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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTONERIDGE PUD FIRST FILING PRELIMINARY JUNE 29 1992 P AND Z BOARD HEARING - 21 92C - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORT W/ATTACHMENTS1 ITEM NO. 18 MEETING DATE 6/22/92/,, STAFF Ted Shepard 61"14 PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD STAFF REPORT PROJECT: Stone Ridge P.U.D, First Filing, Preliminary - #21-92C APPLICANT: Les Kaplan The Kaplan Company 1060 Sailors Reef Fort Collins, CO. 80525 OWNER: Harold Webster 1742 Waterford Lane Fort Collins, CO. 80525 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a request for Preliminary P.U.D. for 68 single family lots on 23.08 acres. The project is located north of Horsetooth Road at Caribou and Kingsley Drive. The zoning is r-1-p, Low Density Planned Residential. RECOMMENDATION: Approval with Condition EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Stone Ridge Preliminary P.U.D., First Filing is in conformance with the Stone Ridge Overall Development Plan. A variance from the requirement of having a minimum of three dwelling units per gross acre is recommended. The project scores 75% on the Residential Uses Point Chart and satisfies the applicable All Development criteria of the L.D.G.S. A variance from the strict requirements of the Solar Orientation Ordinance is recommended based on exceptional difficulties with regard to access. The design features and amenities contained with the P.U.D. promote City policies and objectives. The traffic impacts have been evaluated and the project is feasible from a transportation perspective. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 300 LaPorte Ave. P.O. Boa 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 (303) 221-6750 PLANNING DEPARTMENT OWNER'S CERTFICATIONOWNER'S SIGNATURE GENERAL NOTES ®so.nit VICPUTV MAP LAND USE BREAKDOWN 0 VAUGHT FRYE STONERIDGE P.U.D. aRE RAK FORT COLLPIS COLORADO NORSETOOTH ROAD— - - - - - - - - — —..—.. e.�x w..a. I_..—..—..y._..-_————————— .._..—..—.. —.._ _ • hsc fi6rebaVv�Ma vt r_rvsaw�rnx_nw_wu_r ww_•e..a. r'�rFe a ape._�nru.y_ar.pp. w..r.rr.µar XVXSCIVVIM XVIW q��rvyep.er lwrr_.yr aw....e arar•s rs+xra rfa_ rfp_ o uwyr.aw_._ s np. rrn...r t rr�+• ranre.u...re_ara.._Is op._tsrc..vrmre murcxxu•e aa.ww xure ms pu�xmv 3!@ ec •Wrr. o_ra...rn Iwr �s q n�a�� tm.0 rr n n •o.e_ emY mswm • u W P.ann rr a sn xaavrm+ :m. a STONERIDGE P.U.D. FORT wows CaORAM -Yll 0W.- FRONT ELEVATION SIDE ELEVATION a 11 THE RANCH 1 STORY FRONT ELEVATION w 9 fllws�� I SIDE ELEVATION THE MANOR 2 STORY FRONT ELEVATION SIDE ELEVATION THE VILLA 2 STORY 'n,c KA PLA N COMPANY May 4, 1992 Mr. Ted Shepherd, Project Planner Planning Department City of Fort Collins 281 North College Avenue Fort Collins, Co 80522-0580 Re: Overall Development Plan and First Phase Preliminary Plan Submission for the StoneRidge P.U.D. Dear Mr. Shepherd: As purchaser of the 92+/- acre remaining portion of the Webster Farm located at the northwest corner of County Road 9 and Horsetooth Road, I am pleased to submit for the June 22, 1992 Planning and Zoning Board review the proposed Overall Development Plan (O.D.P.) and First Phase Preliminary Plan for the StoneRidge P.U.D.. On behalf of the project architect, Frank Vaught, and project engineer, Stan Myers with RBD Engineering, Inc., who along with myself form the design team for the StoneRidge P.U.D., we appreciate the opportunity for our April 10 pre -Conceptual Review meeting with staff and then our April 20 Conceptual Review meeting. The comments and information from those and subsequent meetings and discussions with staff have been helpful in designing this project and preparing the submissions. The project site is rectangular, measuring approximately 3000 feet along Horsetooth Road and 1325 feet in depth. Essentially flat with minimum contour, the property drains to its northeast corner into an existing 1 +/- acre pond. There is no existing development on any side; although, improvements for a single-family subdivision are currently being installed on the south side of Horsetooth Road in the English Ranch Subdivision, and another single-family subdivision is under design contiguous to the west property line and in the Pine Cone Farm P.U.D. Utilities are readily available, with a sewer line along the north property line and a water main in Horsetooth Road. The property is currently central to major employment, education, recreational and shopping facilities. These locational advantages will increase through the eventual development of the new Fort Collins High School, a