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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-3-14Tentative BOARD OF SUPERVISORS T E N T A T I V E MARCH 14, 2012 6:00 P.M., AUDITORIUM COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING 1. Call to Order. 2. Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Moment of Silence. 4. Adoption of Final Agenda. 5. Brief Announcements by Board Members. 6. Recognitions: a. Proclamation recognizing the 18th Virginia Festival of the Book. b. Kathryn Presson as Most Outstanding Fire Corps Volunteer. 7. From the Public: Matters Not Listed for Public Hearing on the Agenda. 8. Consent Agenda. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 9. To solicit public input on the proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to be submitted to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for the proposed Orchard Acres Housing Rehabilitation Project and the Scattered Site Rehabilitation Project. Residents of the project area are encouraged to attend. The proposal will include rehabilitation of up to 40 houses in Orchard Acres and the reconstruction of two units (one in Scottsville and one in Heards). 10. ASCA 2012-01. Charlottesville Volvo. Request to amend the Albemarle County Service Authority Jurisdictional Area boundary to provide sewer service to Tax Map 59, Parcel 23B2. Property located on Ivy Road (US 250 West), approximately .2 mile east of the intersection of Broomley Road and Route 250. Samuel Miller Magisterial District. 11. PROJECT: SP-2011-00022. Verizon Wireless/Southwest Mountain Tier III Personal Wireless Service Facility (Sign #48). PROPOSAL: Request for installation of a second flush-mounted antenna array replacing recently removed whip antennas in order to support the attachment of a new antenna array in a second vertical array below the company’s existing antennas. This is an amendment of SP 2003-45 #2C to allow more than 5 antenna arrays. ZONING CATEGORY/GENERAL USAGE: RA, Rural Areas- agricultural, forestal, and fishery uses; residential density (0.5 unit/acre in development lots) SECTION: 10.2.2 (48) which allows for Tier III personal wireless facilities in the RA Zoning District. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE/DENSITY: Rural Areas in Rural Area 2 -preserve and protect agricultural, forestal, open space, and natural, historic and scenic resources/ density (0.5 unit/ acre in development lots). ENTRANCE CORRIDOR: NO LOCATION: 119 Lego DriveTAX MAP/PARCEL: 07800-00-00-051C0. MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Rivanna. 12. PROJECT: SP-2011-00026. New Cingular Wireless/AT&T-CV429-Tier III (Signs #24&100). PROPOSAL: Special use permit request for a personal wireless service facility including a 119-foot metal monopole with flush-mount antennae. Proposal includes requested waiver of section 5.1.40(d)(6) of the Zoning Ordinance (to allow a pole height 30 feet above the reference tree, over the normal maximum of seven to ten feet). ZONING CATEGORY/GENERAL USAGE: RA, Rural Areas- agricultural, forestal, and fishery uses; residential density (0.5 unit/acre in development lots) SECTION: 10.2.2 (48) which allows for Tier III personal wireless facilities in the RA Zoning District COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE/DENSITY: Rural Areas in Rural Area 4 - Preserve and protect agricultural, forestal, open space, and natural, historic and scenic resources/ density (.5 unit/acre in development lots) ENTRANCE file:////coba-webapp01/BOSForms/Agenda/2012Files/0314/0.0_Agenda.htm (1 of 2) [10/2/2020 10:16:32 AM] Tentative CORRIDOR: YES LOCATION: At the northwest side of the intersection of Scottsville Road (Route 20), Esmont Road (Route 715), and Coles Rolling Road (Route 712). TAX MAP/PARCEL: 11200-00-00-030G0 MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Scottsville. 13. PROJECT: ZMA-2011-00007. Albemarle Place/Stonefield Proffer Amendment. PROPOSAL: Request to amend proffers on property zoned NMD which allows residential (3 – 34 units/acre) mixed with commercial, service and industrial uses. No new dwellings or change in residential density proposed. ENTRANCE CORRIDOR: Yes. PROFFERS: Yes. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Designated Urban Mixed Use (in Destination Center) – retail, residential, commercial, employment, office, institutional, and open space; Urban Mixed Use (in areas around Centers) – commercial and retail uses that are not accommodated in Centers; and Commercial Mixed Use – commercial, retail, employment uses, with supporting residential, office, or institutional uses. LOCATION: Northwest corner Hydraulic Road (Rt. 743) and Seminole Trail (US 29) in Neighborhood 1. TAX MAP/PARCEL: 061W0-03-00- 019A0, 061W0-03-00-019B0, 061W0-03-00-02300, 061W0-03-00-02400, 061W0-03-00-02500 (as of 02/22/12). MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Jack Jouett. 14. ZTA-2010-00005. Signs. Amend Secs. 4.15.1, Purpose and intent, 4.15.2, Definitions, 4.15.4, Signs authorized by sign permit, 4.15.6, Signs exempt from the sign permit requirement, 4.15.7, Prohibited signs and sign characteristics, 4.15.8, Regulations applicable in the MHD, RA, VR, R-1 and R-2 zoning districts, 4.15.9, Regulations applicable in the R-4 and R-6 zoning districts, 4.15.11, Regulations applicable in the PUD, DCD and NMD zoning districts, 4.15.12, Regulations applicable in the C-1 and CO zoning districts, 4.15.13, Regulations applicable in the HC, PD-SC and PD-MC zoning districts, 4.15.14, Regulations applicable in the HI, LI and PD-IP zoning districts, 4.15.15, Regulations applicable in the entrance corridor overlay district, 30.6.4, Certificates of appropriateness, and 30.6.5, Development exempt from requirement to obtain certificate of appropriateness, and add Sec. 4.15.4A, Signs authorized by temporary sign permit, of Chapter 18, Zoning, of the Albemarle County Code. 15. From the Board: Committee Reports and Matters Not Listed on the Agenda. 16. Adjourn to March 28, 2012. C O N S E N T A G E N D A FOR APPROVAL: 8.1 Approve Plan and Certifications of Compliance required to receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds. 8.2 Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center Enhancement Grant Reimbursements. Return to Top of Agenda Return to Board of Supervisors Home Page Return to County Home Page file:////coba-webapp01/BOSForms/Agenda/2012Files/0314/0.0_Agenda.htm (2 of 2) [10/2/2020 10:16:32 AM] VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK WHEREAS, Albemarle County is committed to promoting reading, writing, and storytelling within and outside its borders; and WHEREAS, our devotion to literacy and our support of literature has attracted over 1,000 writers and tens of thousands of readers to our VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK; and WHEREAS, the VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK celebrates the power of books and publishing; and WHEREAS, businesses, cultural and civic organizations, and individuals have contributed to the ongoing success of the VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK; and WHEREAS, the citizens of the County of Albemarle and Virginia, and the world, have made the VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK the best book festival in the country; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ann Mallek, Chair, on behalf of the Albemarle Board of County Supervisors, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, March 21, 2012 through Sunday, March 25, 2012 as the Eighteenth Annual VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK and encourage community members to participate fully in the wide range of available events and activities. Signed and sealed this 14th day of March, 2012. Return to agenda COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AGENDA TITLE: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Approve Plan and Certifications of Compliance required to receive CDBG Funds STAFF CONTACT(S): Messrs. Foley, Elliott, Davis and White LEGAL REVIEW: Yes AGENDA DATE: March 14, 2012 ACTION: INFORMATION: CONSENT AGENDA: ACTION: X INFORMATION: ATTACHMENTS: Yes REVIEWED BY: BACKGROUND: Albemarle County has submitted an application to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD) under its Scattered Site CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program and is also proposing to submit an application in March 2012 for a housing rehabilitation project in Orchard Acres subdivision in Crozet. The two projects are projected to provide assistance to between 20 and 25 homeowners. The use of CDBG funds is considered a “federal action” which requires that the local governing body receiving the funds comply with a number of regulations. Some of the requirements are general and have already been implemented by the County in previous years; however, some, as outlined below, are project-specific and require further action by the Board. DISCUSSION: The project-specific CDBG requirements for this grant include: Local Business and Employment Plan – The County must approve a plan to designate the project area boundaries for the purpose of utilizing, to the greatest extent possible, businesses and lower-income residents located in the project area to carry out the CDBG-funded activities. The proposed Plan (Attachment A) designates the entire County as the project area and requires that the public be notified of this through publication of an advertisement in a local widely- circulated newspaper. Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan Certification – This certification (Attachment B) states that the County will notify the public and advise the state in the event that a CDBG-funded activity will result in demolition or conversion of residential units. Furthermore, should displacement occur, the County and/or the development owners will provide relocation assistance in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. The proposed Orchard Acres will not involve demolition or conversion of residential units which result in displacement. The Scattered Site projects will involve the reconstruction of two houses which may result in temporary relocation. Fair Housing Certification – This certification (Attachment C) states that the County will take at least one action annually to affirmatively further fair housing. The action must be from a list of VDHCD-approved actions or must otherwise be approved by the VDHCD. In the past, the VDHCD has approved the County-sponsored Public Housing Alliance community training and the County’s posting of a Board resolution as a display advertisement in The Daily Progress as qualifying actions. This year, the County’s Chief of Housing will seek VDHCD approval of his and a staff member’s Fair Housing certification as a qualifying action. Previous qualifying actions implemented by the County also include the adoption of the following policies:  The Non-Discrimination Policy which was most recently amended by the Board on January 3, 2007. This policy, known as the EEOC Policy Statement, is found in the County’s Personnel Policy (P-21); and  The Section 504 Grievance Procedure and designation of a Section 504 coordinator adopted on February 4, 2009. Section 504 is a regulation of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding non-discrimination on the basis of handicap. BUDGET IMPACT: There are no budget impacts associated with the approval of these items. The cost of the required Local Business and Employment Plan advertisement is a CDBG grant-eligible expenditure, which is reimbursable upon the execution of the CDBG contract. AGENDA TITLE: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) March 14, 2012 Page 2 RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends that the Board 1) approve the Local Business and Employment Plan; 2) authorize the County Executive to execute the Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan Certification; and 3) authorize the County Executive to execute the Fair Housing Certification. ATTACHMENTS: A – Local Business and Employment Plan B – Residential Anti-Displacement Certification C – Fair Housing Certification Return to consent agenda Return to regular agenda ATTACHMENT A 1. The County of Albemarle designates as its Section 3 Business and Employment Project Area the County of Albemarle. 2. The County of Albemarle, its contractors, and designated third parties shall in utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds utilize businesses and low-income residents of the Section 3 County in carrying out all activities, to the greatest extent feasible. The Grantee will request all contractors and subcontractors both construction and non-construction to verify their eligibility as a Section 3 Business. The Grantee will monitor for Section 3 compliance all contracts in excess of $100,000 relative to new hires with a goal of 30% low income representation and subcontracting with a goal of 10% low income representation. 3. In awarding contracts for construction and non-construction the County of Albemarle, its contractors, and designated third parties shall take the following steps to utilize businesses which are located in or owned in substantial part by persons residing in the Section 3 County: (a) The County of Albemarle has identified the following contracts as necessary to complete the CDBG activities. Construction trades associated with the repair and reconstruction of single-family residential property. (b) The County of Albemarle shall identify through various and appropriate sources including: The Daily Progress the Section 3 Business concerns within the Section 3 County which are likely to provide construction contracts and non-construction contracts for services which will be utilized in the activities funded through the CDBG. (c) The identified Section 3 Business concerns shall be included on bid lists used to obtain bids, quotes or proposals for work which will utilize CDBG funds. (d) To the greatest extent feasible the identified Section 3 Business concerns and any other project area business concerns shall be utilized in activities which are funded with CDBG assistance. LOCAL (SECTION 3) COUNTY BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT PLAN 4. The County of Albemarle and its covered contractors (those awarded a contract for $100,000 or more) shall take the following steps to encourage the hiring of low-income persons residing in the Section 3 County: (a) The County of Albemarle in consultation with its contractors (including design professionals) shall ascertain the types and number of positions for both trainees and employees which are likely to be used to conduct CDBG activities. (b) The County of Albemarle shall advertise through the following sources: Virginia Employment Commission The Daily Progress the availability of such positions with the information on how to apply. (c) The County of Albemarle, its covered contractors, and subcontractors shall be required to maintain a record of inquiries and applications by project area residents who respond to advertisements, and shall maintain a record of the status of such inquires and applications. (d) To the greatest extent feasible, the County of Albemarle, its covered contractors, and subcontractors shall hire low-income project area residents (Section 3 Residents) in filling training and employment positions necessary for implementing activities funded by CDBG activities. 5. In order to document compliance with the above affirmative actions and Section 3 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, the County of Albemarle shall keep, and obtain from its covered contractors and subcontractors, Registers of Contractors, Subcontractors and Suppliers and Registers of Assigned Employees for all activities funded by the Block Grant. Such listings shall be completed and shall be verified by site visits and employee interviews, crosschecking of payroll reports and invoices, and through audits if necessary. 6. The County of Albemarle, its covered contractors, and subcontractors shall designate a Section 3 Coordinator to ensure compliance with this regulation. The Section 3 Coordinator for the County of Albemarle shall be the Chief of Housing throughout the course of this active CDBG agreement. 7. The County of Albemarle, its covered contractors, and subcontractors shall create and maintain a Section 3 Directory of all Section 3 Business concerns within the geographic area that perform the work needed to complete this community development agreement. 8. The County of Albemarle shall report annually to DHCD on the numerical goals and dollar amounts awarded to Section 3 Residents and Section 3 Business concerns using HUD form 60002. Return to exec summary RESIDENTIAL ANTI-DISPLACEMENT AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PLAN CERTIFICATION ATTACHMENT B The County of Albemarle will replace all occupied and vacant occupiable low/moderate-income dwelling units demolished or converted to a use other than as low/moderate income dwelling unit as a direct result of activities assisted with funds provided under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. All replacement housing will be provided within three (3) years of the commencement of the demolition or rehabilitation relating to conversion. Before obligating or expending funds that will directly result in such demolition or conversion , the County of Albemarle will make public and advise the state that it is undertaking such an activity and will submit to the state, in writing, information that identifies: 1. A description of the proposed assisted activity; 2. The general location on a map and approximate number of dwelling units by size (number of bedrooms) that will be demolished or converted to a use other than as low/moderate-income dwelling units as a direct result of the assisted activity; 3. A time schedule for the commencement and completion of the demolition or conversion; 4. The general location on a map and approximate number of dwelling units by si ze (number of bedrooms) that will be provided as replacement dwelling units; 5. The source of funding and a time schedule for the provision of replacement dwelling units; 6. The basis for concluding that each replacement dwelling unit will remain a low/moderate-income dwelling unit for at least 10 years from the date of initial occupancy; and 7. Information demonstrating that any proposed replacement of dwelling units with smaller dwelling units is consistent with the housing needs of low- and moderate- income households in the jurisdiction. The County of Albemarle will provide relocation assistance to each low/moderate – income household displaced by the demolition of housing or by the direct result of assisted activities. Such assistance shall be that provided under Section 104 (d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, or the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended. The County of Albemarle FY12 projects include the following activities:  Rehabilitation of single-family houses in the Orchard Acres subdivision in Crozet. These activities are not expected to cause displacement.  Reconstruction of two houses, one in Afton and one in Scottsville. One family will stay with other family members during construction. The other family will be able to remain in their current home while the new one is constructed. The activities as planned will not cause any displacement from or conversion of occupiable structures. As planned, the project calls for the use of existing right-of-way or easements to be purchased or the acquisition of tracts of land that do not contain housing. The County of Albemarle will work with the grant management staff, engineers, project area residents, and the Department of Housing and Community Development to insure that any changes in project activities do not cause any displacement from or conversion of occupiable structures. In all cases, an occupiable structure will be defined as a dwelling that meets local building codes or a dwelling that can be rehabilitated to meet code for $25,000 or less. Return to exec summary ATTACHMENT C Fair Housing Certification Compliance with Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 Whereas, the County of Albemarle has been offered and intends to accept federal funds authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, and Whereas, recipients of funding under the Act are required to take action to affirmatively further fair housing; Therefore, the County of Albemarle agrees to take at least one action to affirmatively further fair housing each grant year, during the life of its project funded with Community Development Block Grant funds. The action taken will be selected from a list provided by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Return to exec summary COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AGENDA TITLE: Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center Enhancement Grant Reimbursements SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Approve appropriation of Enhancement Program Grant funding to authorize pass-through payments to the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center STAFF CONTACT(S): Messrs. Foley, Letteri, Davis and Kelsey LEGAL REVIEW: Yes AGENDA DATE: March 14, 2012 ACTION: INFORMATION: CONSENT AGENDA: ACTION: X INFORMATION: ATTACHMENTS: Yes REVIEWED BY: BACKGROUND: The Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center (“LCEC”), has been awarded grants totaling $800,000.00 from the Transportation Enhancement Fund Program administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation (“VDOT Enhancement Program”) to provide funding, combined with other funds raised by the LCEC, for the construction of an educational building (including transportation exhibits and river history); an access road and parking area; and a connecting trail network, all located at Darden Towe Park. The LCEC’s application for the VDOT Enhancement Program required the County to be responsible for accepting the grant from VDOT. The Board has previously approved the grant applications for $150,000 in 2007, $300,000 in 2008, $150,000 in 2009, and $200,000 in 2010, for a total of $800,000. The County was required to enter into a Project Agreement between VDOT and the County to assure VDOT’s requirements for funding eligibility. The County had to assure VDOT that a 20 percent local match would be paid, that the Project would meet all VDOT requirements, and that the County would reimburse VDOT for any costs expended by VDOT if the Project was not completed. The County then entered into a Pass -Through Agreement with LCEC that, in turn, passed along all of the County’s responsibilities under the VDOT Enhancement Program to the LCEC. Among other things, the LCEC agreed to pay the 20 percent local match and to hold the County harmless from any liabilities created by the County’s acceptance of the VDOT Enhancement Program grants. As provided in the Pass-Through Agreement, LCEC is responsible for managing the Project. The Project is now under construction. LCEC is required to pay the Project invoices and then submit reimbursement requests, including all necessary documentation, to the County’s Office of Facilities Development. The County is responsible for coordinating the submittal of the reimbursement request documentation to VDOT and process payments from VDOT. VDOT has advised that all reimbursements will be paid to the County for its pass-through to LCEC. DISCUSSION: As the VDOT Enhancement Program grant reimbursements are approved, they will be wire-transferred from VDOT to the County and placed into an account set up for this Project. In order for the County to transfer the funds to LCEC to reimburse it for qualifying Project costs, the Board must first appropriate the funds. As discussed above, the total amount of grant funds to be passed through to the LCEC totals $800,000. BUDGET IMPACT: The total budget of $800,000.00, if approved, is funded entirely by the VDOT Transportation Enhancement Grant funds and requires no local funding. RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends that the Board authorize the appropriation of $800,000.00 of funds to be received from the Virginia Department of Transportation Enhancement Program for reimbursements to be paid to the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center for its Project costs by approving the attached budget amendment (Attachment A) in the amount of $800,000.00 and approving Appropriation #2012060. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A – Appropriation Description Return to consent agenda Return to regular agenda Attachment A Appropriation #2012060 $800,000.00 Revenue: Federal $800,000.00 This appropriation provides $800,000.00 to be received from the Virginia Department of Transportation Enhancement Program as a pass-through of VDOT Transportation Enhancement Grant funds in the FY 11/12 Adopted Budget to issue reimbursements to the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center for qualifying Project costs. The Project includes the construction of an educational building (including transportation exhibits and river history), an access road and parking area, and a connecting trail network, all located at Darden Towe Park. Return to exec summary COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AGENDA TITLE: Community Development Block Grant Program SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Public Hearing for Proposed Submission of Block Grant Applications and Approval of the Orchard Acres Housing Rehabilitation and the Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Applications STAFF CONTACT(S): Messrs. Foley, Elliott, Davis and White LEGAL REVIEW: Yes AGENDA DATE: March 14, 2012 ACTION: X INFORMATION: CONSENT AGENDA: ACTION: INFORMATION: ATTACHMENTS: Yes REVIEWED BY: BACKGROUND: The Virginia Community Development Block Grant (VCDBG) is a federally-funded grant program administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Since 1982, the DHCD has provided funding to eligible units of local government (in non-entitlement communities only) for projects which address critical community needs, including housing, infrastructure, and economic development. Albemarle County has received numerous grants in previous years to support housing and community improvement initiatives. The VCDBG application process requires that two local public hearings be conducted. The first public hearing was held on January 4, 2012, at which time information was provided on eligible activities that may be funded by VCDBG, the amount of funding estimated to be available, past activities undertaken with VCDBG funds and the process for applying for funding. There was some public comment regarding use of VCDBG funds for economic development tendered at that hearing. The purpose of this public hearing is to provide information on proposed project applications and to accept public comment on the applications. Applications are submitted by the County to DHCD; however, the proposed activities may be undertaken by other agencies. Albemarle County can submit one or more applications but is limited to awards totaling no more than $2.5 million. Currently the County has two awards totaling $742,500. DISCUSSION: The County is proposing to submit two applications for VCDBG funds both on behalf of the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP). The first application is under a demonstration program, the Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Program, and is being proposed at the invitation of DHCD. Four other jurisdictions were also offered an invitation to submit applications. The proposed project consists of the replacement of two substandard, dilapidated houses, one on Coles Rolling Road and one on Heards Lane. Both units are occupied by low- and moderate-income persons. The total project cost for both is approximately $171,312.78 of which $164,084.78 is being requested from DHCD. The balance will be provided by AHIP. The second proposal is for a housing rehabilitation project in the Orchard Acres subdivision in Crozet. The County’s Housing Office and AHIP began gathering preliminary information on the greater Crozet neighborhood last summer. Over 370 letters were mailed to residents of an area including St. George Avenue to the north, the Parkside area to the South and eastward to the previous Conagra site. After conducting a residents meeting on October 19, 2011 and consultation with DHCD, the target site was narrowed to the Orchard Acres subdivision. Approximately 130 letters and surveys were hand-delivered to all residents of Orchard Acres and a second community meeting was held on January 25, 2012. The preliminary work and survey responses indicated that approximately 40 houses appeared to be eligible and in need of some level of repair/upgrade. The survey and assessment was conducted using a $30,000 VCDBG Planning Grant awarded by DHCD. The work has not been finalized but it is expected that the proposed project will target 30 houses in Orchard Acres. The number of resident beneficiaries is estimated to be 66, ten of whom are elderly, two who are disabled, and seven are families with children. All are low- and moderate-income. The County is proposing to request $700,000 in VCDBG funding and earmarking up to $30,000 in available affordable housing proffer funds to cover the estimated costs of the project. AGENDA TITLE: Community Development Block Grant Program March 14, 2012 Page 2 BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budgetary impact unless or until an application is made and approved for a funded project. Seventy- thousand dollars ($70,000) is included in the application to cover administrative and grant management costs for the funded activity. Although no match is required for VCDBG funds, some level of local financial support would be factored into the competitive scoring of the proposal. The County proposes to use $130,000 of its annual support to AHIP for a match ($65,000 each of two years FY13 and FY14) and $30,000 in affordable housing proffer money currently on hand. This will provide a 19% match for the total $860,000 project cost. RECOMMENDATIONS: Upon receiving information on the proposed VCDBG applications and taking public comment on the two proposals, staff recommends that the Board adopt the project resolutions (Attachments A and D) approving the County’s submission of the application for the Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Program and the Orchard Acres Housing Rehabilitation Program. It is further recommended that the Board authorize the County Executive to execute the applications (Attachments B and E) as well as the required disclosures (Attachments C and F) and required certifications and assurances (Attachments G and H) to be included in both applications. ATTACHMENTS A – Scattered Site Resolution B – Scattered Site Application C – Scattered Site Disclosure D – Orchard Acres Resolution E – Orchard Acres Application F – Orchard Acres Disclosure G – General Assurances and Certifications H – Drug Free Workplace Certification Return to agenda ATTACHMENT A RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the County of Albemarle is committed to ensuring that safe, decent, affordable, and accessible housing is available for all residents and improving the livability of all neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Public Hearings held January 4, 2012 and March 14, 2012 the County of Albemarle, on behalf of the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP), wishes to apply for $$164,084.78 in Community Development Block Grant funds to support the substantial reconstruction of two owner-occupied houses both of which are low- and moderate- income; and WHEREAS, resources in the amount of $8,227.93 will be provided by the AHIP; and WHEREAS, the two projects have been reviewed by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD); and WHEREAS, VDHCD invited Albemarle County as one of five (5) jurisdictions to submit applications for its demonstration program for Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation; and WHEREAS, the projected benefits of the project include:  Substantial reconstruction (replacement) of two substandard, dilapidated houses both of which are without bathrooms; and  The replacement houses will benefit two (2) people. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County hereby authorizes the County Executive to sign and submit all necessary and appropriate documents for the Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation application under the Virginia Community Development Block Grant program. ********** Return to exec summary ATTACHMENT B 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 1. APPLICANT INFORMATIO N Applicant Name: County of Albemarle Chief Elected Official: Ann H. Mallek Chief Administrative Official: Thomas C. Foley Local Government Address: 401 McIn tire Road City/County: Charlottesville, VA Zip: 22902 Local Government Phone Number: (434) 296 - 5841 Local Planning Development Commission: Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commi ssion Project Name: Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation/Robinson & Morris Project Location: Albemarle County DUNS number: 66022047 U.S. Congressional District Number: 5 State House of Delegates District(s): 58 and 59 State Senate District(s): 25 Population of Applicant Locality: 98,970 Project Type: Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Single Locality Regional National Objectives: Please check the Objectives applicable to your project and provide the approximate amount of CDBG funds attributed to each: Low and Moderate Income Benefit $ Urgent Needs $ Elimination of Slum and Blight $ ATTACHMENT B 2 Project Primary Contact Name: Ron White Title: Chief of Housing Phone: (434) 296 - 5839 Email: rwhite2@albemarle.org Application Preparer Contact Name: SAME Title: Phone: ( ) - Email: 2. ACTIVE CDBG PROJECTS PROJECT NAME YEAR AWARDED AMOUNT OF AWARD Oak Hill Sewer 2010 712,500 Orchard Acres Planning Grant 2012 30,000 3. PROJECT OVERVIEW AND FUNDING SUMM ARY Please provide a brief overview of the proposed project, including location, targeted number of units, and identifying partnering IPR Subrecipients if applicable. This application has been prepared in response to DHCD's invitation to apply for funding for two projects previously submitted by the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program AHIP) under the Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Program. The two projects are single-family residences which will be substantially reconstructed. Neither of the projects have complete indoor plumbing and bathrooms. One project is located in southern Albemarle County on Heards Lane and the second is located on Coles Rolling Road also in the southern part of the County near Scottsville. AHIP is the identified IPR subrecipient that will carryout the day-to-day activities associated with the two projects. ATTACHMENT B 3 Please fill in the chart below with a description of the project funding source (local, federal, state, private, other ), the amount from that source, the percentage of total project funding that source represents, and a description of the current status of the funds (pending, secured, etc.). SOURCE AMOUNT % STATUS Requested CDBG $ $ $ $ $ Total $ 0 0 % 4. AFFIRMATION STATEMENTS By checking these boxes the applicant is affirming the following statements: Applicant is currently eligible to receive the full amount that is being requested and if this project is awarded, this would not cause the applicant to exceed the multi-contact limitation of $2.5 million in open, active contracts. Applicant agrees to send responsible parties, to include and relevant subcontractors, to all mandatory DHCD-sponsored training events, to include the Construction Management and Grant Management workshops, and to provide representation at all management team meetings. 5. CERTIFICATION AND SI GNATURE To the best of my knowledge and belief, information in this proposal is true and correct and the proposal has been duly authorized by the local governing body; citizen participation requirements have been met; and the proposal has been submitted for Planning District Commission Review. Name: Thomas C. Foley Title: County Executive Signature: Date: March 14, 2012 To be signed by the Chief Administrative Officer. ATTACHMENT B 4 PROJECT INFORMATION 6. PROJECT/SERVICE AREA DESCRIPTION Please identify the specific localities to be served by this project. If the proposed Scattered Site project targets an area more specific than the boundaries of the locality, provide information on the boundaries of the target area and how and why this area is targeted. Albemarle County 7. PRIORITIZATION How were the targeted units prioritized and identified for this proposal? Discuss why the targeted units were selected. Priority is determined by Severity of need, dangerous conditions and lack of indoor plumbing facility. AHIP has a ranking system that assigns points for each item stated above and households with the most point accumulation are ranked at the top of our list. 8. TARGETED UNITS Identify the maximum of four (4) units targeted for this scattered site project. Identify the units by owners name, address, and locality. TARGET UNITS 1. Helen Morris 690 Coles Rolling Road Scottsville VA 24590 2. Scott Robinson 4129 Heards Lane Afton, VA 22920 3. 4. Identify additional units you would like to have considered if funds are available. 5. Jeanette Cowan 5020 Harris Brook Lane North Garden VA 22959 6. Ruby Knight 3167 Mutton Hollow Road Stanardsville, VA 22873 7. ATTACHMENT B 5 CAPACITY AND READINESS 9. CAPACITY Please identify the specific individuals, by name and/or title and affiliation that will be responsible for the implementation of the project and their roles. What is their experience with CDBG-funded projects? Is a partnership in place with an existing IPR subrecepient? Albemarle County has a 30-year history of administering CDBG funds for a variety of project types. The most recent have been infrastructure projects to support new and existing housing. Most of the CDBG funding received by the County has been directed to housing rehabilitation projects, partnering with the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP). The following individuals will be responsible for implementing the proposed projects: Ron White, Chief of Housing for the County will oversee grant administration including fiscal and monitoring responsibilities Jane Andrews with AHIP will be responsible for day-to-day management of the projects and overseeing staff assigned to the projects. Additional administrative support will be provided by financial staff in the County and at AHIP. Lee Miller is the Rehab Specialist for the project. Ron, Jane, and Lee have over sixty years of combined experience with housing rehabilitation and CDBG-funded activities. If applicable, discuss the plan for coordination between the applicant and IPR subrecipient. DHCD recommends the subrecipient continue to manage the day-to-day operation of the program and coordinate with the applicant to request the funds from DHCD. Alternative arrangements can be considered. Please detail how the proposed arrangement has been derived and if a formal agreement has been reached. The County plans to act as fiscal agent for this project with AHIP managing day-to-day operations. AHIP will be responsible for all eligibility, procuring of services/materials, a determining ability to pay. AHIP will also hold any notes and liens on properties assisted under this project and report program income to the County on a periodic basis. ATTACHMENT B 6 10. READINESS Please discuss what activities have been undertaken to date. Describe efforts at organizing the management of the project. Have regulatory issues been addressed? Have permits been obtained? Have all clients committed to participation? Both the Robinson and Morris jobs are in active preparation for construction to begin. Health Department officials have reviewed the sights and permits are in hand. Legal work such as title searches, surveys and easements have been secured. Household eligibility has been determined and clients have signed all necessary documents allowing the projects to move forward. Cost Estimates have been prepared and submitted to DHCD for review. The County has also started some of the pre-contract requirements for this proposal. Attachment 4 includes action requested by the Board at its March 14 meeting for adoption of the Local Business and Employment Plan and approval of the Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan and Fair Housing Certification. The attachment also includes draft copies of required ads that will be published upon notification of funding. The Combined Notice will also be published upon notification. Environmental Review Please provi de the status of the Environmental Review for this project. Indicate which steps have been completed, if any, which steps are in progress, and when the review is anticipated to be completed. Flood plain determinations have been completed and both projects have been submitted to the virginia department of historic review for impact assessment. We expect to hear from the department within the month of february. PROJECT BUDGET Please complete the CDBG line item budget with cost breakdown by project activity and identification of funding source. Attach the budget in ATTACHMENT 1. The budget must clearly show the activities where CDBG funds will be applied and the amount applied to each activity. If other DHCD funds are involved in the project, they must be broken out into separate column that identifies the funding source. Other leverage (local, federal, etc) can be combined in the Non-CDBG column. In Housing Rehabilitation projects, owner-occupied rehabilitation and substantial reconstruction should be shown as separate products. LEVERAGE If your project contains additional funds beyond the proposed CDBG provide the status for these additional funds. Identify the source, amount, and status of the request below. Provide documentation in ATTACHMENT 1. ATTACHMENT B 7 DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMAT ION Using the 2010 Census, please list the Census tracts for the area(s) to be served. If the area includes entire Census tracts, do not list individual block groups within such tracts. If the service area contains less than the total Census tract, you must enter the block groups covered by the service area. Follow this link for 2010 Reference Maps for Virginia Census Tracts. CENSUS PLACE C ODE CENSUS TRACT(S) BLOCKS/BLOCK GROUPS e.g. Essex County 057 e.g. Tract 9506 e.g. Block Group 1 003 112.01 3 003 114 2 For all projects please fill out the following Compliance Charts with demographic information about race, ethnicity and households in the locality as a whole. Information below is for the Locality ETHNICITY TOTAL NUMBER RACE TOTAL NUMBER Hispanic or Latino 5440 White alone 79770 Not Hispanic or Latino 93530 Black/African American alone 9600 Total Population 98970 Asian alone 4650 Am. Indian/Alaskan Native alone 300 HOUSEHOLD TYPE TOTAL NUMBER Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander alone Female-headed 3171 Am. Indian/Alaskan Native & White Elderly 9969 Asian and White With Handicap Not available Black/African American & White Total Households 37671 Am. Indian/Alaskan Native & Black/African American All Multi-racial 2375 Other Multi-racial Total Population 98970 ATTACHMENT B 8 ATTACHMENTS All proposals must include relevant Attachments. Attachments should be placed at the end of the completed proposal. ATTACHMENT 1 - BUDGET Budget DERIVATION OF COSTS VERIFICATION OF LEVE RAGING FUNDS - Include contracts, agreements, award letters, and other documentation which confirms the commitment of other funding to the project. Identify contact persons and contact information for other funds in the project. ATTACHMENT 2 – HOUSEHOLD INFORMATIO N Include the following information for each unit to be included in the project (items may be omitted if already submitted to DHCD): 1. Completed Project Costs Worksheet 2. Work Write-up 3. Detailed Cost Estimate for the Unit 4. Completed Certification of IPR Eligibility 5. DHCD HQS Report and Eligibility Photos 6. Substantial Reconstruction Worksheet (if applicable) 7. Bid Tab and Lowest Bid (if applicable) Cost figures should be based on actual bids or detailed cost estimates provided by the Rehab Specialist. ATTACHMENT 3 – ASSURANCES / CERTIFI CATIONS Each applicant must provide a copy of its Scattered Site proposal to the local Planning District Commission for review. Include a copy of the transmittal letter here and any correspondence received from the Planning District Commission prior to proposal submission. Include a copy of a resolution passed by the local governing body of the applicant giving the chief administrative official authority to complete, sign, and submit this proposal. The resolution must contain the following:  That the locality wishes to apply for Virginia Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds;  The project type and title;  The amount of CDBG funds requested;  The amounts of local, state, or federal funds that are part of the total project cost;  That the chief administrative official is authorized to sign and submit all appropriate information necessary to apply for CDBG funding; and,  That citizen participation requirements have been met by holding at least TWO public hearings, advertising both as appropriate and with at least one other form of public notice. ATTACHMENT B 9  That the project will meet the National Objective of providing benefit to LMI persons and that there will be a specific projected number of LMI beneficiaries (number of houses improved, etc). For Regional projects – Include copies of letters from other localities’ Chief Executive indicating their agreement for the project to address targeted properties in their locality. The executed Citizen Participation Assurances and Certification, General Assurances and Certification, Drug Free Workplace Assurances and Certification, and Applicant Disclosure Report should be inserted in this Attachment. Original copies should be placed in original proposal copies and photocopies should be placed in other proposal copies. Local Government Resolution (see Sample below) General Assurances and Certification (SEE APPENDIX D) Drug Free Workplace Assurances & Certification (SEE APPENDIX D) Applicant Disclosure Report (SEE APPENDIX D) Documentation of two Public Hearings (See Error! Reference source not found.) Documentation of submission to Planning District Commission NOTE: All application documents including those listed above are submitted unsigned pending the public hearing scheduled for 6PM on March 14, 2012. Signed documents will be forwarded to DHCD upon approval by the Board of Supervisors immediately following the public hearing. Return to exec summary ATTACHMENT C APPLICANT DISCLOSURE REPORT Part I – Summary Information Applicant __County of Albemarle ____________ Address __401 McIntire Road___ __Charlottesville, VA 22902________ Contact Person ___Ron White__________ ____________ Address ___1600 5th Street____ ____________ ___Charlottesville, VA 22902_______ Phone Number ____(434) 296-5839____ ____________ Project Name ____Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation FIN or SS# 54-6001102 DUNS Number 066022047 Are you requesting CDBG funding of $200,000 or more? YES X NO If yes, the remainder of this Applicant Disclosure Report must be completed and the original must be attached to the original copy of the proposal. Photocopies in other copies. Part II– Other Governmental Assistance in Project Source of Assistance Program / Use of Funds Type of Assistance Amount NONE ATTACHMENT C Part III– Interest Disclosure Interested Parties Social Security / FIN Employer ID Type of Participation Financial Interest In Project ($ and %) NONE I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this Applicant Disclosure Report is true and accurate. Chief Administrative Official: __Thomas C. Foley_____________ County Executive Name Title ___________________________________ _March 14, 2012_____ Signature Date Return to exec summary ATTACHMENT D RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the County of Albemarle is committed to ensuring that safe, decent, affordable, and accessible housing is available for all residents and improving the livability of all neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Public Hearings held January 4, 2012 and March 14, 2012 the County of Albemarle wishes to apply for $700,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to support the rehabilitation of 25 to 30 houses in the Orchard Acres Subdivision in Crozet; and WHEREAS, local resources in the amount of $160,000 will be provided by the County, $130,000 of which is a portion of the County’s annual operating support for the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP) and $30,000 from available proffer funds designated for affordable housing initiatives; and WHEREAS, the County will execute an agreement with AHIP to implement the day-to- day operations of the grant while the County will maintain administrative and fiscal responsibilities; and WHEREAS, VDHCD provided a $30,000 Planning Grant to the County to complete a housing and infrastructure assessment of Orchard Acres; and WHEREAS, the assessment identified over 40 eligible properties in need of system repair and replacement, structural repairs, energy efficient improvements and accessibili ty improvements that will benefit approximately 66 individuals. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County hereby authorizes the County Executive to sign and submit all necessary and appropriate documents for the Orchard Acres Housing Rehabilitation application under the Virginia Community Development Block Grant program. Return to exec summary ATTACHMENT E PART 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION 1. APPLICANT INFORMATIO N Applicant Name: County of Albemarle Chief Elected Official: Ann H. Mallek Chief Administrative Official: Thomas C. Foley Local Government Address: 401 McIntire Road City/County: Charlottesville, VA Zip: 22902 Local Government Phone Number: (434) 296 - 5841 Local Planning Development Commission: Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission Project Name: Orchard Acres Housing Rehabilitation Project Location: Crozet (Albemarle County) DUNS number: 66022047 U.S. Congressional District Number: 5 State House of Delegates District(s): 25 State Senate District(s): 25 Population of Applicant Locality: 98,970 Project Type (check one): Comprehensive Com munity Development Economic Development X Housing Community Facility Community Service Facility ATTACHMENT E National Objectives: Please check the Objectives applicable to your project and provide the approximate amount of CDBG funds attributed to each: X Low and Moderate Income Benefit $700,000 Urgent Needs $ Elimination of Slum and Blight $ Project Primary Contact Name: Ron Whi te Title: Chief of Housing Phone: (434) 296 - 5839 Email: rwhite2@albemarle.org Application Preparer Contact Name: SAME Title: Phone: Email: 2. ACTIVE CDBG PROJECTS PROJECT NAME YEAR AWARDED AMOUNT OF AWARD Oak Hill Sewer 2010 $712,500 Orchard Acres Planning 2012 $30,000 3. PROJECT OVERVIEW AND FUNDING SUMMARY Please provide a brief overview of the proposed project, including location, identified need/opportunity and products. The Orchard Acres Housing Rehabilitation project is located in the town of Crozet, in Albemarle County, 10 miles west of Charlottesville. The Orchard Acres Subdivision is one of the oldest in the Crozet area. It was started in the 1960’s and built out over the next 20 years. The houses are typically modest, single family homes and predominately owner occupied. Many are in need of systems updating and energy efficiency improvements. Our project proposes the rehabilitation of 25- 30 homes including roofing; plumbing, electrical and HVAC repairs and upgrades; insulation, windows and doors; and accessibility improvements. Products include preservation of existing affordable housing stock, lower utility bills for low income residents, and accessibility enhancements to allow residents to age in place and ATTACHMENT E remain in their homes as long as possible. Please fill in the chart below with a description of the project funding source (local, federal, state, private, other), the amount from that source, the percentage of total project funding that source represents, and a description of the current status of the funds (pending, secured, etc.). SOURCE AMOUNT % STATUS Requested CDBG $ 700,000 81% Pending this application Annual County Support to AHIP $ 130,000 15% FY13 recommended $400,000 not yet appropriated Albemarle County $ 30,000 4% Available – appropriation request will be made if this grant is awarded $ $ $ $ Total $860,000 100 % 4. AFFIRMATION STATEMENTS By checking these boxes the applicant is affirming the following statements: X Applicant is currently eligible to receive the full amount that is being requested and if this project is awarded, this would not cause the applicant to exceed the multi-contact limitation of $2.5 million in open, active contracts. ATTACHMENT E Applicant agrees to send responsible parties, to include and relevant subcontractors, to all mandatory DHCD-sponsored training events, to include the Construction Management and Grant Management workshops, and to provide representation at all management team meetings. 5. CERTIFICATION AND SI GNATURE To the best of my knowledge and belief, information in this proposal is true and correct and the proposal has been duly authorized by the local governing body; citizen participation requirements have been met; and the proposal has been submitted for Planning District Commission Review. Name: Thomas C. Foley Title: County Executive Signature: Date: ____________________ Return to exec summary ATTACHMENT F APPLICANT DISCLOSURE REPORT Part I – Summary Information Applicant __County of Albemarle ____________ Address __401 McIntire Road___ __Charlottesville, VA 22902________ Contact Person ___Ron White__________ ____________ Address ___1600 5th Street____ ____________ ___Charlottesville, VA 22902_______ Phone Number ____(434) 296-5839____ ____________ Project Name ____Orchard Acres Housing Rehabilitation FIN or SS# 54-6001102 DUNS Number 066022047 Are you requesting CDBG funding of $200,000 or more? X X YES NO If yes, the remainder of this Applicant Disclosure Report must be completed and the original must be attached to the original copy of the proposal. Photocopies in other copies. Part II– Other Governmental Assistance in Project Source of Assistance Program / Use of Funds Type of Assistance Amount County of Albemarle County of Albemarle Annual Operational Support to AHIP Proffer Funds – Direct Project Support Local General Funds Local Funds $130,000 $ 30,000 ATTACHMENT F Part III– Interest Disclosure Interested Parties Social Security / FIN Employer ID Type of Participation Financial Interest In Project ($ and %) NONE I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this Applicant Disclosure Report is true and accurate. Chief Administrative Official: __Thomas C. Foley_____________ County Executive Name Title ___________________________________ _March 14, 2012_____ Signature Date Return to exec summary ATTACHMENT G GENERAL ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATION (Original copy in original proposal; photocopies in other copies) The applicant hereby assures and certifies that: (a) It possesses legal authority to apply for the grant, and to execute the proposed program. (b) Its governing body has duly adopted or passed as an official act a resolution, motion, or similar action authorizing the filing of the application including all understandings and assurances contained therein, and directing and authorizing the person identified as the official representative of the applicant to act in connection with the application and to provide such additional information as may be required. (c) Its chief executive officer or other officer of applicant who has been approved by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development: i. Consents to assume the status of a responsible Federal official under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and other provisions of Federal law, as specified at 24 CFR 58.5(a) through (h) which serve to further the purposes of NEPA insofar as the provisions of such Federal law apply to this Program; ii. Is authorized and consents on behalf of the applicant and himself to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal and Commonwealth of Virginia courts for the purpose of enforcement of his responsibilities as such an official. (d) It will comply with the regulations, policies, guidelines and requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations (24 CFR Part 85), OMB Circular A-128 and Circular A-87 as they relate to the application, acceptance, and use of Federal funds under this Program; and, as applicable, all State laws and administrative requirements which may supersede them (by virtue of being more stringent). (e) It will comply with the provisions of Executive Order 11988, relating to evaluation of flood hazards and Executive Order 12088 relating to the prevention, control and abatement of water pollution. (f) It will require buildings or facilities designed, constructed, or altered with funds provided under this Program to comply with the "American Standard Specifications for Making Buildings and Facilities Accessible to, and Usable by, the Physically Handicapped," Number A-117.1-R 1980, or Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The applicant will be responsible for conducting inspections to insure compliance with these specifications by the contractor. ATTACHMENT G (g) It will not recover the capital costs for public improvements financed in whole or in part with CDBG funds through assessments against properties owned and occupied by low- and moderate-income persons nor will fees or assessments be charged to such persons as a condition of obtaining access to the public improvements. (Per section 104(b)(5) of Title I of Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended). (h) It will comply with: i. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Pub. L 88-352), and the regulations issued pursuant thereto (24 CFR Part 1), which provides that no person in the United States shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity for which the applicant receives Federal financial assistance. A recipient, in determining the types of housing, accommodations, facilities, services, financial aid, or other benefits which will be provided under any such program or activity, or the class of persons to whom, or the situations in which, such housing, accommodations, facilities, services, financial aid, or other benefits will be provided under any such program or activity, or the class of persons to be afforded an opportunity to participate in any such program or activity, may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration which have the effect of subjecting persons to discrimination because of their race, color, or national origin, or have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program or activity as respect to persons of a particular race, color, or national origin. The project service area shall not be selected in such a manner as to provide services to a population in which the proportion of minority and other protected population groups is substantially lower than the proportion of those groups throughout the jurisdiction of the locality unless:  the areas of disproportionate concentrations of minority and other protected population groups has already been served, or  there are definite plans for the imminent provision of similar services to those areas, or  there is reasonable justification for the provision of services to the selected area notwithstanding the substantially lower proportion of minority and other protected population groups. ii.Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Pub. L. 90-284), as amended, administering all programs and activities relating to housing and community development in a manner to affirmatively further fair housing; and will take action to affirmatively further fair housing in the sale or rental of housing, the financing of housing, and the provision of brokerage services. iii.Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, and the regulations issued pursuant thereto (24 CFR Part 570.602), which provides that no person in the ATTACHMENT G United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under, any program or activity funded in whole or part with funds provided under this Program. Any prohibition against discrimination on the basis of age under Discrimination Act of 1975 or with respect to an otherwise qualified handicapped individual as provided in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended shall also apply to this Program. iv.Executive Order 11063 on equal opportunity in housing and nondiscrimination in the sale or rental of housing built with Federal assistance. v.Executive Order 11246, and the regulations issued pursuant thereto 41 CFR Chapter 60), which provides that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin in all phases of employment during the performance of Federal or federally assisted construction contracts. Contractors and subcontractors on Federal and federally assisted construction contracts shall take affirmative action to insure fair treatment in employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training and apprenticeship. (i) It will comply with Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, requiring that to the greatest extent feasible opportunities for training and employment be given to lower-income residents of the project area and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to eligible business concerns which are located in, or owned in substantial part by, persons residing in the area of the project. (j) It will: i.In acquiring real property be guided, to the greatest extent practicable under State law, by the land acquisition policies in Sections 301 and 302 of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970; and ii.Pay or reimburse property owners for necessary expenses as specified in Section 303 and 304 of the Uniform Act; and iii. Comply with the applicable Sections (202 through 205) of Title II (relocation assistance) of the Uniform Act in providing relocation payments and relocation assistance; and iii.Comply with DOT regulations at 49 CFR Part 24 in implementing the requirements, it will: 1) Carry out the policies and procedures of Part 24 in a manner that insures that the acquisition and relocation processes do not result in different or separate treatment to persons on account of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or source of income; and ATTACHMENT G 2) Assure that, within a reasonable period of time prior to displacement, comparable decent, safe and sanitary replacement dwellings will be available to all displaced families and individuals and that the range of choices available to such persons will not vary on account of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or source of income; and 3) Inform affected persons of their rights under the policies and procedures set forth under the regulations in Part 24, including their rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended. (k) It will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using positions for a purpose that is or gives the appearance of being motivated by a desire for private gain for themselves or others, particularly those with whom they have family, business, or other ties. (l) It will comply with the provisions of the Hatch Act which limits the political activity of employees. (m) It will comply with the provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act as amended and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act as determined by the Secretary of Labor. This section shall apply to rehabilitation of residential property only if such property is designed for residential use of eight or more families. (n) It will give the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and the Comptroller General through any authorized representatives access to and the right to examine all records, books, papers, or documents related to the grant. (o) It will insure that facilities under its ownership, lease or supervision which shall be utilized in the accomplishment of the program are not listed on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) list of Violating Facilities and that it will notify the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development of the receipt of any communication from the Director of the EPA Office of Federal Activities indicating that a facility to be used in the project is under consideration for listing by the EPA. (p) It will comply with the flood insurance purchase requirements of Section 102 (a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, Pub. L. 93-234, 87 Stat. 975, approved December 31, 1973. Section 103 (a) required, on and after March 2, 1974, the purchase of flood insurance in communities where such insurance is available as a condition for the receipt of any Federal financial assistance for construction or acquisition purposes for use in any area, that has been identified by the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development as an area having special flood hazards. The phrase "Federal financial assistance" includes any form of loan, grant, guaranty, insurance payment, rebate, subsidy, disaster assistance loan or grant, or any other form of direct or indirect Federal assistance. (q) It will in connection with its performance of environmental assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, comply with Section 106 of the National Historic ATTACHMENT G Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470), Executive Order 11593, and the Preservation of Archeological and Historical Data Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 469a-1, et. Seq.) by: i.Consulting with the State Historic Preservation Officer to identify properties listed in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places that are subject to adverse effects (see 36 CFR Part 800.8) by the proposed activity, and ii.Complying with all requirements established by HUD and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to avoid or mitigate adverse effects upon such properties. (r) Assure upon funding, it will implement a "residential anti-displacement and relocation assistance plan," pursuant to Section 570.496a(b). (s) It will implement all required actions to ensure compliance pursuant to 24 CFR Part 8, Nondiscrimination Based on Handicap in Federally Assisted Programs and Activities. (t) The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that: i.No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee or any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement. ii.If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee or any agency, Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions. iii.The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly. This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure. ATTACHMENT G (u) Any survey information submitted with the application is a true representation of the data and has not been altered or fabricated. The survey was conducted and analyzed in strict accordance with the methodology stated. (v) The certification set out below is a material representation upon which reliance is placed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in awarding the grant. If it is later determined that the grantee knowingly rendered a false certification, or otherwise violates the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, in addition to any other remedies available to the Federal Government, take action authorized under the Drug-Free Workplace Act. Chief Administrative Official: __Thomas C. Foley________________ _County Executive_____________ Name Title _________________________________ _March 14, 2012_____ Signature Date Return to exec summary ATTACHMENT H DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATION (Original copies in original proposal; photocopies in other proposal copies.) The grantee certifies that it will provide a drug-free workplace by: (a) Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition; (b) Establishing a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about - i. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; ii. The grantee's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; iii. Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and iv. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace; (c) Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph (a); (d) Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (a) that, as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will - i. Abide by the terms of the statement; and ii. Notify the employer of any criminal drug statue conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction; (e) Notifying the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development within ten days after receiving notice under subparagraph (d)(2) from an employe e or otherwise receiving actual notice of such condition; (f) Taking one of the following actions, within 30 days of receiving notice under subparagraph (d)(2), with respect to any employee who is so convicted – i. Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination; or ATTACHMENT H ii. Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency; (g) Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f). Chief Administrative Official: __Thomas C. Foley__________________ _County Executive____ Name Title ___________________________________ _March 14, 2012_____ Signature Date Return to exec summary COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AGENDA TITLE: Charlottesville Volvo, Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) Jurisdictional Area Amendment Request SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Public Hearing to amend the Jurisdictional Area Boundary to provide sewer service to Tax Map 59, Parcel 23B2, located on Ivy Road (US 250 West, approximately .2 mile east of the intersection of Broomley Road and Route 250 in the Samuel Miller Magisterial District) STAFF CONTACT(S): Messrs. Foley, Elliott, Davis, Cilimberg, and Benish LEGAL REVIEW: Yes AGENDA DATE: March 14, 2012 ACTION: X INFORMATION: CONSENT AGENDA: ACTION: INFORMATION: ATTACHMENTS: Yes REVIEWED BY: BACKGROUND: The applicant is requesting ACSA Jurisdictional Area designation for sewer service to a 3.6 acre property containing a commercial building currently housing the Charlottesville Volvo dealership (Attachment A). The parcel is located entirely within the designated Rural Area, but has been zoned HC, Highway Commercial since at least the 1970s. The property is located on the north side of Ivy Road, adjacent to the University of Virginia Long Range Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) and Northridge Office Building. The Volvo dealership site is currently designated for public water service only, and is served by an existing septic system. The LTACH and Northridge sites are served by public water and sewer service. The existing septic system serving the property is failing, and staff from the Virginia Department of Health has determined that there is no alternative area available for a new septic system onsite (Attachment B). The property is relatively small and is mostly developed with the building and paved parking areas for the dealership. The soil on the property consists of mostly fill material which is not suitable for a septic system and the small portion of undeveloped area around the perimeter of the property consists of slopes in excess of 25 percent. Because this has been deemed an emergency request due to existing conditions, it is being submitted to the Board for an immediate public hearing rather than as an item to be set for a public hearing. DISCUSSION: The property is located within the designated Rural Area and is zoned RA, Rural Areas. The Comprehensive Plan provides the following concerning the provision of water and sewer service to the Development Area: “General Principle: Urban Areas, Communities, and Villages are to be served by public water and sewer (p. 114).” “Provide water and sewer service only to areas within the ACSA Jurisdictional Areas (p. 130).” “Follow the boundaries of the designated Development Areas in delineating Jurisdictional Areas (p.130).” “Only allow changes in the Jurisdictional Areas outside of the designated Development Areas in cases where the property is: 1) adjacent to existing lines; and 2) public health and/or safety is in danger (p. 130).” Water and sewer services by policy are intended to serve the designated Development Areas where growth is encouraged and are discouraged in the Rural Area because extension of public utility services are a potential catalyst for growth. As such, public water supply and sanitary sewer system capacities need to be efficiently and effectively used and reserved to serve the Development Area. Continued connections of properties in the Rural Area can result in further extension of lines from the fringe of the existing Jurisdictional Area and into the Rural Area, potentially straining limited water resources and sewer capacity. AGENDA TITLE: Charlottesville Volvo, Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) Jurisdictional Area Amendment Request March 14, 2012 Page 2 This request meets both criteria for the provision of service to Rural Area parcels. A sewer line is located adjacent to this site and the adjacent properties to the east of this property are currently served by public sewer. A health and safety issue exists due to the existing system failure and the lack of suitable areas on the property for a replacement septic system and drainfield or other alternative system. Generally, when properties located in the Rural Area are added to the ACSA Jurisdictional Area, the service provided to those properties is limited to the existing structures only. Given the current zoning of the property, the existing level of development of the site, and the size of the parcel, staff recommends the property be designated for “water and sewer service” without any limitation on any new sewer service being provided to the site. This designation is consistent with the designations for the adjacent LTACH and Northridge sites, which are also in the Rural Area. BUDGET IMPACT: The property owner will bear the costs for sewer connection. RECOMMENDATIONS: After the public hearing, staff recommends that the Board amend the ACSA Jurisdictional Area boundary to provide “water and sewer service” to Tax Map 59, Parcel 23B2. ATTACHMENTS A -- Location and Jurisdictional Area Map B – Virginia Department of Health Letter C – Aerial Photo of Site with Critical Slopes Return to agenda Points of Interest AIRPORT COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY FIRE/RESCUE STATION GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL LIBRARY POLICE STATION POST OFFICE RECREATION/TOURISM SCHOOL Parcel Info Parcels ACSA Jurisdictional Areas No Service Water Only Water and Sewer Water Only To Existing Str Limited Service City Water and Sewer ATTACHMENT A -- Location Map and Existing Jurisdictional Area Designation Map is for Display Purposes Only • Aerial Imagery from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Other Sources February 23, 2012 GIS-Web Geographic Data Services www.albemarle.org (434) 296-5832 Legend (Note: Some items on map may not appear in legend) 275 ft Points of Interest AIRPORT COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY FIRE/RESCUE STATION GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL LIBRARY POLICE STATION POST OFFICE RECREATION/TOURISM SCHOOL Voting Info Magisterial Districts Parcel Info Parcels Elevation Y2007 Critical Slopes (> 2 ATTACHMENT C -- Aerial Photo of Site with Critical Slopes Map is for Display Purposes Only • Aerial Imagery from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Other Sources February 23, 2012 GIS-Web Geographic Data Services www.albemarle.org (434) 296-5832 Legend (Note: Some items on map may not appear in legend) 86 ft COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE Department of Community Development 401 McIntire Road, North Wing Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596 Phone (434) 296-5832 Fax (434) 972-4126 February 10, 2012 Stephen Waller, AICP 536 Pantops Center - PMB #405 Charlottesville, Va 22911 RE: SP201100022 Verizon Wireless/Southwest Mountain Tier III Personal Wireless Service Facility TAX MAP/PARCEL: 07800-00-00-051C0 Dear Mr. Waller: The Albemarle County Planning Commission, at its meeting on January 24, 2012, by a vote of 6:0 recommended approval of the above-noted petition to the Board of Supervisors. Please note that this approval is subject to the following conditions: 1. Development and use shall be in general accord with what is described in the applicant's request and site plans, entitled “Southwest Mountain LTE 4G Upgrade”, with a final zoning drawing submittal date of 11/10/11 (hereafter “Conceptual Plan”), as determined by the Director of Planning and Zoning Administrator. To be in accord with the Conceptual Plan, development and use shall reflect the following major elements within the development essential to the design of the development, as shown on the Conceptual Plan: – Height – Mounting type – Antenna type – Number of antenna – Color – Location of ground equipment and fencing Minor modifications to the plan which do not conflict with the elements above may be made to ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. 2 The monopole shall not be increased in height above the existing 260 feet above ground level (AGL). 3. Equipment shall be attached to the exterior of a structure only as follows: (i) The total number of arrays of antennas attached to the existing structure shall not exceed six (6), and each antenna proposed to be attached under the pending application shall not exceed the size shown on the application, which size shall not exceed one thousand one hundred fifty two (1152) square inches. 4. Prior to issuance of a building permit, the owner of the facility shall submit an updated report to the agent identifying each user of the tower to be updated annually between May 1 and July 1 in accordance with the requirements of Section 5.1.40(c)(7). In addition, the Planning Commission recommended approval for modifications of Sections 5.1.40(c)(3)(i),(c)(4) and (c)(5) for SP-2011-00022 Verizon Wireless/Southwest Mountain Tier III Personal Wireless Service Facility for the reasons delineated by the staff report. Please be advised that the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors will review this petition and receive public comment at their meeting on March 14, 2012. View PC staff report and attachments View PC minutes Return to agenda If you should have any questions or comments regarding the above noted action, please do not hesitate to contact me at (434) 296-5832. Sincerely, Sarah Baldwin Senior Planner Zoning Division cc: Verizon Wireless C/O Maynard Sipe 123 East Main Street Charlottesville, Va 22902 American Tower L P C/O American Tower Corporation P O Box 723597 Atlanta Ga 31139 POLICY SUBMISSION OF MATERIALS FOR ZONING APPLICATIONS It is the Board’s preference that a public hearing should not be advertised until all of the final materials for a zoning application have been received by the County and are available for public review. To achieve this preference, applicants should provide final plans, final codes of development, final proffers, and any other documents deemed necessary by the Director of Community Development, to the County no later than two days prior to the County’s deadline for submitting the public hearing advertisement to the newspaper. Staff will advise applicants of this date by including it in annual schedules for applications and by providing each applicant a minimum of two weeks advance notice of the deadline. If the applicant does not submit the required materials by this date, the public hearing shall not be advertised unless the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development that good cause exists for the public hearing to be advertised. If not advertised, a new public hearing date will be scheduled. If the public hearing is held without final materials being available for review throughout the advertisement period due to a late submittal of documents, or because substantial revisions or amendments are made to the submitted materials after the public hearing has been advertised, it will be the policy of the Board to either defer action and schedule a second public hearing that provides this opportunity to the public or to deny the application, unless the Board finds that the deferral would not be in the public interest or not forward the purposes of this policy. Final signed proffers shall be submitted to the County no later than nine days prior to the date of the advertised public hearing. This policy is not intended to prevent changes made in proffers at the public hearing resulting from comments received from the public or from Board members at the public hearing. This Zoning Policy will be included in the Board’s Rules of Procedure for adoption each year, so that the policy can be re-examined annually. 1 ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING STAFF REPORT SUMMARY Project Name: SP201100022 Southwest Mountain- Verizon Wireless Tier III PWSF Staff: Sarah Baldwin, Senior Planner Planning Commission Public Hearing: January 24, 2012 Board of Supervisors Hearing: TBD Owners: American Tower L.P.C. c/o American Tower Corporation Applicant: Verizon Wireless-c/o Maynard Sipe Acreage: 3.00 acres Rezone from: Not applicable Special Use Permit for: 10.2.2(48) Special Use Permit, which allows for Tier III personal wireless facilities in the RA Zoning District. TMP: Tax Map 78 Parcel 51C Location: 191 Lego Drive-1/3 mile north of the intersection with Hansens Mountain Rd. By-right use: RA, Rural Areas Magisterial District: Rivanna Proffers/Conditions: Yes Requested # of Dwelling Units/Lots: N/A DA - RA - X Proposal: Request to install a second flush mounted antenna array replacing recently removed whip antennas in order to support the attachment of a new antenna array in a second vertical array below the company’s existing antennas. This is an amendment of SP2003-45, 2C to allow more than 5 antenna arrays. Comp. Plan Designation: Rural Area in Rural Area 2. Character of Property: This property is zoned Rural Areas, as well as all the surrounding properties. The site is located in a wooded area on a hill with existing mature trees and vegetation. The tower, in existence for nearly 40 years was shortened and modified in 2004. Use of Surrounding Properties: Rural Areas- single family residential and Planned Residential Development Factors Favorable: 1. The proposal is on an existing facility and the additional antenna will not increase or cause any new impacts to adjacent properties or important resources. 2. The proposal meets most of the requirements of Section 5.1.40 except for the current SP conditions which limit the number of antenna arrays to five. Factors Unfavorable: None identified. Zoning Ordinance Waivers and Recommendations: 1. Included are modification for Sections 5.1.40(c)(3)(i),(c)(4), and (c)(5). Based on findings presented in the staff report, staff recommends approval of all modification requests, with conditions. 2 STAFF CONTACT: Sarah Baldwin, Senior Planner PLANNING COMMISSION: January 24, 2012 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: TBD AGENDA TITLE: SP201100022: Southwest Mountain-Verizon Tier III PROPERTY OWNER: American Tower L.P.C. c/o American Tower Corporation APPLICANT: Verizon Wireless-c/o Maynard Sipe PROPOSAL: This is a proposal to install a second flush mounted antenna array on an existing Personal Wireless Service Facility (“PWSF”) replacing recently removed whip antennas. This installation will support the attachment of a new antenna array in a second vertical array below Verizon’s existing antennas. This is an amendment of SP2003-45, 2C to allow more than 5 antenna arrays. The existing guyed tower is approximately 260 feet above ground level (AGL). The new antenna array will be located at 154 feet above ground level (“AGL”), and will support the new vertical array to be located 148 feet AGL, which is the same location where the original whip antenna arrays were located. No changes in height or other modifications are proposed at this time. The 3.00 acre property, described as Tax Map 78, Parcel 51C, is located in the Rivanna Magisterial District and is zoned Rural Areas (“RA”). COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The Comprehensive Plan designates the property as Rural Area in Rural Area 2. CHARACTER OF THE AREA: This property is zoned Rural Areas, as well as all the surrounding properties. The site is located in a wooded area on a hill with mature trees and vegetation. The tower, in existence for over 40 years was shortened and modified in 2004. PLANNING AND ZONING HISTORY: A special use permit (SP2003-45) was approved for the site in 2003, which predated the Personal Wireless Facilities Ordinance. DISCUSSION: An amendment to the Special Use Permit is required for this proposal only to accommodate an increase in the number of antennas above that which is stipulated in the current special use permit conditions. More specifically, condition 2c, limits the number of antennas to five, while the current proposal would bring the total number of antennas to six. In addition, many of the conditions contained in the current SP could be eliminated since they are now required regulations as contained in the PWSF Ordinance. 3 ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST: Section 31.6.1 of the Zoning Ordinance below requires that special use permits be reviewed as follows: Will the use be of substantial detriment to adjacent property? It is not anticipated that the proposed addition of an antenna array will be of any detriment to the adjacent properties, aside from limited construction activity to accommodate the array and associated ground equipment. The tower has been in existence for over 40 years and pre-dates the rural subdivisions that currently surround the tower. The new antenna array will not substantially change the visual impact of the existing tower. Will the character of the zoning district change with this use? As mentioned above, no substantial changes will occur with the addition of an antenna array aside from limited construction activity associated with the change. Additionally, when the 2004 special use conditions were approved the tower was shortened further limiting its presence and visability. Since the surrounding developments occurred after the tower was already in existence, any impact should be limited. Will the use be in harmony with the purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance? Staff has reviewed this request as it relates to the “purpose and intent” that is set forth in Sections 1.4. of the Zoning Ordinance, and as it relates to the intent specified in the Rural Areas chapter of the Zoning Ordinance (Section 10.1). This request is consistent with both sections. Will the use be in harmony with the uses permitted by right in the district? No significant adverse impacts are anticipated, since this request only involves an addition of an antenna array. Will the public health, safety and general welfare of the community be protected if the use is approved? The public health, safety, and general welfare of the community is protected through the special use permit process, which assures that uses approved by special use permit are appropriate in the location requested. The proposed increase in antenna arrays will provide more reliable access to the wireless communication market, to include schools and residences. This can be seen as contributing to the public health, safety and welfare. Otherwise, no change to the public health, safety and general welfare is expected with approval of the additional antenna array. Compliance with Section 5.1.40 of the Zoning Ordinance The county’s specific design criteria for Tier III facilities as set forth in section 5.1.40(e) are addressed as follows [Ordinance sections are in bold italics]: Section 5.1.40(e) Tier III facilities. Each Tier III facility may be established upon approval of a special use permit issued pursuant to section 31.6.1 of this chapter, initiated upon an application satisfying the requirements of subsection 5.1.40(a) and section 31.6.2, and it shall be installed and operated in compliance with all applicable provisions of this chapter and the following: 1. The facility shall comply with subsection 5.1.40(b) subsection 5.1.40(c)(2) through (9) and subsection 5.1.40(d)(2),(3),(6) and (7), unless modified by the board of supervisors during special use permit review. 4 2. The facility shall comply with all conditions of approval of the special use permit. Requirements of subsection 5.1.40(a) application for approval and section 31.6.1 special use permits have been met. Since this tower is an existing facility, no balloon test was needed. Compliance with Section 5.1.40(e) of the Zoning Ordinance: The County's specific design criteria for Tier III facilities set forth in Section 5.1.40(e)(1) and 5.1.40(e)(2) are addressed as follows: Subsection 5.1.40(b)(1-5): Exemption from regulations otherwise applicable: Except as otherwise exempted in this paragraph, each facility shall be subject to all applicable regulations in this chapter. The proposed wireless facility meets the required Rural Areas setbacks in addition to all other area and bulk regulations and minimum yard requirements. Attached site drawings, antennae and equipment specifications have been provided to demonstrate that personal wireless service facilities (PWSF) regulations and any relevant site plan requirements set forth in Section 32 of the zoning ordinance have been addressed. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(2)-: The facility shall be designed, constructed and maintained as follows: (i) guy wires shall not be permitted; (ii) outdoor lighting for the facility shall be permitted only during maintenance periods; regardless of the lumens emitted, each outdoor luminaire shall be fully shielded as required by section 4.17 of this chapter; (iii) any equipment cabinet not located within the existing structure shall be screened from all lot lines either by terrain, existing structures, existing vegetation, or by added vegetation approved by the county’s landscape planner; (iv) a whip antenna less than six (6) inches in diameter may exceed the height of the existing structure; (v) a grounding rod, whose height shall not exceed two (2) feet and whose width shall not exceed one (1) inch in diameter at the base and tapering to a point, may be installed at the top of facility or the structure; and (vi) within one month after the completion of the installation of the facility, the applicant shall provide a statement to the agent certifying that the height of all components of the facility complies with this regulation. The proposed changes to the monopole do not require the installation of guy wires, nor will it be fitted with any whip antennas. In fact, the lower whips on the facility were recently removed and will be replaced with the proposed antenna array which will be flush-mounted, dual-band, dipolar panel antennas. All other requirements of this subsection have been met. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(3): Equipment shall be attached to the exterior of a structure only as follows: (i) the total number of arrays of antennas attached to the existing structure shall not exceed three (3), and each antenna proposed to be attached under the pending application shall not exceed the size shown on the application, which size shall not exceed one thousand one hundred fifty two (1152) square inches; (ii) no antenna shall project from the structure beyond the minimum required by the mounting equipment, and in no case shall any point on the face of an antenna project more than twelve (12) inches from the existing structure; and (iii) each antenna and associated equipment shall be a color that matches the existing structure. For purposes of this section, all types of antennas and dishes regardless of their use shall be counted toward the limit of three arrays. The proposed additional antenna array configuration is a flush-mounted, dual-band, dipolar panel which will bring the total number of antenna arrays to 6 (six) and requires modification of the SP conditions. The previous special use permit (SP2003-45), modified this condition to allow for 5 five arrays. The existing and proposed changes to the tower meet all other relevant design, mounting and size criteria of this subsection. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(4): Prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall submit a tree conservation plan prepared by a certified arborist. The plan shall be submitted to the agent for review and approval to assure that all applicable requirements have been satisfied. The plan shall specify tree protection methods and procedures, and identify all existing trees to be removed on the parcel for the installation, operation and maintenance of the facility. Except for the tree removal expressly authorized by the agent, the applicant shall not remove existing trees within the lease area or within one hundred (100) feet in all directions surrounding the lease area of any part of the facility. In addition, the agent may identify additional trees or lands up to two hundred (200) feet from the lease area to be included in the plan. The installation of the proposed antenna array for this personal wireless service facility will not require the removal of any trees. Since this is an existing tower and no changes to the height are requested, modification of this requirement is appropriate. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(5) The installation, operation and maintenance of the facility shall be conducted in accordance with the tree conservation plan. Dead and dying trees identified by the arborist’s report may be removed if so noted on the tree conservation plan. If tree removal is later requested that was not approved by the agent when the tree conservation plan was approved, the applicant shall submit an amended plan. The agent may approve the amended plan if the proposed tree removal will not adversely affect the visibility of the facility from any location off of the parcel. The agent may impose reasonable conditions to assure that the purposes of this paragraph are achieved. As stated above, this is an existing tower where no changes are proposed that will require the removal of any trees and a modification of this subsection is appropriate. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(6): The facility shall be disassembled and removed from the site within ninety (90) days of the date its use for personal wireless service purposes is discontinued. If the agent determines at any time that surety is required to guarantee that the facility will be removed as required, the agent may require that the parcel owner or the owner of the facility submit a certified check, a bond with surety, or a letter of credit, in an amount sufficient for, and conditioned upon, the removal of the facility. The type and form of the surety guarantee shall be to the satisfaction of the agent and the county attorney. In determining whether surety should be required, the agent shall consider the following: (i) the annual report states that the tower or pole is no longer being used for personal wireless service facilities; (ii) the annual report was not filed; (iii) there is a change in technology that makes it likely that tower or pole will be unnecessary in the near future; (iv) the permittee fails to comply with applicable regulations or conditions; (v) the permittee fails to timely remove another tower or pole within the county; and (vi) whenever otherwise deemed necessary by the agent. Should use of the antennae site in this location become discontinued at anytime in the future, Verizon Wireless and/or its assignee(s) will be required to remove the facility within 90 days. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(7): The owner of the facility shall submit a report to the agent by no earlier than May or and no later than July 1 of each year. The report shall identify each user of the existing structure, and include a drawing, photograph or other illustration identifying 6 which equipment is owned and/or operated by each personal wireless service provider. Multiple users on a single tower or other mounting structure may submit a single report, provided that the report includes a statement signed by a representative from each user acquiescing in the report. It is recommended that Verizon Wireless submit an annual report updating the user status and equipment inventory of the facility at or prior to building permit issuance and then annually to satisfy the requirements under the Ordinance. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(8): No slopes associated with the installation of the facility and accessory uses shall be created that are steeper than 2:1 unless retaining walls, revetments, or other stabilization measures acceptable to the county engineer are employed. Again, since this is an existing facility and proposed changes include the addition of an antenna array and associated changes, no slopes are affected. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(9): Any equipment cabinet not located within an existing building shall be fenced only with the approval of the agent upon finding that the fence: (i) would protect the facility from trespass in areas of high volumes of vehicular or pedestrian traffic or, in the rural areas, to protect the facility from livestock or wildlife; (ii) would not be detrimental to the character of the area; and (iii) would not be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare. The existing facility contains a fenced in area and is therefore not be detrimental to the character of the area, nor the public health, safety or general welfare. Section 5.1.40(d)(2): The site shall provide adequate opportunities for screening and the facility shall be sited to minimize its visibility from adjacent parcels and streets, regardless of their distance from the facility. If the facility would be visible from a state scenic river or a national park or national forest, regardless of whether the site is adjacent thereto, the facility also shall be sited to minimize its visibility from such river, park or forest. If the facility would be located on lands subject to a conservation easement or an open space easement, or adjacent to a conservation easement or open space easement, the facility shall be sited so that it is not visible from any resources specifically identified for protection in the deed of easement. The existing facility has been in place for over 40 years and Staff has found that it contains adequate screening and meets the requirements of this subsection. Section 5.1.40(d)(3): The facility shall not adversely impact resources identified in the county’s open space plan. The existing facility has been in place for over 40 years. This proposal does not substantially change the visual impact of the tower and does not adversely impact any resources in the open space plan. Section 5.1.40(d)(6): The top of the monopole, measured in elevation above mean sea level, shall not exceed the height approved by the commission. The approved height shall not be more than seven (7) feet taller than the tallest tree within twenty-five (25) feet of the monopole, and shall include any base, foundation or grading that raises the pole above the pre-existing natural ground elevation; provided that the height approved by the commission may be up to ten (10) feet taller than the tallest tree if the owner of the facility demonstrates to the 7 satisfaction of the commission that there is not a material difference in the visibility of the monopole at the proposed height, rather than at a height seven (7) feet taller than the tallest tree; and there is not a material difference in adverse impacts to resources identified in the county’s open space plan caused by the monopole at the proposed height, rather than at a height seven (7) feet taller than the tallest tree. The applicant may appeal the commissioner’s denial of a modification to the board of supervisors as provided in subsection 5.1.40(d)(12). No changes to the height of this facility are proposed. The existing facility has been in place for over 40 years. This proposal does not substantially change the visual impact of the tower and does not adversely impact any resources in the open space plan. Section 5.1.40(d)(7): Each wood monopole shall be a dark brown natural wood color; each metal or concrete monopole shall be painted a brown wood color to blend into the surrounding trees. The antennas, supporting brackets, and all other equipment attached to the monopole shall be a color that closely matches that of the monopole. The ground equipment, the ground equipment cabinet, and the concrete pad shall also be a color that closely matches that of the monopole, provided that the ground equipment and the concrete pad need not be of such a color if they are enclosed within or behind an approved structure, façade or fencing that: (i) is a color that closely matches that of the monopole; (ii) is consistent with the character of the area; and (iii) makes the ground equipment and concrete pad invisible at any time of year from any other parcel or a public or private street. The applicant states that the proposed antenna array will be painted with a light blue gray hue to match the existing color of the tower. All supporting equipment changes will be in the interior of the existing shelter. Section 5.1.40(e)2: The facility shall comply with all conditions of approval of the special use permit. The facility complies with all conditions of approval of the special use permit (Section 31.6.3). Section 704(a) (7) (b) (I) (II) of The Telecommunications Act of 1996: This application is subject to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which provides in part that the regulation of the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities by any State or local government or instrumentality thereof (I) shall not unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services; (II) shall not prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the provision of personal wireless services. 47 U.S.C. In order to operate this facility, the applicant is required to comply with the FCC guidelines for radio frequency emissions that are intended to protect the public health and safety. Neither the Comprehensive Plan nor the Zoning Ordinance prohibits the provision of personal wireless services. However, both do implement specific policies and regulations for the sighting and design of wireless facilities. In its current state, the existing facilities and their mounting structure all offer adequate support for providing personal wireless communication services. The applicant has not provided any additional information regarding the availability, or absence of alternative sites that could serve the same areas that would be covered with the proposed antenna additions at this site. Therefore, staff does not believe that the special use permitting process nor the denial of this application would have the effect of prohibiting or restricting the provision of personal wireless services. 8 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the additional antenna array for this personal wireless facility, and modifications based upon the analysis provided herein. SUMMARY: Staff has identified factors which are favorable and unfavorable to this proposal: Factors favorable to this request include: 1. The addition of the antenna array will provide advanced technology service and support a larger project to provide fourth generation (4G) services therefore contributing to the general health, safety, and welfare of the public. 2. The proposal is on an existing facility and the additional antenna array will not increase or cause any new impacts to adjacent properties or important resources. Factors unfavorable to this request include: None identified. In order to comply with Section 5.1.40(d) of the Zoning Ordinance if recommended for denial, the Planning Commission is required to provide the applicant with a statement regarding the basis for denial and all items that will have to be addressed to satisfy each requirement. Zoning Ordinance Modifications: The proposed modifications for an additional antenna array on the existing tower are part of a larger project to improve Verizon Wireless’ existing network of facilities by adding fourth generation (“4G”) services to the existing cellular services. Staff is able to support all of the recommended modifications described in the staff report because the facility is existing. The recommended modifications are for requirements of the ordinance that are generally meant to aid in the determination of whether a new tower is appropriate in the proposed area of the County or whether a height increase is appropriate, these specific requirements are not applicable for an existing towers seeking the addition of antennas. Listed below are the recommended modifications: 1. Section 5.1.40(c)(3)(i)- Total number of antenna arrays attached to existing structure. 2. Section 5.1.40(c)(4)-Submittal of a tree conservation plan. 3. Section 5.1.40(c)(5)-Tree Conservation Plan. If the Planning Commission recommends approval of this application, Staff recommends the following conditions: Conditions of approval: 1. Development and use shall be in general accord with what is described in the applicant's request and site plans, entitled “Southwest Mountain LTE 4G Upgrade”, with a final zoning drawing submittal date of 11/10/11 (hereafter “Conceptual Plan”), as determined 9 by the Director of Planning and Zoning Administrator. To be in accord with the Conceptual Plan, development and use shall reflect the following major elements within the development essential to the design of the development, as shown on the Conceptual Plan: a. Height b. Mounting type c. Antenna type d. Number of antenna e. Color f. Location of ground equipment and fencing Minor modifications to the plan which do not conflict with the elements above may be made to ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. 2 The monopole shall not be increased in height above the existing 260 feet above ground level (AGL). 3. Equipment shall be attached to the exterior of a structure only as follows: (i) The total number of arrays of antennas attached to the existing structure shall not exceed six (6), and each antenna proposed to be attached under the pending application shall not exceed the size shown on the application, which size shall not exceed one thousand one hundred fifty two (1152) square inches. 4. Prior to issuance of a building permit, the owner of the facility shall submit an updated report to the agent identifying each user of the tower to be updated annually between May 1 and July 1 in accordance with the requirements of Section 5.1.40(c)(7). ATTACHMENTS: A. Site Plan B. Vicinity Map C. Applicant Photo Simulations Return to PC actions letter Motion One: The Planning Commission’s role in this case (SP20110022) is to make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to approve or deny modifications for Sections 5.1.40(c)(3)(i),(c)(4), and (c)(5) of the Zoning Ordinance. A. Should the Planning Commission choose to approve modifications of Sections 5.1.40(c)(3)(i),(c)(4), and (c)(5): I move to approve granting the modifications for reasons outlined in the staff report. 10 B. Should the Planning Commission choose to deny the modifications for this Tier III personal wireless service facility: I move to deny the modifications outlined in the staff report. (Planning Commission needs to give a reason for denial) Motion Two: The Planning Commission’s role in this case (SP201100022) is to make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. A. Should the Planning Commission choose to recommend approval of this Tier III personal wireless service facility: I move to recommend approval of SP 20110022 Southwest Mountain -Verizon Wireless Tier III PWSF with the conditions outlined in the staff report. B. Should the Planning Commission choose to recommend denial of this Tier III personal wireless service facility: I move to recommend denial of SP 201100022 Southwest Mountain-Verizon Wireless Tier III PWSF (Planning Commission needs to give a reason for denial). Points of Interest AIRPORT COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY FIRE/RESCUE STATION GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL LIBRARY POLICE STATION POST OFFICE RECREATION/TOURISM SCHOOL Parcel Info Parcels SP2011-22 Southwest Mountain Map is for Display Purposes Only • Aerial Imagery from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Other Sources January 9, 2012 GIS-Web Geographic Data Services www.albemarle.org (434) 296-5832 Legend (Note: Some items on map may not appear in legend) 744 ft Points of Interest AIRPORT COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY FIRE/RESCUE STATION GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL LIBRARY POLICE STATION POST OFFICE RECREATION/TOURISM SCHOOL Parcel Info Parcels SP2011-22 Southwest Mountain Map is for Display Purposes Only • Aerial Imagery from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Other Sources January 9, 2012 GIS-Web Geographic Data Services www.albemarle.org (434) 296-5832 Legend (Note: Some items on map may not appear in legend) 131 ft ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 1 Albemarle County Planning Commission January 24, 2012 Public Hearing Item: SP-2011-00022 Verizon Wireless/Southwest Mountain Tier III Personal Wireless Service Facility PROPOSED: Request for installation of a second flush-mounted antenna array replacing recently removed whip antennas in order to support the attachment of a new antenna array in a second vertical array below the company’s existing antennas. This is an amendment of SP 2003 -45 #2C to allow more than 5 antenna arrays. ZONING CATEGORY/GENERAL USAGE: RA, Rural Areas- agricultural, forestal, and fishery uses; residential density (0.5 unit/acre in development lots) SECTION: 10.2.2 (48) which allows for Tier III personal wireless facilities in the RA Zoning District COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE/DENSITY: Rural Areas in Rural Area 2 -preserve and protect agricultural, forestal, open space, and natural, historic and scenic resources/ density (0.5 unit/ acre in development lots) ENTRANCE CORRIDOR: NO LOCATION: 119 Lego Drive TAX MAP/PARCEL: 07800-00-00-051C0 MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Rivanna (Sarah Baldwin) Sarah Baldwin presented a Power-Point presentation and summarized the staff report. This is an amendment to an existing Special Use Permit and to Section 10.2.2(48), which allows for a Tier III Personal Wireless Service Facility in the Rural Areas (RA). The existing facility is located on Tax Map 78, parcel 51C. Surrounding areas are rural to include single-family residential and PRD and is located in a wooded area with existing mature trees and vegetation. Proposal: • This is a request to install a second flush mounted antenna array to support the attachment of a new antenna array on an existing PWSF. • This request will amend condition 2C of SP2003-45 to allow more than 5 antenna arrays. For clarification under the Tier I and Tier II ordinance requirements up to 3 antennas are permitted. Since this request exceeds 3 antennas it is considered a Tier III facility. This tower has been in existence for over 40 years. There are not other changes p roposed to the tower except to allow for the addition of the antenna array. The applicant has submitted plans and photo simulations to show the location of the additional antenna array and additional photo simulations of the existing and proposed tower changes. Factors favorable: 1. The proposal is on an existing facility and the additional antenna will not increase or cause any new impacts to adjacent properties or important resources. 2. The proposal meets most of the requirements of 5.1.40 except for the current SP conditions which limit the number of antenna arrays to five. Staff found no unfavorable factors to this amendment. Recommendation: • Staff recommends approval of the additional antenna array and modifications provided herein. • Should the Planning Commission choose to recommend approval of this application to the Board of Supervisors, Staff recommends the conditions as outlined in the presentation and staff report. Mr. Morris invited questions for staff. ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 2 Mr. Lafferty asked if this would allow the applicant to put one more antenna up without having to come back. Ms. Baldwin replied that was correct. Mr. Randolph requested to ask a question of consistency. He noted with interest that the first two applications, which they have just denied for obvious constitutional reasons, specified in exactitude the manufacturer and color of the paint that was to be used. In this application the applicant states on page 7 the wording of staff’s report the applicant states that the proposed antenna array will be painted with a light blue gray hue to match the existing color. He was intrigued as a new member of the Commission why they were so exacting as to the supplier and the exact color of the paint that is to be used in the other two towers and here they just came up with a general remark about light blue gray hue. Ms. Baldwin replied that it is a requirement of the ordinance to have similar colors. To the extent they were not in the first two is because they were consistent with the existing facilities. Mr. Morris opened the public hearing and invited the applicant to address the Planning Commission. Lori Schweller, with Leclair Ryan, represented Verizon Wireless. She requested the Commission’s recommendation of approval of an amendment to a special use permit. This special use permit was granted before the current ordinance. That may help to answer Mr. Randolph’s question about why the array is proposed to be painted light blue gray. The special use permit only permits 5 flush mounted antennae arrays and they are requesting a recommendation of approval for one additional antennae array. There would be six antennae arrays and not antennas. She wanted to make that clear for the record. That is depicted in the concept plan. There are no other changes to the site proposed. Any ground equipment will be installed within an existing equipment shelter. Mr. Morris invited public comment. There being no public comment, the public hearing was closed and the matter before the Planning Commission. Motion: Mr. Loach moved and Mr. Lafferty seconded to recommend approval of SP-2011-00022 Verizon Wireless/Southwest Mountain Tier III Personal Wireless Service Facility with staff’s recommended conditions. 1. Development and use shall be in general accord with what is described in the applicant's request and site plans, entitled “Southwest Mountain LTE 4G Upgrade”, with a final zoning drawing submittal date of 11/10/11 (hereafter “Conceptual Plan”), as determined by the Director of Planning and Zoning Administrator. To be in accord with the Conceptual Plan, development and use shall reflect the following major elements within the development essential to the design of the development, as shown on the Conceptual Plan: – Height – Mounting type – Antenna type – Number of antennajj – Color – Location of ground equipment and fencing Minor modifications to the plan which do not conflict with the elements above may be made to ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. 2 The monopole shall not be increased in height above the existing 260 feet above ground level (AGL). 3. Equipment shall be attached to the exterior of a structure only as follows: (i) The total number of arrays of antennas attached to the existing structure shall not exceed six (6), and each antenna proposed to be attached under the pending application shall not exceed the size shown on the application, which size shall not exceed one thousand one hundred fifty two (1152) square inches. ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 3 4. Prior to issuance of a building permit, the owner of the facility shall submit an updated report to the agent identifying each user of the tower to be updated annually between May 1 and July 1 in accordance with the requirements of Section 5.1.40(c)(7). The motion passed by a vote of 6:0. Mr. Morris said the request would be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation for approval at a time to be determined. Motion for Recommendation on Modifications: Mr. Loach moved and Mr. Lafferty seconded to recommend approval for modifications of Sections 5.1.40(c)(3)(i),(c)(4) and (c)(5) for SP-2011-00022 Verizon Wireless/Southwest Mountain Tier III Personal Wireless Service Facility for the reasons delineated by the staff report. The motion passed by a vote of 6:0. Mr. Morris noted that SP-2011-00022 Verizon Wireless/Southwest Mountain Tier III Personal Wireless Service Facility and modifications will go to the Board of Supervisors on a date to be determined with a recommendation for approval. Return to PC actions letter COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE Department of Community Development 401 McIntire Road, North Wing Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596 Phone (434) 296-5832 Fax (434) 972-4126 February 10, 2012 Ms. Valerie Long/Williams Mullen 321 E. Main Street Charlottesville, Va. 22902 RE: SP201100026 Flatswoods Land Trust New Cingular Wireless/AT&T-CV429-Tier III TAX MAP/PARCEL: 11200-00-00-030G0 Dear Ms. Long: The Albemarle County Planning Commission, at its meeting on January 24, 2012, by a vote of 6:0 recommended approval of the above-noted petition to the Board of Supervisors. Please note that this approval is subject to the following conditions: RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission recommends approval of SP 2011-00026 Flatwoods Land Trust with the conditions listed below, and of the requested modification to Section 5.1.40(d)(6) (to permit the facility to extend 30 feet above the reference tree), based on the analysis provided herein. 1. Development and use shall be in general accord with the conceptual plan titled “CV429” prepared by O. Warren Williams, Jr., and dated 10-10-11 (hereafter “Conceptual Plan”), as determined by the Director of Planning and the Zoning Administrator. To be in accord with the Conceptual Plan, development and use shall reflect the following major elements within the development essential to the design of the development, as shown on the Conceptual Plan: a) Height b) Mounting type c) Antenna type d) Number of antennae e) Distance above reference tree f) Color g) Location of ground equipment Minor modifications to the plan which do not conflict with the elements above may be made to ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. 2. Entrance design and location must be approved by the Virginia Department of Transportation before construction of the access road for this use may commence. Zoning Ordinance Modifications: 1. Section 5.1.40 (d)(6)- Modification of requirement that facility extend no more than 7 feet above the reference tree, to permit it to extend 30 feet above the reference tree. Please be advised that the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors will review this petition and receive public comment at their meeting on March 14, 2012. View PC staff report and attachments View PC minutes Return to agenda If you should have any questions or comments regarding the above noted action, please do not hesitate to contact me at (434) 296-5832. Sincerely, Scott Clark Planner Planning Division CC: Joe O'connor/Sai-Comm For AT&T 10408 Lakeridge Parkway Ste. 1100 Ashland, Va. 23005 POLICY SUBMISSION OF MATERIALS FOR ZONING APPLICATIONS It is the Board’s preference that a public hearing should not be advertised until all of the final materials for a zoning application have been received by the County and are available for public review. To achieve this preference, applicants should provide final plans, final codes of development, final proffers, and any other documents deemed necessary by the Director of Community Development, to the County no later than two days prior to the County’s deadline for submitting the public hearing advertisement to the newspaper. Staff will advise applicants of this date by including it in annual schedules for applications and by providing each applicant a minimum of two weeks advance notice of the deadline. If the applicant does not submit the required materials by this date, the public hearing shall not be advertised unless the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development that good cause exists for the public hearing to be advertised. If not advertised, a new public hearing date will be scheduled. If the public hearing is held without final materials being available for review throughout the advertisement period due to a late submittal of documents, or because substantial revisions or amendments are made to the submitted materials after the public hearing has been advertised, it will be the policy of the Board to either defer action and schedule a second public hearing that provides this opportunity to the public or to deny the application, unless the Board finds that the deferral would not be in the public interest or not forward the purposes of this policy. Final signed proffers shall be submitted to the County no later than nine days prior to the date of the advertised public hearing. This policy is not intended to prevent changes made in proffers at the public hearing resulting from comments received from the public or from Board members at the public hearing. This Zoning Policy will be included in the Board’s Rules of Procedure for adoption each year, so that the policy can be re-examined annually. 1 ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING STAFF REPORT SUMMARY Project Name: SP 2011-00026 Flatwoods Land Trust Staff: Scott Clark, Senior Planner Planning Commission Public Hearing: January 24, 2012 Board of Supervisors Hearing: TBD TBD Owners: Flatwoods Land Trust Applicant: SAI-COM for AT&T Acreage: 421.04 acres (Lease Area: 1,600 square feet) Rezone from: Not applicable Special Use Permit for: 10.2.2(48) Special Use Permit, which allows for Tier III personal wireless facilities in the RA Zoning District. TMP: Tax Map 112 Parcel 30G Location: Approximately one mile north of the intersection of Route 20 and Plank Road, on the west side of Route 20. By-right use: RA, Rural Areas; EC, Entrance Corridor Magisterial District: Scottsville Proffers/Conditions: Yes Requested # of Dwelling Units/Lots: N/A DA - RA - X Proposal: Special use permit request for a personal wireless service facility including a 119-foot metal monopole with flush-mount antennae. Proposal includes requested waiver of section 5.1.40(d)(6) of the Zoning Ordinance (to allow a pole height 30 feet above the reference tree, over the normal maximum of seven to ten feet). Comp. Plan Designation: Rural Areas in Rural Area 4 - Preserve and protect agricultural, forestal, open space, and natural, historic and scenic resources/ density (.5 unit/acre in development lots) Character of Property: Hardwood forest, with a pine plantation at the southwest corner. Use of Surrounding Properties: The adjacent properties are forests and farms, except for the commercial uses at the intersection of Route 20 and Plank Road. Factors Favorable: 1. The facility will not be visible from the Virginia Byway (Route 20). 2. The Architectural Review Board staff has recommended approval based on minimal visibility from Route 20, which is an Entrance Corridor. Factors Unfavorable: 1. None. Zoning Ordinance Waivers and Recommendations: Based on findings presented in the staff report, staff recommends approval of SP201100026 (with conditions) and associated modification request (for Section 5.1.40(d)(6)). 2 STAFF CONTACT: Scott Clark, Senior Planner PLANNING COMMISSION: January 24, 2011 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: TBD AGENDA TITLE: SP201100026 Flatwoods Land Trust PROPERTY OWNER: Flatwoods Land Trust APPLICANT: SAI-COM for AT&T PROPOSAL: PROPOSED: Special use permit request for a personal wireless service facility including a 119- foot metal monopole with flush-mount antennae. Proposal includes requested waiver of section 5.1.40(d)(6) of the Zoning Ordinance (to allow a pole height 30 feet above the reference tree, over the normal maximum of seven to ten feet). ZONING CATEGORY/GENERAL USAGE: RA, Rural Areas- agricultural, forestal, and fishery uses; residential density (0.5 unit/acre in development lots) SECTION: 10.2.2 (48) which allows for Tier III personal wireless facilities in the RA Zoning District COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE/DENSITY: Rural Areas in Rural Area 4 - Preserve and protect agricultural, forestal, open space, and natural, historic and scenic resources/ density (.5 unit/acre in development lots) ENTRANCE CORRIDOR: YES LOCATION: At the northwest side of the intersection of Scottsville Road (Route 20), Esmont Road (Route 715), and Coles Rolling Road (Route 712). TAX MAP/PARCEL: 11200-00-00-030G0 MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Scottsville COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The Comprehensive Plan designates the property as RA, Rural Areas- agricultural, forestal, and fishery uses; residential density (0.5 unit/acre in development lots). CHARACTER OF THE AREA: The area is largely made up of large farm and forest parcels, with a few groupings of smaller residential parcels to the north and south along Route 20, and a small area of commercial uses at the southeast corner of the property (at the intersection of Route 20 and Plank Road). The parcel and much of its surroundings are forested, mostly in hardwoods but with some significant areas of pine plantations. PLANNING AND ZONING HISTORY: The property has no previous planning or zoning history. 