters or other appropriate treatment for the
protection of pedestrians, and shall provide seating and pedestrian light
fixtures." Please consider how these elements will be incorporated into your
north/south street section.
Landscape Response: Trees are located on the east side of the building within the fully paved area with
tree grates. See landscape plan and tree grate detail.
Civil Response: Streetscape provides street trees along curb with planters adjacent to the building.
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For all pedestrian connections crossing a street, TOD standards require
conventional or enhanced crosswalks. See notes on where enhanced
crosswalks will be necessary.
Civil Response: The project includes a section of different materials to differentiate the cross walk
connections. Note that a raised crosswalk provides some grading/drainage challenges.
Regarding street design, please see staff's exhibit regarding future private
street framework that is envisioned for the site.
Civil Response: Thank you for the discussions around the site layout.
Comment Number: 7
04/22/2025: These comments will be fully refined by Friday and may contain
some additional unnecessary information not completely tailored and
acknowledging what is being provided by the concept.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you!
Department: Historic Preservation
Contact: Jim Bertolini jbertolini@fcgov.com 970-416-4250
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
04/07/2025: PRESUBMITTAL – HISTORIC SURVEY - WAIVED:
At conceptual review, the applicant is responsible for working with City staff to
determine if any structures on the development site and, when relevant, within
200 feet of the development site, are designated historic resources or are
eligible for historic designation [LUC 5.8.1(C)(2)]. Structures subject to this
requirement must be at least 50 years old. This process involves ordering
historic property surveys if no such documentation has been produced for the
property in the last five years.
The University Shopping Center has historic significance, being the first
mid-20th century shopping center in the city. However, based on extensive
modifications over time, similar to Foothills Mall, there is no recognizable
historic integrity to the original building/site design. Staff considers the property
Not Eligible based on preliminary research into the historic character vs. existing conditions.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 2
04/07/2025: NO HISTORIC REVIEW REQUIRED:
This proposal does not require historic review because there are no designated
historic resources, or resources that are at least 50 years old and would require
evaluation, on the development site or within 200 feet of the development site.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Department: Engineering Development Review
Contact: Sophie Buckingham sbuckingham@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
04/21/2025: A replat will be required for this project. If a new parcel will be
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created for this project, and the new parcel does not have frontage along a
public street, you will need to provide documentation that the property has legal
access from Drake Road or College Avenue.
Civil Response: The Project will be creating a new parcel. As part of this process, a cross-access
agreement or easements can be provided as needed.
Comment Number: 2
04/21/2025: This property is within the Midtown Plan area. The Midtown Plan
emphasizes the need for redevelopment to provide pedestrian and bike
connectivity to the Max Bus Rapid Transit. This project will need to provide a
pedestrian promenade along the west property line, with a connection to at least
one of the nearby Max bus stations. The design team will need to evaluate the feasibility of
connecting north to the Spring Creek Station versus connecting south to the Drake Station.
Civil Response: A 10-foot pedestrian promenade is provided along the west side of the Project where
proposed improvements occur. In the current configuration, pedestrians can access the MAX Guideway
station via walkways along the adjacent building frontage. Note that no improvements are being proposed
further north within the existing parking lot at this time.
Comment Number: 3
04/22/2025: This project appears to have frontage along College Avenue
between the bank and the McDonald's. The Midtown in Motion plan calls for a
10-foot detached sidewalk along this stretch of College. This project will need to
design and construct the sidewalk, and additional right-of-way or easement
dedication may be required if the sidewalk extends further west than the existing
pedestrian access easement. Please coordinate with Engineering and Forestry
to design a solution that preserves as many of the existing trees as possible.
Civil Response: Improvements to the Property are along the west side and not adjacent to College Avenue.
Comment Number: 4
04/22/2025: The Midtown in Motion plan proposes to convert the existing
acceleration and deceleration lane on College Avenue to a right-turn lane, with a
widened parkway south of College and Columbia. Please coordinate with
CDOT as well as City staff from Engineering and Traffic to determine if these
improvements should be implemented by this project.
Civil Response: Per discussions with Staff, no auxiliary lanes improvements are planned as a part of this
project.
Comment Number: 5
04/23/2025: My remaining comments are general information that is provided
to every project at the conceptual stage. Depending on the ultimate scope of the
project, some of these comments may not be relevant, and other information not
included in this list may become relevant. If you have any questions about my
site-specific comments above or my informational comments below, please
contact me at sbuckingham@fcgov.com or 970-416-4344.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 6
04/23/2025: INFORMATION:
Larimer County Road Impact Fees and Transportation Capital Expansion Fees
are due before issuance of building permit. For more information, please visit
https://www.fcgov.com/engineering/tcef.php
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 7
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04/23/2025: INFORMATION:
Any damaged curb, gutter and sidewalk existing before construction, as well as
streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, destroyed, damaged or removed due to
construction of this project, must be replaced or restored to City of Fort Collins
standards at the Developer's expense before the acceptance of completed
improvements and/or before the issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 8
04/23/2025: INFORMATION:
All public sidewalk, driveways and 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.
Civil Response: Propose walkways within the property will adhere to ADA standards. No improvements are
proposed alongside other roadway areas.
