HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP200400036 Legacy Document 2006-01-12 (7)COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AGENDA TITLE:
ZMA 2004-11 CHARLOTTESVILLE POWER
EQUIPMENT
SP 2004-36 FILL IN THE FLOODPLAIN
SP 2004-37 OUTDOOR DISPLAY IN AN
ENTRANCE CORRIDOR
Request for Critical Slopes Waiver
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
ZMA 04-11 is a request to rezone
approximately 2.142 acres from C-1 to HC.
It is accompanied by SP 04-36 to allow
filling the floodplain, by SP 04-37 to allow
outdoor storage and display in an
Entrance Corridor, and by an application
for a Critical Slopes Waiver.
STAFF:
Judith C. Wiegand, AICP
PLANNING COMMISSION DATE:
November 15, 2005
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DATE:
December 7, 2005
OWNER/CONTRACT PURCHASER:
Free Bridge Land Trust II; Charles WM Hurt & Shirley L. Fisher, Trustees.
PROPOSAL:
The applicant, Charlottesville Power Equipment, is requesting this rezoning to allow
construction of a 12,000 square foot, two-story building for equipment sales, offices, and limited
repair and storage facilities. The application is accompanied by two SPs, one for fill in the
floodplain and the other for outdoor storage and display in an Entrance Corridor. The applicant
has also requested a critical slopes waiver. The application plan is included as Attachment A.
BACKGROUND:
On November 16, 2004, staff presented Charlottesville Power Equipment to the Planning
Commission in a worksession. The applicant requested the worksession in response to staff's
comments on the first project submittal. In their comments, staff expressed concern about the
appropriateness of this use in this location, especially in close proximity to the Rivanna River
and proposed greenway. Staff raised several questions for the Commission to consider and to
provide guidance to staff. It was the consensus of the Commission that the proposed use would
be appropriate at this location, depending on the design.
DISCUSSIONXINDINGS:
Staff has reviewed these four applications and believes that the rezoning will enable
development of a difficult infill site, which might not otherwise be developed. The applicant has
offered a plan for development that incorporates many of the principles of the Neighborhood
Model. The site will feature a pedestrian connection to the adjacent greenway.
The applicant's decision to provide access from Route 20 rather than Free Bridge Lane supports
the County's intention to convert Free Bridge Lane to a paved pedestrian path within the
proposed greenway.
Staff has reviewed the request for a special use permit for fill in the floodplain and does not
believe that the fill will have a significant impact on the flood -carrying capacity of the river
because the amount of fill in the floodplain and on slopes off the travelway is small in
comparison to the width of the floodplain and the river in this area.
Staff has reviewed the request for a special use permit to allow outdoor storage and display in an
Entrance Corridor. The Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviewed this request for a special
use permit and has no objection to the request for the rezoning or for the special use permit, with
conditions.
Staff has reviewed the request for a critical slopes waiver and believes that the disturbance is
necessary to develop the site, that many of the slopes to be disturbed are manmade, and that
regrading will not adversely affect the stream valley.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the zoning map amendment, the request to fill in the floodplain,
the request for outdoor storage and display in an Entrance Corridor, and the waiver for
modification of critical slopes.
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STAFF PERSON:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
JUDITH C. WIEGAND, AICP
NOVEMBER 15, 2005
ZMA 2004-11 CHARLOTTESVILLE POWER EQUIPMENT
SP 2004-36 FILL IN THE FLOODPLAIN
SP 2004-37 OUTDOOR DISPLAY IN AN ENTRANCE CORRIDOR
Request for Critical Slopes Waiver
Applicant's Proposal: The applicant, Charlottesville Power Equipment, is requesting to rezone
2.142 acres from C-1 (Commercial) to HC (Highway Commercial) to allow a 12,000 square foot,
two-story building for equipment sales, offices, and limited repair and storage facilities. Behind
the building, a yard area will be used to store equipment waiting to be sold or repaired. A second
smaller building will most likely be built after the first building, and its use is undetermined at
this time. The use is expected to be either offices, a garden center, or other small, specialized
retail. Tax Map 78, Parcel 4B contains 1.871 acres and will be the location of the two buildings
and storage yard. Tax Map 78, Parcel 4A1 contains 0.271 acre and is the site of a slope easement
essential for development of the main parcel. (See Attachment B)
Access to the site will be from Rte 20 via an easement that runs parallel to the driveway into the
adjacent McDonalds. The applicant has provided a letter dated November 2, 2005, with a
diagram of a portion of the site that shows the layout of the entrance to the Charlottesville Power
Equipment site and its relationship to the entrance to the McDonalds. See Attachment C for the
layout of the proposed entrance in the easement. This revised layout meets the requirements of
the County Engineer.