3 DISCUSSION: A Special Use Permit is required for this proposal because it is located on a Virginia By-Way (Route 20), which qualifies as an “avoidance area.” Also, the height of the proposed tower would be more than ten (10) feet above the tallest tree within 25 feet of the tower. ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST: Section 31.6.1 of the Zoning Ordinance below requires that special use permits be reviewed as follows: Will the use be of substantial detriment to adjacent property? It is staff’s opinion that the proposal will not be of substantial detriment to the adjacent property. The proposed facility would located in a densely wooded area approximately 390 feet from the nearest road (Route 20) and behind the top of a steep rise that further obscures visibility. Will the character of the zoning district change with this use? The facility would be very difficult to see from Route 20, and would be visited only for occasional maintenance. Therefore it is staff’s opinion that the character of the zoning district will not change with this use. Will the use be in harmony with the purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance? Staff has reviewed this request as it relates to the “purpose and intent” that is set forth in Sections 1.4.4 and 1.4.7 of the Zoning Ordinance, and as it relates to the intent specified in the Rural Areas chapter of the Zoning Ordinance (Section 10.1). This request is consistent with both sections. Will the use be in harmony with the uses permitted by right in the district? The proposed facility would be located over 1,500 feet from the nearest dwelling and would be surrounded by woods. No significant adverse impacts on adjacent properties in the (RA) Rural Area district are anticipated. The proposed personal wireless service facility will not restrict any nearby by-right uses within the Rural Areas district. Will the public health, safety and general welfare of the community be protected if the use is approved? The public health, safety, and general welfare of the community is protected through the special use permit process, which assures that uses approved by special use permit are appropriate in the location requested. The proposal is for a new monopole with an associated access road. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has stated that a new entrance permit will be required. However, no safety issues were noted. Compliance with Section 5.1.40 of the Zoning Ordinance The county’s specific design criteria for Tier III facilities as set forth in section 5.1.40 (e) are 4 addressed as follows. Section 5.1.40 (e) Tier III facilities. Each Tier III facility may be established upon approval of a special use permit issued pursuant to section 31.6.1 of this chapter, initiated upon an application satisfying the requirements of subsection 5.1.40(a) and section 31.6.2, and it shall be installed and operated in compliance with all applicable provisions of this chapter and the following: 1. The facility shall comply with subsection 5.1.40(b) subsection 5.1.40(c)(2) through (9) and subsection 5.1.40 (d)(2),(3),(6) and (7), unless modified by the board of supervisors during special use permit review. 2. The facility shall comply with all conditions of approval of the special use permit. Requirements of subsection 5.1.40(a) application for approval and section 31.6.1 special use permits have been met. Compliance with Section 5.1.40(e) of the Zoning Ordinance: The County's specific design criteria for Tier III facilities set forth in Section 5.1.40(e)(1) and 5.1.40(e)(2) are addressed as follows: [Ordinance sections are in italics] Subsection 5.1.40(b) (1-5): Exemption from regulations otherwise applicable: Except as otherwise exempted in this paragraph, each facility shall be subject to all applicable regulations in this chapter. The proposed wireless facility will meet the required Rural Areas setbacks in addition to all other area and bulk regulations and minimum yard requirements. Attached site drawings, antennae and equipment specifications have been provided to demonstrate that personal wireless service facilities (PWSF) regulations and any relevant site plan requirements set forth in Section 32 of the zoning ordinance have been addressed. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(2): The facility shall be designed, constructed and maintained as follows: (i) guy wires shall not be permitted; (ii) outdoor lighting for the facility shall be permitted only during maintenance periods; regardless of the lumens emitted, each outdoor luminaire shall be fully shielded as required by section 4.17 of this chapter; (iii) any equipment cabinet not located within the existing structure shall be screened from all lot lines either by terrain, existing structures, existing vegetation, or by added vegetation approved by the county’s landscape planner; (iv) a whip antenna less than six (6) inches in diameter may exceed the height of the existing structure; (v) a grounding rod, whose height shall not exceed two (2) feet and whose width shall not exceed one (1) inch in diameter at the base and tapering to a point, may be installed at the top of facility or the structure; and (vi) within one month after the completion of the installation of the facility, the applicant shall provide a statement to the agent certifying that the height of all components of the facility complies with this regulation. The tower will not require guy wires or a whip antenna. The proposed grounding rod meets the requirements of the ordinance, and the facility will only have one outdoor light fixture that will only be in use when service is being performed at the site at night or during weather events. The ground equipment will be located at the base of the tower, in an area that is sheltered from all lot lines by existing vegetation. The applicant will be required to provide a statement certifying that the height of the new extension complies with this regulation. 5 Subsection 5.1.40(c)(3): Equipment shall be attached to the exterior of a structure only as follows: (i) the total number of arrays of antennas attached to the existing structure shall not exceed three (3), and each antenna proposed to be attached under the pending application shall not exceed the size shown on the application, which size shall not exceed one thousand one hundred fifty two (1152) square inches; (ii) no antenna shall project from the structure beyond the minimum required by the mounting equipment, and in no case shall any point on the face of an antenna project more than twelve (12) inches from the existing structure; and (iii) each antenna and associated equipment shall be a color that matches the existing structure. For purposes of this section, all types of antennas and dishes regardless of their use shall be counted toward the limit of three arrays. The proposed antennae configuration would consist of two sectors with three panel antennas, and each antenna shall not exceed 1,152 square inches. The outer edge of the antennae would be within 12 inches of the pole. All antennae would be painted to match the color of the monopole. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(4): Prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall submit a tree conservation plan prepared by a certified arborist. The plan shall be submitted to the agent for review and approval to assure that all applicable requirements have been satisfied. The plan shall specify tree protection methods and procedures, and identify all existing trees to be removed on the parcel for the installation, operation and maintenance of the facility. Except for the tree removal expressly authorized by the agent, the applicant shall not remove existing trees within the lease area or within one hundred (100) feet in all directions surrounding the lease area of any part of the facility. In addition, the agent may identify additional trees or lands up to two hundred (200) feet from the lease area to be included in the plan. The tree conservation plan would be reviewed after approval of this special use permit request and before issuance of a building permit for the facility. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(5)The installation, operation and maintenance of the facility shall be conducted in accordance with the tree conservation plan. Dead and dying trees identified by the arborist’s report may be removed if so noted on the tree conservation plan. If tree removal is later requested that was not approved by the agent when the tree conservation plan was approved, the applicant shall submit an amended plan. The agent may approve the amended plan if the proposed tree removal will not adversely affect the visibility of the facility from any location off of the parcel. The agent may impose reasonable conditions to assure that the purposes of this paragraph are achieved. This requirement applies after the approval of the required tree conservation plan. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(6): The facility shall be disassembled and removed from the site within ninety (90) days of the date its use for personal wireless service purposes is discontinued. If the agent determines at any time that surety is required to guarantee that the facility will be removed as required, the agent may require that the parcel owner or the owner of the facility submit a certified check, a bond with surety, or a letter of credit, in an amount sufficient for, and conditioned upon, the removal of the facility. The type and form of the surety guarantee shall be 6 to the satisfaction of the agent and the county attorney. In determining whether surety should be required, the agent shall consider the following: (i) the annual report states that the tower or pole is no longer being used for personal wireless service facilities; (ii) the annual report was not filed; (iii) there is a change in technology that makes it likely that tower or pole will be unnecessary in the near future; (iv) the permittee fails to comply with applicable regulations or conditions; (v) the permittee fails to timely remove another tower or pole within the county; and (vi) whenever otherwise deemed necessary by the agent. Should use of the antennae site in this location become discontinued at anytime in the future, the applicant and/or its assignee(s) will be required to remove the facility within 90 days. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(7): The owner of the facility shall submit a report to the agent by no earlier than May or and no later than July 1 of each year. The report shall identify each user of the existing structure, and include a drawing, photograph or other illustration identifying which equipment is owned and/or operated by each personal wireless service provider. Multiple users on a single tower or other mounting structure may submit a single report, provided that the report includes a statement signed by a representative from each user acquiescing in the report. If this special use permit request is approved, and after the proposed PWSF has been installed, the applicant would submit an annual report updating the user status and equipment inventory of the facility in the required time period. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(8): No slopes associated with the installation of the facility and accessory uses shall be created that are steeper than 2:1 unless retaining walls, revetments, or other stabilization measures acceptable to the county engineer are employed. No slopes associated with the installation of the facility are steeper than 2:1. Subsection 5.1.40(c)(9): Any equipment cabinet not located within an existing building shall be fenced only with the approval of the agent upon finding that the fence: (i) would protect the facility from trespass in areas of high volumes of vehicular or pedestrian traffic or, in the rural areas, to protect the facility from livestock or wildlife; (ii) would not be detrimental to the character of the area; and (iii) would not be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare. The proposed fence would (i) provide protection from wildlife, (ii) would not be detrimental to the character of the area, as it would not be visible from Route 20 or from adjacent properties, and (iii) would have no health or safety impacts. Therefore staff believes that the proposed fence should be approved.. Section 5.1.40(d)(2): The site shall provide adequate opportunities for screening and the facility shall be sited to minimize its visibility from adjacent parcels and streets, regardless of their distance from the facility. If the facility would be visible from a state scenic river or a national park or national forest, regardless of whether the site is adjacent thereto, the facility also shall be sited to minimize its visibility from such river, park or forest. If the facility would be located on lands subject to a conservation easement or an open space easement, or adjacent to a 7 conservation easement or open space easement, the facility shall be sited so that it is not visible from any resources specifically identified for protection in the deed of easement. The proposed monopole would be 119 feet tall, and would be 30 feet taller than the reference tree. A balloon test was conducted on November 10, 2011. During the site visit, staff observed a test balloon that was floated at the approximate height of the proposed monopole. Staff travelled Route 20, Plank Road (Route 712), and Fry’s Path (Route 627) to determine the extent of visibility of the proposal. The balloon was not visible from any point, except when, after careful observation, it was glimpsed through trees at the closest point of Route 20. However, if the forest between the tower site and the road was cleared, the antenna would be visible. Architectural Review Board staff reviewed this request and attended the balloon test and has stated that this proposal is not expected to have a negative impact on the Entrance Corridor. It is staff’s opinion that at the proposed height, the level of visibility will be low and is not expected to have a negative impact on the Entrance Corridors or adjacent properties. The northeast corner of this property meets at a point with the southwest corner of another parcel that is under a conservation easement. However, the proposed facility is not expected to be visible from the latter property due to topography, vegetation, and the distance from the facility to the eased property (approximately 800 feet). Section 5.1.40(d)(3): The facility shall not adversely impact resources identified in the county’s open space plan. No significant resources identified in the Open Space & Critical Resources Plan would be adversely impacted. Section 5.1.40(d)(6): The top of the monopole, measured in elevation above mean sea level, shall not exceed the height approved by the commission. The approved height shall not be more than seven (7) feet taller than the tallest tree within twenty-five (25) feet of the monopole, and shall include any base, foundation or grading that raises the pole above the pre-existing natural ground elevation; provided that the height approved by the commission may be up to ten (10) feet taller than the tallest tree if the owner of the facility demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commission that there is not a material difference in the visibility of the monopole at the proposed height, rather than at a height seven (7) feet taller than the tallest tree; and there is not a material difference in adverse impacts to resources identified in the county’s open space plan caused by the monopole at the proposed height, rather than at a height seven (7) feet taller than the tallest tree. The applicant may appeal the commissioner’s denial of a modification to the board of supervisors as provided in subsection 5.1.40(d)(12). The applicant is requesting a waiver of this section. In order to give sufficient service in the area, the applicant is requesting to increase the height above the reference tree to 30 feet. While no 8 request for this much additional height has been considered by the County in the past, in this case the impact of the additional height would be negligible due to topography and vegetation. As stated above, staff found the proposed tower height (shown by the test balloon) practically invisible from all of the surrounding roads. If it was pointed out, staff could find the balloon through the trees (leaves were off), but only with effort. The brown monopole would be significantly less visible than the large red balloon. Section 5.1.40(d)(7): Each wood monopole shall be a dark brown natural wood color; each metal or concrete monopole shall be painted a brown wood color to blend into the surrounding trees. The antennas, supporting brackets, and all other equipment attached to the monopole shall be a color that closely matches that of the monopole. The ground equipment, the ground equipment cabinet, and the concrete pad shall also be a color that closely matches that of the monopole, provided that the ground equipment and the concrete pad need not be of such a color if they are enclosed within or behind an approved structure, façade or fencing that: (i) is a color that closely matches that of the monopole; (ii) is consistent with the character of the area; and (iii) makes the ground equipment and concrete pad invisible at any time of year from any other parcel or a public or private street. The new antenna and all associated equipment will be painted a natural brown color. Section 5.1.40(e)2: The facility shall comply with all conditions of approval of the special use permit. Conditions of approval are recommended below, and the facility will be held to those conditions. Section 704(a)(7)(b)(I)(II) of The Telecommunications Act of 1996: This application is subject to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which provides in part that the regulation of the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities by any State or local government or instrumentality thereof (I) shall not unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services; (II) shall not prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the provision of personal wireless services. 47 U.S.C. In order to operate this facility, the applicant is required to comply with the FCC guidelines for radio frequency emissions that are intended to protect the public health and safety. Neither the Comprehensive Plan nor the Zoning Ordinance prohibits the provision of personal wireless services. However, both do implement specific policies and regulations for the sighting and design of wireless facilities. In its current state, the existing facilities and their mounting structure all offer adequate support for providing personal wireless communication services. The applicant has not provided any additional information regarding the availability, or absence of alternative sites that could serve the same areas that would be covered with the proposed antenna additions at this site. Therefore, staff does not believe that the special use permitting process nor the denial of this application would have the effect of prohibiting or restricting the provision of personal wireless services. 9 SUMMARY: Staff has identified factors which are favorable and unfavorable to this proposal: Factors favorable to this request include: 1. The facility will not be visible from the Virginia Byway (Route 20). 2. The Architectural Review Board staff has recommended approval based on minimal visibility from Route 20, which is an Entrance Corridor. Factors unfavorable to this request include: 1. none In order to comply with Section 5.1.40(d) of the Zoning Ordinance, if the Planning Commission recommends denial of this request, it is required to provide the applicant with a statement regarding the basis for denial and all items that will have to be addressed to satisfy each requirement. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of SP 2011-00026 Flatwoods Land Trust with the conditions listed below, and of the requested modification to Section 5.1.40(d)(6) (to permit the facility to extend 30 feet above the reference tree), based on the analysis provided herein. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: 1. Development and use shall be in general accord with the conceptual plan titled “CV429” prepared by O. Warren Williams, Jr., and dated 10-10-11 (hereafter “Conceptual Plan”), as determined by the Director of Planning and the Zoning Administrator. To be in accord with the Conceptual Plan, development and use shall reflect the following major elements within the development essential to the design of the development, as shown on the Conceptual Plan: a. Height b. Mounting type c. Antenna type d. Number of antennae e. Distance above reference tree f. Color g. Location of ground equipment Minor modifications to the plan which do not conflict with the elements above may be made to ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. 2. Entrance design and location must be approved by the Virginia Department of Transportation before construction of the access road for this use may commence. 10 Zoning Ordinance Modifications: 1. Section 5.1.40 (d)(6)- Modification of requirement that facility extend no more than 7 feet above the reference tree, to permit it to extend 30 feet above the reference tree. ATTACHMENTS: A. Area Map B. Site Map C. Conceptual Plan Return to PC actions letter Motions (Two Separate): Motion One: The Planning Commission’s role is to recommend approval or denial of the modification to Sections 5.1.40(d)(6) of the Zoning Ordinance. A. Should the Planning Commission choose to recommend approval of this modification to Section 5.1.40 (d)(6) I move to recommend granting the modification for the reasons outlined in the staff report. B. Should the Planning Commission choose to recommend denial of this modification: I move to recommend denial of the modification outlined in the staff report. (Planning Commission needs to give a reason for denial) Motion Two: The Planning Commission’s role in this case (SP20110026) is to make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. A. Should the Planning Commission choose to recommend approval of this Tier III personal wireless service facility: I move to recommend approval of SP 20110026 Flatwoods Land Trust with the conditions outlined in the staff report. B. Should the Planning Commission choose to recommend denial of this Tier III personal wireless service facility: I move to recommend denial of SP 20110026 Flatwoods Land Trust. (Planning Commission needs to give a reason for denial) SCOTTSVILLE RDPLA N K R D ESMONT RDFRYS PATHGLENDOWER RDFORTUNE LNGREEN MOUNT AI N RDSECRETARYS SAND RDNYDRIE DR COLES ROLLING RD RIDING CLUB RD R E D L A N D S F A R M E M E R Y S L N HARRIS CREEK RD N U T M E G F A R M SP 2011-00 026 Flatwoods Land Trust 0 1 20.5 Miles ¯ Attachment A PLA N K R D SCOTTSVILLE RDCOLES ROLLING RD SP 2011-00 026 Flatwoods Land Trust 0 1,000 2,000500Feet ¯ Attachment B ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 1 Albemarle County Planning Commission January 24, 2012 Public Hearing Item: SP-2011-00026 Flatwoods Land Trust AT&T-CV429-Tier III PROPOSED: Special use permit request for a personal wireless service facility including a 119 -foot metal monopole with flush-mount antennae. Proposal includes requested waiver of section 5.1.40(d)(6) of the Zoning Ordinance (to allow a pole height 30 feet above the reference tree, over the normal maximum of seven to ten feet). ZONING CATEGORY/GENERAL USAGE: RA, Rural Areas- agricultural, forestal, and fishery uses; residential density (0.5 unit/acre in development lots) SECTION: 10.2.2 (48) which allows for Tier III personal wireless facilities in the RA Zoning District COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE/DENSITY: Rural Areas in Rural Area 4 - Preserve and protect agricultural, forestal, open space, and natural, historic and scenic resources/ density (.5 unit/acre in development lots) ENTRANCE CORRIDOR: YES LOCATION: At the northwest side of the Intersection of Scottsville Road (Route 20), Esmont Road (Route 715), and Coles Rolling Road (Route 712). TAX MAP/PARCEL: 11200-00-00-030G0 MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Scottsville (Scott Clark) Scott Clark presented a Power-Point presentation and summarized the staff report. This is a special use permit request for a new personal wireless service facility located on Route 20. This is a Tier III facility, which requires a special use permit. It would require Board approval of a modification of Section 5.1.40.(d)(6) of the zoning ordinance because there is a request to have the facility be 30 feet above the reference tree instead of the usual 10 feet maximum. The property is 420 acres and located at the intersection of Plank Road and Route 20 in the Esmont area. The proposed tower would be approximately 387 feet back from Route 20. It is also approximately 900 feet from the nearest property boundary. The tower would be 30 feet above the top of the reference tree. Having visited the site found that even with the 30 foot extension the f acility was not visible. During the balloon test the balloon was not visible from any location publicly accessible. There is steep terrain by the road that flattens out where the tower is back from the road. Between that topographic formation and the vegetation anything that is any distance back from the road becomes very hard to see. Factors Favorable: 1. The facility will not be visible from the Virginia Byway (Route 20). 2. The Architectural Review Board staff has recommended approval based on minimal vi sibility from Route 20, which is an Entrance Corridor. Factors Unfavorable: None Staff recommends approval of SP-2011-00026 Flatwoods Land Trust with the conditions listed in the staff report, and of the requested modification to Section 5.1.40(d)(6) (to permit the facility to extend 30 feet above the reference tree), based on the analysis provided in the staff report. Mr. Morris invited questions for staff. He was just curious again why the recommendation for approval of something 30’ in height. The rule clearly says 7’ to 10’. Mr. Clark replied it was largely because the tower was not visible. ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 2 Mr. Loach asked if that was the only criteria staff was using. He asked if there no criteria quid pro quo if they adjust this to 30’ they can save “N” number of 7’ to 10’ poles that make things more efficient. Mr. Clark replied no. There are no other applications on this site to work that out with. The criterion staff is going by is the fact that even with that large extension over the trees it was very difficult to see the facility, which was only when they were standing still on the side of the road looking for it. Mr. Lafferty asked if staff knows the status of the review of the antenna section of the Wireless Policy. Mr. Cilimberg replied that the work on the possible zoning changes is being handled by some others in the department. He could not tell them what the schedule is. However, it is moving forward in terms of the analysis. The Board had agreed to have some contract assistance provided in working towards that. He noted that Mr. Loach’s question was a good one as to what kind of provisions are considered as appropriate. Nothing in the ordinance actually speaks to even going beyond the 10’ to some much higher height in lieu of other towers. There is nothing that provides guidance for that type of analysis in the ordinance. Mr. Randolph asked if they had provided any information with the zone of transmission that is provided with this height in if in fact the tower was 3’ above the nei ghboring trees. Was there any difference in terms of their service capability for the additional height. Mr. Clark replied the applicant said the 30’ extension was necessary to serve that section of Route 20 and still be out of view. However, as far as more details and specifics they would have to ask the applicant. Mr. Morris opened the public hearing and invited the applicant to address the Planning Commission. Preston Lloyd, an attorney with Williams and Mullins, was present on behalf of AT&T, the applicant.  As they heard from staff this is an application for a special use permit. Because staff has recommended approval he would not belabor things too much. He had a few answers to a number of the questions that have been raised so far. As anyo ne who drives down Route 20 on a regular basis knows cellular coverage is spotty and is an area that is a high priority for AT&T. This facility would certainly improve helping to maintain continuous coverage whether in a car, within buildings or on the street in the vicinity around this location.  In a Power-Point presentation he explained the proposal noting that cellular coverage is certainly not complete within this area. The County’s Wireless Policy balances the rural nature of the land that the subject parcel lies on against the goal of minimizing the impacts of the facilities that support the wireless telecommunications. This site is the perfect example of balancing an improvement in the wireless coverage in this vicinity while also reflecting the impacts that can be minimized through appropriate site selection. So they are confident that they will find that this is the appropriate site and that the site supports the 30’ height difference which they acknowledge certainly is unusual but is very much supported by the facts and the circumstance. The slides reinforced the heavily forested nature of the site as pointed out by staff.  In response to Mr. Randolph’s question about what the impact on the actual coverage would be, he noted on the propagation map three tower locations. The one to the south exists and the center one is being proposed this evening. Prior to those being on line there is no cellular coverage within the entire vicinity. In every other way this would be a normal application that would be appropriate for the Tier II facility process in the sense that they have a reference tree that is then with a monopole construction of the facility itself. There is adequate screening of the shelter shown in the site plan. The color of the monopole will be the brown color. All these things match the Tier II requirements.  