Comment Number: 9
04/23/2025: INFORMATION:
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/urban-area-street-standards-2021
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 10
04/23/2025: INFORMATION:
Utility plans will be required and a Development Agreement will be recorded
once the project is finalized. Please use LCUASS Appendix E as a reference
for what needs to be included in the utility plans.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 11
04/23/2025: INFORMATION:
A Development Construction Permit (DCP) may need to be obtained before
starting any work on the site, depending on the scope of the public
improvements.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 12
04/23/2025: INFORMATION:
The development 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.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 13
04/23/2025: INFORMATION:
Any bike parking that is required for the project cannot be placed within the
right-of-way, and if it is placed just behind the right-of-way, it needs to be placed
so that when bikes are parked, they do not extend into the right-of-way.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 14
04/23/2025: INFORMATION:
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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.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 15
04/23/2025: INFORMATION:
Developments often involve negotiation and consensus with other agencies and
property owners. If there is an affected ditch, private easement/utility, HOA,
railroad, state maintained road, or offsite work that is anticipated with the
development of this site, it would be beneficial for the applicant to get those
conversations started now. Signed Letter(s) of Intent (LOI) from affected entities
must be accepted by the City before scheduling a public hearing, and these
documents are part of the development review submittal requirements. The City
will not approve projects that do not have the signed approval of affected
entities. A full list of submittal requirements can be found here:
https://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/applications.php
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 16
04/23/2025: INFORMATION:
There will be an update in 2025 to the City of Fort Collins Streetscape
Standards - LCUASS Appendix C. The update will require landscaping in
public right-of-way to comply with Colorado Senate Bill 24-005. Please reach
out with any questions about the right-of-way landscaping requirements.
Landscape Response: Noted, thank you. The development updates do not impact the ROW streets.
Department: Traffic Operation
Contact: Shawn Mellinger smellinger@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
04/21/2025: PRE-SUBMITTAL:
A Transportation Impact Study will be required with the submittal of this project according to
the City of Fort Collins guidelines in chapter 4 of the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards.
The level of study and scope will need to be coordinated with Traffic Operations.
Please contact our office to schedule a time to scope the study.
Traffic Response: A TIS has been prepared and is included as part of the submittal package. A scoping
meeting was held with Steve Gilchrist in June of 2025. A signed base assumptions form documenting the
meeting discussions is included as an appendix in the TIS.
Comment Number: 2
04/21/2025: PRE-SUBMITTAL:
The Colorado Department of Transportation CDOT will need to be contacted to
coordinate the any requirements for access permits and adjacent frontage
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improvements since College Avenue (US 287) is under their jurisdiction.
Please contact Tim Bilobran timothy.bilobran@state.co.us and Allyson Young
allyson.young@state.co.us to coordinate their requirements with the TIS for
new/updated access permits.
Traffic Response: Based on the analysis documented in the attached TIS, CDOT access permits are
anticipated to be required at both the intersection of Columbia Road and College Avenue (US-287) and the
intersection of the site access located 400 feet south of Columbia Road, along College Avenue (US-287) in
association with this project. The project team will coordinate with CDOT regarding access permit
applications.
Comment Number: 3
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
A bike and pedestrian level of service analysis will be required as part of the
transportation impact study. This will need to follow the City of Fort Collins
guidelines within Part II of Appendix H of the Larimer County Urban Area Street
Standards. Appendix H will be provided in the scoping of the study along with
the primary destinations. This may include any connectivity required to
neighborhoods, transit, City trail systems, or commercial/retail facilities.
Traffic Response: A bike and pedestrian level of service analysis are included in the provided TIS. The
analysis considered destination areas provided by Steve Gilchrist during the scoping meeting.
Comment Number: 4
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
We would like to work with you regarding some sort of pedestrian connectivity
to the Max stations to the north or south. These are critical in these types of
developments and would like to explore the possibility of an off site connection
to make this a more walkable development.
Traffic Response: Acknowledged, the current site plan and TIS do not assume any off site connections;
however, this can be discussed further moving forward.
Comment Number: 5
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
A City capital project is planned for improvements to the College Ave and
Columbia intersection/traffic signal. This project is not yet fully funded, a
proportional share may be required. Likewise there are also plans to improve
Drake and College. This project could also require mitigation depending on the
impacts from this project.
Traffic Response: Both planned projects are noted in the TIS. The need for cost sharing can be discussed
further moving forward.
Department: Erosion Control
Contact: Andrew Crecca acrecca@fcgov.com
Topic: Erosion Control
Comment Number: 1
04/03/2025: This project is located within the City's MS4 boundaries and is subject
to the erosion control requirements located in the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria
Manual (FCSCM), Chapter 2, Section 6.0. A copy of those requirements can be
found at www.fcgov.com/erosion
Based upon this project type, Conceptual Development Reviews (CDRs) &
Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs) alone do not trigger erosion control
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requirements. Please be aware that future submittals or planned work will be
evaluated based upon the submittal requirements of FCSCM and may require
Erosion Control Materials including Plans, Reports, Escrow Calculations and Inspection Fees.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Department: Stormwater Engineering
Contact: Wes Lamarque wlamarque@fcgov.com 970-416-2418
Topic: General
Comment Number: 2
04/23/2025: Master plan and criteria compliance (site specific comment):
The design of this site must conform to the drainage basin design of the Spring
Creek 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/utility-development
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 3
04/23/2025: Documentation requirements (site specific comment):
A drainage report and construction plans are required and must be prepared by
a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Colorado. The drainage
report must address the four-step process for selecting structural BMPs.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 4
04/23/2025: Stormwater outfall (site specific comment):
The stormwater outfall options for this site appear to be the private on-site storm sewer.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you. The existing stormwater outfalls will be continued to be used with flow
released at historic rates.
