HomeMy WebLinkAboutRIDGEWOOD HILLS FIFTH FILING - PDP190018 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 2 - RESPONSE TO STAFF REVIEW COMMENTSCommunity 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
December 06, 2019
John Beggs
Russell + Mills
506 S College Ave,
Unit A
Fort Collins, CO 80524
RE: Ridgewood Hills Fifth Filing, PDP190018, Round Number 1
Please see the following summary of comments from City staff and outside reviewing
agencies for your submittal of Ridgewood Hills Fifth Filing. 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, 970-416-2744, bbethuremharras@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
11/27/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
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!
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 2
11/27/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
As part of your resubmittal 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.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 4
11/27/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
This proposed project is processing as a Type 2 Project Development Plan.
The decision maker for Type 2 is the Planning and Zoning Board. Staff would
need to be in agreement the project is ready for Hearing approximately 3-5
weeks prior to the hearing.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 3
11/27/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
When you are ready to resubmit, please make an appointment with me at least
24 hours in advance. Submittals are accepted any day of the week, with
Wednesday at noon being the cut-off for routing the same week.
Response: Noted
Department: Environmental Planning
Contact: Stephanie Blochowiak, 970-416-4290, sblochowiak@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
Thank you for setting up and completing an on-site visit with Forestry and
Environmental Planning staff after the Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
meeting held on 8/14/2019, and then afterward, setting up the in-person
meeting to discuss mitigation requirements on Thursday 10/31/2019 at 281 N
College Av with City staff (Forestry, Environmental Planning, Stormwater).
Response: You’re welcome!
Comment Number: 2 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
Thank you for submitting a more finalized Ecological Characterization Study
(ECS) than that submitted with the PDR and with this PDP Rd 1 submittal.
Information in the ECS informs the design of a "natural habitat buffer zone" or
NHBZ when a site has or is adjacent (within 500 ft) to City Land Use Code
(LUC) identified natural habitats and features and areas identified as significant
ecological value in our City.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 3 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
As discussed during the 10/31/19 mitigation meeting and then sent in meeting
notes, when a natural habitat buffer zone is required in a development proposal
project plan, it can be established using the quantitative setbacks (e.g. 50-ft,
100-ft, 300-ft etcetera) outlined in the LUC 3.4.1 buffer table or through meeting
buffer zone performance standards outlined in LUC 3.4.1(E)(1)(a-i). At the
mitigation meeting, a performance standards approach was communicated as
the chosen path by the applicant team.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 4 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: BEFORE HEARING:
Environmental Planning needs another round of PDP review as the currently
proposed site, landscape and utility plans do not meet LUC 3.4.1 buffer zone
quantitative or qualitative [LUC 3.4.1(E)(1)(a-i)] buffer zone performance
standards.
Response: NHBZ memo and associated diagrams outline that how the project is meeting the
required 10.5 acres of natural habitat buffer zone qualitative performance standards.
Comment Number: 5 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: BEFORE RD 2 PDP:
Unfortunately, it does not appear that the Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
plan has adjusted for this Project Development Plan (PDP) Round 1 submittal. It
appears that not enough mitigation space is being provided in the proposed
site plan for a designed natural habitat buffer zone or NHBZ. The bottom line is:
significant changes to basic site plan layout are needed.
Response: NHBZ memo and associated diagrams outline that how the project is meeting the
required 10.5 acres of natural habitat buffer zone qualitative performance standards.
Comment Number: 6 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: BEFORE RD 2 PDP:
The project seems to propose reducing natural habitat buffer zone area by
about half from that which would be provided by quantitative setbacks. Am I
mis-reading this? The calculations included in the submittal to me read:
A. Amount of total buffer area that would be required using LUC quantitative
setbacks for all identified LUC defined natural habitats and features = 10.5 ac
B. Amount of total proposed buffer area provided on these plans for LUC
defined natural habitats and features = 4.92 ac
Response: Amount of proposed buffer area being proposed is now 11.0 acres.
If I am understanding correctly, then, this significant reduction is not supported
by City staff because it would not be capable of meeting qualitative
performance standards for natural habitat buffers [LUC 3.4.1(E)(1)(a-i)].
Response: NHBZ memo and associated diagrams outline that how the project is meeting the
required 10.5 acres of natural habitat buffer zone qualitative performance standards.
Comment Number: 7 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: BEFORE RD 2 PDP:
The large southern wetland and northeast riparian areas are considered of
significant ecological value by LUC 3.4.1(A)(1) and this value is described in
the ECS. These are the two highest priority ecological areas to protect in place.
These features should be incorporated into the site to meet natural habitat
buffer zone requirements and would support multiple design goals including:
aesthetics, screening, tree protection and stormwater management. Protecting
these two features in particular in place facilitates a project's ability to meet
LUC 3.4.1 natural habitat buffer requirements at this site. City Environmental
Planner will provide a more detailed ecological protection and mitigation
summary to support applicant team in decision-making related to design of a
natural habitat buffer zone that can meet LUC 3.4.1 NHBZ performance
standards.
Response: Refinements/revisions to the site plan have been made to protect the north eastern
wetland area along the crack willow draw - further discussions are planned with environmental staff
to finalize the details in this area — other wetland to the south is being retained and enhanced with
weed mitigation and upland/riparian planting.
Comment Number: 8 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: BEFORE HEARING:
As discussed at 10/31/19 mitigation meeting and then sent in meeting notes...
Due to size and quality of largest wetland in the southern portion of the project:
A. Plan is to consolidate wetland pockets impacted elsewhere and add
wetlands to south.
Response: Correct - one change from the pervious plan was that the crack willow draw wetland
was not being retained. The majority of this area is being retained with the changes that have been
made to the site plan.
B. Monitoring plan and design needed including groundwater, soils and
vegetation community plots points.
Response: This will be provided by the environmental consultant prior to hearing
C. Monitoring plan to be reviewed and approved by City staff including number
and location of plot points assessing soils, hydrology and vegetation of southern
wetland preconstruction and then for three years post construction.
Response: Noted
D. Approved monitoring plan needed before scheduling project Hearing.
Response: Noted
E. Monitoring to occur at least monthly – checking plots monthly
April-September and starting April 2020 if project is to proceed in development
review process and move to Hearing.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 9 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: BEFORE HEARING:
A. City approval of a groundwater and vegetation monitoring plan is needed
prior to scheduling a Hearing as this will be important to understand if and how
the project can ensure the wetlands are protected and if proposal for
consolidating smaller wetlands is likely to succeed given the hydrology, soils
and vegetation contributing to the designed natural habitat buffer zone.
B. Stormwater LID features should be no closer than 50 ft to edge of existing
delineated wetlands and this is consistent with past projects approved in City.
RESPONSE: No LID features are located within 50’ of existing wetlands.
C. Stormwater detention and LID features included in any 50 ft and/or 100 ft
buffer and/or in a designed natural habitat buffer zone must have naturalistic
design including naturalistic topographic undulations, vegetation and habitat
enhancements. Current proposed stormwater feature slopes are too steep in
several areas. These features must be shallower and with more gentle
slopes and naturalistic design.
RESPONSE: Proposed detention and bio-retention ponds within any existing buffers or proposed
mitigation areas incorporate naturalistic design with varying slopes.
D. A total of 2.36 ac of wetlands exist preconstruction according to the ECS
and thus 2.36 ac of wetlands needs to remain post construction.
Response: Noted
E. It appears a minimum of 10.5 acres total of natural habitat buffer zone
(NHBZ) is needed for any proposed development project at this site.
Response: Correct - 11.0 acres is being provided with this plan.