supermarket -based neighborhood shopping center and a neighborhood public park, all approved by the City and located within a quarter mile west of the property. Furthermore, the property is only one mile from Hewlett-Packard which sets the 1060 Sailors Rccf • fort Colliiis, Colora,lo i10525 • 303/226-6S 19 T. Sheperd Page 2 standard of quality for expanding commercial development along the Harmony Road entry corridor and is approximately one-half mile from the Timberline Road commercial thoroughfare. Easy accessibility to Interstate 25 only 2.5 miles to the east contributes further to the developability of this property. O.D.P. PLANNING OBJECTIVES The O.D.P. consists of 92 +/- acres of predominately lower density, mixed residential uses in a P.U.D. configuration, featuring maintained open spaces for each of the six (6) potential phases and a recreational complex common to the overall project. The total number of residential units is projected at 299 for an average overall density of 3.25 unites per acre, based upon gross acreage which includes Horsetooth Road R.O.W. dedication,. The O.D.P. in design and location is consistent with the general direction of the City Land Use Policies, and appears to be inconsistent with none of them. Specifically, the O.D.P. contributes to achieving the following approximate policies: 1. Alternative transportation modes vis-a-vis the 6 to 8 foot off-street bike/pedestrian trail running north -south from the .bike lane in Caribou Drive to the proposed east -west trail along the north property line in the Pine Cone Farm P.U.D. (Policy 3b). 2. Close proximity to employment, recreation and shopping facilities (Policy 3d). 3. Proposed at urban density of approximately 3.25 units/acre for overall project (Policy 12). 4. Urban development standards shall be applied (Policy 14). 5. Promotes logical growth pattern of the City consistent with annexation criteria (Policy 12). 6. Proposed residential land uses and specific site planning promote a pleasant, functional and understandable inter- relationships both between land uses within the project and among the project and existing and potential neighboring land uses (Policy 20). 7. Contiguous to developing property to the south, approved as the English Ranch Subdivision (Policy 22). 8. Existence of City provided services and facilities has served as a tool in directing development interest to this property (Policy 29). T. Sheperd Page 3 9. Inclusive of attractively developed green areas to provide a balanced and pleasing cityscape (Policy 43f). 10. Minimizes the use of automobile through the inclusion of bike/ pedestrian way (Policy 49). 11. Alternative transportation mode of pedestrian and bike access is provided for as primary mode of transportation to both the high school, city park, neighborhood service center and adjoining residential areas (Policy 64). 12. Green belts used to provide transitions and enhance mixture of land uses with project (Policy 74). 13. Mix of housing densities provided (Policy 75). 14. Does not undermine phasing plan of the urban growth area but promotes it (Policy 77). 15. As a predominately lower density residential project, the O.D.P. has: a. easy access to existing and planned neighborhood shopping centers (79a), b. easy access to major employment centers (79b), C. within walking distances to existing and planned schools (79c), and d. within walking distance to planned neighborhood park (79d). The applicant believes that the O.D.P., both in terms of its site plan design and the locational characteristics of the property, achieves all of the City Land Use Policies for a lower density, mixed residential project. The inclusion of open spaces integrated between and through the various phases of the plan is a major design feature. Such open space areas will be designated as tracts and maintained initially by the developer and eventually by a homeowners' association. Green belts and other forms of open space will provide the major means of buffering between and within the various areas of the project. Rear lot fencing resulting in a "stockade" appearance will be prevented through covenants. Along Horsetooth Road buffering from the arterial with be achieved by a broad landscape strip consisting of landscaped berms, decorative fencing, open space, and deeper lots. Substantial design attention by the architect and Grant Reid Landscape Design has been given to creating an aesthetic and effective streetscape along Horsetooth Road. Ted Sheperd Page 4 The rectangular configuration of the property and the existing and approved curbcuts on the south side of Horsetooth