Two things are unique about the proposal that kick it into the Tier III analysis – 1. The height issue and 2. This facility is located in the historic district that makes up the eastern portion of the county. Any facility constructed within the historic area would necessarily be considered under the Tier III process. That means there is a special use permit considered by the Planning Commission and ultimately the Board of Supervisors. It is appropriate in this circumstance because it provides a lot more flexibility than the Tier II process. As a result it allows them to consider whether 10’ above the reference tree is an appropriate height or perhaps the impacts ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 3 are just as negligible at 20’ or 30’. In fact, that is what they discovered when they visited the site. They flew the balloon at 10’ above being the standard height. They flew it 10’ higher and walked around to find there was no impact with the visibility negligib le. Even at 30’ it was the same. Because this is a special use permit it takes advantage of the flexibility that is inherent in the ordinance and allows them to proceed with that flexibility and that option. There are minimal impacts on the visibility with no impact on the Entrance Corridor or anything else that the ordinance is designed to guard against.  For those reasons they feel this is appropriate given the flexibility inherent in the special use permit application process because it is a Tier III application. They thank the Commission for their consideration. Mr. Morris invited public comment. There being no public comment, the public hearing was closed and the matter before the Planning Commission. He noted that there were two actions for the Commission to take. Motion for Recommendation on Modifications: Mr. Franco moved and Mr. Loach seconded to recommend approval of the modification of Section 5.1.40(d)(6) of the Zoning Ordinance for SP-2011-00026 Flatwoods Land Trust AT&T-CV429-Tier III for the reasons outlined in the staff report. Mr. Morris invited further discussion. He would have to go back on record and say that he did not recommend approval of going beyond the 10’ pole. The motion passed by a vote of 5:1. (Morris nay) Mr. Morris said the request would be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation for approval at a time to be determined. Motion for Recommendation on Special Use Permit: Motion: Mr. Franco moved and Mr. Loach seconded to recommend approval of SP-2011-00026 Flatwoods Land Trust AT&T-CV429-Tier III with the conditions outlined in the staff report. 1. Development and use shall be in general accord with the conceptual plan titled “CV429” prepared by O. Warren Williams, Jr., and dated 10-10-11 (hereafter “Conceptual Plan”), as determined by the Director of Planning and the Zoning Administrator. To be in accord with the Conceptual Plan, development and use shall reflect the following major elements within the development essential to the design of the development, as shown on the Conceptual Plan: a) Height b) Mounting type c) Antenna type d) Number of antennae e) Distance above reference tree f) Color g) Location of ground equipment Minor modifications to the plan which do not conflict with the elements above may be made to ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. 2. Entrance design and location must be approved by the Virginia Department of Transportation before construction of the access road for this use may commence. The motion passed by a vote of 6:0. Mr. Morris noted that SP-2011-00026 Flatwoods Land Trust AT&T-CV429-Tier III and modifications will go to the Board of Supervisors on a date to be determined with a recommendation for approval. ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 4 Return to PC actions letter ZMA 201100007 BOS March 14, 2012 Executive Summary Page 1 COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AGENDA TITLE: ZMA201100007 Albemarle Place/Stonefield Proffer Amendment SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Request to amend proffers on property zoned NMD which allows residential (3 – 34 units/acre) mixed with commercial, service and industrial uses. No new dwellings or change in residential density proposed. STAFF CONTACT(S): Cilimberg, Benish, Grant LEGAL REVIEW: NO AGENDA DATE: March 14, 2012 ACTION: X INFORMATION: CONSENT AGENDA: ACTION: INFORMATION: ATTACHMENTS: YES BACKGROUND: On January 24, 2012, the Planning Commission held a public hearing for the Albemarle Place/Stonefield Proffer Amendment. The Commission, by a vote of 6:0, recommended approval of ZMA201100007 with the following to be provided for in the proffers as recommended by staff:  Reservation for future dedication of District Avenue right-of-way to the County.  Modifications to address outstanding non-substantive technical items relating to the proffers. DISCUSSION: The attached proffers include revisions to Proffer 1.B and Proffer 8.B. (See Attachment II) Proffer 1.B. is amended to provide that future dedication of District Avenue right-of-way is reserved for future dedication to the County as a public road. This amendment would allow the street whose design is appropriate for its urban context and supported by staff to proceed as a private road, but with the opportunity to become a public road at such time that its design would become acceptable under applicable public road design standards. Proffer 8.B. is amended to address a conflict between when plans for improvements to roads in the City of Charlottesville were submitted for the City’s review and the actual requirements for this submission under the current proffer. Road plans were submitted to the City on January 11, 2012 and this amendment establishes the requirements for executing the proffer based on this date. Other modifications to the proffers to address non-substantive items have been made and the revised proffers are legally acceptable. RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on the revisions noted above, staff finds that the applicant has satisfied the expectations of the Planning Commission and recommends approval of ZMA201100007 inclusive of the proffers dated February 29, 2012. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment I: Planning Commission staff report, dated January 24, 2012 Attachment II: Revised proffers, dated February 29, 2012 PC minutes Return to agenda COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE Department of Community Development 401 McIntire Road, North Wing Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596 Phone (434) 296-5832 Fax (434) 972-4126 February 10, 2012 Valerie Long 321 E. Main St., Suite 400 Charlottesville, Va 22902 RE: ZMA201100007 Albemarle Place/Stonefield Proffer Amendment TAX MAP/PARCEL: 061W0-03-00-019A0, 061W0-03-00-019B0, 061W0-03-00-02300, 061W0- 03-00-02400, 061W0-03-00-02500 Dear Ms. Long: The Albemarle County Planning Commission, at its meeting on January 24, 2012, by a vote of 6:0 recommended approval of the above-noted petition to the Board of Supervisors subject to the proffers dated December 5, 2011 with the following amendments:  If the applicant agrees and can address the outstanding proffer issues and provides reservation for future dedication of District Avenue right-of-way, staff recommends approval of ZMA-2011- 00007 inclusive of revised proffers.  There are other outstanding technical items relating to the proffers that should be addressed prior to a public hearing with the Board of Supervisors. Please be advised that the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors will review this petition and receive public comment at their meeting on March 14, 2012. Go to staff report and attachments Return to exec summary If you should have any questions or comments regarding the above noted action, please do not hesitate to contact me at (434) 296-5832. Sincerely, Claudette Grant Senior Planner Planning Division cc: Albemarle Place EAAP, LLC C/O Tom Gallagher 7200 Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda, Md 20814 Albemarle Place EAAP LLC P O Box 528 Columbia Sc 29202 1 Albemarle Place/Stonefield PC Public Hearing 1/24/2012 COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE PLANNING STAFF REPORT SUMMARY Project Name: ZMA 201100007 Albemarle Place/Stonefield Staff: Claudette Grant Planning Commission Public Hearing: January 24, 2012 Board of Supervisors Public Hearing: To Be Determined Owners: Albemarle Place EAAP, LLC c/o Tom Gallagher Applicant: Albemarle Place EAAP, LLC - contact Valerie Long Acreage: Approximately 65 acres Rezone from: NMD, Neighborhood Model with proffers to NMD with amended proffers TMP: Tax Map Parcel(s) 061W0-03-00-019A0, 061W0-03-00-019B0, 061W0-03-00-02300, 061W0-03-00-02400, 061W0-03-00-02500 (See Attachments A and B) By-right use: Residential (3 – 34 units/acre) mixed with commercial, service and industrial uses and retail sales and service uses. Magisterial District: Jack Jouett Proffers: Yes Proposal: Amend proffers regarding property zoned NMD which allows residential (3 – 34 units/acre) mixed with commercial, service and industrial uses. No new dwellings or change in residential density proposed. Requested # of Dwelling Units: 700 - 800 DA (Development Area): Neighborhood 1 Comp. Plan Designation: Urban Mixed Use (in Destination Center); Urban Mixed Use (in areas around Centers); and Commercial Mixed Use. Character of Property: The property is currently being graded and under construction. The property is located in the northwest corner of the Route 29 North and Hydraulic Road intersection. Use of Surrounding Properties: The surrounding properties provide a variety of uses, including post office, residential, shopping centers, and industrial. Factors Favorable: 1. The rezoning request proposes District Avenue to be a road design that would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the Neighborhood Model District. 2. This rezoning request will not change the site layout or intent of the original rezoning. Factors Unfavorable: 1. The County would prefer a public road to better assure long-term maintenance and better accommodate potential road interconnections and extensions north of Greenbrier Road. 2. There are other outstanding technical items relating to the proffers that should be addressed prior to a public hearing with the Board of Supervisors. RECOMMENDATION: Provided the applicant agrees and can address the outstanding proffer issues and provides reservation for future dedication of District Avenue right-of-way, staff recommends approval of ZMA201100007 inclusive of revised proffers. 2 Albemarle Place/Stonefield PC Public Hearing 1/24/2012 STAFF PERSON: Claudette Grant PLANNING COMMISSION: January 24, 2012 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: To Be Determined ZMA 201100007 Albemarle Place PETITION PROJECT: ZMA201100007Albemarle Place Proffer Amendment PROPOSAL: Request to amend proffers on property zoned NMD which allows residential (3 – 34 units/acre) mixed with commercial, service and industrial uses. No new dwellings or change in residential density proposed. ENTRANCE CORRIDOR: Yes PROFFERS: Yes COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Designated Urban Mixed Use (in Destination Center) – retail, residential, commercial, employment, office, institutional, and open space; Urban Mixed Use (in areas around Centers) – commercial and retail uses that are not accommodated in Centers; and Commercial Mixed Use – commercial, retail, employment uses, with supporting residential, office, or institutional uses. LOCATION: Northwest corner Hydraulic Road (Rt. 743) and Seminole Trail (US 29) in Neighborhood 1. TAX MAP/PARCEL: 061W0-03-00-019A0, 061W0-03-00-019B0, 061W0-03-00-02300, 061W0-03-00- 02400, 061W0-03-00-02500 MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Jack Jouett CHARACTER OF THE AREA The subject site is being graded and under construction. The site fronts on Route 29, a major arterial road, and Hydraulic Rd. There are several commercial establishments located in the vicinity as well as residential neighborhoods. Two small intermittent streams have been present on the site. The site has some hilly terrain. SPECIFICS OF THE PROPOSAL The applicant is requesting substantive modification of two proffers: Proffer 1.a. Phase 1 – amend to allow construction of the first phase of District Avenue (formally known as Albemarle Place Boulevard) to be complete when it is constructed in conformance with the plans approved by Albemarle County or by the Virginia Department of Transportation (“VDOT”), and Proffer 1. b. Phase 2 – amend to allow the construction of the second phase of District Avenue to be complete when it is constructed in conformance with the plans approved by Albemarle County or by the VDOT and in any event the County Engineer has approved it for vehicular travel. Additionally, revisions have been made to the proffers referencing previous rezoning project numbers and regarding clarification of street names and project name. The applicant has submitted a request for a private street, which has been approved administratively with the following conditions: 1. Approval of a rezoning to permit a private street within the Stonefield Development. 2. Approval of a maintenance agreement. 3. Approval of final road plan design by the County Engineer. APPLICANT’S JUSTIFICATION FOR THE REQUEST The applicant would like the flexibility for District Avenue to be a private or public road. The request is based on the applicant providing the following design elements: 1. A four-way stop condition at the intersection of Bond Street and District Avenue 3 Albemarle Place/Stonefield PC Public Hearing 1/24/2012 2. Utilities under the pavement (water and sewer). 3. The elimination of the concrete gutter north of Houston Street. 4. Placement of street trees and sidewalk approximately 5 feet closer to the street. 5. Removal of some drains under the pavement. The applicant would like street trees to be next to the road in order to make the road seem narrower, potentially slow cars down, add a sense of character to the town center and provide more usable space for on site improvements instead of the current VDOT requirement for ten feet of clear zone on either side of a 25 mph road. Including additional utilities in the roadway, and four-way stops at intersections, are not supported by VDOT, but could be allowed with a private road. The design elements requested by the applicant as mentioned above are consistent with the Neighborhood Model District (“NMD”), for which this development is zoned. See the proffer section and Attachment D for additional details. The applicant wishes to create a pedestrian friendly town center and believes that eliminating some of the requirements that are characteristics for a public road will be helpful in creating this environment. At the same time the applicant recognizes that the County may wish to have this road be public in the future. By providing the proposed proffer amendments, the flexibility of a private or public road becomes easier to implement. At this time the applicant has not proffered the reservation of the road’s right-of-way for dedication for public use as discussed with staff. PLANNING AND ZONING HISTORY CPA 1997-0006 – Change the Comprehensive Plan land use designation from Industrial Service to Regional Service to allow for a large, retail destination store on the site. This proposal did not have a mixed–use component. The applicant withdrew the proposal prior to any Planning Commission action. CPA 2001-0004 - In 2002, the Board of Supervisors approved the Hydraulic Super Block Comprehensive Plan Amendment. ZMA 2001-0007 - On October 22, 2003, the Board of Supervisors approved Albemarle Place with proffers, amended exhibits, Code of Development and application plan. ZMA 2008-0003 – On August 4, 2010, the Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the proffers and Code of Development. ZMA2011-0004 – On August 5, 2011, the Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the proffers. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN With the adoption of Places 29, the land use plan now designates the subject property as Urban Mixed Use (in Destination Center) with retail, residential, commercial, employment, office, inst itutional, and open space; Urban Mixed Use (in areas around Centers) with commercial and retail uses that are not accommodated in Centers; and Commercial Mixed Use with commercial, retail, employment uses, with supporting residential, office, or institutional uses. These designations allow a range of retail, housing, commercial, employment, and office uses that are located along major roadways and also provide pedestrian and bicycle access. This request does not propose to change the land uses previously approved for Albemarle Place and found to be in accord with the comprehensive plan designations. The proposed proffer amendments will not only enhance the development but will further support the County’s desire to build a community that provides pedestrian orientation, neighborhood friendly streets and paths and will provide an interconnected street and transportation network. 4 Albemarle Place/Stonefield PC Public Hearing 1/24/2012 The Places 29 Master Plan does show District Avenue (referred to in the Places 29 Master Plan as Albemarle Place Drive) as part of a roadway network serving this area. The Master Plan identifies the potential to extend this road to Greenbrier Drive in order to enhance interconnection and the transportation network in the Route 29 corridor. The flexibility in the proposed proffer am endment allowing District Avenue to be public or private does not necessarily preclude the future extension of this road. Should this road be extended north of the Stonefield development, the County would want the entire length of the road to be a public road. This would ensure long term maintenance and operation of the road, without the potential conflicts related to the general public’s use of a road under private ownership. Relationship between the application and the purpose and intent of the requested zoning district Neighborhood Model Districts are intended to provide for compact, mixed-use development with an urban scale, massing, density, and an infrastructure configuration that integrates diversified uses within close proximity to each other. This project continues to be consistent with the intent of the NMD district as the mix of uses within this development will provide appropriate services and activities on a neighborhood, community and regional scale. The proposed proffer amendments do not violate the intent of the Neighborhood Model District. Anticipated impact on public facilities and services The changes proposed to the proffers pertain primarily to 1) design and 2) ownership/control of District Avenue which connects Route 29 and Hydraulic Road. The issue of ownership most relates to impacts of the public facilities and services. This road is recommended in the Comprehensive Plan and was required as part of the approval of this project to provide an additional link in the roadway network in this area to help serve local traffic demands in the area. It is considered a parallel road linking US29 and Hydraulic Road. The Places29 Master Plan also identifies a possible extension of the road to Greenbrier Drive at some point in the future, which could be associated with redevelopment opportunities on properties north of Stonefield. It is important to ensure that the County has the ability to obtain ownership of this road if needed in the future. Having a private road may initially be acceptable, with the property owner having control of the road, as the development is built out. However, it will be important to ensure that, in the future, the road will be adequately maintained to serve not only the customers/residents of the development but the through traffic function of the road. It is also important to ensure the potential for District Avenue to interconnect to other properties and be extended north of Greenbrier Drive as described in the Places 29 Master Plan, otherwise the long-term function and benefit of this link in the road network may be compromised. Anticipated impact on cultural and historic resources None anticipated with these proffer amendments. Anticipated impact on nearby and surrounding properties None anticipated with these proffer amendments. Public need and justification for the change These proffer amendments do not affect this project’s provision of a mixture of commercial, office, and residential uses on a regional scale in Albemarle County. The proposed amendments would allow the road design that is more in keeping with the neighborhood model principles than could be achieved as 5 Albemarle Place/Stonefield PC Public Hearing 1/24/2012 public road under current VDOT standards. The status of the road as a private road may create potential complications regarding long-term maintenance and create impediments to potential extension/interconnection of the road in the future. Is there assurance that the owner can, and will, provide long-term maintenance of a road intended to serve both the customers.and residents of the development and through traffic as part of the overall road network in the area? Will the owner, or future owners, oppose or preclude extension/interconnection of the road in the future? Providing for the reservation of the road right-of-way for future dedication to the County would provide a mechanisms to help to address these concerns. PROFFERS See Attachment C for the revised proffers. The following is an analysis of the proposed proffer amendments. Analysis of Amended Proffers Original Proffer Requested Amendment 1. Phasing of Albemarle Place Improvements: The Owner shall phase development of the Project as follows: A. Phase 1: Phase 1 of the Project shall be composed of Blocks A, B, C and D as shown on the Application Plan and as shown in more detail on Exhibit A-1 attached hereto (“Phase 1”), and shall include street and utility improvements to serve the planned building improvements contained within Phase 1. As part of Phase 1, the Owner shall design and construct Albemarle Place Boulevard (also known as Fourth Street/Cedar Hill Road) (“Albemarle Place Boulevard”) from Hydraulic Road to the point where Albemarle Place Boulevard connects with the new planned western entrance to the Sperry Marine facility in the location shown on the Application Plan, and as shown in more detail on Exhibit A-1. This first phase of Albemarle Place Boulevard shall include all supporting utility infrastructure on such street, and shall be completed prior to issuance of a final certificate of occupancy for any buildings within Blocks A, B, C and D. Construction of the first phase of Albemarle Place Boulevard shall be deemed complete when it is constructed in conformance with the plans approved by the Virginia Department of Transportation (“VDOT”) and the County Engineer has approved it for vehicular travel. No more than three hundred seventy thousand (370,000) square feet of commercial space and one hundred seventy (170) dwelling units may be constructed within the Project until the remainder of Albemarle Place Boulevard is Adds “Construction of the first phase of District Avenue shall be deemed complete when it is constructed in conformance with the plans approved by Albemarle County or by the Virginia Department of Transportation (“VDOT”), as applicable, and in any event the County Engineer has approved it for vehicular travel.” The effect of this change is to provide enough flexibility to permit the road to be public or private. Additional updates include references to new street name, which change Albemarle Place Boulevard to District Avenue. 6 Albemarle Place/Stonefield PC Public Hearing 1/24/2012 constructed to the new planned intersection with U.S. Route 29 as shown on the Application Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Paragraph 1A, the Owner shall be permitted to utilize portions of the Phase 2 land (as shown on Exhibit A-1) for the installation of infrastructure to serve the Phase 1 building improvements to be constructed in Blocks A, B, C and D. B. Phase 2: Phase 2 of the Project shall be composed of Blocks E, F and G as shown on the Application Plan and as shown in more detail on Exhibit A-1 (“Phase 2”), and shall include street and utility improvements to serve the planned building improvements contained within Phase 2. As part of Phase 2, the Owner shall design and construct Albemarle Place Boulevard from the point where it connects with the new planned western entrance to the Sperry Marine facility north and east through Blocks E, F and G to the new planned intersection with U.S. Route 29 as shown on the Application Plan and as shown in more detail on Exhibit A-1. This second phase of Albemarle Place Boulevard shall include all supporting utility infrastructure on such street and shall be completed prior to issuance of a final certificate of occupancy for any buildings within Blocks E, F and G. Construction of the second phase of Albemarle Place Boulevard shall be deemed complete when it is constructed in conformance with the plans approved by VDOT and the County Engineer has approved it for vehicular travel. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Paragraph 1B, the Owner shall be permitted to utilize portions of the Phase 2 land (as shown on Exhibit A-1) for the installation of infrastructure to serve the Phase 1 building improvements to be constructed in Blocks A, B, C and D. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this paragraph 1B or in paragraph 1A above, final certificates of occupancy may be issued for buildings within Blocks A, B, C, D or E beyond the threshold levels contained in paragraph 1A, provided that the Owner (i) has constructed at least a temporary road (at standards acceptable to the Director of Community Development) connecting the first phase of Albemarle Place Similar to the description above, this adds “Construction of the second phase of District Avenue shall be deemed complete when it is constructed in conformance with the plans approved by Albemarle County or by the VDOT, as applicable, and in any event the County Engineer has approved it for vehicular travel.” The effect of this change is to provide enough flexibility to permit the road to be public or private. Additional updates include references to new street name, which change Albemarle Place Boulevard to District Avenue. 7 Albemarle Place/Stonefield PC Public Hearing 1/24/2012 Boulevard to the new planned intersection with U.S. Route 29, or (ii) can demonstrate during the site plan review process, through traffic analysis acceptable to the Director of Community Development and VDOT, that additional traffic from such buildings, when aggregated with the traffic generated by the uses for which certificates of occupancy have been issued for buildings in Phase 1, will not cause the Hydraulic Road/U.S. Route 29 intersection to fall below an acceptable level of service. The proffer document also includes updates to the name of the project and updates to new street names. In summary, this rezoning amendment allows District Avenue (formerly called Albemarle Place Boulevard) to become a private road instead of a public road. The intent of the developer is to construct the road as a private road to achieve the desired road design. Besides changing who controls and maintains the road, the proposed private road allows the applicant to eliminate some of the road design elements required by VDOT for public roads. By allowing this road to be private, the County is agreeing to the following changes to the design of the road: 1. Four-way stop condition at the intersection of Bond Street and District Avenue 2. Utilities under the pavement (water and sewer). 3. Elimination of the concrete gutter north of Houston Street. 4. Placement of street trees and sidewalk approximately 5 feet closer to the street. 5. Removal of some drains under the pavement. VDOT determined that District Avenue (formerly called Stonefield Boulevard and Albemarle Place Boulevard) as proposed by the developer is not eligible for state maintenance. VDOT classifies the road as a collector road and the proposed road design is not consistent with the warrants and standards allowed by VDOT for a collector road. Also VDOT is not in agreement with the proposed location of the waterline for the development. (See Attachment D) As noted in Attachment D, there are many aspects of the applicant’s proposed changes that could be allowed by VDOT with some adjustments, however, the applicant and VDOT are at an impasse regarding the proposed changes. This situation has lead to the developer requesting the ability to construct the roads as private roads. Regarding the road design, staff is supportive of the design as proposed by the applicant. Staff suggests that if the Board of Supervisors chooses to approve the revised proffers to allow a private road, it is recommended that the standards not be specifically called out. This will allow staff, developer, and potentially VDOT to work out and modify, as necessary, the design details in the future. Regarding the status of the road as a private road, staff is supportive of providing the option for the road to be either public or private provided that the applicant reserves the road right-or-way for dedication to the County. There are a number of outstanding issues/updates related to the proffers that are not substantive in this amendment request, but should be addressed at this time while the proffers are subject to amendment. Please see Attachment E for the outstanding issues related to the proffers that should be addressed prior to the Board public hearing. SUMMARY Staff has identified the following factors, which are favorable to this request: 8 Albemarle Place/Stonefield PC Public Hearing 1/24/2012 1. The rezoning request proposes District Avenue to be a road that would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the Neighborhood Model District. 2. This rezoning request will not change the site layout or intent of the original rezoning. Staff has identified the following factors which are unfavorable to this request: 1. The County would prefer a public road to better assure long-term maintenance and better accommodate potential road interconnections and extensions north of Greenbrier Road. 2. There are other outstanding technical items relating to the proffers that should be addressed prior to a public hearing with the Board of Supervisors. RECOMMENDATION Provided the applicant agrees and can address the outstanding proffer issues and provides reservation for future dedication of District Avenue right-of-way, staff recommends approval of ZMA201100007 inclusive of revised proffers. ATTACHMENTS ATTACHMENT A – Vicinity Map ATTACHMENT B – Zoning Map ATTACHMENT C – Proffers dated December 5, 2011 ATTACHMENT D – Letter from D. Brent Sprinkel, dated November 8, 2011 ATTACHMENT E – Memorandum from Claudette Grant dated January 9, 2012 Return to exec summary PLANNING COMMISSION MOTION: A. Should a Planning Commissioner choose to recommend approval of this ZMA: Move to recommend approval of ZMA201100007 subject to the proffers dated December 5, 2011 as recommended by staff. B. Should a Planning Commissioner choose to recommend denial of this ZMA: Move to recommend denial of ZMA201100007. Should a commissioner motion to recommend denial, he or she should state the reason(s) for recommending denial. County of Albemarle Department of Community Development Memorandum To: From: Claudette Grant, Senior Planner Division: Planning Date: January17, 2012 Subject: ZMA 2011-00007 Albemarle Place/Stonefield Proffer Amendment Staff has reviewed the re-submittal, dated December 5, 2011, regarding the proffer amendments in order to provide flexibility to District Avenue (formally known as Albemarle Place Boulevard); allowing it to be either a public or private road. The following staff comments, listed below will need to be resolved prior to the Board of Supervisors public hearing: Proffers The following comments have been provided by Greg Kamptner: Proffer 8(b) should be amended to address the violation, assuming that the notice required by Proffer 14 that would make that alternative effective is not provided. This issue has been addressed. (See Zoning comment below) Planning Staff encourages the applicant to revise the street names on the application plan. Following the proffers and various name changes could become confusing. A proffer needs to be included to address the reservation of the road’s (District Avenue) right- of-way for dedication for public use. Zoning The following comments (previously submitted) related to zoning matters have been provided by Sarah Baldwin: Zoning has received information from the City that they have no records or improvement information regarding Proffer 4. Technically this proffer is in violation. Please provide documentation or provide payment to the City. Staff received a letter addressed to Mark Graham, dated January 11, 2012 from Thomas R. Gallagher regarding Proffer 8 (B) and notification to the City of Charlottesville. Engineering and Water Resources The following comments related to engineering and water resources have been provided by Glenn Brooks: The rezoning amendment for Stonefield has been reviewed. This proposes one small but significant change, allowing Stonefield Boulevard, now called District Avenue, to be a private street. This would enable the applicant to forego some of the requirements of VDOT. To the average driver, there will be no discernible difference between the private and public street. The proposed changes are minor, and it is not clear why VDOT would not accept them. In brief, by allowing a private street, the county will be allowing the following changes to the design of the street; 1. A four-way stop condition at the intersection of Bond Street and District Avenue 2. Utilities under the pavement (water and sewer). 