Comment Number: 5
04/23/2025: Detention requirements (standard comment):
When improvements are proposed to an existing developed site and there is an
increase in impervious area greater than 1,000 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.*
Civil Response: Note that the Project reduces the total impervious and therefore no detention is not
required for the improvements. Existing detention will be provided to match the detention volumes shown in
the 1998 Final Drainage Report “University Center PUD”.
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).
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 6
04/23/2025: Water Quality and Low Impact Development requirements
(standard comment):
If the improvements create or modify greater than 1,000-square feet of
impervious area, stormwater quality treatment will need to be provided for all
new and modified impervious areas. In addition, the City requires the use of
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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-fo
rms-guidelines-regulations/stormwater-criteria
Civil Response: Noted, thank you. LID treatment is being provided for more than 75% of the site. Per
discussions with staff, the existing detention pond will be converted to a water quality pond.
Comment Number: 7
04/23/2025: 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
the 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.
Civil Response: Existing and Proposed Impervious Area Exhibits are included within the Drainage Report
Appendix.
Comment Number: 8
04/23/2025: 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.
Civil Response: The site will conform with the State requirements.
Comment Number: 9
04/23/2025: 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-development
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 10
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04/23/2025: Fees (standard comment):
The 2025 city wide Stormwater development fee (PIF) is $12,012/acre
($0.2758/ sq. ft.) of new impervious area over 350 square feet. No fee is
charged for existing impervious area. This fee is 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-investmen
t-development-fees or contact our Utility Fee and Rate Specialists at (970)
416-4252 or UtilityFees@fcgov.com for questions on fees.
Monthly fees - http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/rates
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 11
04/23/2025: Offsite Stormwater Flows (standard comment):
The development will need to accept and pass any existing offsite flows.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you. Any off-site basins are shown within the historic and proposed drainage
exhibits.
Department: Water-Wastewater Engineering
Contact: Wes Lamarque wlamarque@fcgov.com 970-416-2418
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
04/23/2025: Water and Wastewater Criteria Manual (standard comment):
The design of this development must follow City of Fort Collins Utilities Water
and Wastewater Design Criteria, Specifications, and Details. These manuals
are available on this website:
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/development-f
orms-guidelines-regulations/
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 2
04/23/2025: Existing Water Infrastructure (site specific comment):
There is an existing 8-inch water main west of the existing building with an
existing 2-inch water service to 2325 S College Ave and an existing 2-inch
water service to 2407 S College Ave. There are also two 6-inch and one 8-inch
fire lines to these addresses.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 3
04/23/2025: Existing Wastewater Infrastructure (site specific comment):
There is an existing 6-inch wastewater main east of the building with an existing
wastewater service or services to these addresses.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 4
04/23/2025: Service separation (standard comment):
Separate water and wastewater services will be required to service the
residential and commercial uses of any mixed-use buildings.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you. Entire building is residential.
Comment Number: 5
04/23/2025: Service abandonment (standard comment):
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Any existing water and wastewater services that are not planned to be reused
with this project will be required to be abandoned at the main.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 6
04/23/2025: Service sizing (standard comment):
A sizing justification letter that includes demand calculations for maximum flows
and estimated continuous flows is required to evaluate whether the existing
service can adequately support the proposed uses for the site. Please provide
the letter with the final submittal package for this project.
Civil Response: Letter will be provided as a part of the final documents.
Comment Number: 7
04/23/2025: Wastewater discharge (site specific comment)
Please note that all City of Fort Collins Utility Customers are subject to City
Code requirements for wastewater. These requirements include Section
26-306 Wastewater Discharge Permit Requirements and Section 26-332
Prohibitive Discharge Standards. A permit may be required depending on
activities on the site; however, discharge standards apply to every customer,
both large and small, regardless of what activities take place on the site.
Please contact Industrial Pretreatment, Industrial_Pretreatment@fcgov.com or
(970) 221-6900, to discuss these requirements and how they apply to this development.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 8
04/23/2025: Water conservation (standard comment):
The water conservation standards for landscape and irrigation will apply.
Information on these requirements can be found at:
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/watercode
Landscape Response: Noted, thank you. At PDP level, only trees are specified. They are selected with no
higher than moderate water needs according to the COFC vegetation database. At FDP, shrubs, grasses,
and perennials will be selected, and a hydrozone map and irrigation plans will be provided.
Comment Number: 9
04/23/2025: Separate Irrigation Tap (site specific comment)
Since the site is scraping and rebuilding the site irrigation service requirements
are triggered under Section 26-94. A separate irrigation tap will be required to
service this site unless it can be proven that this site uses less than 30,000
gallons of water for irrigation annually.
Landscape Response: Understood. An irrigation plan will be provided at FDP.
Comment Number: 10
04/23/2025: Landscape Plan and Hydrozone Table (standard comment):
For final plan, the Landscape Plan will need to include a hydrozone table for
outdoor irrigation that is broken out per tap. This is used to document the
outdoor water budget and determine water allotment requirements. For more
information, please see this webpage: www.fcgov.com/wsr-update
Landscape Response: Understood. A hydrozone plan will be provided at FDP.
Comment Number: 11
04/23/2025: Fees (standard comment):
New or upgraded water and wastewater services will require development and
water supply requirement (WSR) fees, these are paid at building permit.
Please contact our Utility Fee and Rate Specialists at (970) 416-4252 or
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UtilityFees@fcgov.com for more information or questions. Information on fees
can also be found at: www.fcgov.com/development-fees
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 12
04/23/2025: Grease Interceptor (Standard Comment)
If commercial cooking facilities are proposed these may require a grease
interceptor on the wastewater service. To discuss the City’s requirements,
please contact Wes Lamarque at (970) 416-2418 or
WLAMARQUE@fcgov.com.