Road have largely dictated the public and private street configuration of the project. Aligning the west entry to the project with Caribou Drive to the south creates an awkward, approximately 200 feet wide area along the west property line. This area is best accessed by a narrower private street, in order to avoid repeated curbcut interruptions to the north -south bike/pedestrian way, shown detached and west of the public street extending north from Caribou Drive. This looped private street arrangement does, however, inhibit a design emphasis on north -south lot orientations in this patio home area. The extensive amount of right -of way dedication for Horsetooth Road, approximately, 4 acres, plus the approximately 8.2 acre Parcel G shown as open space contribute to the appearance of a lower overall density than actually exists. Excluding these areas, the overall density increases from 3.25 units/acre to 3.74 units/acre. The recreation complex, Parcel F, is currently envisioned as a pool facility with parking, exclusively for the residence of the StoneRidge P.U.D. The construction of this facility is contingent upon there being sufficient development in the project (approximately 200 units) to economically support the construction and maintenance of such a facility. O.D.P. PHASING The StoneRidge O.D.P. is envisioned as a 5 to 7 phase project, spanning 3 to 5 years to complete, depending largely upon market conditions. The First Phase, consisting of 22.58 gross acres, roughly comprises the west half of Parcel A and all of Parcel B, resulting in 41 single-family lots and 25 patio home lots, all with greenbelts and open space. This First Phase is intended to begin in August 1992. At this time, we anticipate final plan submission for the single-family area by June 1, 1992, and final plan submission for the patio home area by July 6, 1992. FIRST PHASE PRELIMINARY PLANNING OBJECTIVES The 22.58 acres First Phase consists of 41 single family lots, basically the west half of Parcel A, and 25 patio homes, all of Parcel B, to be complete in (2) phases and intended to commence in August 1992. The design emphasis in the single-family area is to create a sense of privacy and openness to mid -size lots averaging approximately 8500 s.f. in size. This is accomplished primarily by: T. Sheperd Page 5 1. placing 80 percent (33 of 41) of the lots on cul-de-sacs, 2. abutting 98 percent (40 of 41) of these lots to greenbelt, 3. having a generous, average lot size of 8,500 s.f., 4. providing an aesthetic and effective landscape fencing buffer with Horsetooth Road, 5. providing two, independent points of access from Horsetooth Road, and 6. limiting rear lot fencing through design covenants. The patio home area is subject to significant design restraints due to its narrow width, the placement of a 6 to 8 feet bike/pedestrian way traversing it north -south, and the need to direct storm water into a swale to be located near the north border of the overall property. The proposed design overcomes these restraints and serves to provide an attractive greenbelt area, both as an amenity to the bike way and as an entry feature to the project. The City Land Use Policies achieved by the Preliminary Plan are essentially the same as those accomplished by the O.D.P., which are herein incorporated by reference. Generally, these policies deal with promoting alternative transportation modes; encouraging development in close proximity to employment, recreation, and shopping facilities; encouraging pleasant and functioned inter- relationships between land uses; promoting green areas; providing a mix of housing densities; and encouraging easy access to shopping, employment and schools. The design team for the First Phase of the StoneRidge P.U.D. believes that the proposed design is substantial superior to the proliferation of standard, unimaginative, single-family subdivisions appearing in Fort Collins. Additionally, the intended design provides an attractive streetscape to Horsetooth Road adjoining this First Phase. SOLAR ORIENTATION VARIANCE Due to significant design restraints in Parcel B, which is the patio home area of ..First Phase, the 65 percent solar orientation requirement for the First Phase cannot be technically met. Of the 41 lots in the single-family portion of the First Phase, 27 of these, or 66 percent comply with the solar orientation requirement for lots. However, of the 25 patio home lots, only 10 can comply with this requirement, resulting in an overall percentage of 56 percent for the First Phase. The unavoidable configuration of Parcel B creates obstacles in achieving