Originally, the site had access from Free Bridge Lane. However, most of Free Bridge Lane is
located in the 100 -year floodplain. It is a deadend road, and its entrance onto Rt 250 is not at a
cross-over. Due to these characteristics and the County's decision to establish a greenway facility
along the road, the County has been discouraging establishment of any new access onto Free
Bridge Lane. Also, the topography of the site would make vehicular access to Free Bridge Lane
very difficult and costly.
In response to staff comments, the applicant has worked with McDonalds to expand the width of
the easement. The expansion will allow construction of both the access road and a sidewalk from
Route 20 to the proposed building. A letter from McDonalds supporting the revised easement
and realignment of retaining walls is included as Attachment D.
This rezoning request is accompanied by applications for two special use permits to be
considered with the rezoning. These special use permit applications are for filling in the
floodplain and for outdoor display and storage in an Entrance Corridor. A request for a critical
slopes waiver has also been submitted with the application for the rezoning.
The first special use permit would allow placement of fill in the floodplain, in accordance with
Section 30.3.05.2.2(3). The second special use permit would allow outdoor storage and display
in an Entrance Corridor, in accordance with Section 30.6.3.2(b) of the Zoning Ordinance. The
property is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Rte 20 and 250, behind the
McDonald's restaurant.
The applicant has submitted proffers (Attachment E). The first proffer states that the
development on the site shall be "general accord" with the application plan, last revised on
October 10, 2005. The second proffer limits the number of uses allowed under the proposed
rezoning to "machinery and equipment sales, service, and rental" as allowed under the HC
District, in addition to the by -right uses in a C-1 district. The third proffer addresses the form,
massing, character, and detailing of any building facades that "are not governed by a certificate
of appropriateness issues by the Albemarle County Architectural Review board." This proffer
indicates that those facades will be "in general accord with the building elevations" submitted by
the applicant, dated December 28, 2004. These elevations are included in Attachment F.
Petition: Request to rezone approximately 2.142 acres from C-1 (Commercial) to HC (Highway
Commercial) to allow 12,000 square feet of commercial space in two buildings with proffered
plan. The proposal also includes requests for special use permits for fill in the floodplain and for
outdoor sales and display in an Entrance Corridor (see SP -2004-36 and SP -2004-37 below). The
property, described as Tax Map 78, Parcels 4A1 and 4B, is located in the Rivanna Magisterial
District on the northwest corner of the intersection of Route 20 and Route 250 East behind
McDonald's Restaurant. The Comprehensive Plan designates these lands as regional service in
the Neighborhood Three (Pantops) Development Area. General usage for regional service is
regional -scale retail and service, wholesale, office, lodging and conference, employment center,
and residential (6 - 34 units/acre). General usage within the C-1 commercial zoning district
permits retail sales, service, public use and residential by special use permit (15 units/acre).
General usage within the HC zoning district permits commercial and service uses and residential
use by special use permit (15 units/acre).
Request for special use permit to allow fill in the floodplain in accordance with Section
30.3.05.2.2(3) of the Zoning Ordinance which allows for filling of land. See concurrent requests,
ZMA-04-11 and SP -04-37.
Request for a special use permit to allow outdoor sales and display associated with permitted
uses, which would be visible from an Entrance Corridor Street in accordance with Section
30.6.3.2(b) of the Zoning Ordinance. See concurrent requests, ZMA-04-11 and SP -04-36.