Civil Response: No commercial cooking facilities are planned for the Project.
Comment Number: 13
04/23/2025: Change of Use (site specific comment):
The proposed change of use for this property will result in a change in its
classification in the water & wastewater fee structure. This property is currently
classified as non-residential/commercial and the proposed change would
convert the property to a residential rate structure. As such, new water and
wastewater development fees, Plant Investment Fees (PIFs), and WSR fees
may occur. These fees are to be paid at the time each building permit is issued.
Please contact our Utility Fee and Rate Specialists at (970) 416-4252 to
discuss. Information on fees can be found at: www.fcgov.com/development-fees
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 14
04/23/2025: Existing Water Infrastructure Upgrade (site specific comment):
Just southwest of the building at 2407 S. College Ave, there are two existing
8-inch water mains that are not connected. These two water mains need to be
connected to provide adequate flow to this development.
Civil Response: The proposed waterline provides a connection between the two existing watermains.
Comment Number: 15
04/23/2025: Wastewater System Capacity (site specific comment):
Please prepare and submit a wastewater loading calculation and summary
report for your development. The City will need to evaluate the downstream
wastewater capacity to confirm if the existing system can support this
development. These calculations need to be included with the PDP Round 1
submittal but could also be submitted to us in advance. Please contact us to discuss further.
Civil Response: The Civil team has reached out to Staff to further understand design criteria and will
implement this information within the calculations once known. The Project proposed 270 total units and
further breakdown of the unit types is provided within the summary table of the PDP Cover Sheet.
Department: Light And Power
Contact: Daniel Paluzzi dpaluzzi@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
04/18/2025: SITE SPECIFIC:
The existing property is currently being fed from a main feeder duct bank
running north/south along the west side of the building by the Max Guideway with
multiple transformers feeding different parts of the building. Also, there is an
existing main electric line running north/south on the east side of the building
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through the parking lot feeding numerous buildings along College Ave.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 2
04/18/2025: FEES:
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-investmen
t-development-fees
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 3
04/18/2025: FEES:
Please document the size of the electrical service(s) that feeds the existing
property prior to demolition of the building to receive capacity fee credits.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 4
04/18/2025: INFORMATION:
Any existing and/or proposed electric infrastructure that needs to be installed,
relocated or modified as part of this project, will be at the expense of the
developer and will need to be located within Public Right-of-Way or a dedicated
easement. Please coordinate relocations with Light and Power Engineering.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 5
04/18/2025: INFORMATION:
During utility infrastructure design, please provide adequate space of all service
and main lines internal to the site to ensure proper utility installation and to meet
minimum utility spacing requirements. A minimum of 10 ft separation is
required between water, sewer and storm water facilities, and a minimum of 3 ft
separation is required between Natural Gas. Please show all electrical routing on the Utility Plans.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you. Preliminary electric routing is shown within the Utility Plans.
Comment Number: 6
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
All utility easements and required permits (crossing agreements, flood plain,
etc.) needed for the development will need to be obtained and paid for by the developer.
Light & Power will need AutoCAD files of the site plan, utility plans, and
landscape drawings once plans are approved.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you. AutoCAD files and drawings will be provided following plan approvals.
Comment Number: 7
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
This project will need to comply with our electric metering standards. Electric
meter locations will need to be coordinated with Light and Power Engineering.
Residential units will need to be individually metered. Please gang the electric
meters on one side of the building, opposite of the gas meters. Reference
Section 8 of our Electric Service Standards for electric metering standards. A
link has been provided here:
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/ElectricServiceStanda
rds_FINAL_18November2016_Amendment.pdf
Architect Response: Electric meters will be building mounted and proposed locations are on the west
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elevation. Given the amount of meters necessary for 270 units and common areas, the north elevation will
likely also be utilized for meter locations.
Comment Number: 8
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
Multi family buildings and duplexes are treated as customer owned services;
therefore a C-1 form and one line diagram must be filled out and submitted to
Light & Power Engineering for each building. All secondary electric service
work is the responsibility of the developer and their electrical consultant or
contractor. A C-1 form can be found here:
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/development-f
orms-guidelines-regulations
Architect Response: Noted. We will provide the completed C-1 Form closer to the time of the building
permit application.
Comment Number: 9
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
All units other than single family detached at 200 amps or less are considered
customer owned service; therefore, the applicant is responsible for installing the
secondary service from the transformer, or first point of connection to the
meter(s) and will be owned and maintained by the individual unit owner or
building owner.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 10
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
Transformer locations will need to be coordinated with Light & Power.
Transformers must be placed within 10 ft of a drivable surface for installation
and maintenance purposes. The transformer must also have a front clearance of
10 ft and side/rear clearance of 3 ft minimum. The transformer must have 2 ft
clearance from sidewalks and from the front face of the curb face. 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.
Architect Response: Noted. As the design progresses, the Electrical Engineer will coordinate proposed
transformer locations with Light and Power.
Comment Number: 11
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
Three phase transformer pad dimensions for 75-1000KVA are 84 inches by 73
inches and the 1500-2500KVA dimensions are 107 inches by 88 inches. The
wider side of the transformer is the front that needs 10’ clearance.
Single phase transformers are limited to a maximum of 8 runs of secondary, not
to exceed a wire size of 350KCMIL.
Three phase transformers are limited to a maximum of 12 runs of secondary,
not to exceed a wire size of 500KCMIL.
Architect Response: Noted. Thank you for the information.
Comment Number: 12
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
If the private drives/parking lots are proposed to be illuminated, the streetlights
are considered private and will need to be privately metered. Please show all
private streetlights and private meters on the plans.