the technically required percentage of solar orientation in this area. From a traffic standpoint, the west entry to the First Phase must align with Caribou Drive to the south. This creates only a 200 foot wide parcel on the west end of this Stone Ridge PUD, 1st Filing - Preliminary P.U.D., #21-92C June 22, 1992 P & Z Meeting Page 2 COMMENTS 1. Background: The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows: N: R-L-P; Vacant (Parcel C "Single Family" Stone Ridge O.D.P.) S: R-L-P; Developing (English Ranch Subdivision, Filing One) E: R-L-P; Vacant (Parcels E and F "Townhomes and Recreation" Stone Ridge O.D.P.) W: R-P; Vacant (Pine Cone O.D.P., Dakota Ridge Preliminary P.U.D.) Stone Ridge Preliminary P.U.D. is part of the Webster Second Annexation approved by the Planning and Zoning Board on April 27, 1992. The Preliminary consists of Parcels A and B of the Stone Ridge O.D.P. being considered concurrently with this request. 2. Land Use: A. overall Development Plan Stone Ridge Preliminary P.U.D. is described by Parcels A and B on the Overall Development Plan. Parcel is A is designated as "Single Family". This area is proposed for 42 single family lots. Parcel B is designated as "Patio Homes". This area is proposed for 26 patio homes characterized by small lots and zero side yard setback. Therefore, the Preliminary P.U.D. request complies with the Stone Ridge Overall Development Plan. B. Absolute Criteria The Preliminary P.U.D. seeks approval for 68 single family lots on 23.80 acres for a gross density of 2.86 dwelling units per acre. This proposed density does not satisfy the absolute criterion of the Residential Uses Point Chart of the L.D.G.S. which requires that the average residential density in the project be at least three dwelling units per acre. Staff recommends a variance to the absolute criterion based on the following justifications: 1. The Stone Ridge Overall Development totals 92 gross acres with an estimated number of 299 dwelling units. This equates to an overall density of 3.25 dwelling units per acre which exceeds the required minimum. T. Sheperd Page 6 project. While it could be argued that a design may be possible for Parcel B which includes a procession of short east -west cul- de-sac streets, attempting this would have negative ramifications on other public considerations. First, doing this would introduce multiple.interruptions to the bike way, adversely affecting safe, uninterrupted movement along this detached lane. Secondly, such a series of cul-de-sacs, while possibly helping to increase the number of north -south lots, would result in the elimination of extensive greenbelt area, a desireable feature to both the bike way and main entry to the project. It should be added as part of this variance request that six (6) of the patio home lots which do not technically qualify for solar credit do facilitate a south -oriented building placement. The applicant believes that the alignment of the main entry with Caribou Drive, in close proximity to the west property line, creates a site configuration problem in technically complying with the 1165 percent rule" for north -south lot orientation. Attempting to force more north -south orientation would only result in poor design with regards to the bike/pedestrian way and the provision of attractive green space. THREE (3) D.U. PER ACRE REQUIREMENT The First Phase does not technically comply with the LGS criteria for a minimum of 3 units/acre; although the O.D.P. clearly exceeds this criteria. The gross area of the First Phase is 22.58 acres and contains 66 units, for an average density of 2.92 units/acre. Despite the extensive area of greenbelt and open space in this First Phase, 3.1 acre for the single-family area and 1.9 acres for the patio home area, the 3 unit/acre criteria could be met if consideration were given to the atypical requirement for 50 feet of. right-of-way dedication along Horsetooth Road. The gross area of the First Phase, if deducting for this off -site improvement, is actually 21.14 acres, thus yielding, over a 3 unit/acre density. The applicant has not completed the City's "Density Chart" for this First Phase, in that higher density justifications are not an objective of this project. Rather, the project seeks to accomplish a high quality, lower level urban density through mixed residential uses and a thoughtful integration of green spaces. Should you require additional information regarding the O.D.P. and First Phase Preliminary Plan submissions of the StoneRidge P.U.D. for the June 22, 1992 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board , T. Sheperd Page 7 please contact me directly. Again, the design team appreciates your assistance in coordinating the City's review of this project. Very Truly Yours, G, '° ". Lester M. Kaplan .r%O1VEIC'ID6E'. C/,e.J. Pmgre t U• D ALL DEVELOPMENT; NUMBERED CRITERIA CHART ALL CRITERIA APPLICABLE CRITERIA ONLY CRITERION b the crnenon ooaaaoie? Will trw crnenon oe wmfiea? If no, please explain e.