Comment Number: 10 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: BEFORE HEARING:
Submit a design incorporating a much larger NHBZ and one protecting the
southern wetland and northeast riparian area in addition to the aforementioned
wetland monitoring plan. This will need to be provided prior to City
Environmental Planning staff accepting the PDP RD 2 submittal for routing.
Response: The larger NHBZ has been provided on the plan — the wetland monitoring plan will be
provided prior to hearing as it was mentioned above
Comment Number: 11 Comment Originated: 12/05/2019
12/02/2019: BEFORE HEARING:
With respect to lighting, the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code, Section
3.2.4(D)(6), requires that "natural areas and natural features shall be protected
from light spillage from off-site sources." Thus lighting shall not spill over into any
natural features or natural habitat buffer areas.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 12 Comment Originated: 12/06/2019
12/06/2019: BEFORE RD 2 PDP:
Because the design of a natural habitat buffer zone (NHBZ) that can meet LUC
3.4.1 performance standards is key to a development project proposal at this
site, and given the NHBZ relationship to other LUC requirements for Planning,
Forestry and Stormwater, perhaps it is best to set up a mini design charrette in
coming weeks with relevant City development staff reviewers and prior to
submitting a PDP Rd 2 development project proposal for this site. Thank you.
Response: Meeting was held.
Department: Forestry
Contact: Molly Roche, 224-616-1992, mroche@fcgov.com
Topic: Landscape Plans
Comment Number: 4 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/2/2019: FOR HEARING – UPDATED
Thank you for providing an Existing Tree Removal Feasibility Letter. The letter
that was provided included one blanket statement to justify tree removal and a
copy of the tree inventory. In our opinion, the letter provided is not sufficient.
Forestry requests that the applicant provide additional justification for removing
several significant stems and groups of trees and will provide a few examples of
this letter.
Response: Letter has been updated.
8/2/2019: 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 detailing the reason for tree removal. 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.
Response: Letter has been updated
Comment Number: 5 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/2/2019: FOR HEARING - UNRESOLVED
Thank you for including species percentages in the plant list. The plant list on
sheet LP101 is cut-off – please show the entire plant list on all sheets. In
addition, please include species labels on all trees and shrubs.
Response: Correction has been made to planting plan
8/2/2019: FOR PDP
Please include species labels on all trees and shrubs as well quantities and
species diversity percentages in the plant list.
Response: Species diversity has been shown on the planting plan
Comment Number: 6 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/2/2019: FOR HEARING - UNRESOLVED
This has not been done. Please include the City of Fort Collins Street Tree
Permit Note on all landscape sheets.
Response: Note has been added.
8/2/2019: FOR PDP
Please include the City of Fort Collins Street Tree Permit Note on all landscape
sheets.
Response: Note has been added.
Comment Number: 7 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/2/2019: INFORMATION ONLY
Forestry redlines are provided. These redlines detail inadequate tree-tree and
tree-utility separations as well as locations that can fit additional street and
landscape trees. For example, some street trees are spaced closer than 30 ft
apart, further than 40 ft apart, and too close to utilities including but not limited to
gas, sewer, sanitary, water, and street-lights. Forestry scanned all landscape
pages to identify tree separation issues, but please note that it is possible that
not all errors have been identified. Please verify that all street trees are placed
30-40 ft apart and maintain the following separations from utilities:
10’ between shade trees and water, sanitary, and storm sewer main lines
6’ between ornamental trees and water, sanitary, and storm sewer service lines
4’ between trees and gas lines.
Include locations of streetlights and stop signs. Please adjust tree locations to
provide proper tree separation:
40 ft between Canopy Shade Trees and streetlights
15 ft between ornamental trees and streetlights
40 ft between street trees and stop signs
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 8 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/2/2019: FOR HEARING:
I am not sure if all street-lights and stop signs have been included on the plans.
Please verify and provide proper tree separation.
40 ft between Canopy Shade Trees and streetlights
15 ft between ornamental trees and streetlights
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 9 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/2/2019: FOR HEARING:
Species list
- Please do specify the following species within the City right-of-way:
Sensation Boxelder, Plains Cottonwood, Crimson Pointe Plum. Only
single-stem ornamentals should be used in the right-of-way.
Response: Noted
- Please switch out State Street Maple for either ‘Green Mountain’ or ‘Fall
Fiesta’ Sugar Maple.
Response: Noted
- City Forestry has noticed issues with Heritage Oak during hard freeze
events and does not recommend this species to be used in Fort Collins. Please
consider using additional Chinkapin and Texas Red Oaks in their place.
Response: Noted
- Please switch out Peking Lilac Tree for Japanese Tree Lilac.
Comment Number: 10 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/2/2019: FOR HEARING:
Due to the required improvements along College Ave as a part of this submittal,
please include a 10-foot parkway strip and street trees along this stretch for
Forestry’s review. Please do not specify Lindens in the right-of-way along
arterial streets due to their issues with deicing salts.
Response: Street trees cannot be accommodated along this stretch of South College - existing
utilities - both overhead and underground are present
Comment Number: 11 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/2/2019: FOR HEARING:
City Forestry will provide existing inventory information for the street trees along
Triangle Drive. Existing street trees shall be shown on the existing tree inventory
and landscape plans as to be protected and retained.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 12 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/2/2019: FOR HEARING
The following trees/groves on the Existing Tree Inventory Plan are shown to be
removed on the list but shown to remain on the plans: G4, G5, G7, G9, G10,
G11, Trees 10-22, Trees 47-53. Please clarify their status.
Tree 46 is not shown on the plans.
Please label trees to retain in the list.
G14 is shown with an X on the plans but is not shown to be removed in the list.
Include Environmental Planning mitigation values for trees that cannot be
mitigated by Forestry.
G8 – to be removed or to retain?
Tree labeled as 8 on sheet TR405 – incorrectly labeled?
Redlines are provided for further clarification.
Response: Tree mitigation/removal plan has been updated
Comment Number: 13 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/2/2019: FOR HEARING:
Please label all mitigation trees in the plant list. Clarify the number of each
species that are called out to go towards the required mitigation total.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 14 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/2/2019: FOR HEARING:
Please label all match lines and street names on the landscape plans.
Response: Match lines and street names have been added on the landscape plans
Comment Number: 15 Comment Originated: 12/06/2019
12/6/2019: PRIOR TO PDP ROUND 2:
City Forestry staff does not support removing the cottonwoods and other trees
existing in the northeastern area of the site as well as several other existing tree
groves mentioned below and on redlined plans. The retention of these trees
does not appear to present a significant burden to the project. The justification
provided for tree removal (site grading, utilities, and development) is not
supported by City Staff because alternative site-design and layout that
accommodates tree preservation has not been explored or presented by the
applicant. In particular, trees 1-32; groves G1-G9; trees 56-57, groves G13-G16
should be retained and protected to the extent reasonably feasible as they have
inherent value to the environment, canopy coverage, carbon storage, and
wildlife habitat.
If it is determined that the trees are unable to be saved, the significant loss of
tree canopy and habitat would have to be substantially mitigated on-site
according to mitigation values designated by City Forestry and Environmental
Planning.
Response: Significant site revisions have been made to save the existing wetland area and
associated trees in the NE area — we would like to continue our coordination with City staff to
identify which trees could be removed further in this area to enhance this area further.
Department: Stormwater Engineering
Contact: Basil Hamdan, 970-222-1801, bhamdan@fcgov.com
Topic: Erosion Control
Comment Number: 1 Comment Originated: 11/20/2019
11/20/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
No ESC materials were submitted with the PDP. Since the disturbed area
associated with construction activities proposed with the development exceeds
one acre an Erosion Control, plan and report as well as a State stormwater
discharge permit will be required at FDP level submittal.