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Architect Response: Noted. Thank you.
Comment Number: 13
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
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.
For additional information on our renewal energy programs please visit the
website below or contact Brian Tholl (btholl@fcgov.com).
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/go renewable
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 14
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
You may contact Daniel Paluzzi with project engineering if you have questions.
Dpaluzzi@fcgov.com. You may reference Light & Power’s Electric Service Standards at:
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/electricservicestandards.pdf?1645038437
You may reference our policies, development charge processes, and use our
fee estimator at http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Department: Environmental Planning
Contact: Clint Anders canders@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
04/21/2025: SITE SPECIFIC:
City of Fort Collins Land Use Code [Article 5.10.1 (E)(3)] requires that, to the
extent reasonably feasible, landscapes be designed to incorporate water
conservation materials and techniques. This includes use of low-water-use
plants and grasses, and a reduction on non-functional turf areas. Native plants
and wildlife-friendly plants are also encouraged. Please refer to the Fort Collins
Vegetation Database at https://www.fcgov.com/vegetation/ and the Natural
Areas Department’s Native Plants document for guidance on native plants:
http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/pdf/nativeplants2013.pdf.
Landscape Response: All trees are on the COFC vegetation database. Shrubs, grasses, and perennials
will be specified at the FDP level and will come from the database. Low water use plants will be prioritized.
Additionally, there is a dearth of wildlife and pollinator habitat in this area, and
the Midtown Plan encourages the creation/enhancement of habitat resources
whenever possible. Per the Midtown Plan, landscapes in Upper Midtown should
be more naturalistic rather than manicured. Please utilize open space and
landscaped areas to add pollinator friendly and native plant species whenever
possible. Keep this in mind for water quality treatment as well. Per the
stormwater Criteria Manual, surface treatment (e.g., raingardens, bioretention parking islands,
vegetated swales, constructed wetlands) are preferred over underground treatment/storage.
Landscape Response: A naturalized plant palette will be provided at FDP.
Comment Number: 2
04/21/2025: INFORMATION:
City of Fort Collins Land Use Code [Article 5.10.1 (E)(3)] only allows the use of
turfgrass in high-traffic areas where it is functional and utilized. The landscape
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plan should specify all grass species being proposed and delineate the appropriate locations.
Landscape Response: No turf is proposed as a part of the PDP.
Department: Forestry
Contact: Freddie Haberecht fhaberecht@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
04/22/2025: PRE-SUBMITTAL FORESTRY INVENTORY
There are existing trees onsite. Please schedule an on-site meeting with City
Forestry (fhaberecht@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 the next
round of review. Forestry recommends scheduling the on-site tree inventory as
early in the design process as possible.
Landscape Response: An on-site meeting was conducted on Aug 28, 2025. A tree mitigation plan reflects
the trees that were inventoried as a part of the meeting.
Comment Number: 2
04/22/2025: An “Existing Tree Removal Feasibility Letter” must be provided
detailing justification for all proposed existing tree removals on the development
site. The purpose of this letter is 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. 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.
Landscape Response: An Existing Tree Removal Feasibility Letter has been provided in this submittal.
Comment Number: 3
04/22/2025: Please provide a landscape plan that meets the Land Use Code
(LUC) 5.10.1 requirements. This should include the existing tree inventory, any
proposed tree removals with their locations clearly noted, a detail outlining the
critical root zones of each existing tree on the landscape plans, and any
proposed tree plantings (including species, size, quantity, and method of
transplant). 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.
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 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:
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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
Landscape Response: Mitigation trees are provided as a part of the PDP landscape plan and are
designated with the symbol “(M)” on the plans. 50 trees are required and provided for mitigation. CRZ is
clearly noted on the plans. All notes are provided in the plans.
Comment Number: 4
04/22/2025: All required landscape plans, demolition plans, grading plans,
building plans, engineering plans, and utility plans shall accurately identify the
locations, species, size and condition of all significant trees, each labeled
showing the applicant's intent to either remove, transplant or protect.
Landscape Response: All plans show trees to remain or be protected in place. Species, size, and condition
of the trees is noted on the Tree Mitigation Plans.
Comment Number: 5
04/22/2025: 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’ from public water, sanitary, and storm sewer main lines
6’ from water or sewer service lines
4’ from gas lines
10’ from electric vaults
40’ between shade trees and arterial streetlights
15’ between ornamental trees and arterial streetlights
50’ from stop signs
Landscape Response: Trees are offset from utilities per the requirements above.
Comment Number: 6
04/22/2025: The LUC 5.10.1 standard for Tree Species Diversity states that to
prevent insect or disease susceptibility on a development site or in the adjacent
area or the district, species diversity is required, and extensive monocultures
are prohibited. The following minimum requirements shall apply to any development plan:
Number of trees on site Maximum percentage of any one species
10-19 40%
20-39 30%
40-59 20%
60 or more 10%
According to Land Use Code 5.10.1(D)(c)(II), canopy shade trees shall
constitute at least (50%) of all tree plantings.
Landscape Response: No more than 10% of one tree species is specified on the plans. At least 50% of
trees are canopy shade trees.
Comment Number: 7
04/22/2025: Planting of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) within city limits is prohibited
due to the presence of the emerald ash borer. Additionally, The City of Fort
Collins’ urban forest has reached the maximum percentage of the following
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species: Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthose: ‘Shademaster’, ‘Skyline’, etc),
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa), and Chanticleer Pear (Pyrus calleryana).
Please keep these species at 2% or less of the development tree plantings.