��.�'� Yes No NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATABILITY 1. Social Comoatability 2. Neighborhood Character 3. Land Use Conflicts 4, Adverse Traffic Impact PLANS AND POLICIES 5. Comprehensive Plan PUBLIC FACILITIES & SAFETY 6. Street Capacity 7. Utility Capacity 8. Design Standards 9. Emergencv Access 10. Security Lignting 11. Water Hazards RESOURCE PROTECTION 12. Soils & Slooe Hazard Q. Significant Vegetation 14. Wildlife HaDitat 15. Historical Londmarx 16. Mineral Deoosit 17. Eco-Sensitive Areas / 18. Agricultural Lands ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS 19. Air Quality 20. Water Quaiiry 21. Noise 22. Glare & Hear 23. Vibrations 24. Exterior Lignting I ✓ 25. Sewages & Wastes I SITE DESIGN 26. Communrry Organization 27, Site Organization 28. Natural Featuresor- 29. Energy Ccnservafion f6gr FdAAA ,1n! T#e n 30. Shadows 31. Solar Access "e 32. Privacy 000, 33. Open Space Arrangement 34. Building r.etght 35. Vehicular Movement .36. Vehicular Design Ae 37. Parking 38. Active Recreational Areas 39. Private Outdoor Areas / 40. Pedestrian Convenience he/ 41. Pedestrian Conflicts 42. Landscaping/Open Areas 43. LandscaprngiBuildings or 44. LandscocingiScreening ge 0/ 45. Public Access 46. Signs kvu. Dd1b rM sT PHAS£ oil&Lim," R Y DENSITY CHART Maximum Earned Criterion Credit If All Dwelling Units Are Within: Credit a 20% 2000feetofanexstirq«approveaneighborhoodshopping center. oIyE C olve- (j 10% 650 feet of an existing transit stop, ' C 10% 4000 feet of an emting or approved regional shopping center. d 20% 3500 feet of an emstng or reserved neighborhood park. community park or community facility. 1PIA04 �s �N4 Y aO We 10% 1000 feet of a school, meeting an me requirements of me compulsory education kTvs of me state of Colorado. f 20% 3000 feet of a major employment center. HOA ,.�• EAST •t• ao co g 5% 1D00 feet of a child care center. h 20% -North- Fort Collins. I 20% The Central Business District. A project whose boundary is contiguous to existing urban development, Credit may be earned as follows', 0%—For projects whose property boundary has 0 to 10% contiguity, 10 to 15%—For projects umose property boundary has 10 to 20%Contiguity. j 30% 15 to 20%— For oroiects whose property bofmdOry has 20 to 30%conngujty O 20to25%—Fororojecros osewoperryboundaryhos 301040 %contiguity 25 to 30%—For OrOjecfswhOspfOperty boundary has40 to 50%contiguity E G jilt can be demonstrated mat me project will reduce non-renewdbie energy usedge either through me application of alternarrve energy k systems ofmrough committed energy conservation measures pevond mot normally required ov City Code.05% bonus may be eamed for every 5%reduction rn energy use. Calculate a l% bonus for every 50 acres mclurcea m the oroject. m Calculate me percentage of me total acres in the project that are devoted to recreational use. enter 1/2 of that percentage as a bonus. N the applicant commits to oresevi g permanent Ofisite open space that meets the Clty's minimum reouiremments, calculate the percentage n of this open space acreage t0 me total development acreage, enter this percentage as a bonus. M port of the total development budget is to be spent On neighborhood public transit tdc,i ies which are hot otherwise required by City Cade. a enter 2% bonus for every S100 per dwelling unit invested If part of the total development budget is to be spent on neighborhood facilities and services which are not otherwise required by City Code. P enter al%bonus for every S100 per dwelling unit invested 00 if a commitment is being made to develop o specified percentage of the total number of dwelling units for low income f0milies. enter mat 00 q percentage as a bonus. up to a mmmum of 30%. It a commitment is being mode to develop a specified percentage of the total number of dwelling units lot Type"A"and Type B"handicappea Z housing as defined by the City of Fort Collins calculate me bonus as follows O r iyotaF unite TVpe"A'— Slimes ctaTm LLI Type "B"—!-0tlmes 7ype"Bbnm pe u� In no case stroll the Comomeo bonuspe greaterthan 30%. 9 the site oradjacent property contains an historic build irgor place. a bonus may be earned for me followng. 