Character of the Area
The properties subject to the application are located behind the McDonalds restaurant on the
northwest corner of the intersection of Routes 20 and 250. Uses surrounding this property
include two fast food restaurants, two gas stations, and a muffler repair facility. Free Bridge Lane
(Rt. 1421) borders one side of this property. A greenway proposed for the area will incorporate
Free Bridge Lane as a paved trail and the area between Free Bridge Lane and the Rivanna River.
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff has reviewed the proposal for conformity with the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning
Ordinance and recommends approval of the Zoning Map Amendment with proffers and special
use permits with conditions, if a critical slopes waiver is approved.
Planning and Zoning History
There have been no changes in the zoning classification of these two parcels since the County's
current Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 1980.
Planning Commission Input to Date
On November 16, 2004, staff presented Charlottesville Power Equipment to the Planning
Commission in a worksession. The applicant requested the worksession in response to staff's
comments on the first project submittal. In their comments, staff expressed concern about the
appropriateness of this use in this location, especially in close proximity to the Rivanna River
and proposed greenway. Staff raised several questions for the Commission to consider and to
provide guidance to staff:
1. Is the proposed use appropriate at this location? Does the Planning Commission find that
this site should contain a use that is oriented towards the Greenbelt and River?
The Planning Commission noted that it was not really so much whether this use is
appropriate or not, but it is more about how the buildings are oriented based on the
topography and how it falls down to the river.
2. Does the Planning Commission believe that the request for "Outdoor Storage and
Display" is appropriate at this site, given its location near the Route 250 Entrance
Corridor and the Rivanna Greenway?
It was the consensus of the Commission that the proposed use would be appropriate at
this location, depending on the design.
One commissioner stated that the Commission's perspective may be different from the
ARB's because their point of view is the Entrance Corridor and the Commission's may
be from the river and other places.
3. Does the Planning Commission believe that the request for "Fill in the Floodplain" at this
site is appropriate to support a development such as the one proposed?
It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that the design should be more
responsive to the floodplain. The Commission did not have the engineering information
to know how much area will be filled, but they indicated that the applicant should be very
cautious about filling in the floodplain.
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One commissioner asked if the Commission felt that the request for fill in the floodplain
at this site is appropriate to support the development that is being proposed. The basic
question is whether this is the proper use for the infill in the floodplain.
The Planning Commission asked staff to look at the new FEMA maps, which will be in
effect in February, to determine the fringe and buffer area towards the floodplain.
It should be demonstrated that the amount of fill is absolutely minimized, and whatever
redesign is done to make the project a more sympathetic fit must take into account that
fill in the floodplain should be minimized.
Concern was expressed that it appeared the critical slope was caused by the previous
development on the McDonald's site. The larger building in this proposal is right in the
middle of the critical slopes on the site. The Commission was not opposed to the use, but
would like to see a redesign that might be more respectful of the critical slopes than what
the current proposal shows.
In general consensus, the Planning Commission agreed that utilizing buildings to take up
critical slopes is often a very sensible thing to do.
Applicant's Justification for the Request
The applicant has made the following key points: their plan responds to the requirements of the
Neighborhood Model and will enable a good use of a difficult site.
Staff notes that the site represents a difficult infill challenge. It is zoned C-1, a district that allows
retail, eating establishments, or other service uses by right. However, the applicant's market
research indicates that the site's poor visibility (it is situated behind two gas stations, two fast
food restaurants, and a muffler repair facility) makes it unlikely to support these uses because
they rely on highway traffic from nearby roads. Secondly, the site slopes steeply down to the
Rivanna River and floodplain covers a large percentage of the site. This results in a limited
amount of developable land. Therefore, the applicant has chosen to proceed with specialized
retail or office uses that will be a destination for shoppers. Since machinery and equipment sales
and service are only allowed in an HC District, the applicant has decided to request rezoning of
the property. The applicant has submitted a proffer stipulating that only the "machinery and
equipment sales, service and rental" use permitted under the HC district would be applicable to
the property, in addition to all C-1 uses.
By-ri,2ht Use of the Property
With a C-1 zoning classification, the property could be developed with selected retail sales,
service and public use establishments.