The following trees are not recommended in Fort Collins: Autumn blaze maple,
Northern red oak, English oak, pin oak, red maple, scotch pine.
Landscape Response: Ash trees, honey locust trees, bur oaks, and pears are not specified as a part of this
landscape plan. All trees were selected from the COFC vegetation database. If you have alternative
recommendations to our specification, please let us know.
Comment Number: 9
04/22/2025: Canopy shade trees should be planted at 30-40’ spacing
5.10.1(D)(c)(I) in the ROW along street frontages.
Landscape Response: Noted, thank you. The development updates do not impact the ROW streets.
Comment Number: 10
04/22/2025: Each landscape island should be 8’ in its smallest dimensions to
allow for tree root growth (LUC 5.10.1).
Landscape Response: Noted, thank you. Islands that will be impacted by the development will adhere to
the standards.
Comment Number: 11
Please adhere to the updated LCUASS standards, including 8’ minimum parkway widths.
Landscape Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 12
04/22/2025: All trees must have organic mulch placed and replenished as
needed at a depth of two (2) to four (4) inches for a minimum of a three (3) foot
radius mulch ring or under a tree grate. This includes trees planted in rock cobble planting beds.
Landscape Response: Noted, thank you. Mulch will be specified at the FDP level.
Department: Park Planning
Contact: Missy Nelson mnelson@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
04/18/2025: No comments from Parks O&M or Park Planning and Development at this time.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Department: PFA
Contact: Marcus Glasgow marcus.glasgow@poudre-fire.org 970-416-2869
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
04/18/2025: FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS – IFC 503.1.1
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.
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. In addition, aerial apparatus access
requirements are triggered for buildings in excess of 30' in height.
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It appears that the site plan provides adequate access for fire apparatus around
the building. The interior courtyard will also need to meet this access as well.
These access roads will need to meet the requirements found in comment 2.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you. Note that a wall hydrant is located within the courtyard area and can be
found on the Overall Utility Plansheet (Sheet C4.0) within the Utility Planset.
Comment Number: 2
04/18/2025: FIRE LANE SPECIFICATIONS – IFC Appendix D Amendment
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.
-Access roads with a hydrant are required to be 26 feet in width.
-Additional fire lane requirements are triggered for buildings greater than 30
feet 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 fire access roads used for aerial access shall be 30 feet in width
-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.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you. Fire Access Exhibit was included as a part of the submittal package.
Comment Number: 3
04/18/2025: AERIAL FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS – IFC Appendix
D105 Amendment
Buildings over 30' in height trigger additional fire lane requirements in order to
accommodate the logistical needs of aerial apparatus (ladder trucks). The
intent of the code is to provide for rescue operations and roof access via ladder
trucks when ground ladders cannot reach upper floors. Aerial access should
therefore be available on at least one entire long side of the building, located
within a minimum of 15 feet and a maximum of 30 feet from the building. Aerial
fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum unobstructed width of 26
feet, exclusive of shoulders, in the immediate vicinity of the building or portion
thereof. Dead end access roads shall have a minimum width of 30 ft. Parapet
heights greater than 4' in height do not support ladder truck operations.
The access drives on the East and West of the building appear to be meeting
this requirement. This will be evaluated more once future submittals with more details and elevations.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 4
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04/18/2025: BUILDINGS FOUR OR MORE STORIES IN HEIGHT
- ROOF ACCESS: New buildings four or more stories above grade plane,
except those with a roof slope greater than four units vertical in 12 units
horizontal (33.3 percent slope), shall be provided with a stairway to the roof.
Stairway access to the roof shall be in accordance with IFC 1011.12. Such
stairways shall be marked at street and floor levels with a sign indicating that the
stairway continues to the roof. Where roofs are used for roof gardens or for
other purposes, stairways shall be provided as required for such occupancy
classification (IFC 504.3).
Architect Response: Noted. Roof Access will be provided at both the southeast stairwell and the northwest
stairwell.
-FIRE STANDPIPE SYSTEM: Standpipe systems shall be provided in new
buildings and structures in accordance with Section 905 of the 2021
International Fire Code. Approved standpipe systems shall be installed
throughout buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more
than 30 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. The
standpipe system shall be capable of supplying a minimum of 100 psi to the top
habitable floor. An approved fire pump may be required to achieve this
minimum pressure. Buildings equipped with standpipes are required to have a
hydrant within 100 feet of the Fire Department Connection (IFC Sections 905 and 913).
A standpipe connection could also be used to achieve access within the interior courtyard area.
Architect Response: Noted. Thank you. We plan on providing a standpipe and/or wall hydrant connection
within the interior courtyard.
Comment Number: 5
04/18/2025: MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
ADDITIONAL ACCESS POINTS - IFC D106.2 Amendment
Multiple-family residential projects having more than 200 dwelling units shall be
provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads
regardless of whether they are equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you. There are two access points provided along the private drives to the east
and west of the building.
REMOTENESS IFC D106.3
Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a
distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum
overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a
straight line between accesses.
Please verify that any proposed second point of access that doesn't connect to
a public road, connects to an access road that is dedicated EAE which connects to a public road.
Architect Response: Noted, thank you. An EAE is provided as required for emergency access.
Comment Number: 6
04/18/2025: LANDSCAPE PLAN
The proposed Site Plan indicates trees planted along the fire lane. PFA would
like to ensure that no obstruction occurs in the EAE as trees mature and a
canopy develops. The EAE shall be maintained unobstructed to 14' in height.
