HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP200400074 Executive Summary 2005-09-08COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AGENDA TITLE:
SDP 2004 -074 Gazebo Plaza Preliminary Site
Plan
SUBJECT /PROPOSAL /REQUEST:
A proposal for site plan approval to allow the
construction of an approximately 180,000 square
foot shopping center at the intersection of Hansens
Mountain Road and Route 250. Modifications to
allow activity on critical slopes and parking located
more than 500 feet from the building it serves are
requested also.
STAFF:
William D. Fritz, AICP
PLANNING COMMISSION DATE:
September 13, 2005
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DATE:
No meeting required.
PROPOSAL:
This proposal is for site plan approval of a shopping center on property zoned PDSC, Planned
Development Shopping Center. Access to the site is directly to Hansens Mountain Road. This
site plan is subject to review based on the Zoning Ordinance in effect on December 10, 1980 and
not the current Zoning Ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
The Planning Commission denied this site plan and the associated waivers by a vote of 4:0 at its
meeting on October 19, 2004. A copy of the action letter from that meeting is attached.
Subsequent review of the application and action has lead to rehearing of this item.
DISCUSSION /FINDINGS:
Staff had previously identified the following sections as significant in the review of the proposal:
4.2.3.2 — Structures are located on critical slopes.
4.12.3.3b — Parking is located more than 500 feet from the building which it serves.
4.12.6.1 — The site does not have safe and convenient access.
32.4.27 — The entrance does not have VDOT approval.
32.5.8.1 — Roads serving this site are inadequate.
32.5.24 — Approval constitutes a danger to the public health, safety, or general welfare.
4.2.3.2 — Structures are located on critical slopes
Attachment B to this executive summary shows the location of critical slopes requiring a
modification. The total area of critical slopes is approximately 900 square feet. The site plan was
prepared with 2 foot contour intervals. The ordinance allows the plan to be prepared at 5 foot
contour intervals. If the applicant had submitted the plan at this lower level of detail it is unlikely
that these critical slopes would have appeared and no modification would have been required.
Staff opinion is that the location and dimension of the critical slopes are inconsequential and that
no negative impacts will occur due to their disturbance. Any remaining engineering issues
relative to these critical slopes will be addressed through the engineering data submitted with the
final site plan. Therefore, staff can now recommend approval of a modification to allow activity on
critical slopes.
4.12.3.3b — Parking is located more than 500 feet from the building which it serves.
Staff had previously supported this modification and continues to recommend approval of this
modification. Staff also notes that the current parking regulations allow parking spaces to be
more than 500 feet from the building they serve.
4.12.6.1 — The site does not have safe and convenient access.
32.4.27 — The entrance does not have VDOT approval.
32.5.8.1 — Roads serving this site are inadequate.
32.5.24 — Approval constitutes a danger to the public health, safety, or general welfare.
Previously staff had recommended that the site plan did not satisfy these provisions based on
VDOT's statements that it would not issue an entrance permit. Staff opinion is that the
preliminary site plan may be approved. The final site plan must demonstrate that the design of
the proposed ingress to and egress from the site at its intersection with Hansen's Mountain Road
provides safe and convenient access. (1980 Zoning Ordinance § 4.12.6.1)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff opinion is that approval of the two modifications is consistent with the provisions of the
ordinance and the public safety and welfare and that the preliminary site plan may be approved
subject to conditions. Staff recommends approval subject to the following:
The Community Development Department shall not accept submittal of the final site plan for
signature until tentative final approvals for the following conditions have been obtained. The final
site plan shall not be signed until the following conditions have been met:
1. Current Development Engineer Approval of Stormwater Management plans and
calculations.
2. Current Development Engineer Approval of Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
3. Current Development approval of landscape plans.
4. Albemarle County Service Authority Approval of water and sewer plans.
5. Fire Official Approval.
6. Approval of road name for access to the site.
Attachments
A- Planning Commission Action letter
B- Copy of a portion of the site plan showing critical slopes
C- Prior Staff report with associated attachments