Comprehensive Plan and The Nei!hborhood Model
Chapter 2 of the Comprehensive Plan, entitled "Natural Resources and Cultural Assets," sets
goals for preserving those scenic resources that are recognized as essential to the County's
on
character, economic vitality, and quality of life. The Entrance Corridor Overlay Districts were
established to meet the Comprehensive Plan objective of maintaining the visual integrity of
important roadways. The Architectural Review Board (ARB) addresses the aesthetic impacts of
development on those roads by applying the County's design standards for development within
Entrance Corridors. The ARB has reviewed the applicant's conceptual site layout and building
design for conformity with the County's adopted design guidelines and recommends approval of
the conceptual plan with conditions.
Requests for a zoning map amendment within the Development Areas are assessed for
conformity with the Neighborhood Model (NMD) and the Land Use Plan.
The Land Use Plan shows this area as Regional Service:
Uses allowed within this designation include regional -scale commercial, regional malls,
medical centers, mixed-use developments, hotel/motel/conference facilities, professional and
corporate offices, interstate interchange developments and uses providing retail, wholesale,
business, and/or employment services to Albemarle County and the region.
Areas designated as Regional Service typically encompass a large site (+30 acres), arterial
road accessibility, water and sewer availability, and compatibility with adjacent land uses.
Both vehicular and pedestrian interconnections are expected to nearby residential areas.
A mixture of Urban Density Residential uses and community service uses is anticipated
within this designation.
The Pantops (Neighborhood Three) Development Area profile includes the following
recommendations:
Construct a greenway along the South Fork of the Rivanna River and the Rivanna River. This
provides a pedestrian connection of the Ivy Creek Natural Area to the Urban Area and an
opportunity for passive recreation adjacent to the Urban Area. Develop the greenway to meet
the recreational and conservation needs of the residents in the Neighborhood, and the entire
County.
The proposed development includes a pedestrian path linking the site to the proposed greenway.
PRINCIPLES OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD MODEL
Principle
How Principle Is Addressed in This Application
Pedestrian
The concept plan offers a pedestrian circulation network within the site,
Orientation
between parking areas and the two buildings. A sidewalk is proposed to
connect the building with the existing sidewalk along Route 20 and
with the proposed greenway along Free Bridge Lane.
Neighborhood
The concept plan shows paths connecting the site with Free Bridge
Friendly Streets
Lane and, eventually, with the greenway. Landscaping will be provided
and Paths
around the site to improve views to/from the site and make the paths
more attractive.
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Interconnected
This development is so small that the only realistic interconnections are
Streets and
the sidewalk that connects the site to Rt. 20 and the paths between the
Transportation
site and Free Bridge Lane/the proposed greenway.
Networks
Parks and Open
Much of the site will be preserved as floodplain. The paths mentioned
Space
above will be part of this area. Some landscaping is provided.
Neighborhood
This development is being added to a cluster of existing fast food
Centers
restaurants, gas stations, and car repair shops that function more as
highway -oriented regional uses.
Buildings and
The two-story building is human scale and the site is designed for
Spaces of Human
human activity, especially the walking paths.
Scale
The ARB has reviewed this plan and generally supports it.
Relegated
The plan provides most parking behind the main building, with a few
Parking
spaces along the front. It is a good response to the objective of
relegated parking.
Mixture of Uses
This is a very small site on which a single use is proposed, so this
principle does not apply.
Mixture of
There is no housing proposed, so this principle does not apply.
Housing Types
and Affordability
Redevelopment
This is a greenfield development, so this principle does not apply.
Site Planning that
This is a difficult infill site to develop. Because of the amount of
Respects Terrain
floodplain, the existence of steep slopes, and difficult access,
development of this site it very constrained. Grading will result in some
2:1 slopes that will need to be stabilized with vegetation. The applicant
has applied for a critical slopes waiver, noting in his application that
some, if not all, of the critical slopes are manmade.
The buildings are designed to make use of the grade; the first (main)
floor will be at the level of the parking lot, while the lower (basement)
floor will open onto the storage area behind the building.
The applicant will need to place a small amount of fill in the floodplain
to accommodate the access road.
