HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTONERIDGE PUD, FIRST FILING FINAL - 21-92D - CORRESPONDENCE - APPLICANT COMMUNICATION (3)VAUGHT
FRYE
July 20, 1992 architects
Mr. Ted Shepard
Planning Department
City of Fort Collins
P. O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Re: Courtyards at Stone Ridge
Dear Ted,
As you are aware, it is our desire to create a unique environment for the Courtyard
Homes at Stone Ridge. Part of this environment is directly connected to the feel of the
streetscape and it is our opinion that the automobile should not dominate the design
of a minor residential street such as this one.
The width of a street should be based on probable peak traffic volume, parking needs
and controls, probable vehicle speeds and limitations imposed by sight distances. The
Fort Collins Design Criteria and Standards for Streets allows 28-foot wide streets in a
PUD when the following criteria is met:
a. Be a loop street or cul-de-sac which connects only one public street
b. Have less than 750 ADT
C. Are not accessed from an arterial street
d. Are not used in a single family area where single family homes face each
other across the street
e. One side shall be signed "No Parking" on standard city signs.
The proposed street serving the Courtyard Homes meets this criteria. In fact, the 26
lots will only generate around 150-200 average daily trips, much lower than the 750
ADT's allowed. Under these circumstances, we feel the 28' width is more than
adequate to safely accommodate traffic needs for these residents. It is our opinion that
the City should consider a new classification of street, possibly a "minor local" or "mini
local". The Urban Land Institute suggests the following classification:
Place: A short street, cul-de-sac, or court whose primary purpose is to conduct
traffic to and from dwelling units. Usually a place is a dead-end street with
limited available parking.
land planning • architecture
1113 Slonev Hill llrn • Kurt Collins, Colorado 80525 • 303-224-1191 • FAX 303-224-1662
Shephard
Page 2
Given that street functions differ according to purpose, traffic volume, and development
density, a new category such as a "place" would give developers the option to create
a hierarchy of streets that could be classified, designed, and constructed according to
the function they serve. Furthermore, wide streets increase the potential traffic hazard
between cars and people; therefore, the 28' section is wide enough to accommodate
the required traffic movement with parking on one side and provide a safe environment
for pedestrians. We feel that, given the low traffic activity (one trip every seven
minutes), safety is not being compromised with residents walking in the street to access
the sidewalk connections to the network of sidewalks and bike paths in the
neighborhood.
Please consider our request for a variance and feel free to call if you have any
questions. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Be regards,
Frank Vaught
VAUGHT*FRYE ARCHITECTS
FV/rp
cc: Les Kaplan
Bill Albrecht