HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP202000009 Correspondence Final Site Plan and Comps. 2020-01-20608 Preston Avenue
P 434.295.5624
T I M M O N S GROUP Suite 200 F 434.295.1800
Charlottesville, VA 22903 www.timmons.com
January 20, 2020
Tim Padalino, AICP
Albemarle County Community Dev.
401 McIntire Rd, North Wing
Charlottesville, VA 22902
RE: UVAF Discovery Drive — Initial Site Plan Review — SDP-2019-00059 - Comment Response
Letter
Dear Mr. Padalino:
We have reviewed your comments from December 13, 2019 and made the necessary revisions.
Please find our responses to the comments below in bold lettering.
Planning Services (CDD-Planning) (Tim Padalino):
1. [ZMA200500003; Z.O.32.5.2.(a)]: The proposed development shown on the initial site
plan appears to be in general accord with the Application Plan and consistent with the
Proffer Statement for approved ZMA200500003.
Acknowledged.
2. [ZMA200500003; Z.O.32.5.2(a)]: Please revise the "Notes" on the Cover Sheet (Sheet
C0.0) as follows:
A. In the "Zoning" information, include reference to ZMA200500003 (approved by
the BOS on 3/10/2010).
A reference has been added to Sheet C0.0.
B. In the "Setbacks" information, include reference to the "Buffer Area"
requirements established by ZMA200500003 Proffer 7.2 ("Buffer Areas"). Please
note that Exhibit K of the ZMA200500003 Application Plan shows a 50' Buffer
Area along the side boundaries of TMP #32-19E ("Tract F-1A") and a 150' Buffer
Area along the rear boundary of TMP #32-19E ("Tract F-1A"). Staff acknowledges
that these Buffer Areas are correctly depicted on the sheets in this site plan;
however, this information needs to also be noted on Sheet C0.0. For reference,
an excerpt of Proffer 7.2 is provided below:
7.2 Buffer Areas. Except as expressly provided herein in Sections 7.2 (A) and 7.2 (B), the
Owner shall not disturb the Buffer Areas (the "Buffer Areas") as depicted on the
Application Plan, other than to: i) establish and maintain signage, fences or walls, ii)
remove underbrush, iii) plant landscaping trees for screening or iv) construct an
ENGINEERING I DESIGN I TECHNOLOGY
interconnection along the eastern boundary between development parcels B10 and B11
as shown on Exhibit K. The Owner shall plant additional landscaping in Buffer Areas as
reasonably required for screening.
Setback information has been updated on Sheet C0.0.
3. [ZMA200500003; Z.O. 32.5.2 (b), 32.5.2.(d), 32.5.2.(n)]: Per CDD-Planning review of
Sheet C2.0 ("Existing Conditions," showing the location of the Managed Steep Slopes
overlay district and the location of the 150' rear Buffer Area) and Sheet C4.1 ("Layout
and Utilities — Phase 2," showing a proposed retaining wall with a maximum height of
14'), it appears that the proposed improvements comply with applicable Zoning
Ordinance regulations and requirements of ZMA20050003, as shown in this annotated
excerpt:
However, please be advised of the following details and considerations for the Final Site
Plan:
A. The proposed retaining wall appears to be located outside of the Managed Steep
Slopes overlay district; however, if the proposed retaining wall were to be
located within that overlay district, then the proposed structure (or the portions
of the proposed structure within that overlay district) would need to comply
with all applicable design standards in Z.O. Section 30.7.5, which include a
maximum wall height of six (6) feet (per Z.O. Section 30.7.5.a).
It appears that portions of the proposed retaining wall would be located within
the Managed Steep Slopes overlay district; as noted above, those portions would
need to comply with all applicable design standards in Z.O. Section 30.7.5.
Therefore, it appears that revisions to portions of the proposed retaining wall
are necessary in order to comply with the design standards specified in Z.O.