Clear Boundaries
This project is well within the Development Area, so this principle does
with the Rural
not apply.
Areas
ZMA 2004-11 — Rezoning from C-1 to HC (Hiahway Commercial)
STAFF COMMENT
Relationship between the application and the purpose and intent of the requested zoning
district
The site is currently zoned C-1 (Commercial). C-1 districts permit selected retail sales, service,
and public use establishments. These districts are intended to be established only within the
N.
urban area, communities, and villages as set out in the Comprehensive Plan. The by -right uses
permitted in C-1 districts are those that require a certain level of visibility from a highway in
order to attract sufficient customers.
HC (Highway Commercial) districts permit development of commercial establishments, other
than shopping centers, primarily oriented to highway locations rather than to central business
concentrations (e.g., downtown areas). It is intended that HC districts be established on major
highways within the urban area and communities in the comprehensive plan. The by -right uses
permitted in HC districts are those that require proximity to a highway for access, but do not
necessarily require visibility to attract customers. These businesses are destinations that
customers plan to patronize, rather than ones they may select "on impulse" as they drive by.
The site does not front directly on either Rte 20 or 250; Tuffy Muffler, Wilco, Wendy's, and
McDonalds are all between the site and Rte 20 and 250. Thus, the site has little visibility from
either highway. The applicant's market research indicated that the uses permitted under the
current C-1 zoning would not be financially feasible due to this lack of visibility. Instead, the
applicant is proposing a use—machinery and equipment sales, service and rental—that they feel
is more likely to be successful on the site. This use is a highway -oriented destination, the type
permitted in HC districts. However, many of the other uses permitted in an HC district would not
be appropriate in this location. So, the applicant has proffered that the only HC use permitted
will be machinery and equipment sales, service and rental, along with all C-1 uses.
Public need and iustification for the change
Staff believes that rezoning this property from C-1 (Commercial) to HC (Highway Commercial)
will make the property more developable for the purpose of regional services and sales.
Anticipated impact on public facilities and services
No adverse impacts are expected on streets, water, and sewer.
Anticipated impact on natural, cultural, and historic resources
No impact is anticipated on cultural or historical resources of the County. The pedestrian path
that ties -in to the proposed greenway will be a benefit for the County. Eliminating the access to
Free Bridge Lane will simplify the greenway planning process.
SUMMARY
Staff has identified the following factors that are favorable to the rezoning request:
1. The rezoning will enable more efficient use of a development area site without adversely
impacting environmental resources.
2. The plan incorporates many of the principles of the Neighborhood Model.
3. The site will feature a pedestrian connection to the adjacent greenway.
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4. Access to the site will be provided via an easement on the adjacent McDonalds site,
rather than from Free Bridge Lane. This alternative access supports the County's
intention to convert Free Bridge Lane to a paved pedestrian path within the proposed
greenway.
Staff has identified no factors that are unfavorable to this request.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Staff recommends approval of the rezoning with the attached proffers.
SP 2005-36 FILL IN THE FLOODPLAIN
Applicant's Proposal
The applicant proposes to place a small amount of fill in the floodplain, outside of the stream
buffer, to accommodate grading necessary for the buildings and parking areas. Placing the fill
will create some 2:1 slopes and require retaining walls on both sides of the access road and at the
corner of the parking lot near the Wilco facility.
STAFF COMMENT
Staff has reviewed the request for a special use permit for fill in the floodplain. From the
information on the concept plan and in the application, the property is in an area of detailed study
on FIRM 287, and as such will require the use of the FEMA model or its equivalent.