3% — For preventing or mitigating outside infiuences(eg environmental land use aesthetic. econprnii and social toctas( adverse torts 5 preservation: 3% — For ossunng that new structures will be in keeping with me character of me buiding or place, while avoiding total units 3% — For proposing a0apfie useof the building air place that will lead torts Continuance. Oneservanon and improvement in an appropriate manner. 11 a portion or all of the required Dorking in the mumble family project is provided underground within the building, or in an elevated Dorking smN tore as an accessory use to the primary structure. a bonus may be earned as toljgws: t 9% — For providing 75% or more of me parking in o structure, , 6% — Faprovlding50-74%otmeparbnginasfruCNre: 3% — For providing 25-49% of me Caning in a structure. u If a commitment is being made to prOvae approved OutOmatio fire extinguishing systems for me owelling units. enter a bonus of 10%. TOTAL '7s MJ -30- Stone Ridge PUD, 1st Filing - Preliminary P.U.D., #21-92C June 22, 1992 P & Z Meeting Page 3 2. The P.U.D. also benefits from an internal greenbelt system that is accessible to a majority of the single family lots. This area will also serve drainage purposes but will be landscaped and maintained by the homeowner's association. This internal greenbelt meanders and is irregularly shaped to add interest. 3. Two landscaped medians are provided to create a distinct sense of entry. These islands require additional dedication of land for street purposes. 4. The Patio Homes are separated from Caribou Drive by a common area that also contains an offstreet, eight foot wide bike path. Again, this buffering provides noise mitigation and a public benefit by enhancing the streetscape. Staff, therefore, finds that the overall gross density of the O.D.P. that exceeds three dwelling units per acre, and the provision of public amenities, maintained by a homeowner's association, combine to create a Plan that is equal to or better a Plan that would normally not need the variance. Because of the public benefit, and the finding that the Plan is equal to or better, Staff recommends a variance from the absolute criterion that the average residential density be at least three dwelling units per acre, on a gross acreage basis. The Planning and Zoning Board is empowered to grant variances to the L.D.G.S. if it can be demonstrated that the proposed P.U.D. is equal to or better than a plan that could have met the three dwelling units per acre minimum. It is Staff's finding that the density of Overall Development Plan (3.25 dwelling units per acre), incorporation of common open space, landscape medians, water features, and increased setbacks provide a public benefit for the travelling public along Horsetooth Road and Caribou Drive and promote a distinct neighborhood character for the future residents of the Stone Ridge P.U.D. C. variable criteria The proposed gross density of 2.86 dwelling units per acre is justified by a score of 750 on the variable criteria section of the Residential Uses Point Chart of the L.D.G.S. Points were awarded for proximity to an approved neighborhood shopping center (Pine Cone 0.D.P.), proximity to a City neighborhood park (Pine Cone O.D.P.), proximity to a major employment center (Horsetooth Business Park and Platte River Power Authority), and for contiguity to existing urban development (Fox Meadows and English Ranch). Stone Ridge PUD, 1st Filing - Preliminary P.U.D., #21-92C June 22, 1992 P & Z Meeting Page 4 3. Neighborhood Compatibility: As a residential P.U.D., Stone Ridge is a similar land use as adjacent existing and proposed development. Because the land use strictly residential, the project is considered compatible with the surrounding area and no neighborhood information meeting was held. 4. Design: The P.U.D. is divided into two areas. On the west side of Caribou Drive, 26 patio homes are proposed featuring a zero side yard setback on one side. This area is to be served by a 28 foot wide street with parking in the northerly cul-de-sac. On the east side of Caribou Drive, 42 traditional single family homes are served by a series of standard cul-de-sacs. The patio home area features a green belt on the east to provide buffering and separation from Caribou Drive. The single family area features a meandering greenbelt along Horsetooth Road, and an internal greenbelt within the natural drainage area. All of these areas will be dedicated as common area and maintained by the homeowner's association. Two landscape medians and two small water features are included to create a unique sense of entry. These amenities will enhance the character of the