RESPONSE: Erosion control plan and report will be provided at FDP level.
Contact: Katie Gray
Topic: General
Comment Number: 2 Comment Originated: 11/21/2019
11/21/2019: FOR HEARING:
Drainage and Erosion control should be closely analyzed and designed as to
not impact upstream or downstream properties. The County would require
on-site detention of the 100-year event with an outlet that releases flows at the
two-year historic rates with adequate water quality.
RESPONSE: Detention ponds are designed to meet the maximum allowable release rates
associated with the City of Fort Collins Fossil Creek drainage area master plan (0.2 cfs per acre).
Detention calculations are included in the preliminary drainage report.
Contact: Wes Lamarque, 970-416-2418, wlamarque@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 3 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
All detention ponds need to have a maximum of 4 to 1 side slopes. Please
revise.
RESPONSE: Detention pond slopes have been adjusted not to exceed 4:1.
Comment Number: 4 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
All detention ponds need to meet the City's Detention Pond Landscape
Standards which include varying slopes with a naturalistic shape and proper
landscaping.
RESPONSE: Proposed detention and bio-retention ponds within any existing buffers or proposed
mitigation areas incorporate naturalistic design with varying slopes.
Comment Number: 5 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
City recommends a bio-retention facility be proposed for Basin C instead of a
sand filter due to less frequent maintenance, more options for landscaping, and
dual purpose use.
RESPONSE: Bio retention will be utilized in Basin C. The updated area is shown on the plans and
calculations for the BMP are included in the drainage report.
Comment Number: 6 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
No LID calculations were submitted for the sand filter. Extended Detention
calculations were submitted instead for Pond C.
RESPONSE: Bio retention will be utilized in Basin C. The calculations for the BMP are included in
the drainage report.
Comment Number: 7 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
The amount of LID underground Stormtech chambers seems high. The City
would like to review the calculations with the applicant to make sure accuracy.
RESPONSE: Revised calculations are included within the drainage report.
Comment Number: 8 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
The City is not sure why the irrigation lateral has a high-water bypass into the
storm sewer system. Please remove the bypass and explain the reasoning
behind it.
RESPONSE: An existing overflow bypass for the irrigation ditch will be demolished with the
proposed realignment of the irrigation ditch. The overflow spilled into the Benson Lake Inlet. An
overflow weir is proposed within a junction structure that will outlet into the Benson Lake Inlet.
Comment Number: 9 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR HEARING:
There are a few locations where private storm sewers are running parallel in the
right-of-way. Please relocate these storm sewers on private property until a
connection can be made perpendicular to the street.
RESPONSE: Storm drain inefficiencies have been corrected. Near the intersection of Strasburg
and Triangle, offsite storm drain and irrigation ditch connections are shown for the most efficient
connection to the Benson Lake Inlet.
Comment Number: 10 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR HEARING:
Due to some of these comments and comments from other departments that
may impact the site plan, not all aspects of the design was reviewed and
additional new comments may apply in the next PDP round. The
RESPONSE: Comment noted. We will coordinate with the district on the utility drawings.
Department: Light And Power
Contact: Rob Irish, 970-224-6167, rirish@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
Please show the electric running line in the parkway along both sides of the
public road and in the utility easement on both sides of the private drives.
Please make sure all other Utilities required clearances from electric are being
met.
RESPONSE: Electric service is shown on the utility plan within the easements.
Comment Number: 2 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
Secondary service for any buildings other than single-family detached, will be
installed, owned and maintained by the owner.
RESPONSE: Comment noted.
Comment Number: 3 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN:
A commercial service information form (C-1 form) and a One-line diagram will
need to be submitted to Light & Power Engineering for all proposed buildings
other than single-family detached. A link to the C-1 form is below:
http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/business/builders-and-developers/development-fo
rms-guidelines-regulations.
RESPONSE: Comment noted.
Comment Number: 4 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN:
This project will need to comply with our electric metering standards. Electric
meter locations will need to be coordinated with Light and Power Engineering.
Reference Section 8 of our Electric Service Standards for electric metering
standards. A link has been provided below.
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/ElectricServiceStanda
rds_FINAL_18November2016_Amendment.pdf
RESPONSE: Electric meters have been located on the exterior building walls, visible in plan and elevation.
Individual meters have been provided for each unit. Meters will be installed per the required mounting
heights (24”-78” per Section 8.1.2.2). Meters have been located approximately split half and half on each
building side elevation. Note: the building will be serviced by a central water heater and therefore a single
house meter will be used for the gas meter.
Comment Number: 5 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN:
Transformer and meter locations will need to be coordinated with Light & Power
Engineering. 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. 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.
RESPONSE: Comment noted.
Comment Number: 6 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
Any existing and/or proposed Light & Power electric facilities that will remain
within the limits of the project must be located within a utility easement.
RESPONSE: Comment noted.
Comment Number: 7 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
If Fort Collins Loveland Water District will be serving this site, Light & Power
would request not installing paired water services at the lot line. This makes it
very difficult to install vaults, streetlights and secondary boxes at the lot lines.
RESPONSE: Shared water services are preferred. We will coordinate with FCLWD on placement of
the services, with potential to offset from the lot line.
Comment Number: 8 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
Any ditch crossing agreements necessary to install utilities will be the
owners/developers cost and responsibility to obtain.
RESPONSE: Comment noted.
Comment Number: 9 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
There seem to be quite a few areas where maintaining clearance requirements
from other utilities will be problematic. For instance, Storm water is in the
parkway or encroaching on the parkway in many places and the proposed utility
easements don't seem to account for all of the utilities and clearances.
Coordinating transformers, vaults, secondary boxes, and streetlights early in the
process will be needed.
RESPONSE: Comment noted. Preliminary electric layout for power with the utility easements
adjacent to the right-of-way and private drives is shown. We will coordinate with light and power on
service/meter/transformer locations.
Department: Engineering Development Review
Contact: Marc Virata, 970-221-6567, mvirata@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
Confirmation should be made that the overall premise of how the development
is proposing to develop and entitle the single-family product. I’m traditionally
used to seeing single-family being associated with individual lots lines being
created (even for attached single family) and separate utility services to each lot
(one water service appears to split between several individual units). Input from
Planning, Building, and FCLWD would be helpful in this regard.
RESPONSE: Tracts are called out on the plat for the single family areas. Townhomes will be
subdivided across individual lots.
Comment Number: 2 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
The site plan shows the establishment of private drives with street names. The
subdivision plat does not show any legal establishment of the street name,
which is needed for GIS and Larimer County to recognize. The plat should
ideally be defining the private drives as tracts to define the limits of the street
name (where Maroon Vista Way stops, and Long Vista Way starts for example)
and to also have established distinct areas in which the maintenance is being
indicated. In addition to the tract, the street name in the plat should also be
followed by "(Private Drive)". Example: Tract A, Maroon Vista Way (Private
Drive)
RESPONSE: Private drives have been designated as tracts.
Comment Number: 3 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
The geotech report shows high groundwater, in its shallowest, less than a foot
from existing grade. This particular location at the south end of the site is shown
under public streets and homes in the report, but this appears to be an older
site plan, and this location appears to now be where the storm outfall/detention
of the site occurs. We’ll want to understand the implications on the viability of the
detention pond with the high groundwater at this location, and have further
confirmation that the high groundwater area is not where public streets are
intended. Are basements proposed in this subdivision?