The fill in the floodplain will cover an area of approximately 62 square feet, a small area in
comparison to the width of the floodplain and the river in this vicinity. So, staff does not believe
that the fill will have a significant impact on the flood -carrying capacity of the river. However,
because this is a detailed study area for FEMA that was recently updated, staff would like to
keep the study area maps up-to-date. Requiring the applicant to obtain a letter of map revision
also keeps FEMA informed in case they should have a concern with the fill.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Staff recommends approval of SP -2004-36, subject to the following conditions:
1. A letter of map amendment must be obtained from FEMA.
2. Copies of state and federal permits (DEQ, Army Corps of Engineers) must be provided.
SP 2004-37 OUTDOOR STORAGE AND DISPLAY IN AN ENTRANCE CORRIDOR
Applicant's Proposal
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The applicant proposes to store and display equipment outside the building in the locations
indicated on the plan shown in Attachment G. Some of the for -sale equipment will be displayed
outside the building or under the tower, and some of the equipment waiting for repair will be
stored outside in the lot at the rear of the building.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff has reviewed this request for compliance with the provisions of the Comprehensive Plan
and Zoning Ordinance Sections 31.2.4.1 and 30.6.3.2.b, and recommends approval of SP 2004-
37, with conditions.
Architectural Review Board (ARB)
The ARB reviewed this proposal at its meeting on September 6, 2005. The ARB had no
objection to the request for the rezoning. The ARB has no objection to the request for the Special
Use Permit, with conditions. The ARB's comments are in Attachment H.
STAFF COMMENT
Staff will address each provision of Section 31.2.4.1 of the Zoning Ordinance.
The Board of Supervisors hereby reserves unto itself the right to issue all special use permits
permitted hereunder. Special use permits for uses as provided in this ordinance may be issued
upon a finding by the Board of Supervisors that such use will not be of substantial detriment to
adjacent property,
It is anticipated that the storage and display of lawn care and similar equipment will have no
negative impact on the surrounding uses or on the site itself. The conditions proposed by the
ARB will prevent the equipment from being visible to drivers and pedestrians in the Entrance
Corridor.
that the character of the district will not be changed thereby
It is anticipated that the proposed use will not change the character of the district for the
following reasons:
The site is surrounded by other commercial uses.
The conceptual layout demonstrates that the proposed use will respect the proposed adjacent
greenway.
The display area is limited in size and will be screened by the building.
Recommended additional landscaping will help limit visibility of the display from the road.
The potential impact of the use on the character of the district has been addressed by the ARB.
The ARB has recommended conditions of approval.
and that such use will be in harmony with the purpose and intent of this ordinance,
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Staff has reviewed this request for compliance with the purpose and intent of the Zoning
Ordinance, as stated in Section 1.4, and identified no conflict that would arise as a result of its
approval.
with the uses permitted by right in the district,
The proposed display use will not have an impact on permitted uses on adjacent property.
Visibility of the site from McDonalds will be limited by landscaping.
with additional regulations provided in Section 5.0 of this ordinance,
There are no additional regulations in Section 5.0 specifically addressing the display of vehicles.
and with the public health, safety and general welfare.
No adverse impacts on the public health, safety, and/or welfare are anticipated.
Summary
The proposed special use meets the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning
Ordinance.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Staff recommends approval of SP 2004-37, subject to the following conditions:
1. Site lighting shall be limited to the satisfaction of the ARB, as illustrated in the ARB -
approved lighting plan, dated October 12, 2005, and prepared by Terra Partners, LLC.
2. The storage yard fence shall be of material, character, and design that are coordinated with
the building, as approved by the ARB.
3. Regarding items for storage/display:
a. Equipment shall be stored/displayed only in areas indicated for storage/display on the
"Display Area Exhibit" plan dated October 12, 2005.
b. Items located in the storage lot on the north side of the building shall not exceed 10
feet in height.
c. Items located in the storage/display areas under the two easternmost awnings on the
south side of the building shall be limited to small lawn mowers, rototillers, and other
similarly sized items. Items on display shall not extend into sidewalk, landscape, or
parking areas.
d. Items located under the tower shall be fully contained within the structure of the
roofed tower, as shown on the architectural elevation drawing sheet A3 (East/front
Elevation) and A5 (South Elevation), dated December 28, 2004.
e. Items for sale/storage/display shall not be elevated anywhere on the site.
4. Retaining wall materials are subject to ARB approval and shall be indicated on the ARB -
approved site development plan.