Sections 30.7.5.a.1 ("Wall height") and 30.7.5.a.2 ("Multiple stepped walls, -
separation").
The retaining wall has been revised to be stepped within the Managed Steep Slopes
overlay areas. Each wall maintains a height less than six feet where it is located within
the overlay. See Sheet C5.1.
B. The proposed retaining wall appears to be located outside of the 150' Buffer
Area; however, please note that the northern end of the retaining wall as
proposed would be very close to the 150' Buffer Area boundary. Per
ZMA20050003 Proffer 7.2, land disturbance to establish walls is permissible
within the Buffer Area (7.2i), but the retaining wall must be located outside of
the Buffer Area.
As noted above, staff acknowledges that Sheet C4.1 ("Layout and Utilities —
Phase 2") appears to show the proposed retaining wall being located outside of
the 150' Buffer Area; and staff further acknowledges that Sheet C5.1 ("Grading
and Drainage — Phase 2") does not show any proposed grading within the 150'
Buffer Area in conjunction with the proposed retaining wall.
Acknowledged. The proposed retaining wall is located outside of the 150' buffer area.
4. [Z.O. 4.12.16]: Following the 12/5/2019 SRC meeting, CDD-Planning staff has coordinated with
CDD-Engineering staff regarding CDD-Engineering review comment #8. As articulated in
correspondence sent via email on 12/11/2019, please revise the site plan as follows:
A. Provide 6' wide sidewalks where appropriate/possible such as along the northern "end"
or "side" of the proposed building addition); and
B. Provide 5' wide sidewalks in locations where the new sidewalks will have to tieback in
to the existing 5' sidewalks that will not be demolished (i.e. in the "rear" and "front" of
the building addition), and provide bumper block in the parking spaces adjacent to the
5' wide sidewalks.
Sidewalks have been updated to be 6 feet wide where feasible. For parking spaces where
this is not feasible, bumper blocks have been added.
• (Advisory / For Future Reference): [Z.O. 32.4.2.4, 32.4.3.8]: Following the 12/5/2019 SRC
meeting, CDD-Planning staff has identified additional information regarding the period
of validity of approved initial site plans and period of validity of approved final site
plans, as those issues relate to the proposed phasing of this proposed development, and
specifically as they relate to the note on Sheet C0.0 ("Cover Sheet").
With conditional approval of SDP201900059 on 12/13/2019, and assuming a
subsequent final site plan is submitted within one year (or by 12/13/2020), and
assuming eventual County approval of a final site plan for this proposed project, the
proposed Phase 2 improvements would need to occur within the five-year period of
validity that is established beginning on the date of final site plan approval. The only
way to extend the period of validity of the County's approval of proposed improvements
would be to formally request an extension of the approved final site plan, pursuant to
Zoning Ordinance Section 32.4.3.8. It isn't possible to pre-emptively establish a longer
period of validity by only placing a note on the initial site plan or on the final site plan.
Therefore, the note on Sheet C0.0 ("Phase 2 (additional parking) will be triggered...") can
remain; but please be advised that this note does not provide indefinite authorization or
permission to implement the proposed Phase 2 improvements, and that the periods of
validity specified in Zoning Ordinance Section 32 are applicable and will remain in effect
unless and until and extension is formally requested and granted pursuant to Zoning
Ordinance Section 32.4.3.8.
Acknowledged. The referenced note remains on Sheet C0.0, however the process of
requesting an extension of the period of validity will be followed if deemed necessary.
• (Advisory / For Future Reference): A Landscape Plan is required with the Final Site Plan,
per County Code 18-32.6.2(j) and 18-32.7.9.2(a).
Please note that the eventual review of the Landscape Plan during the Final Site
Plan review process might potentially include a requirement to establish
additional landscaping in one or more locations within the Buffer Area, as may
reasonably be required for screening the proposed improvements from the
adjoining Rural Areas zoning district, in accordance with ZMA200500003 Proffer
7.2 and if determined by the Agent to be reasonably required based on site
visit(s) and/or additional site analysis.