If there demonstrates a need to mitigate the groundwater (whether due to storm
drainage, streets, and/or basement concerns, please provide a subsurface
hydrologic study which contains the required information listed in LCUASS
5.6.2.A. This can be a new report or an addendum to the preliminary
geotechnical investigation report. Understanding relevant mitigation needs to
be proposed prior to the project going to public hearing. Depending on what is
proposed, any proposed basements may not be feasible in this area of the site.
RESPONSE: Grading within the pond areas and the remainder of the site has been adjusted to be
brought above the groundwater table, based upon the Geologic and Preliminary Geotechnical
Investigation prepared by CTL Thompson, dated August 28, 2019.
Comment Number: 4 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
Please provide an exhibit showing that the sidewalk along US287 is being
constructed in the ultimate location in accordance with the US287 EOS 144’
cross section (57th St. to Harmony Rd.). It does not appear that the existing
sidewalk and curb/gutter were built in the ultimate location. Please include
interim and ultimate widths for vehicle and bike lanes, and parkway. We want to
ensure that the sidewalk and trees are put in so that the roadway can be
widened in the future. If the sidewalk cannot be placed in the ultimate location
horizontally and vertically, an interim sidewalk may be installed and a payment in
lieu for the full cross section (pavement, curb, gutter, parkway, sidewalk) will be
collected. We also want to make sure that trees are not planted in a location
which will conflict with the widened cross section.
Response: The sidewalk is being shown in the ultimate location for the South College widening.
Further clarification from both CDOT and the City is requested to finalize this area.
Comment Number: 5 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
Please dedicate right-of-way on US287 to the ultimate location per the 144’
Environmental Overview Study cross section. A link to the document can be
found here:
https://www.codot.gov/library/studies/US287EOS/eosreportjanuary2007.pdf/at_
download/file
Please note that on Page 108 of the study that a transition to shift the roadway
approximately 25 feet to the west occurs partially along the frontage. We'll want
to ensure that this is taken into account and that CDOT has reviewed the
development proposal to indicate whether conformance to the plan is being met
(or accept a modification to the plan accordingly).
Response: As mentioned above - further clarification is needed in order for the client to dedicate
land in this area. In conversations with CDOT, the EOS that was done is outdated and would need
to be revised.
Comment Number: 6 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
The plans appear to show work being done to an existing ditch owned by
Louden Irrigation Ditch. It appears that the civil construction plans would need a
signature block from the irrigation company, also the plat may need to have
Louden Irrigation Ditch signing as well.
RESPONSE: We will coordinate with the ditch company on approval of the plan and any signature
blocks that are required.
Comment Number: 7 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
The existing curb cut on US287 (south of where the existing sidewalk ends)
should be replaced with vertical curb. Similarly, the drive approach off of
Triangle Drive that's no longer being utilized should be removed and replaced
with vertical curb.
RESPONSE: The existing curb cuts on US 287 and Triangle Drive will be replaced with vertical curb
and gutter consistent with the current section.
Comment Number: 8 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
It appears that some of the private drives would require emergency access
easements. Please confirm with PFA which private drives require emergency
access easements in addition to the proposed access easements.
RESPONSE: Emergency Access has been coordinated with PFA. Easements are called on the plan
and plat.
Comment Number: 9 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
At the street turn of Field View Drive and Longmont Street, please ensure that
at least one set of access ramps is provided for ease of crossing the street for
pedestrians and bikes.
RESPONSE: Access ramps are provided at Field View Drive before the turn onto Longmont Street.
Comment Number: 10 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
Street plans: what is the existing grade going into the vertical curve where
Avondale connects to existing? What is the grade on Avondale between ST
24+58.47 and 24+64.82?
RESPONSE: Per the Ridgewood Hills Fourth Filing FUP, the proposed extension of Avondale Road
where it enters the Fifth Filing site is 4.62%. The proposed section has been updated to match this.
Please note, the Fourth Filing plans where designed using a different vertical datum, so elevations
are inconsistent. The stationing between the two profiles sheets has been adjusted to show all
slope label.
Comment Number: 11 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
Street plans: the vertical curve on Field View south of Avondale does not meet
minimum length requirements and the tangent length between the intersection
and pc also does not meet standards (LCUASS 7.4.1.A.2.a requires 100’
tangent between intersections and curves). Please look into this and provide a
variance request if this cannot be met.
RESPONSE: The vertical curve information has been adjusted to meet minimum K value
requirements for a residential connector. A variance has been requested for the tangent between
the intersection and horizontal curve.
Comment Number: 12 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
Street plans: please label radii on all horizontal curves.
RESPONSE: Horizontal curve radii have been labeled on the road plan and profile sheets.
Comment Number: 13 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
There are several areas in the parkway strip along US287 where the grade
exceeds the max 4:1 slope in the right of way – please look at this and we can
figure out what might make sense in these areas.
RESPONSE: Parkway slopes along the US 287 right-of-way have been adjusted not to exceed 4:1.
Comment Number: 14 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
A payment in lieu of construction will need to be provided for the small portion of
Avondale that is not being constructed with this project. The payment will only be
for the local portion of the road, will be based on the adopted local street cost
estimate, and will be due prior to first building permit. This will be included in the
development agreement.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 15 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
A payment in lieu of construction will need to be provided for the portion of
Avondale that is not being constructed with this project. The payment will only be
for the local portion of the road, will be based on the adopted local street cost
estimate, and will be due prior to first building permit. This will be included in the
development agreement. Because the detention pond abuts Avondale Road
that is shown to be built by the developer to the south, the local portion will need
to include the portion of Tract H that abuts future Avondale Road since it is the
abutting property owner of one side of Avondale Road.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 16 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
The development agreement will also include language covering developer
contributions to future ped crossings for the school route as well as a
proportional contribution to the College and Trilby intersection project. We will
continue the conversation about contribution amounts and timing as plan review
progresses.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 17 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
The plans should be showing the design for Avondale Road that is being tied
into as part of Ridgewood Hills Fourth Filing. The plans show the
implementation of the current collector cross section specified in LCUASS,
which has a buffered bike lane, but given that the majority of Avondale has been
built (or will be built with Ridgewood Hills Fourth Filing) to the older standard
without the buffered bike lane, this development should continue the older cross
section with a 50-foot roadway (and the larger 8-foot landscape parkway). Also,
the Ridgewood Hills Fourth Filing construction of Avondale Road does not
extend fully to the boundary of this development and would need to be
constructed partially offsite (the City has the obligation in place for that
developer to provide their local portion of unbuilt Avondale within their
development boundary in the same manner that was commented on in a
previous comment.)
RESPONSE: Avondale Road has been updated
Comment Number: 18 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN:
Driveway access from public streets to private drives and private alleys should
be constructed to LCUASS drive approach standards with concrete to the back
of walk.
RESPONSE: Comment noted. LCUASS alley intersection and standard driveway approach details
are included in the Site Details pages.
Comment Number: 19 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN:
The grade break shown on future Avondale exceeds the 0.4% max, please
adjust to show a design that meets LCUASS standards.
RESPONSE: The Avondale profile has been adjusted to eliminate the grade break.
Comment Number: 20 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR FINAL:
Street plans: where Field View turns into Longmont, please provide radii in
accordance with the widening detail Figure 7-24.
RESPONSE: The radii have been labeled in accordance to Figure 7-24.
Comment Number: 21 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN:
Please include plans for signal installation at Triangle and College as well as
interim and ultimate college striping plans with final plan submittal.
RESPONSE: A preliminary traffic signal plan is included in the Utility Plan. We will coordinate with
engineering and traffic reviewers for installation of the signal.