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Request for Critical Slopes Waiver
The applicant has requested a Critical Slopes Waiver. Staff has reviewed the request for a
Critical Slopes Waiver. The engineering analysis of the request follows:
Description of critical slope area and proposed disturbance
The areas of critical slope are along the natural hillside between McDonald's and Free Bridge
Lane, and in a former stockpile area behind the Wilco site. There is also a disturbance of man-
made critical slopes along the entrance, which is off-site, on the embankment created by the
McDonalds adjacent to Route 20, above their existing stormwater basin. After temporary
disturbance for erosion control measures, it is expected that most of the critical slopes on the site
will be disturbed.
Areas
Acres
Total site
2.139 (tm.78-4B & 784A1)
Critical slopes
0.46
0.22% of site
Critical slopes disturbed
0.39
85% of critical slopes
* the area of off-site critical slope disturbance for the entrance is an additional 0.10 acres.
Exemptions to critical slopes waivers for driveways, roads and utilities without reasonable
alternative locations
The off-site disturbance and a small corner of the on-site disturbance are necessary to create the
entrance and travelway to the site.
Compliance with Zoning Ordinance 18-4.2
Staff will address each provision of Section 4.2 of the Zoning Ordinance.
These provisions are created to implement the comprehensive elan by protecting and conservin
steep hillsides together with public drinking water supplies and floodplain areas and in
recognition of increased potential for soil erosion, sedimentation, water pollution and septic
disposal Problems associated with the development of those areas described in the
comprehensive plan as critical slopes. It is hereby recognized that such development of critical
slopes may result in: rapid and/or large-scale movement of soil and rock;
Proper slope and wall construction, control of drainage, and vegetative stabilization will
prevent any movement of soil.
excessive stormwater runoff
Stormwater runoff will be increased by impervious areas and steeper slopes being placed on
the site. A waiver has been requested for detention, and will likely be granted with the site
plan review according to 17-314F6, provided adequate channels are satisfactorily addressed
through off-site improvements. Staff had recommended to the applicant that some benefit
could be provided by improving the existing basin for the McDonald's site, but the applicant
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has been unable to interest McDonalds in sharing this facility. Instead, the applicant has
chosen an alternative means of managing stormwater
siltation of natural and man-made bodies of water;
Inspection and bonding by the County will ensure siltation control on-site during
construction. Proper stabilization and maintenance will ensure long term stability, on-site.
The off-site disturbance will likely cause siltation in the McDonalds basin, which lies directly
below the disturbance and a proposed retaining wall.
loss of aesthetic resource;
This area is visible from the greenway trail and Free Bridge Lane, and has a limited view
from Route 20. It has been recently cleared of small trees and brush in some areas. There is
trash and debris on the site.
The Comprehensive Plan Greenway Plan Trail Locations Map shows this greenway trail as a
"Class A" trail. Class A trails are to be eight feet wide, either paved or compacted crushed
stone, and ADA and bicycle accessible. Thus, this section of the greenway is expected to
receive significant use.
This section of the greenway will be a part of the larger County system and can expect to
receive significant use. It will be available to both users of the site and to County residents.
The appearance of the site from the greenway is important; removal of the unsightly brush
and debris will benefit users of the greenway. Further, the applicant's provision of a resting
area with benches as part of the greenway connection will be appreciated by users.
and in the event of septic system failure, a greater travel distance of septic effluent, all of which
constitute potential dangers to the public health, safety and/or welfare.
This is not a concern, as the site will be serviced by public sewer.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Staff can recommend approval of the critical slopes waiver because most of the slopes to be
disturbed are manmade and the proposed regrading and vegetation shown on the concept plan
indicate conformity with recommended erosion and sediment control measures.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A
— Application Plan (5 sheets)
Attachment B
— Location Map
Attachment C
— Letter from C. W. Hurt Contractors, Dated November 2, 2005, transmitting
revised
proposed entrance layout.
Attachment D -
Letter from McDonalds, dated August 25, 2005
Attachment E —
Proffers
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Attachment F — Proposed Building Elevations
Attachment G — Display Areas Map
Attachment H — ARB Letter
Attachment I — Staff Report for Planning Commission Meeting on November 16, 2004
Attachment J — Minutes from Planning Commission Meeting on November 16, 2004
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