neighborhood and provide a positive distinction from other neighborhoods in Fort Collins. A common, uniform fence will be provided along Horsetooth Road. This fence will be setback as far as the rear property lines which allows generous open space along the arterial. The fence will not be continuous but contain an opening so there is no blocking internal circulation within the greenbelt area. The exact design of the Horsetooth fence will be specified at the time of final as will other fencing restrictions in other areas of the P.U.D. Landscaping along Horsetooth Road will feature a formal row of deciduous shade trees between the sidewalk and curb. This formal treatment was also a prominent feature of the Horsetooth Road streetscape for English Ranch Subdivision. The potential of matching street trees along both sides of an arterial is a positive element in creating interesting, distinct neighborhoods in newly developing areas. 5. Solar Orientation: The Solar Orientation Ordinance requires that 65% of the lots within a single family P.U.D. or subdivision be oriented to within Stone Ridge PUD, 1st Filing - Preliminary P.U.D., #21-92C June 22, 1992 P & Z Meeting Page 5 30 degrees of a true east -west line. The Preliminary P.U.D. indicates 36 out of a possible 68 lots meet the solar orientation criteria for a rating of 53%. If 44 lots were oriented within 30 degrees of true east -west, then there would be 65% compliance. The applicant has submitted a variance request for relief from the strict requirement of 65% orientation compliance. The applicant's request is attached. In summary, the request states: The alignment of Caribou Drive is established by the existing right-of-way across Horsetooth Road. Also, the west property line is a fixed boundary. Between these two points, there is approximately 225 feet of width. This relatively narrow width creates a north -south rectangle. An analysis of providing solar oriented lots within this rectangle revealed the necessity to build a series of short, east -west cul-de-sacs which would result in large asphalt areas and numerous curb cuts along the eight foot wide bicycle/pedestrian path. It has become apparent that a better design would be to minimize unnecessary cul-de-sacs, and minimize excessive curb cuts along the path. According to the Solar Orientation Ordinance: "When permitted, the Planning and Zoning Board may authorize variances under this Article upon its finding that the following requirements have been satisfied: 11(1) That by reason of exceptional topographical, soil, or other subsurface conditions or other conditions peculiar to the site, hardship would be caused to a subdivider by the strict application of any provision of the Article." 11(2) That by reason of exceptional conditions or difficulties with regard to solar orientation or access, hardship would be caused to a subdivider by the strict application of any provision of this Article." 11(3) The applicant demonstrates that the plan as submitted is equal to or better than such plan incorporating the provision for which a variance is requested." Staff finds the variance is justified. Under requirement #2, the established alignment of Caribou Drive, and its relationship to the fixed western boundary, creates an access difficulty that causes a hardship in the ability to plat lots within 30 degrees of a true east -west line. Under requirement #3, Staff finds that the plan contains features that cause it to be equal to or better than a plan that forces the Stone Ridge PUD, 1st Filing - Preliminary P.U.D., #21-92C June 22, 1992 P & Z Meeting Page 6 platting of lots within 30 degrees of an east -west line within an area defined in a relatively narrow east -west width. By minimizing unnecessary streets, and cul-de-sacs, the plan promotes the objectives of Stormwater Utility in minimizing paved areas. By reducing the number of curb cuts along the detached bicycle/pedestrian path, the plan promotes the objectives of the Transportation Department (and the Land Use Policies Plan) in providing safe, efficient, paths that promote alternative forms of transportation. Finally, the greenbelt along Caribou provides an aesthetic transition from patio homes to single family homes, and creates an attractive streetscape for public benefit. In order to promote the intent of the Solar Orientation Ordinance, Staff recommends the following condition: At the time of Final, for only eight lots necessary to achieve 65% compliance, the applicant shall provide additional techniques to accomplish the intent of the Solar Orientation Ordinance. Such techniques may include, but