Comment Number: 22 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN:
Please ensure that the City's "Utility Plan Approval" Block that is on the cover
sheet is provided for on all sheets of the plan set and space on the lower right
hand corner is accommodated for it in the future.
RESPONSE: Signature block fill be added to the Final Utility Plan sheet.
Comment Number: 23 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: FOR FINAL PLAN:
Utility plan notes page: Please maintain LCUASS numbering system for
consistency and please add drainage report date to general note 19. Site plan
notes are not needed on the utility plans.
RESPONSE: The numbering of the General notes has been checked for consistency with the
LCUASS General Notes. A date will be listed for the Drainage Report at time of Final Plan. The Site
Plan notes have been removed.
Comment Number: 24 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
Please note that as more design information is submitted, Engineering may
have additional comments regarding the final design of the public infrastructure.
RESPONSE: Comment noted.
Comment Number: 25 Comment Originated: 12/02/2019
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
The site plan shows a pedestrian connection from the southwest boundary of
the site onto Ridgewood Hills 3rd Filing's Tract A. In looking at Tract A it
appears to be an access easement conveyed to the City, but it should perhaps
be verified if the existing HOA is aware of the proposal.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 26 Comment Originated: 12/04/2019
12/04/2019: FOR FINAL:
The City has implemented signage for street signs that are not public streets
(private drives with street names). Specifications of these are included in the
electronic redlines ("Privately Maintained.pdf"). Please ensure that these are
included on the construction plans for the project.
Response: Noted
Department: Traffic Operation
Contact: Martina Wilkinson, 970-221-6887, mwilkinson@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR INFORMATION
The TIS has been received and reviewed. It provides a good basis for making
early decisions during the PDP phase. More detailed comments may be
forthcoming.
RESPONSE: Comment noted.
Comment Number: 2 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR FINAL
Please update the name of the project on the TIS to Ridgewood Hill 5th Filing
for filing purposes.
RESPONSE: The reference has been corrected.
Comment Number: 3 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR FINAL
Page 36 of the TIS has a reference to Hansen development. Is that correct?
RESPONSE: The reference has been corrected.
Comment Number: 4 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR FINAL
We'll need to see a signal plan sheet that shows pole locations (and any
potential conflicting utilities), mast arm lengths, pedestrian access to buttons
etc.
RESPONSE: A preliminary signal plan is provided within the Preliminary Utility Plan set for your
review.
Comment Number: 5 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR FINAL
Please plan to submit a signing and striping plan. Stop signs should also be
shown on the landscape plan - ensure that there are no trees planted within 50 ft
of the approach to a stop sign to ensure sign visibility.
RESPONSE: A signing and striping plan will be submitted at time of Final Plan.
Comment Number: 6 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR FINAL
The DA will need to address specifics (timing, construction, funding etc) on the
signalization of College / Triangle
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 7 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR HEARING
The project will be required to contribute a proportional contribution towards the
College / Trilby capital improvement project. In coming submittals, we can work
with you to identify the impact from this development, and the expected fee in
lieu.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 8 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR FINAL
Please work with Engineering on details related to internal pedestrian facilities
and design and signing for privately maintained internal roads.
RESPONSE: Signage for pedestrian facilities and private roads will be coordinated with
engineering added to the plan set.
Comment Number: 9 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR FINAL
Work with Engineering on requirements for frontage improvements along
College Avenue.
RESPONSE: We will coordinate with engineering and CDOT for improvements along 287.
Comment Number: 10 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR HEARING
If you are coordinating with Kroger's on the potential for an interim connection of
Avondale to Carpenter, that will be an important component to understand.
Response: Several attempts have been made to communicate with Kroger - those have been
unsuccessful
Department: PFA
Contact: Jim Lynxwiler, 970-416-2869, jlynxwiler@poudre-fire.org
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1 Comment Originated: 12/04/2019
12/04/2019: REQUIRED FIRE ACCESS
> Perimeter fire access has been achieved in all portions of the updated Site
Plan with the exception of three duplex units located at the south end of Pyramid
Vista Way. Their orientation to that private drive places them outside the 150'
maximum allowable distance. Orienting those three units to be accessible (and
addressed) from the intersecting private drive to the west would resolve this
problem.
> Dedicated fire access will be required for the private drives currently labeled
as Long Vista Way, Maroon Vista Way, & Pyramid Vista Way.
> Fire lanes are labeled as Emergency Access Easements (EAE) on Utility
Plans; however, fire lanes shall also be dedicated on the Plat and identified as
EAE's.
RESPONSE: Emergency access has been reconfigured to proide access for the duplex units at
Pyramid Way. Fire access is to be permitted along the private drives. Access easements requiring
emergency access have been updated on the plat to read as such. Refer to the Land Use Summary
table for Emergency Access granted across Private drives dedicated as Tracts.
Comment Number: 2 Comment Originated: 12/04/2019
12/04/2019: REQUIRED AERIAL APPARATUS ACCESS
> Please verify the 24-unit building has a 26' wide fire lane on the south side.
> Please verify the 42- & 48-unit buildings are located within a maximum
distance of 30' from the fire lane. Initial review appears to indicate buildings are
set back more than this distance.
> Please verify the 4-Plex Mountain Modern and 4-Plex Modern products do
not exceed 30' in height as per IFC D105.1 or show that aerial access
standards have been achieved for such units.
Response: The roof wall intersection is below 30’ - per our meeting this requirement does not
apply.
Comment Number: 3 Comment Originated: 12/04/2019
12/04/2019: FIRE HYDRANT
The duplex units on the south end of what is currently identified as Pyramid
Vista Way are greater than the maximum allowable 400' distance to a fire
hydrant (as measured along an approved path of vehicle travel). Hydrant
placement will need to be revised.
RESPONSE: A hydrant has been located adjacent to the private drive with emergency access along
the south side of Pyramid Vista Way.
Comment Number: 4 Comment Originated: 12/04/2019
12/04/2019: FIRE LANE SIGNAGE
Not required for hearing but prior to FDP approval, provide a posting plan for
fire lane signage. Refer to LCUASS detail #1419 for placement, and spacing.
RESPONSE: Fire lane signage will be provided at time of Final Plan.
Comment Number: 5 Comment Originated: 12/04/2019
12/04/2019: FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Not all multi-family products appear to show fire lines to the structure on the
Utility Plans (eg. 4-Plex units). Unless separated by lot lines, 13-R sprinkler
systems are typically required. Please update Utility Plans to indicate either fire
line locations or building department approval to provide residential fire
sprinkler systems using the domestic water line.
RESPONSE: Separate fire lines are shown to all multi-family structures.
For the apartment buildings (A-24, A-42, and A-48), per the City of Fort Collins’ 2018 IBC Amendments, it is
our understanding that Group R occupancies require an automatic sprinkler system to be installed
throughout in accordance with NFPA 13. Will this development be allowed to provide a 13R sprinkler
system?
For the townhome buildings, per the City of Fort Collins’ 2018 IRC Amendments, section R302.2,
‘Townhouses shall be provided with a fire-suppression system in accordance with section P2904 of this
code, NFPA 13D, or other approved equivalent sprinkler system’. A townhouse, by the same city
amendments, is defined as two or more attached single-family dwelling units each located entirely on a
separately recoded and platted parcel of land bounded by property lines.
Comment Number: 6 Comment Originated: 12/04/2019
12/04/2019: ADDRESS POSTING & WAYFINDING
Not required for hearing but prior to FDP approval, provide a plan for address
posting and wayfinding. With the updated Site Plan and ability to park at the
front door of most dwellings, I believe this will be a relatively simple matter;
however, wayfinding to the units east of Pyramid Vista Way are more
problematic. See also Required Fire Access comments above.