Aerial access can also be obstructed with the growth of trees planted along
streets used for aerial access. This comment is aimed at preserving both trees
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and fire apparatus. Please be mindful when selecting tree species.
Landscape Response: A note will be added to the landscape plans that read: “All tree canopies that overlap
with the emergency access easement shall be limbed to14’ in height at maturity to maintain unobstructed
access to emergency vehicles.”
Comment Number: 7
04/18/2025: PREMISE IDENTIFICATION: ADDRESS POSTING &
WAYFINDING – IFC section 505.1.1 amendment
Where possible, the naming of private drives is usually recommended to aid in
wayfinding. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved
address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in
a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address
identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers
shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled
out. The address numerals for any commercial or industrial buildings shall be
placed at a height to be clearly visible from the street. They shall be a minimum
of 8 inches in height unless distance from the street or other factors dictate
larger numbers. Refer to Table 505.1.3 of the 2021 IFC as amended. If bronze
or brass numerals are used, they shall only be posted on a black background for
visibility. Monument signs may be used in lieu of address numerals on the
building as approved by the fire code official. Buildings, either individually or
part of a multi- building complex, that have emergency access lanes on sides
other than on the addressed street side, shall have the address numbers and
street name on each side that fronts the fire lane.
505.1.7 - Approved wayfinding signage shall be posted in conspicuous
locations within buildings to provide clear direction to locate any suite,
apartment, or unit within the building. Interior wayfinding signage shall be a
minimum of 2 inches in height with a minimum 1/4 inch stroke.
Architect Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 8
04/18/2025: GROUP R SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
New multi-family buildings above 4 stories or with floor levels 30 feet above fire
department vehicle access shall be provided with NFPA13 fire suppression systems.
FIRE DEPARTMENT HOSE CONNECTION
- IFC 912.2: Fire Department Connections shall be installed in accordance with
NFPA standards. Fire department connections shall be located on the street
side of buildings, fully visible and recognizable from the street or nearest point
of fire department vehicle access. The location of the FDC will be reviewed at
construction and the sprinkler system permit.
An underground fire line permit is required by the Poudre Fire Authority. As per
Colorado state law (8 CRR 1507-11), individuals or companies installing
underground supply lines from public water supplies to fire sprinkler system
risers, standpipes, and other fire protection systems must be registered with the
State of Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) as a “FIRE
SUPPRESSION SYSTEM CONTRACTOR – UNDERGROUND”. Permit
applications should include a current business name and registration number.
As per DFPC records, currently registered individuals and companies can be found here:
https://dfpc.colorado.gov/sites/dfpc/files/2021%20Suppression%20Contractor%20Registrations.pdf
Additional information regarding requirements of Colorado state law can be found here:
https://dfpc.colorado.gov/fire-suppression-system-contractors
Architect Response: Noted, a NFPA 13 system will be installed. Fully engineered fire sprinkler drawings will
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be provided at a later date.
Comment Number: 9
04/18/2025: FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS
Fire alarm systems and smoke detection shall be installed as required by IFC
Section 907.2.1 through 907.2.23. and provide occupant notification in
accordance with IFC Section 907.5
Architect Response: Noted. Fully engineered fire alarm drawings will be provided at a later date.
Comment Number: 10
04/18/2025: KEY BOXES REQUIRED - IFC 506.1 and Poudre Fire Authority
Bureau Policy P-13-8.11
Poudre Fire Authority requires at least one key box ("Knox Box") to be mounted
in an approved, exterior location (or locations) on every new or existing building
equipped with a required fire sprinkler or fire alarm system. The box shall be
positioned 3 to 6 feet above finished floor and within 10 feet of the front door, or
closest door to the fire alarm panel. Exception can be made by the PFA if it is
more logical to have the box located somewhere else on the structure. Knox
Box size, number, and location(s) to be determined at building permit and/or by time of final CO.
All new or existing Knox Boxes must contain the following keys as they apply to the building:
- Exterior Master
- Riser room
- Fire panel
- Elevator key if equipped with an elevator
The number of floors determines the number of sets of keys needed.
Each set will be placed on their own key ring.
- Single story buildings must have 1 of each key
- 2-3 story buildings must have 2 of each key
- 4+ story buildings must have 3 of each key
For further details or to determine the size of Knox Box required, contact the Poudre Fire Authority.
Architect Response: Noted. Thank you for the information.
Comment Number: 11
04/18/2025: WATER SUPPLY – Commercial/Multi-family
Hydrant spacing and flow must meet minimum requirements based on type of
occupancy. A fire hydrant capable of providing Fire Flow according to IFC
B105.2 is required within 300 feet of any portion of a 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.
An exception to this rule pertains to buildings equipped with a standpipe system
which require a hydrant within 100 feet of any Fire Department Connection (FDC).
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 12
04/18/2025: EMERGENCY RESPONDER RADIO COMMUNICATION -
AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM TEST New and existing buildings require a fire
department emergency communication system evaluation after the core/shell
but prior to final build out. For the purposes of this section, fire walls shall not be
used to define separate buildings. Where adequate radio coverage cannot be
established within a building, public-safety radio amplification systems shall be
designed and installed in accordance with criteria established by Poudre Fire
Authority. The installation of required ERRC systems shall be reviewed and
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approved under a separate permit process through PFA.
LOCAL EXCEPTION: PFA will waive the testing requirement and system
installation in all buildings less than 10,000 sq. ft. and any Type V construction
building less than 15,000 sq. ft. PFA policy P15-510.1
Architect Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 13
04/18/2025: FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
Poudre Fire Authority is currently looking to acquire a commercial property to
use for a major emphasis drill (lost or injured firefighter). The training is intended
to be non-destructive in nature: no walls or ceilings breeched, no water flow, etc.