A Landscape Plan has been included in this Final Site Plan submission. See Sheets 1-1.0-1-2.0.
• (Advisory / For Future Reference): Please note that the Final Site Plan cannot be
approved unless and until all the outdoor lighting information required by Z.O. 32.6.2(k)
is provided to demonstrate compliance with all applicable outdoor lighting
requirements as specified in Z.O. 4.17, per Z.O. 32.7.8.b. However, this information is
not required prior to County approval of this Initial Site Plan (as may be applicable).
A Photometric Plan is in the process of being generated and will be provided with the next
submittal.
• (Advisory / For Future Reference): Please note that the Final Site Plan cannot be
approved unless and until a complete application for a Water Protection Ordinance Plan
/ VSMP Plan is submitted, reviewed, and approved by the Engineering Services Division
of the Community Development Department as required per Z.O. 32.7.4.1 and County
Code Chapter 17. It is anticipated that CDD-Engineering review comments will identify
this requirement, as well as any other requirements relating to stormwater
management and drainage control, including the dedication of easements for facilities
for stormwater management required per Z.O. 32.7.4.2(a).
Staff acknowledges the submission of VSMP Application WPO201900060, which is
currently under review.
Acknowledged.
• (Advisory / For Future Reference): Please note that the Final Site Plan cannot be
approved unless and until the owner/developer dedicates to the Albemarle County
Service Authority for public use all water and sewer facilities required by this chapter
that are designed, constructed and approved to be dedicated as public water supply and
public sewage systems, and to establish an easement on the land appurtenant thereto
and extending to any abutting property identified by the agent easements, as required
per Z.O. 32.7.5.3.
Acknowledged. Deed and book reference will be provided once recorded.
• (Advisory / For Future Reference): Per Z.O. Sections 32.6.2(a), 32.5.2(1), and 32.5.2(o), it
will be necessary prior to final site plan approval to obtain County approval of a plat
showing all proposed easements as well as all areas intended for reservation or
dedication to the County for public use (as may be applicable). The platting of proposed
easements and lands to be reserved for dedication to the County for public use (as may
be applicable) can all be processed together in one plat application, or separately,
however, the applicant prefers.
Acknowledged.
• (Advisory / For Future Reference): Per Z.O. Sections 32.4.3.6.a and 32.4.3.6.c, please
note that the Final Site Plan cannot be approved unless and until all other applicable
SRC members review the Final Site Plan and indicate their tentative approvals prior to
final approval (as may be applicable) by the agent in CDD-Planning.
Acknowledged.
Plannine Services (CDD ARB) (Marearet Maliszewski):
1. The building proposed in this application is not expected to be visible from the entrance
corridor. Consequently, ARB review approval is not required.
Acknowledged.
Building Inspections (CDD-Inspection) (Michael Dellinger):
1. Add the following note to the general notes page:
Accessible parking spaces and access isles shall not have a surface slope greater than
1:48. Access isles shall be at the same level as the parking space they serve. Accessible
parking spaces shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from adjacent
parking to an accessible building entrance. In parking facilities that do not serve a
particular building, accessible parking spaces shall be located on the shortest route to an
accessible pedestrian entrance to the parking facility. Where buildings have multiple
accessible entrances with adjacent parking, accessible parking spaces shall be dispersed
and located near the accessible entrance.
The requested note has been added to Sheet C1.0, Note #34.
2. Add the following note to the general notes page:
All roof drains shall discharge in a manner not to cause a public nuisance and not over
sidewalks.
The requested note has been added to Sheet C1.0, Note #35.
ACSA (Richard Nelson):
1. Provide information on proposed addition use.
The proposed use for the addition is a research and laboratory office building. See Sheet C0.0.
2. Provide fixture counts.
Fixture counts for the existing building and proposed addition have been provided to ACSA via
email.