`Response: Noted
Department: Planning Services
Contact: Clark Mapes, 970-221-6225, cmapes@fcgov.com
Topic: Building Elevations
Comment Number: 1 Comment Originated: 11/21/2019
12/03/2019 BEFORE HEARING:
Building Design and Duplex and Single-family Detached Dwellings
The color renderings show a positive design approach. However, the
architectural design needs significantly more detailing to achieve the character
portrayed in the renderings. This includes overhanging eaves, recess depth at
doors and windows, and substantial trim to create the depth, interest, and
shadow as illustrated.
Response: Updates and revisions have been made to the duplex buildings
One significant question is the rendering of stacked units with gabled and
hipped roofs, but no elevations are included for those buildings. What is the
concept for that? See comments for ‘Model 4’.
Response: Updates to the duplex buildings have been made to respond to your comments.
A summary of duplex revisions is included in the submittal that outlines the changes that have
been made.
Overhanging eaves should be provided on all buildings, with a minimum
dimension of 16”.
Response: Updates to the duplex buildings have been made to respond to your comments.
A summary of duplex revisions is included in the submittal that outlines the changes that have
been made.
Transom windows. Along the side walls of abutting dwellings, window
placement should be detailed, with transom windows considered for comfort
and privacy.
Response: Noted
Useable outdoor space. These dwellings do not include any porch, patio, deck,
or yard space. This needs significant detailed consideration. Either the
dwellings should be detailed with outdoor spaces, or common outdoor spaces
should be created in proximity to all dwellings, or a combination of approaches.
Detailing of spaces at each dwelling a larger scale.
Response: Useable outdoor space has been added in all areas on the project - these include
several community gathering spaces for both the townhome and duplex areas
Side yard inconsistencies. Related to lack of outdoor spaces, the Studio Unit
elevations show a side door, but no walkway connections or porches are shown
on plans; and vice versa for the duplexes, which do not show side doors but do
have little rectangles on the sides in plan view. These may be opportunities for
porch, patio, or deck spaces. For further exploration and clarification starting at
the meeting.
Response: This side door is showing access - but this will only be for a side deck area.
Code Section 3.5.2(C), model variety. Model 1 & Model 2 do not do enough to
provide distinctly different housing model types. Please revise models so that
they are obviously distinguishable. Characteristics may include, without
limitation, differences in floor plans; roof lines; and elevations including
materials, entrances and all other features.
Response: Updates to the duplex buildings have been made to respond to your comments.
A summary of duplex revisions is included in the submittal that outlines the changes that have
been made.
Topic: General
Comment Number: 16 Comment Originated: 12/05/2019
12/05/2019: BEFORE HEARING:
Likewise, several other tree groves should be incorporated. For further
consideration and discussion as needed.
Response: Per our meeting - the site plan has been updated to preserve several more tree groves
on the project - these include the area in the north east and large grove along the north west
property line.
Topic: Site Plan
Comment Number: 15 Comment Originated: 12/04/2019
12/04/2019: BEFORE HEARING:
Following today's meeting, staff concluded that the belt of cottonwood trees in
the northeastern area of the site must be incorporated into the plan, if staff is to
support the plan going forward.
Otherwise Kai and I will add a clear comment in to re-design this part of the site.
They should be considered as helping to satisfy requirements for the landscape
plan overall, and possibly for natural features requirements and “naturalistic”
design of detention ponds, one of which is needed in this general part of the
land.
Planning for this land should start with mapping of this feature, and then working
around it. This connection to Benson Reservoir is a very significant feature and
it is reasonably feasible to work with it.
This could enhance value for both residents of the development, and the
community. It’s too rare and special to scrape it.
Response: Extensive updates have been made to the site plan to accommodate planning and
environmental planning comments. Also - in our meeting in December, a direction was ‘approved’
and we have been proceeding with that site plan - specifically in the MF apartment area.
Contact: Kai Kleer, 970-416-4284, kkleer@fcgov.com
Topic: Building Elevations
Comment Number: 2 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 BEFORE HEARING:
Building Design for Duplex and Single-family Detached Dwellings
No two abutting units may be the same model. Note that applicants for Building
Permits for single-family and two-family dwellings must affirm and certify that the
dwelling which is the subject of the Building Permit does not adjoin a lot with the
same housing model, if on the same block face.
Plan drawings. Label each unit’s model number to ensure model variety is
dispersed as required above.
Response: A spreadsheet has been added to the submittal that outlines the architecture variation
for the duplex area
Compatibility generally. Code Section 3.5.1 building & project compatibility,
requires new developments in or adjacent to existing developed areas shall be
compatible with the established architectural character of such area by using a
design that is complementary. Compatibility can be achieved through the
following techniques:
1. Repetition of roof lines
2. Use of similar proportions in building mass and outdoor spaces
3. Similar relationship to the street, similar window and door patterns
4. Use of building materials that have color shades and textures similar to
those existing in the immediate area of the proposed development. Building
materials must either be similar to the materials already being used in the
neighborhood or, if dissimilar materials are being proposed, other
characteristics such as scale and proportions, form, architectural detailing, color
and texture, shall be utilized to ensure that enough similarity exists for the
building to be compatible despite the differences in materials.
Materials. The use of architectural metal panels, lap siding, stucco, masonry
and wood on the proposed multi-family elevations positive visual interest.
Please consider elements of this to be carried throughout the site into duplex
and single-family units.
Material samples will be needed for review prior to hearing.
Response: Color samples for the duplex architecture have been included. Material boards have
been included for the apartment and townhome architecture.
Color. The color palate using earth-tone colors such as buff, sandstone, sage,
copper, and some of the proposed colors presented in the multi-family and
townhome architectural elevations. A material and color sample board is
required at time of next submittal.
Response: Duplex color samples have been included - a full material board for the duplex
architecture will be submitted prior to hearing
Comment Number: 3 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 BEFORE HEARING:
Model 1 and Model 2 – 60’ Wall Lengths:
Update elevations to accurately depict callouts. Label the exposure of lap siding
– it should be 5-6” to fit the scale of these small building faces. This detail
should be explored at a larger scale of drawing and rendering.
Response: Updates to the duplex buildings have been made to respond to your comments.
A summary of duplex revisions is included in the submittal that outlines the changes that have
been made.
Model 1 and 2 should be further differentiated with a design feature(s) on one or
both of the models to make them more obviously different.
Response: Updates to the duplex buildings have been made to respond to your comments.
A summary of duplex revisions is included in the submittal that outlines the changes that have
been made.
Is the clubhouse/sales/management building a part of the plan?
Response: This was a previous technical drawing that has been deleted from the submittal - the
color rendering of the clubhouse accurately depicts the architectural design.
Comment Number: 4 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 BEFORE HEARING:
Studio Units:
Eaves. Provide eaves with a minimum of 16 inches of overhang on all sides of
the Studio Unit model, including an eave over the projecting feature as shown
on the color rendering.
Response: Updates to the duplex buildings have been made to respond to your comments.
A summary of duplex revisions is included in the submittal that outlines the changes that have
been made.
Panel siding. Eliminate the use of Smart Panel. Staff has found that the thin
panels with metal retainers at joints, do not achieve the effect shown in drawings
but rather emphasize imperfections and incongruities. Alternatives should be
explored further. Lap siding with smaller exposure, board and batten, or other
fiber cement panel products with a quality joint detail.
Response: Client would like to have further discussions regarding the use of this product.
Roof pitch. Increase to a 4:12 pitch.