are not limited to, maximizing glazing on the southern exposure, placing the garage on the north side of the structure, or siting the structure on the lot so that the home itself is within 30 degrees of a true east -west line. Such techniques shall be demonstrated on the Final P.U.D. 6. Transportation: The P.U.D. is served by extensions of Caribou and Kingsley Drives. It will be recalled that Kingsley is the collector street designed to serve English Ranch, Spring Creek Farms, and, potentially, a City neighborhood park on the east side of Linton Elementary School. Because of the projected low volumes of traffic, Caribou and Kingsley will be classified as local streets within Stone Ridge P.U.D. As shown on the Stone Ridge O.D.P., a local street will connect to the northwest to provide vehicular access to Pine Cone O.D.P. This street is planned to tie into the City neighborhood park adjacent to the new F.C.H.S. athletic fields. A unique feature of Stone Ridge P.U.D. is the eight foot wide, detached, bicycle/pedestrian path that begins at Horsetooth/Caribou intersection and travels north. It is planned to parallel the local street connection into Pine Cone O.D.P. The purpose of this path is to prioritize non -vehicular access so that bicycles and pedestrians do not have to compete for space on the local streets. The function is to provide an attractive access from Fox Meadows, Sunstone Village, English Ranch to the new F.C.H.S. and the City Stone Ridge PUD, 1st Filing - Preliminary P.U.D., #21-92C June 22, 1992 P & Z Meeting Page 7 neighborhood park. This path begins to implement the objectives of prioritizing bicycle/pedestrian transportation networks versus reliance on streets and automobiles. The traffic impacts have been evaluated by the Transportation Department and can be mitigated by the proposed improvements within the P.U.D. and along the arterial street. RECOMMENDATION: Three actions are required in order to approve Stone Ridge Preliminary P.U.D.: 1. variance to Absolute Criterion Regarding Minimum Density Staff recommends that a variance be granted allowing relief from the absolute requirement that the average density, on a gross acreage basis, be a minimum of three dwelling units per acre. As justification, Staff finds that the P.U.D. contains generous setbacks from the arterial for noise mitigation, internal greenbelt areas for circulation, entry features, streetscaping along Horsetooth and Caribou, and an eight foot wide bicycle/pedestrian path. These features combine to remove available land area thus affecting gross density. Staff finds that the P.U.D. demonstrates a plan that is equal to or better than a plan that could have been platted at a minimum of three dwelling units per acre. 2. variance to the Requirements for Solar Orientation Staff recommends granting a variance from the strict requirement that 65% of the lots be oriented to within 30 degrees of a true east -west line. The granting of the variance is based on: A. Because of exceptional and practical difficulties with regard to access (the pre -determined alignment of Caribou Drive and its spatial relationship to the west property line) hardship would be caused to the subdivider by the strict application of the Solar Ordinance. B. Because of the incorporation of design features that meet other City policies and objectives, the plan is equal to or better than a plan that would have met the 65% requirement. 3. Approval Staff finds the request for Preliminary P.U.D. for Stone Ridge First Filing is in conformance with the Stone Ridge Overall Development Plan. The proposed density is justified by a score of Stone Ridge PUD, 1st Filing - Preliminary P.U.D., #21-92C June 22, 1992 P & Z Meeting Page 8 75% on the Residential Uses Point Chart and the All Development Criteria of the L.D.G.S. Staff, therefore, recommends approval of Stone Ridge Preliminary P.U.D., First Filing, #21-92C, subject to the following condition: At the time of Final, for only eight lots necessary to reach 65% compliance, the applicant shall provide additional techniques to accomplish the intent of the Solar Orientation Ordinance. Such techniques may include, but are not limited to, maximizing glazing on the southern exposure, placing garages on the north side of the structure, or sighting the structure on the lot so that the house itself is within 30 degrees of a true east -west line. Such techniques shall be demonstrated on the Final P.U.D. G� m m Irlr1 ■■■ CI1���► �An�tf/V e o- wm v� ma ����� ■i;��d�a 4 m■■■mm�nn p��' - 1� I' I FAu ITEMS: STONERIDGE PUD - I%�;rf" Fijiw6 Preliminary Plan NUMBER: 2 I -92C