3. Fire hydrant spacing from buildings are 40 feet. The existing fire hydrant may need to be
relocated.
This fire hydrant is being proposed to be relocated across the drive aisle. An additional
hydrant is also being proposed near the existing FDC. See Sheet C4.0.
4. Show valves for fire line and water service.
The fire and domestic water line connections will be internal to the building. Proposed
external water line connections have been removed from the plans.
5. Show easement around meter vault.
The water line connection will be internal to the building. The proposed water meter vault has
been removed from the plans.
Albemarle County Fire and Rescue (Shawn Maddox):
1. The travel way must be 26' of unobstructed travel width based on the maximum
building height. If the building is going to be less than 30' then the travel way may be
reduced.
The existing building is sprinklered and the sprinkler system for the addition will come off of
the existing service within the building. Per Shawn Maddox at the SRC meeting on 12/5/19,
since the building is sprinklered, a 24' wide drive aisle is acceptable.
2. The FDC must be shown on the site plan and be located within 100' of a hydrant.
There is an FDC on the existing building which was not previously shown on the existing
conditions. A proposed hydrant near this existing FDC has been added to the site plan. See
Sheet C4.0.
3. Mark the end of the travel way as NO PARKING FIRE LANE to allow for emergency
apparatus to turn around.
This has been added for Phase 1. See Sheet C4.0.
4. Please provide the ISO needed fire flow and a current fire flow test to show the
currently available fire flow on the site.
ACSA fire flow test results have been added to the plans. See Sheet C1.1.
Engineering (CDD-Engineering):
1. Submit a VSMP plan & application for review, if haven't. Land disturbance is over 10,000
sf [17-302].
A VSMP plan was submitted with the Initial Site Plan (WPO201900060).
2. VSMP plan approval required prior to FSP approval.
Acknowledged.
3. Retaining walls over 30" high will need safety railing.
Safety railing is shown for rear retaining wall. See Sheet C4.1.
4. Retaining walls 4' high and taller will require engineered plans and structural
calculations.
Acknowledged.
5. Show existing topography & proposed grading beyond the retaining wall.
Additional existing topography has been added from County GIS. See Sheets C5.0 and C5.1.
6. Guardrail needed in front of any wall, or drop-off greater than 4' next to parking.
Acknowledged. In this site, the top of the back wall is heavily wooded and over 150' from the
nearest road. The parking area is at the bottom of the wall with concrete bumpers proposed.
A safety railing is proposed at the top of the wall in case pedestrians were to find their way to
that area. Per email from David James on 1/14/2020, the proposed handrail is acceptable in
this scenario.
7. Missing handicap symbol for 2 spaces (7 total).
Handicap symbols have been updated to appear for all 7 existing parking spaces throughout
the plan set.
8. Sidewalk abutting parking is 6' wide (exclusive of curb), or bumper blocks are provided
[DSM, p.17]
Sidewalks have been updated to be 6 feet wide where feasible. For parking spaces where this
is not feasible, bumper blocks have been added. See Sheet C4.0.
9. Provide SWM inlet catchment areas and SWM drainage design calcs.
SWM inlet catchment areas and SWM drainage design calcs were submitted with
WPO201900060. See Sheet C6.2.
10. Show necessary water & sewer easements dimensions that will be recorded.
Proposed water easement dimensions added.
11. While not objectionable, why is the gutter pan shown going across the parking
travelways? Show gutter directing runoff to the Dls.
That area is proposed mill and overlay, not gutter pan. The plans have been revised for clarity.
12. Sheet 7:
a. Show the HGL.
HGL line has been added to Sheet C7.0.
b. Add note or callout to provide concrete inlet shaping (IS-1) on any structure with
a 4' or greater drop.
Note has been added that IS-1 is to be provided on all new structures.
We have included PDF copies of the plans and calculations for your review. If you have any
questions or comments, please feel free to give me a call at 434.295.5624.
Sincerely,
Craig Kotarski, PE
Project Manager