Response: Updates to the duplex buildings have been made to respond to your comments.
A summary of duplex revisions is included in the submittal that outlines the changes that have
been made.
Comment Number: 5 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 BEFORE HEARING:
Model 4:
Add Pitched roofs. Add gabled or hipped pitched roofs with 16” eaves.
As noted previously, the color renderings show these buildings with pitched
roofs.
Note that the renderings show lap siding with no corner trim – is that intentional?
Understanding that these are manufactured homes, are there additional options
for model variety? If so, please provide at time of next submittal.
Response: Updates to the duplex buildings have been made to respond to your comments.
A summary of duplex revisions is included in the submittal that outlines the changes that have
been made.
Architectural details of bike enclosure, trash enclosure and fence.
Response: These details have been added to the submittal - bike enclosure and trash enclosure.
There is no fence currently shown on the plans
Topic: General
Comment Number: 6 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 BEFORE HEARING:
Trash and Recycling Enclosures:
Enclosures must include a person-door and must be made of durable materials
such as those proposed as part of the multi-family project. This can include
masonry columns and durable siding to be compatible with the associated
buildings. Because the cityscape enclosure as proposed does not comply with
the requirements of 3.2.5.
Response: Trash enclosures have been updated to include a pedestrian entry.
Comment Number: 14 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 INFORMATION ONLY:
Generally, some of the comments addressed within this letter will be duplicated
on the redlines that staff provides. At time of resubmittal please indicate how all
comments have been addressed.
Response: Noted
Topic: Landscape Plans
Comment Number: 9 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 BEFORE HEARING:
Landscaping -- Tree Planting Standards. Full tree stocking is required in all
landscape areas within 50 feet of a building or structure. Additional canopy
shade trees are required dispersed throughout the neighborhood to help
establish the required urban tree canopy. Strategic areas have been redlined in
the landscape plan. Please place informal groupings of trees throughout these
areas. 3.2.1(D)
Response: Noted
Canopy shade trees along all streets must be planted at a 30-40-foot spacing
average along all streets in the development. The plan does not show street
trees for College Avenue. 3.2.1(D)(2)
Response: Noted - Trees have been planned for where they are possible - some utility conflicts
have not made it possible
Foundation plantings. Building walls that in high-use or high-visibility areas,
particularly along streets, must have planting beds along at least fifty (50)
percent of the walls. 3.2.1(E)(2)
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 10 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 FOR FINAL:
Water conservation. the landscape plan will need to include a water budget
chart that shows the total annual water use which cannot exceed an average of
15 gallons a square foot for the landscape. Please delineate hydrozones
according to this section. 3.2.1(E)(3)
Response: Noted
Parking lot perimeter landscaping. a minimum of one tree per 40 feet is
required within the 5-foot parking lot perimeter setback area. 3.2.1(E)(4)
Response: Noted
Additional landscaping is required around all parking lot perimeters to block at
least 75% of light from vehicle headlights. Screening should be emphasized
where parking areas are adjacent to street frontage and consist of a wall,
planters, earthen berm, plant material, or a combination of such elements.
These elements must have a minimum height of 30 inches and extend a
minimum of seventy percent of the length of the street frontage of the parking lot
and 70 percent of the lot that abuts any nonresidential use.
Response: Noted
Parking lot screening. The plan set should depict the parking lot screening as
seen along streets and street-like private drives. Keep in mind that plant
material used for the required screening shall achieve required opacity in its
winter seasonal condition within three (3) years of construction of the vehicular
use area to be screened.
Response: Noted
Parking lot landscape islands. Parking spaces cannot span more than 15
parking spaces without an intervening tree, landscape island or landscape
peninsula. There are several instances around the proposed multi-family
buildings where the project does not meet this requirement. 3.2.1(E)(5)
Response: Noted
Please provide calculations for interior parking space landscaping. The
standard in this section requires at a minimum landscape area of 6% for all
parking lots with less than 100 spaces and 10% for all parking lots with 100
spaces or more. Within this internal landscape area at least one canopy shade
tree per 150 square feet is required.
Response: Noted
Regarding 3.2.1(E)(6) Screening, building elements with low visual interest such
as garages, trash collection, open storage, service areas, loading docks and
blank walls must be screened on all sides except where an opening is required
for access. Please add additional landscaping around trash enclosures, ramp
extending from college into site and along the rear side of the garages that front
College Avenue.
Response: Noted
Regarding Tree Preservation and Mitigation. it appears that most of the
mitigation trees will be located in the ROW is there any opportunity to provide
the mitigation trees as evergreens along the College Avenue frontage? 3.2.1(F)
Response: Noted - we will further explore the possibility of mitigating with the evergreens along
College
Topic: Lighting Plan
Comment Number: 13 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 BEFORE HEARING:
Lighting:
In the model elevations there appears to be lighting mounted to residential units
that is not represented as part of the lighting plan. Please provide notes or
specifications for the proposed lighting to ensure that it is fully shielded and
down directional.
Response: Noted - our lighting plans do not take into account building mounted lighting - the
lighting plan only accounts for site lighting. All building lighting will be shielded and down
directional
Topic: Site Plan
Comment Number: 7 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 BEFORE HEARING:
Multi-family Dwellings:
Materials. Question: what is intended for ‘Adhered Masonry’?
Response: Refer to provided material boards for proposed basis of design for the adhered masonry
(and other exterior materials and colors).
Overall, the use of architectural metal panel, lap siding, stucco, masonry and
wood on the proposed multi-family elevations provide excellent visual interest
consistent with requirements.
Response: Noted
Mechanical equipment screening. Show all wall utility meters and HVAC
equipment on site and elevation plans. Screening for the HVAC equipment
must be provided using the same materials as the principal building and meters
must be screened by landscaping. Mechanical equipment must be located and
screened so that the visual and acoustic impacts of these functions are fully
contained and out of view from adjacent properties and/or public streets. 3.5.1(I)
Response: Utility meters are shown on the building elevations.
For the apartment buildings, mechanical equipment is located within the mechanical “closets”
located on the building ends. For the townhomes, air conditioning condenser units are shown
along the fronts of the buildings and will be screened by landscaping (refer to landscape plans).
Useable outdoor space. Multi-family development must have a park space or
community support/neighborhood recreation facility within the project or within
adjacent development, within ¼ mile of all dwelling units. The space:
1. include a minimum of ten thousand square feet;
2. be highly visible, secure settings formed by the street layout and pattern of
lots and easily observed from streets. Rear facades and rear yards of dwellings
shall not abut more than two (2) sides or more than fifty (50) percent of the
perimeter frontage of the park.
3. be safely and easily accessible by pedestrians and open to the public.
4. consist of multiple-use turf areas, walking paths, plazas, pavilions, picnic
tables, benches or other features for various age groups to utilize.
5. not result in slopes or gradients that conflict with other recreational and civic
purposes of the park when integrated into storm drainage and detention
facilities. 3.8.30(C)
Response: The central gathering space has been identified as the community gathering space - it
meets the minimum 10,000 SF, is highly visible and is accessible from all areas of the
neighborhood.
There may be some possibility that the Shenandoah park could serve a portion
of the site, however, staff would need to see some cooperative agreement and
connection into the park using a walkway, etc.…
For further discussion: It appears that some of the amenity space shown on the
first few iterations of the plan set have been removed.
Comment Number: 8 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 BEFORE HEARING:
Building placement - depict setbacks on site plan. Please depict required
setbacks on the site plan. 3.5.2(E)
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 11 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 BEFORE HEARING:
Access, Circulation & Parking:
Sidewalks along Avondale. Extend to the southeast property boundary.