Please contact me if your site may be willing to pursue a discussion along this
line and I will put you in touch with our training division chief. Thank you.
Developer Response: Noted, thank you for this information. The project team will be sure to coordinate
with Poudre Fire Authority if and when demolition is pursued.
Comment Number: 14
04/18/2025: INFORMATION – CODES AND LOCAL AMENDMENTS
Poudre Fire Authority has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC).
Development plans and building plan reviews shall be designed according to
the adopted version of the fire code as amended.
- Copies of our current local amendments can be found here:
https://www.poudre-fire.org/programs-services/community-safety-services-fire-p
revention/fire-code-adoption
- Free versions of the IFC can be found here: https://codes.iccsafe.org
Architect Response: Noted. Will the Poudre Fire Authority be adopting the 2024 IFC for projects being
permitted in 2026? It is my understanding that the City of Fort Collins will be switching over to the 2024 ICC
codes starting in 2026.
Comment Number: 15
04/18/2025: PLAN REVIEW SUBMITTAL
When you submit for your building permit though the City of Fort Collins please
be advised Poudre Fire Authority is an additional and separate submittal. The
link for Poudre Fire Authority’s plan review application can be found at
https://www.poudre-fire.org/online-services/contractors-plan-reviews-and-permit
s/new-building-plan-review-application.
Architect Response: Noted, thank you.
Department: Building Services
Contact: Russell Hovland rhovland@fcgov.com 970-416-2341
Topic: Building Insp Plan Review
Comment Number: 1
04/17/2025: Multi-family Construction shall comply with adopted codes as
amended. Current adopted codes are:
2021 International Building Code (IBC) with local amendments
2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) with local amendments
2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with local amendments
2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with local amendments
2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with local amendments
2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) with local amendments
Colorado Plumbing Code (currently on the 2021 IPC)
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2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) as amended by the State of Colorado
Projects shall comply with the current adopted building codes, local
amendments and structural design criteria can be found here:
https://www.fcgov.com/building/codes
New 2024 building codes will be adopted in early 2026.
Accessibility: State Law CRS 9-5 & ICC/ANSI A117.1-2017.
Snow Live Load: Ground Snow Load 35 PSF.
Frost Depth: 30 inches.
Wind Loads: Risk Category II (most structures):
• 140mph (Ultimate) exposure B or Front Range Gust Map published by The
Structural Engineer's Association of Colorado
Seismic Design: Category B.
Climate Zone: Zone 5
Energy Code:
• Multi-family and Condominiums 3 stories max: 2021 IECC residential chapter.
• Commercial and Multi-family 4 stories and taller: 2021 IECC commercial chapter.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
• Electric vehicle charging parking spaces are required per local IBC
amendment 3604, which requires 70% of parking spaces provide 3 types of EV charging.
• If the building is located within 250ft of a 4 lane road or 1000 ft of an active
railway, must provide exterior composite sound transmission of 39 STC min.
• R-2 occupancies must provide 10ft to 30ft of fire separation distance
(setback) from property line and 20 feet between other buildings or provide fire
rated walls and openings per chapter 6 and 7 of the IBC.
• All multi-famliy buildings must be fire sprinkled. City of Fort Collins
amendments to the 2021 International Fire Code limit what areas can avoid fire
sprinklers with a NFPA 13R, see local IFC 903 amendment.
• Bedroom egress windows required below 4th floor regardless of fire-sprinkler.
All egress windows above the 1st floor require minimum sill height of 24”.
• If using electric systems to heat or cool the building, ground source heat pump
or cold climate heat pump technology is required.
• A City licensed commercial general contractor is required to construct any new multi-family structure.
• Energy code requires short hot water supply lines by showing plumbing compactness.
• The energy code requires all new buildings pass a building air tightness test
(blower door) and submit documentation of such before final CO can be issued.
• For projects located in Metro Districts, there are special additional code requirements for new
buildings. Please contact the plan review team to obtain the requirements for each district.
Building Permit Pre-Submittal Meeting:
For new buildings, please schedule a pre-submittal meeting with Building Services for this project.
Pre-Submittal meetings assist the designer/builder by assuring, early on in the design, that the new
projects are on track to complying with all of the adopted City codes and Standards listed above.
The proposed project should be in the early to mid-design stage for this meeting to be effective.
Applicantsof new projects should email their Development Review Coordinator
to schedule a pre-submittal meeting.
Stock Plans:
When the exact same residential building will be built more then once with
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limited variations, a stock plan design or master plan can be submitted for a
single review and then built multiple times with site specific permits. More
information can be found in our Stock Plan Guide at
fcgov.com/building/res-requirements.php.
Architect Response: Noted. Thank you for the information.
Department: Technical Services
Contact: Jeff County jcounty@fcgov.com 970-221-6588
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
04/16/2025: 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 if you need up to date Benchmark
Statement format and City Vertical Control Network information.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 2
04/17/2025: If submitting a replat is required for this property/project, the
title/name may not begin with addresses in numeral form. Address numbers
must be spelled out. Please contact our office with any questions.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 3
04/17/2025: If a Subdivision Plat is required and aliquot corners are shown,
current acceptable Monument Records will be required. These are required with
Round 1 submittal.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.
Comment Number: 4
04/17/2025: Closure reports will be required for all Subdivision Plats,
Easements, and any other document requiring a legal description & sketch
being submitted for review. These are required with Round 1 submittal.
Civil Response: Noted, thank you.