Curb cuts and ramps. There are several instances redlined on the site and
landscape plan where safe and convenient locations for the physically disabled,
bicyclists and people using push strollers or carts are not provided. Please
correct all locations where this condition exists. Show how the person door for
the trash enclosure can be reached. 3.2.2(C)(2)
Response: This comment is somewhat confusing - site circulation has been studied - further curb
ramps may need to be added to accommodate full site circulation. There will be no person door on
the trash enclosure - a person entry has been added.
Site Amenities. Please consider strategic inclusion of benches, bike racks and
informal seating areas along walkways, trails and within areas close to duplex,
studio and townhome units - dog waste stations should also be added and
placed strategically within the site in a similar fashion.
This topic is somewhat related to staff’s significant concern about useable
outdoor space. There are several left-over spaces throughout the site where
pocket parks could be integrated into detention or within parking areas and
ultimately mitigate the lack of private open space. Consider programming each
space with informal seating, play equipment, grill, landscaping, canopy shade
trees, information center for the Shenandoah Barn, etc.…3.2.2(C)(3)
Response: Several community gathering spaces have been added throughout the project - these
areas include outdoor grills, picnic and bench seating. And in most cases, these areas are adjacent
to open turf areas
Bike Facilities. Provide an elevation view of the enclosure. Much like the trash
enclosure design requirements, the shelter should be built with similar materials
as proposed primary building. If you would like more information on any
resources relating to bike shelters, please contact our transportation
department at 970.221.6705. 3.2.2(C)(4)
Response: Further detail of the bike enclosure has been added.
Walkways. There are several instances where walkways do not provide direct
connections with areas or points of pedestrian origin and destination. Please
revise plan paying special attention to areas where walkways outline parking
areas, end with vertical curbs or into raised landscape islands (see redlines).
Provide a pedestrian striping plan that enhances all paved surfaces that cross a
drive aisle or lead to a main entryway. Pavement treatments such as, signs,
striping, signals, lighting, traffic calming techniques, median refuge areas and
landscaping are required.
Response: Site circulation has been studied - some areas will need to be further studied and
refined to meet this request
There are several instances where parking occurs on the rear side of a building
and there is no direct entrance into the rear of the building. This requires
detailed consideration related to other comments about reconciling building
design and outdoor space. 3.2.2(F), 3.2.2(C)(5)
Response: The rear of the duplex buildings do not have an access door. Sidewalks have been
added for circulation to the front door.
Comment Number: 12 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019 FOR FINAL:
Transportation and Circulation:
Regarding 3.6.2 Streets, Streetscapes, Alleys and Easements, Public and
private easements shall be provided on lots for utilities, public access,
stormwater drainage or other public purposes as required and approved by the
City Engineer. It does not appear that any of the pedestrian and cycle paths are
reflected on the Plat. The aforementioned paths must incorporate public access easements so that they
connect into existing and abutting properties.
Response: Noted
Department: Historic Preservation
Contact: Maren Bzdek, 970-221-6206, mbzdek@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1 Comment Originated: 12/03/2019
12/03/2019: FOR HEARING:
The site plan indicates very close proximity between the existing historic barn
on the neighboring parcel and the proposed improvements. It is important to
create an appropriate buffer around the barn for its protection and to maintain
an appropriate separation between the two. Federal guidelines for this scenario
state that "new construction should be appropriately scaled and located far
enough away from the historic building to maintain its character and that of the
site and setting." This is particularly important for meeting the plan of protection
requirement for historic resources, in section 3.4.7(E)(3) of the land use code. A
plan of protection details the particular considerations and protective measures
that will be employed to prevent short-term and long-term material damage and
avoidable impact on the character of identified historic resources on the
development site and within the area of adjacency from demolition, new
construction, and operational activities. Satisfactory completion of this standard
generally hinges on creating a meaningful buffer between any site
disturbances/improvements and the historic resource(s). Please contact me to
request the plan of protection document template when you are ready to
complete this step.
Response: Noted
Department: Park Planning
Contact: Suzanne Bassinger, 970-416-4340, sbassinger@fcgov.com
Topic: Easements
Comment Number: 4
11/18/2019: FOR INFORMATION:
The plat, utility and site plans should indicate a "Public Access and Trail"
easement encompassing the trail.
Response: Noted
Topic: General
Comment Number: 1
11/18/2019: FOR INFORMATION:
Thank you for the concept plan dated November 2019 indicating a trail along
the west property boundary. As indicated in the South College Corridor Plan
this trail fulfills "Strategy 7: Develop Off-Street Trail Network". Also as
indicated on Figure 29 the "Skyridge Trail" (between Skyway Drive and Trilby
Road) is to be privately built and maintained.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 2
11/18/2019: FOR INFORMATION:
The Skyridge Trail should be built to general design guidelines for paved
recreational trails, as found in the 2013 Paved Recreational Trail Master Plan.
The Master Plan can be found at fcgov.com/parkplanning under "Policies and
Plans".
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 3
11/18/2019: FOR INFORMATION:
General design guidelines include: a 10' wide concrete paved surface with
level shoulders, and a parallel 4' wide crusher fines path. The trail shall be
constructed to ADA guidelines.
Response: Noted
Comment Number: 5
11/18/2019: Please contact Park Planning & Development for any questions
regarding trail alignment and design. We would be happy to work with you.
Contact: Suzanne Bassinger, 970-416-4340. sbassinger@fcgov.com
Response: Noted
Department: Building Services
Contact: Katy Hand, khand@fcgov.com
Topic: Building Insp Plan Review
Comment Number: 1
12/02/2019: Submit a site-wide accessibility plan for review per CRS 9-5
Response: This plan has been provided
Comment Number: 2
12/02/2019: BUILDING PERMIT:
Buildings with 3 or more attached units, located on the same lot must be built
under the IBC code (not IRC townhomes)
Response: A townhouse is defined as two or more attached single-family dwelling units each
located entirely on a separately recoded and platted parcel of land bounded by property lines. The
3- and 4-plexes are intended to be individually platted.
Department: Larimer County Assessor
Contact: Megan Harrity, 970-498-7065 , mharrity@larimer.org
Topic: Plat
Comment Number: 1
11/25/2019: FOR HEARING:
In the subtitle of the plat there is a typo. It has, Part of Tracts A & C,
Shenandoah... and under the statement of ownership it looks correct and the
subtitle should read Part of Tracts B and C, Shenandoah...
Comment Number: 1
11/25/2019: FOR HEARING:
Our ownership is currently as follows:
TR B, SHENANDOAH PUD, FIL 1, FTC
SHENANDOAH OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC
POR TRACT C SHENANDOAH PUD; ETC...
NEXTOP HOLDINGS LLC (.79)
BETTER LAND LLC (.21)
RESPONSE: Typos have been corrected.
Ownership is given in case additional signature blocks need to be added.
Department: Technical Services
Contact: Jeff County, 970-221-6588, jcounty@fcgov.com
Topic: General
Comment Number: 3
12/02/2019: INFORMATION ONLY:
Unless required during PDP, a complete review of all plans will be done at
FDP.
Topic: Plat
Comment Number: 2
12/02/2019: FOR HEARING:
Please make changes as marked. If changes are not made or you disagree
with comments, please provide written response of why corrections were not
made. Please provide any responses on redlined sheets and/or in response
letter.
RESPONSE:
The redlines have been addressed on the subdivision plat.
There are no liens on the property.
The irrigation ditch and relocation are shown in the PUP and will be shown in the FUP. The
proposed irrigation easements show are delineated on the plat that will follow the ditch as it bisects
the property.