3. The elimination of the concrete gutter north of Houston Street. 4. Placement of street trees and sidewalk approximately 5 feet closer to the street. 5. Removal of some drains under the pavement. All of these changes are allowable under the written VDOT standards, which contain some flexibility in implementation. If the board should approve the revised proffers to allow a private street, it is recommended that the standards not be specifically called out. This will allow staff, VDOT and the applicant to modify the design details in future. From the notes currently on the plan, it appears more changes may be forthcoming. The following staff comments, listed below are for information: ASCA The following comments related to Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) have been provided for your information by Alexander Morrison: Capacity issues for sewer that may affect this proposal include (Meadow Creek Interceptor – No capacity until work is completed). This will require Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority capacity certification. ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 1 Albemarle County Planning Commission January 24, 2012 ZMA-2011-00007/Albemarle Place Proffer Amendment PROPOSAL: Request to amend proffers on property zoned NMD which allows residential (3 – 34 units/acre) mixed with commercial, service and industrial uses. No new dwellings or change in residential density proposed. ENTRANCE CORRIDOR: Yes PROFFERS: Yes COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Designated Urban Mixed Use (in Destination Center) – retail, residential, commercial, employment, office, institutional, and open space; Urban Mixed Use (in areas around Centers) – commercial and retail uses that are not accommodated in Centers; and Commercial Mixed Use – commercial, retail, employment uses, with supporting residential, office, or institutional uses. LOCATION: Northwest corner Hydraulic Road (Rt. 743) and Seminole Trail (US 29) in Neighborhood 1. TAX MAP/PARCEL: 061W0-03-00-019A0, 061W0-03-00-019B0, 061W0-03-00-02300, 061W0-03-00- 02400, 061W0-03-00-02500 MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Jack Jouett (Claudette Grant) Ms. Grant presented a Power-Point presentation and summarized the staff report. The purpose of the hearing is to amend proffers for property zoned Neighborhood Model (NMD) zoning district. No new dwellings or change in residential density is proposed. The phasing plan shows District Avenue, which use to be called Albemarle Place Boulevard. District Avenue is the main subject for the proffer change. The applicant proposes to change two proffers. 1. Proffer 1a, which relates to phase one of the development, would be amended to allow construction of the first phase of District Avenue to be complete when it is constructed in conformance with the plans approved by Albemarle County or by VDOT. 2. Proffer 1b, which relates to phase two of the development, would be amended to allow the construction of the second phase of District Avenue to be complete when it is constructed in conformance with the plans approved by Albemarle County or by VDOT and in any event the County Engineer has approved it for vehicular travel. In general, revisions have also been made to the proffers to update the rezoning project numbers and also revise for clarification the street names and the project name. The applicant would like the flexibility for District Avenue to be a private or public road. The applicant wishes to provide the following design elements to District Avenue. - They would like street trees to be next to the road; - Include additional utilities in the roadway; and - Have a four way stop at a particular intersection. Currently the design elements the applicant would like are not supported by VDOT, however, are allowed with a private road. Furthermore, the design elements that the applicant is seeking are elements that are consistent with the Neighborhood Model District. It is important to mention that the Places29 Master Plan shows District Avenue as part of a roadway network serving this area and potentially extending to Greenbrier Drive and further north. If District Avenue provides the roadway network recommended in the Places29 Master Plan it would be important for this road to be public for ownership of a public facility and maintenance reasons. For this reason the County would like the provision for a reservation of the road right-of-way for future dedication to the County. This has not been provided at this time. Favors favorable - • The rezoning request proposes District Avenue to be a road design that would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the Neighborhood Model District. • This rezoning request will not change the site layout or intent of the original rezoning. Unfavorable factors - ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 2 • The County would prefer a public road to better assure long -term maintenance and better accommodate potential road interconnections and extensions north of Greenbrier Road. • There are other outstanding technical items relating to the proffers that should be addressed prior to a public hearing with the Board of Supervisors. Staff’s recommendation- Provided the applicant agrees and can address the outstanding proffer issues and provides reservation for future dedication of District Avenue right-of-way, staff recommends approval of ZMA-2011-00007 inclusive of revised proffers. Mr. Morris invited questions for staff. Mr. Loach said what they were talking about seems very reasonable regarding putting the street trees and utilities where they want. However, they are also saying VDOT does not approve of this. Therefore, it is going to be a private road. That is great. However, staff is saying later since this is part of a road network that VDOT will be involved. He questioned what is going to be the outcome if VDOT gets involved. He questioned if the private road can then become public with the modifications that were made that VDOT does not like. Ms. Monteith asked how a private road would convert into a public road when the reason why it could not be a public road to start with is because it did not align with their standards. Mr. Cilimberg replied that those are the standards of today. W hat they are really talking about is leaving open the opportunity if there are future extensions from this road that are part of the public road way network so that it can be part of the public system. Very honestly VDOT standards may change. They have not stopped their fight with VDOT over the possibility of having roads such as this road, which is very consistent with the Neighborhood Model, become part of the public road system. This is all about VDOT requirements for clear zones, which essentially favor the automobile over pedestrians. That is not a matter that he would say has had its final argument. What Ms. Grant has recommended here is that this can be and probably needs to be a private road for the time being, but to have the right-of-way available for public dedication when and if the county is able to convince VDOT that it should be public, or that additions or extensions to this road occur that are part of the public system that VDOT will maintain. That also is with the understanding that they don’t know the future of VDOT actually maintaining roads such as this in counties in Virginia. There is the possibility that sometime down the road they may be responsible for these roads as a county and they would want it in the public system. They would then work by our own standards and not VDOT’s. Ms. Monteith asked how that would address the extension and interconnection with Greenbrier Road, which is one of the unfavorable items. Mr. Cilimberg replied that the reservation of the right-of-way then allows us to make sure that extension takes place and they get the public right-of-way in this road section for that to be part of the overall public street. Mr. Randolph asked the question of precedent and consistency. He asked staff to clarify whether normally utilities are included to the side of the road or within the roadway in the Neighborhood Model as established in Crozet and as projected for the Village of Rivanna. Mr. Cilimberg replied ideally they want to accommodate the utilities in the best way they can to assure they also get the road design in proper context for the road. That may mean utilities in the road; it may be utilities outside of the road, but in the right-of-way; or it could be utilities behind buildings. It can vary. They run into issues with VDOT when the utilities start getting into the street. Mr. Loach asked if there is no worst case scenario where VDOT would refuse to connect to the private road. Mr. Cilimberg replied to begin with they don’t have any anticipation of this road being finished through as a public road right now because they don’t have VDOT funds or any new development. When and if that ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 3 happens, then they have a new opportunity to make sure if that can be a public road that this will be part of that road. Mr. Smith asked if the road was going to be built to state standards other than the utilities. Mr. Cilimberg replied no, it was not just the utilities. There is a clear zone issue where they would have to back the sidewalks, the buildings, and the trees way out of the road. That does not create proper context for urban design. Mr. Morris said he had two questions. On page 7, it says the county is agreeing to the following changes in the design of the road. In 3 and 5, it says elimination of concrete gutter north of Houston Stre et and removal of some of the drains under the pavement. He asked if this is going against the curb and gutter or storm water removal. Mr. Randolph noted that it was also repeated on pages 2 and 3 Ms. Grant asked if his question was whether these are going against the Neighborhood Model. Mr. Morris replied yes. However, they have been stressing curb and gutter and good solid drainage in the Neighborhood Model and so on. He questioned why they are now recommending this. Mr. Franco suggested letting the applicant chime in. Ms. Grant pointed out with regards to the street trees and sidewalks this does speak to the applicant’s wishes to make the streets narrower and to make it more pedestrian friendly. She thought they wanted to have it closer. However, by VDOT standards they would want those items to be 10’ away. Mr. Morris asked if the concrete gutters would impede upon this 10’. Mr. Cilimberg suggested letting the applicant speak to this more particularly. However, this is not removing curb. It is just saying a concrete gutter would be eliminated. However, that would be eliminated only with the understanding that the necessary drainage is occurring. A curb and gutter in an urban setting are not needed in all cases for the drainage to be taken care of. Therefore, they have a possibility with proper engineering of having a curb without a gutter. He thought that is what this is speaking to. However, the applicant should probably speak to that. Mr. Morris noted the reason he addressed it to staff is the county is agreeing. Mr. Randolph said what they are looking at is a road that is mentioned as having the potential of being an arterial alternative to Route 29 at some future point in the Places29 design scheme. This road could be part of that. Before the Commission is a discussion as to whether in essence they are going to narrow and constrict the road for traffic calming to be consistent with the Neighborhood Model District or other rationale. If approved are they jeopardizing in the future the potential of coming back and really utilizing this road as a alternative in Places29 as an arterial north/south road to reduce congestion on 29. He did not see anything in here that links this application to its potential impact to a Places29 destination of this road in the future as an arterial road north/south. Mr. Cilimberg questioned if they said this road was going to be an arterial since he did not think Places29 identified this as an arterial route. It was identified as a parallel street among many in which they were trying to disperse the traffic. He did not think they were talking about constricting what would have otherwise been a bigger and wider road. It is actually very consistent with the road they would expect to have in that location in an urban setting. One of the hurdles they have to get over with VDOT is they will sometimes consider these streets functionally as roads maybe of a higher function than what they are actually needing to serve. That is why they run into some of these design issues. He was actually involved in a state committee, Virginia Department of Rails and Public Transportation , which is looking to revamp how urban area streets are being addressed in terms of their context. It actually involves VDOT , which is why he says there could be some big changes coming in the future. ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 4 Mr. Franco said affirming the Neighborhood Model is the issue because this is the form of development or the street pattern they are looking for. They are trying to provide the applicant the flexibility to execute what they want. They are giving up VDOT acceptance of that at this point in time, but reserving that potential in the future. They are saying the form they are trying to create is more important than the VDOT acceptance right now. Ms. Monteith said her question still stands that if they get right-of-way set aside she did not see the guarantee that this would at some point move from a private to a public street. Mr. Cilimberg agreed there is no guarantee. They may not be able to do that based on VDOT requirements. However, they would be keeping that option or opportunity and in the mean time get context sensitive design. Mr. Franco noted the key point is that form is more important and to push the utilities outside, widen the roads and push the trees outside they don’t have the road they are trying to create that they have asked for. Ms. Monteith said if it is private they don’t ultimately have control. Mr. Franco said they were back to the question of is the form mor e important than the ownership. In this case, they are saying yes if they affirm this. Mr. Cilimberg noted without the agreement of the county they would not be able to restrict the utilization of these roads. This is not the only private road in Stonefield. There are still roads for public use. They are just privately maintained. They would have to come back and ask for gates and what have you to actually restrict. He did not think that was something they want for their businesses and residents. Mr. Morris opened the public hearing for applicant and public comment. He invited the applicant to address the Planning Commission. Valerie Long, attorney with Williams Mullins, represented the applicant. Also present were Tom Gallagher, with Edens and Avant the project developer. She presented a Power-Point presentation, which included some history of the prior amendments for the benefit of the new Commissioner. Project Overview: • Rezoned in 2003 to Neighborhood Model District – Application Plan – Proffers – Code of Development • Proffer Amendment approved August, 2010 • Proffer Amendment approved September, 2011 They have amended the proffers twice just in the last few years for some technicalities. This is the last time they hope to come before the Commission with proffer amendments. Ms. Grant showed the application plan earlier as was approved in 2003. This plan is showing what is now being called District Boulevard, which was originally Albemarle Place Boulevard in the original proffers and the original application plan. The first portion of the project was underway. They hope to have it finished before the end of the year. The yellow portion of the road will be built first. The second portion to be built in phase 2 will be temporary pursuant to the proffers approved last fall. Ultimately, District Avenue will connect with Route 29. She noted that some of the road names have been changed to comply with the regulations. She noted an example of the types of design elements that they are requesting t o implement in the project. The VDOT guidelines include a requirement for the 10’ clear zone, which is a fairly new requirement they all have been struggling with. As Mr. Cilimberg indicated it really is contrary to the Neighborhood Model principles of having narrow streets, parallel parking, street trees up next to the road, and things like that. It just makes it very challenging, especially in projects like this, which are very dense ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 5 and compact. When they throw in 10’ on either side of the road, and th ey can’t have utilities in the clear zone or utilities under the pavement, it makes it very challenging to incorporate and implement the design elements of a project like Stonefield. She pointed out on the slide what had been approved with the clear zone. On the next page, as a frame of reference, she noted the curb and gutter with no clear zone. Therefore, the street trees are much closer, which was the difference. It may seem like a minor detail, but it is very important to implement the feel and the quality of the design that they are really working for in Albemarle Place. They are also working with physical limitations on real estate. That is the main issues. Mr. Cilimberg did a great job of answering all of the questions that she would have ans wered in terms of those challenges. Mr. Franco did a great job of explaining in this case they agree form is more important than ownership. Ultimately, they would like it to be a public road. They would love it if they would maintain it. They always have the flexibility to accept the road as it is built. As Mr. Cilimberg indicated , they hope that in the future through his committee he can convince them that in certain areas, like urban areas, it is okay to have slightly different standards. If they do accept and change their standards for these areas they could come back and request acceptance. However, right now the connection to Greenbrier Drive could not be possible anyway. The former Comdial Building was probably in the way. That was what was meant when he said there was no new development being planned. If that building was proposed for demolition and all new development was contemplated there, the county would probably require that connection to be built and maybe VDOT would take another look a t it. But until then this enables us to build the road to the standards that the county wants that are consistent with the Neighborhood Model in a way that keeps things flexible for the future. Mr. Gallagher will answer Mr. Morris’ questions about the gutter, drain and the drainage issues. She would be happy to answer any further questions anyone may have. Tom Gallagher, with Edens and Avant, reiterated that this is all design driven. So in terms of whether it is the ownership regarding the right-of-way or the clear zone, what they are trying to accomplish is all design driven. So it is the street trees and utilities. - The one comment he would make in respect to one of the members is that it is water and sewer utilities. However, there are other utilities that would also benefit from being located in the area, like gas, electric and duct banks, etc. - With respect to the notes about the curb sections, when they move away from a gutter section they are not going to a rural section or changing the drainage along the parallel route. It is really what they call a header curb. If in an urban environment you will notice when you step off the curb you actually step off onto asphalt. So there is not a gutter pan, per say, but it still drains according to all of the standards that are in place. That is one element. - The comment with respect to drains and drainage has to do with VDOT standards. They quite often will require overkill in terms of under-drains, which are drains that actually take the water from under the curb section back towards the sidewalk. So there are certain sections where they are trying to move away from that. Again, that would be subject to the approval of the county engineer and the rest of staff. - In terms of the design he thought Mr. Randolph asked about whether the arterial is an issue. The design as approved by VDOT right now is 25 miles per hour design and 25 miles per hour posted. They are not changing that at all. The flexibility in terms of the urban design would allow them to be able to get the street trees up and create the kind of aesthetic environment design that they want that is more pedestrian friendly. Then it also gives the flexibility to also bring buildings in ultimately closer. They are not changing these, per say, because they are already further along in terms of the final site plan. But, it allows them to create the street wall and the street presence for buildings along the street, which is consistent with the Neighborhood Model District. Mr. Cilimberg noted on the cross section on the screen it is identified as “urban collector”. That may have been the classification that was being used in VDOT’s review of this. Mr. Gallagher agreed that was correct. They are agreeable to reserving the road as designed and constructed for future dedication. They have no problem with that. There has never been any question that they have to own it or not own it. From a maintenance standpoint they are happy for VDOT or the county whomever to take it over in the future. They are agreeable to reserving District Avenue for a future ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 6 dedication. Consistent with that they also have to reserve the c onnection points on the periphery specifically to the north for a future interconnection to Greenbrier should Comdial ever redevelop. Mr. Morris invited questions. Ms. Monteith asked since they don’t have drawings that show this , what is happening in this space that would have previously been part of the roadway that is presumably back of the sidewalk now. Mr. Gallagher replied that on some of the sections when they moved the trees in so the sidewalks will basically move in a little bit closer and then on some sections it will be more green space on the perimeter. In some sections the buildings that are not yet at final site pl an or building they may be able to move those up a little bit closer and create more of that street wall. There is a benefit. Ms. Monteith asked how they keep the right-of-way if they move the buildings in. Mr. Gallagher noted this has been the challenge for them along District Avenue. The right-of-way they require is based on the clear zone. They wanted 10’ clear as their preference with the 25 miles per hour zone speed limit. If they design it according to what they proposed, then the right-of-way will be at the edge of curb. The right-of-way is basically going to be determined by road is constructed. Basically they would have road, which will have a narrower right-of-way. However, it will still include all of the road improvements themselves. Mr. Cilimberg pointed out that typically VDOT’s right-of-way in urban sections will be to a point behind the sidewalk. So the width is going to be driven as Mr. Gallagher mentioned by the width of the road, planting strip, and sidewalk and then the right-of-way falls on the outside of the sidewalk. Mr. Randolph said with a private road how are they proposing to set aside funds to cover the repair and maintenance of this private road. Mr. Gallagher replied that there are a lot of other roads within the pro ject that will have public access easements on them. Everything actually is controlled under a master declaration, which includes all of the various owners. They will be selling some properties, which are subject to the master declaration. There is a community association that is responsible for the actual maintenance of the road, which is a requirement of the county that declaration be put in place to ensure exactly what he was voicing a concern about. Then it varies whether it is on the commercial ten ants or for the hotel. They all make annual contributions. There is a master association responsible for the maintenance and they collect the funds from the various operators of the property owners within the district. Mr. Smith noted the plan shows two 12’ lanes. If they eliminate the gutter pans are they going to have a 2’ of pavement. Mr. Cilimberg noted the gutter pan was being eliminated on one of the side streets and not on this street. Mr. Gallagher said the on the proposed cross section reviewed from Hydraulic Road they would lose some width from the gutter pan but it was not inconsistent with the road designs. The county standards in terms of road design their default is the VDOT standards. If they went from 12’ to 11’ that would still be consistent with previous county design standards. Mr. Smith asked who will do the inspections, and Mr. Cilimberg replied it would be the inspectors from the county engineer office. Mr. Morris invited public comment. There being no public comment, the publ ic hearing was closed and the matter before the Planning Commission. Mr. Franco asked if the applicant was comfortable with the proffer changes that are being proposed and was comfortable working that out between now and the Board meeting. ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 7 Mr. Gallagher agreed. Motion: Mr. Franco moved and Mr. Loach seconded to recommend approval of ZMA -2011-00007 Albemarle Place Proffer Amendment subject to the proffers dated December 5, 2011 as recommended by staff. Mr. Cilimberg suggested adding as recommended by staff with the amendments as necessary as recommended by staff. Mr. Franco agreed to amend the motion as suggested. Mr. Loach agreed to the amended motion. The motion passed by a vote of 6:0. Mr. Morris said that ZMA-2011-00007 Albemarle Place Proffer Amendment would be forwarded to the Board on a date to be determined with the following recommendation: The Planning Commission recommends approval of ZMA-2011-00007 Albemarle Place Proffer Amendment subject to the proffers dated December 5, 2011 as recommended by staff with the amendments as necessary as recommended by staff. - If the applicant agrees and can address the outstanding proffer issues and provides reservation for future dedication of District Avenue right-of-way, staff recommends approval of ZMA-2011- 00007 inclusive of revised proffers. • There are other outstanding technical items relating to the proffers that should be addressed prior to a public hearing with the Board of Supervisors. Resolution of Intent for special exemptions: Mr. Morris asked Mr. Kamptner to provide a background on the proposed resolution of intent. Mr. Kamptner pointed out the resolution of intent is the first step in addressing the St. Clair decision. It is what they think will likely be a short term fix. What it does is create or add a new section to the zoning ordinance by which the Board of Supervisors would have the authority to act on all what are now labeled as waivers, modifications, variations, and substitutions. It would also have the Board of Supervisors act on all matters such as Tier II wireless applications that are under the current regulations delegated to the Planning Commission. This has been scheduled because of time and the need to keep applications moving along to be considered at the Planning Commission’s joint meeting on February 8 for public hearing. Staff recommends that this resolution of intent be adopted so that they can proceed with the zoning text amendment. When the Commission does have an opportunity to read his memorandum in the last part it outlines the other solutions they will be pursuing both at the state level and throughout the zoning ordinance to get them back on track. Mr. Morris invited questions for Mr. Kamptner. Motion: Mr. Franco moved and Mr. Loach seconded for approval of the resolution of intent as drafted by staff. The motion passed by a vote of 6:0. Mr. Morris noted the Resolution of Intent for Special Exceptions, was adopted by a vote of 6:0, as drafted by staff, as follows. The Joint Public Hearing of the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors is scheduled for February 8, 2012. SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION – JANUARY 24, 2012 DRAFT MINUTES – SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL 03-06-12 8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION OF INTENT WHEREAS, the Zoning Ordinance currently authorizes the Albemarle County Planning Commission and certain administrative officers to consider and act on requests for waivers, modifications, variations and substitutions; and WHEREAS, the Zoning Ordinance currently authorizes the Planning Commission to make certain decisions under the Zoning Ordinance; and WHEREAS, it is desired to amend the Zoning Ordinance to provide that all of the actions described hereinabove be made by the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors as special exceptions, which are expressly enabled under Virginia Code § 15.2-2286(A)(3). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT for purposes of public necessity, convenience, general welfare and good zoning practices, the Albemarle County Planning Commission hereby adopts a resolution of intent to amend the Zoning Ordinance to authorize the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors to consider and act on special exceptions to achieve the purposes described herein; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the zoning text amendment proposed pursuant to this resolution of intent, and return its recommendations to the Board of Supervisors at the earliest possible date. Return to exec summary COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AGENDA TITLE: ZTA 2010-00005 Sign Ordinance Zoning Text Amendment SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Public Hearing - Proposed Sign Ordinance Zoning Text Amendment STAFF CONTACT(S): Messrs: Foley, Elliott, Davis, Kamptner, Graham, Higgins and Wright; and Ms. McCulley and Ms. Maliszewski LEGAL REVIEW: Yes AGENDA DATE: March 14, 2012 ACTION: X INFORMATION: CONSENT AGENDA: ACTION: INFORMATION: ATTACHMENTS: Yes REVIEWED BY: BACKGROUND: Following its September 13, 2011 public hearing, the Planning Commission took action to recommend to the Board adoption of the proposed Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to amend the sign regulations with revisions (Attachment A). At the end of the Board of Supervisors November 2, 2011 public hearing, the Board asked staff to return for a work session to provide more information with more examples and illustrations to clarify the effect of the proposed changes on selected issues. At the conclusion of its February 1, 2012 work session, the Board requested some further refinements and directed the sign ZTA be scheduled for a second public hearing. DISCUSSION: Window coverage The revised draft ordinance limits window coverage by window signs to 25%, reduced from the 50% proposed in the prior draft. In response to the Board’s request, additional examples of window signs will be shown as part of staff’s presentation on March 14, 2012. Staff was also asked by the Board to obtain information from the Police Department about window signs blocking visibility and any recommendations they might have for public safety purposes. The Police Department has advised that it is an advantage to businesses and police officers if a clear, unobstructed view into their establishments is provided for surveillance or in case a crime is in progress. The Police Department would prefer a 25% rather than a 50% coverage limitation on window coverage. The draft ordinance now reflects a maximum 25% window coverage. Wall street height With regards to the question concerning criteria for an increased wall sign height, staff previously reported that the Architectural Review Board made the following statement at its December 5, 2011 meeting: “The architectural design of some buildings may appropriately accommodate wall signs installed at heights greater than 30’. The forms, details, scale and location of the architecture, together with the scale, color and Illumination of the proposed sign are all considerations in determining appropriateness. In no case would a roof-mounted sign or a sign extending above a parapet or similar architectural feature be appropriate. Likewise, the extension of a structure for the purpose of providing wall space for a higher sign would not be appropriate.” The Board asked if the underlined qualifiers in this ARB statement could be codified. Roof signs are currently prohibited by County Code § 18-4.15.7(c)(7). In the case of an artificial extension of a wall height, the ARB currently has design review authority to control this element in the entrance corridors. The proposed definition of “cornice line” and corresponding height regulations referencing cornice line in this ZTA will implement this limitation generally. The permitted height of wall signs in conventional residential zoning districts will remain unchanged at 20 feet. Technical changes Staff also recommends the following two technical changes, both of which are incorporated into the draft ZTA: (1) amend the definition of “bonus tenant panel” (County Code § 18-4.15.2) to clarify that they may be affixed to a single freestanding sign; and (2) correct the maximum square footage for a single freestanding sign in the PUD, DCD and NMD zoning districts (County Code § 18-4.15.11) from 12 to 16 square feet; this change is recommended to correspond to the increase in the aggregate square footage from 24 to 32 square feet, as similarly provided for in other provisions in the sign regulations. AGENDA TITLE: ZTA 2010-00005 Sign Ordinance Zoning Text Amendment March 14, 2012 Page 2 BUDGET IMPACT: This proposed ZTA is expected to reduce the amount of review time currently required by ARB staff, permit staff, the Planning Commission, the Architectural Review Board, the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Board of Supervisors, thereby reducing the cost to the County and the applicants. RECOMMENDATIONS: After the public hearing, staff recommends adoption of the attached proposed ZTA (Attachment A). ATTACHMENTS A – Proposed Sign ZTA, dated 02/27/12 B – 2/1/12 Board Work Session Executive Summary C – New Comparison Chart of Sign Ordinance changes Return to agenda ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 1 ORDINANCE NO. 12-18( ) AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 18, ZONING, ARTICLE II, BASIC REGULATIONS, AND ARTICLE III, DISTRICT REGULATIONS, OF THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE, VIRGINIA BE IT ORDAINED By the Board of Supervisors of the County of Albemarle, Virginia, that Chapter 18, Zoning, Article II, Basic Regulations, and Article III, District Regulations, are hereby amended and reordained as follows: By Amending: Sec. 4.15.1 Purpose and intent Sec. 4.15.2 Definitions Sec. 4.15.4 Signs authorized by sign permit Sec. 4.15.6 Signs exempt from the sign permit requirement Sec. 4.15.7 Prohibited signs and sign characteristics Sec. 4.15.8 Regulations applicable in the MHD, RA, VR, R-1 and R-2 zoning districts Sec. 4.15.9 Regulations applicable in the R-4 and R-6 zoning districts Sec. 4.15.11 Regulations applicable in the PUD, DCD and NMD zoning districts Sec. 4.15.12 Regulations applicable in the C-1 and CO zoning districts Sec. 4.15.13 Regulations applicable in the HC, PD-SC and PD-MC zoning districts Sec. 4.15.14 Regulations applicable in the HI, LI and PD-IP zoning districts Sec. 4.15.15 Regulations applicable in the entrance corridor overlay district Sec. 30.6.4 Certificates of appropriateness Sec. 30.6.5 Development exempt from requirement to obtain certificate of appropriateness By Adding: Sec. 4.15.4A Signs authorized by temporary sign permit Chapter 18. Zoning Article II. Basic Regulations Sec. 4.15.1 Purpose and intent The purpose and intent of this section 4.15 include, but are not limited to, the following: a. The board of supervisors finds that signs are a separate and distinct use of the property upon which they are located and affect the uses and users of adjacent streets, sidewalks and other areas open to the public; that signs are an important means of communication for businesses, organizations, individuals and government; and that the unregulated erection and display of signs constitute a public nuisance detrimental to the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the public. Therefore, the purpose of this section 4.15 is to establish reasonable regulations pertaining to the time, place and manner in which outdoor signs and window signs may be erected and maintained in order to: 1. Promote the general health, safety and welfare, including the creation of an attractive and harmonious environment; 2. Protect the public investment in the creation, maintenance, safety and appearance of its streets, highways and other areas open to the public; ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 2 3. Improve pedestrian and vehicular safety by avoiding saturation and confusion in the field of vision that could otherwise result if such signs were not regulated as provided herein; and 4. Protect and enhance the county's attractiveness to tourists and other visitors as sources of economic development. b. The board of supervisors finds that the regulations in this section 4.15 advance the significant governmental interests identified herein and are the minimum amount of regulation necessary to achieve them. c. Signs are classified and regulated in this section 4.15 by their purpose (e.g., bonus tenant panel), physical type (e.g., freestanding sign), location (e.g., off-site sign) and characteristics (e.g., illuminated sign). By classifying and regulating signs by their purpose, the board of supervisors does not intend to regulate their content and, more specifically, any particular viewpoint, but rather intends to create a reasonable classification by which to regulate the time, place and manner of signs. cd. The regulations in this section 4.15 shall apply to all outdoor signs and window signs. Each sign subject to this section 4.15 shall comply with all regulations applicable to that sign. d. Signs are classified and regulated in this section 4.15 by their purpose (e.g., anchor sign), physical type (e.g., freestanding sign), location (e.g., off-site sign) and characteristics (e.g., illuminated sign). Each sign subject to this section 4.15 shall comply with all regulations applicable to that sign. (12-10-80; 7-8-92, § 4.15.01; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01) State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280. Sec. 4.15.2 Definitions The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and implementation of this section 4.15: . . . (2) Anchor sign. The term “anchor sign” means a sign that identifies any specific business within a shopping center. (8.1) Bonus tenant panel: The term “bonus tenant panel” means an additional sign permitted for individual tenants in shopping centers or planned developments when added to one freestanding sign for the shopping center or planned development. . . . (14.1) Cornice line. The term “cornice line” means the location of a cornice along the top of a wall; or, for a wall that has no cornice, the corresponding horizontal line along the top of a wall where a cornice would traditionally be located. In all cases, the “cornice line” applies to the main walls of a building and does not apply to features that extend above the top of the main walls of a building. . . . ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 3 (16) Electric message sign. The term “electric message sign” means a sign on which the copy can be changed or altered by electric, electro-mechanical or electronic means. . . . (35) Off-site sign. The term “off-site sign” means: (i) within a zoning district other than a planned development, a sign that is not located on the same lot with the use to which it pertains, but does not include a sign located in a public right-of-way; or (ii) within a planned development zoning district, a sign that is not located within the area depicted on the application plan approved for the planned development, but does not include a sign located in a public right-of-way. . . . (12-10-80; 7-8-92, § 4.15.03; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01; Ord. 05-18(4), 3-16-05; Ord. 10-18(1), 1-13-10; Ord. 10- 18(3), 5-5-10; Ord. 10-18(5), 5-12-10) State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280. Sec. 4.15.4 Signs authorized by sign permit Except as provided in sections 4.15.6 (exempt signs) and 4.15.24 (nonconforming signs) Except for temporary signs subject to the permitting requirements of section 4.15.4A, signs exempt from this section under section 4.15.6 or nonconforming signs subject to section 4.15.24, a sign permit shall be required for each sign erected on the same lot with the principal use to which it pertains, prior to its erection, alteration, replacement or relocation, as provided herein: a. Application. An application for a sign permit shall be submitted to the department of building code and zoning services community development, together with payment of the fee required for the application pursuant to section 35.0 35.1 of this chapter. A complete application shall consist of the following: 1. A fully completed application form, provided to the applicant by the zoning administrator; 2. A schematic legibly drawn to scale and sufficiently detailed showing the location and dimen- sions of the sign; and 3. Any plans, specifications and details pertaining to, among other things, the sign materials, the methods of illumination, methods of support, components, and the condition and age of the sign, as determined by the zoning administrator to be necessary for the review of the application. b. Application review and permit issuance. A sign permit application shall be reviewed and acted upon by the zoning administrator only as provided herein: 1. Timing of application. An application for a sign permit may be filed at any time, and if a special use permit for the sign is required under section 4.15.5 or a certificate of appropriateness for the sign is required under section 4.15.15 and section 30.6 of this chapter, the application may be filed with or any time after the application for the special use permit or certificate of appropriateness is filed. 12. Action on application. Within thirty (30) days of the after receipt of a complete sign permit application, or within seven (7) days of the receipt of a complete sign application for a temporary sign, the zoning administrator shall review the application and either: (i) approve the ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 4 application; (ii) deny the application; or (iii) refer the application to the applicant for more information as may be required by subsection 4.15.4(Aa)(3); (iv) refer the application to the board of zoning appeals because the applicant must obtain a special use permit pursuant to section 4.15.5; and/or (v) refer the application to the architectural review board because the proposed sign will be located within the entrance corridor overlay district and a certificate of appropriateness is required. An application shall be denied only if the proposed sign is a prohibited sign, or does not comply with the regulations set forth in this section 4.15 or, a required special use permit or certificate of appropriateness for the sign was not grant ed. If the application is denied, the reasons shall be specified in writing. 23. Failure to timely act. If the zoning administrator fails to take one of the actions described herein within thirty (30) days of receipt of a complete sign permit application, or within seven (7) days of the receipt of a complete sign application for a temporary sign, the permit shall be deemed approved as received. c. Administration, generally. Except for permits issued for temporary signs, which are subject to the regulations in subsection (D), the following regulations shall apply to the administration of sign permits: 1. A sign permit shall become null and void if the use to which the sign permit pertains is not commenced within six (6) months after the date the sign permit, special use permit or certificate of appropriateness is issued, whichever is later or, if the sign contains exclusively noncommercial copy, the sign is not erected within six (6) months after the date the sign permit is issued. Upon written request by the permittee and upon good cause shown, the zoning administrator may grant an extension of the six (6)-month period. 2. The zoning administrator shall revoke a sign permit if the sign does not comply with any applicable regulation of this section 4.15. d. Administration, permits for temporary signs. The following regulations shall apply to the administration of sign permits issued for temporary signs: 1. A temporary sign that is a portable sign shall be stabilized so as not to pose a danger to public safety. Prior to the sign being erected, the zoning administrator shall approve the method of stabilization. 2. No more than four (4) permits for temporary signs shall be issued by the zoning administrator to the same establishment in any calendar year. 3. Each permit for a temporary sign shall be valid for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) consecutive days after the erection of the sign. (12-10-80; 7-8-92, §§ 4.15.09, 4.15.09.1, 4.15.09.2, 4.15.09.3; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01) State law reference – Va. Code §§ 15.2-2280, 15.2-2286. Sec. 4.15.4A Signs authorized by temporary sign permit A permit shall be required for each temporary sign (hereinafter, a “temporary sign permit”), prior to its erection, alteration, replacement or relocation, as provided herein: ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 5 a. Application. An application for a temporary sign permit shall be submitted to the department of community development, together with payment of the fee required for the application pursuant to section 35.1 of this chapter, and comply with the application requirements of subsection 4.15.4(a). b. Application review and permit issuance. A temporary sign permit application shall be reviewed and acted upon by the zoning administrator only as provided herein: 1. Action on application. Within seven (7) days after receipt of a complete application, the zoning administrator shall either: (i) approve the application; (ii) deny the application; or (iii) refer the application to the applicant for more information as may be required by section 4.15.4(a)(3). An application shall be denied only if the proposed temporary sign is a prohibited sign or does not comply with the regulations set forth in this section 4.15. If the application is denied, the reasons shall be specified in writing. 2. Failure to timely act. If the zoning administrator fails to take one of the actions described herein within seven (7) days after receipt of a complete sign application for a temporary sign, the permit shall be deemed approved as received. c. Administration. The following regulations shall apply to the administration of temporary sign permits: 1. Number of permits. No more than six (6) temporary sign permits shall be issued by the zoning administrator to the same establishment in any calendar year. 2. Period of validity. Each temporary sign permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) consecutive days after the erection of the sign, provided that a temporary sign permit issued while a permanent sign is being made may be valid for longer than fifteen (15) days until the permanent sign is erected. 3. Aggregate duration for temporary signs in calendar year. Temporary signs shall not be erected at an establishment for more than sixty (60) days, in the aggregate, in a calendar year. 4. Portable signs; stabilization. A temporary sign that is a portable sign shall be stabilized so as not to pose a danger to public safety. Prior to the sign being erected, the zoning administrator shall approve the method of stabilization. d. Exemptions. A temporary sign permit is not required for a sign exempt from the sign permit requirement under section 4.15.6 or nonconforming signs subject to section 4.15.24. Sec. 4.15.6 Signs exempt from the sign permit requirement The following signs are exempt from the sign permit requirement set forth in to obtain a sign permit under section 4.15.4 and a temporary sign permit under section 4.15.4A, provided that they comply with the regulations set forth below and all other applicable regulations of this section 4.15:. A sign exempt from the requirements to obtain permits under sections 4.15.4 and 4.15.4A is not exempt from the requirement to obtain a special use permit under section 4.15.5 if required. . . . (7) Home occupation class B or major home occupation sign. A home occupation class B or major home occupation sign that does not exceed four (4) square feet in sign area. . . . ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 6 (18) Window sign. A permanent window sign, provided that it does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total area of the window or door on which it is located, and the aggregate area of all window signs on each window or door does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total area of the window and or door; and further provided that if a permanent window sign will be on a structure within the entrance corridor overlay district and the window sign is visible from an entrance corridor overlay street, that the aggregate area of all window signs shall not exceed nine (9) square feet per business and that a certificate of appropriateness for the window sign is obtained as provided in section 4.15.15. (Amended 3-16-05) . . . (12-10-80; 7-8-92, § 4.15.04; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01; Ord. 05-18(4), 3-16-05; Ord. 10-18(4), 5-5-10) State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280. Sec. 4.15.7 Prohibited signs and sign characteristics Notwithstanding any other provision of this section 4.15, the following signs and sign characteristics are prohibited in all zoning districts: . . . b. Signs with characteristics that create a safety hazard or are contrary to the general welfare. Signs whose construction, design, location or other physical characteristic create a safety hazard or are contrary to the general welfare, as follows: . . . 7. Sign that obstructs vision. A sign that obstructs free or clear vision, or otherwise causes a safety hazard for vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic due to its location, shape, illumination or color; and window signs whose aggregate area on a window or door exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total area of the window or door. (Amended 3-16-05) . . . (12-10-80; 7-8-92, § 4.15.06; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01; Ord. 05-18(4), 3-16-05) State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280. Sec. 4.15.8 Regulations applicable in the MHD, RA, VR, R-1 and R-2 zoning districts The following regulations pertaining to the number of signs permitted per lot or establishment, the sign area, sign height, and setback requirements shall apply to each sign for which a sign permit is required within the Monticello Historic District (MHD), Rural Areas (RA), Village Residential (VR) and Residential (R-1 and R-2) zoning districts: Sign Type Number of Signs Allowed Sign Area (Maximum) Sign Height (Maximum) Sign Setback (Minimum) Directory 1 or more per establishment, as authorized by zoning administrator 24 square feet, aggregated 6 feet 10 5 feet Freestanding 1 per street frontage, or 2 per entrance, per lot with 100 or more feet of continuous street frontage, plus 1 per lot if the lot is greater than 4 acres and has more than 1 approved entrance 24 square feet, aggregated; if more than 1 sign, no single sign shall exceed 12 square feet 10 feet 10 5 feet ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 7 on its frontage Subdivision 2 per entrance per subdivision 24 square feet, aggregated, per entrance 6 feet 5 feet Temporary 1 per street frontage per establishment 24 square feet 10 feet, if freestanding sign; 20 feet, if wall sign, but not to exceed the top of the fascia or mansard 10 5 feet Wall As calculated pursuant to section 4.15.20 40 square feet, aggregated in the RA zoning district; 20 square feet, aggregated, in other zoning districts 20 feet Same as that applicable to structure (12-10-80; 7-8-92, § 4.15.12.1; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01; Ord. 05-18(5), 6-8-05) State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280. Sec. 4.15.9 Regulations applicable in the R-4 and R-6 zoning districts The following regulations pertaining to the number of signs permitted per lot or establishment, the sign area, sign height, and setback requirements shall apply to each sign for which a sign permit is required within the Residential (R-4 and R-6) zoning districts: Sign Type Number of Signs Allowed Sign Area (Maximum) Sign Height (Maximum) Sign Setback (Minimum) Directory 1 or more per establishment, as authorized by zoning administrator 24 square feet, aggregated 6 feet 10 5 feet Freestanding 1 per street frontage, or 2 per entrance, per lot with 100 or more feet of continuous street frontage plus 1 per lot if the lot is greater than 4 acres and has more than 1 approved entrance on its frontage 24 square feet, aggregated; if more than 1 sign, no single sign shall exceed 12 square feet 10 feet 10 5 feet Projecting 1 per street frontage 24 square feet 20 feet, but not to exceed the top of the fascia or mansard Not applicable Subdivision 2 per entrance per subdivision 24 square feet, aggregated, per entrance 6 feet 5 feet Temporary 1 per street frontage per establishment 24 square feet 10 feet, if freestanding sign; 20 feet, if wall sign, but not to exceed the top of the fascia or mansard 10 5 feet Wall As calculated pursuant to section 4.15.20 20 square feet, aggregated 20 feet Same as that applicable to structure (12-10-80; 7-8-92, § 4.15.12.2; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01) State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280. Sec. 4.15.11 Regulations applicable in the PUD, DCD and NMD zoning districts The following regulations pertaining to the number of signs permitted per lot or establishment, the sign area, sign height, and setback requirements shall apply to each sign for which a sign permit is required within the Planned Unit Development (PUD), Downtown Crozet (DCD) and Neighborhood Model (NMD) zoning districts: Sign Type Number of Signs Allowed Sign Area (Maximum) Sign Height (Maximum) Sign Setback (Minimum) Directory 1 or more per establishment, as authorized by zoning administrator 24 square feet, aggregated 6 feet 5 feet 1 per street frontage, or 2 per entrance, per lot 24 32 square feet, 12 feet 5 feet ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 8 Freestanding with 100 or more feet of continuous street frontage plus 1 per lot if the lot is greater than 4 acres and has more than 1 approved entrance on its frontage aggregated, plus bonus tenant panels as provided in section 4.15.16(b); if more than 1 sign at an entrance, no single sign shall exceed 12 16 square feet Projecting 1 per street frontage 24 square feet 30 feet, but not to exceed the top of the fascia or mansard Not applicable Subdivision 2 per entrance per subdivision 24 square feet, aggregated, per entrance 6 feet 5 feet Temporary 1 per street frontage per establishment 24 square feet 12 feet, if freestanding sign; 20 feet, if residential wall sign; or 30 feet if nonresidential wall sign, but not to exceed the top of the fascia or mansard cornice line 5 feet Wall As calculated pursuant to section 4.15.20 1 square foot 1.5 square feet per 1 linear foot of establishment structure frontage, not to exceed 32 square feet if residential wall sign, or 100 square feet if nonresidential wall sign 20 feet, if residential wall sign; or 30 feet if nonresidential wall sign Not to exceed the cornice line Same as that applicable to structure Within the DCD, oOne (1) sandwich board sign is permitted for each establishment, subject to the following: (1) the sign shall not exceed four (4) feet in height, two (2) feet in width or eight (8) square feet of area per sign face; (2) if the sign is placed on a sidewalk or any other public pedestrian right-of-way, it shall be placed in a location that provides a contiguous and unobstructed pedestrian passageway at least three (3) feet wide; (3) the sign shall not be located in any required off-street parking space, driveway, access easement, alley or fire lane; (4) the sign shall not be illuminated; (5) the sign shall be removed during non-business hours; and (6) if the sign is located on county-owned right-of-way, prior to placement of the sign the owner shall agree to indemnify and hold harmless the county against any claim or liability arising from the placement of the sign, and the agreement shall be in a form and have a substance approved by the county attorney. Sandwich board signs shall be exempt from review and approval under section 30.6 subject to the requirements of section 4.15.16(i). (12-10-80; 7-8-92, § 4.15.12.4; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01; Ord. 03-18(2), 3-19-03; Ord 10-18(1), 1-13-10) State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280. Sec. 4.15.12 Regulations applicable in the C-1, and CO and HC zoning districts The following regulations pertaining to the number of signs permitted per lot or establishment, the sign area, sign height, and setback requirements shall apply to each sign for which a sign permit is required within the Commercial (C-1), and Commercial Office (CO) and Highway Commercial (HC) zoning districts: Sign Type Number of Signs Allowed Sign Area (Maximum) Sign Height (Maximum) Sign Setback (Minimum) Directory 1 or more per establishment, as authorized by zoning administrator 24 square feet, aggregated 6 feet 5 feet Freestanding 1 per street frontage, or 2 per entrance, per lot with 100 or more feet of continuous street frontage plus 1 per lot if the lot is greater than 4 acres and has more than 1 approved entrance on its frontage 32 square feet, aggregated, plus bonus tenant panels as provided in section 4.15.16(b); if more than 1 sign at an entrance, no single sign shall exceed 16 square feet 12 feet 5 feet ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 9 Projecting* 1 per street frontage 32 square feet 30 feet, but not to exceed the top of the fascia or mansard Not applicable Temporary 1 per street frontage per establishment 32 square feet 12 feet, if freestanding sign; 30 feet if wall sign, but not to exceed the top of the fascia or mansard cornice line 5 feet Wall* As calculated pursuant to section 4.15.20 1 square foot 1.5 square feet per 1 linear foot of establishment structure frontage, not to exceed 100 square feet 30 feet Not to exceed the cornice line Same as that applicable to structure *Each establishment may have both a projecting sign and a wall sign. If the establishment has both such signs, the allowed sign area of the wall sign shall be reduced by the sign area of the projecting sign (which may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet). (12-10-80; 7-8-92, § 4.15.12.5; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01) State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280. Sec. 4.15.13 Regulations applicable in the HC, PD-SC and PD-MC zoning districts The following regulations pertaining to the number of signs permitted per lot or establishment, the sign area, sign height, and setback requirements shall apply to each sign for which a sign permit is required within the Highway Commercial (HC), Planned Development-Shopping Center (PD-SC) and Planned Development-Mixed Commercial (PD-MC) zoning districts: Sign Type Number of Signs Allowed Sign Area (Maximum) Sign Height (Maximum) Sign Setback (Minimum) Directory 1 or more per establishment, as authorized by zoning administrator 24 square feet, aggregated 6 feet 5 feet Freestanding 1 per street frontage, or 2 per entrance, per lot with 100 or more feet of continuous street frontage plus 1 per lot if the lot is greater than 4 acres and has more than 1 approved entrance on its frontage 32 square feet, aggregated, plus bonus tenant panels as provided in section 4.15.16(b); if more than 1 sign at an entrance, no single sign shall exceed 16 square feet 12 16 feet 5 feet Projecting* 1 per street frontage 32 square feet 30 feet, but not to exceed the top of the fascia or mansard Not applicable Temporary 1 per street frontage per establishment 32 square feet 12 feet, if freestanding sign; 30 feet if wall sign, but not to exceed the top of the fascia or mansard cornice line 5 feet Wall* As calculated pursuant to section 4.15.20 1.5 square feet per 1 linear foot of establishment structure frontage, not to exceed 200 square feet 30 feet Not to exceed the cornice line Same as that applicable to structure *Each establishment may have both a projecting sign and a wall sign. If the establishment has both such signs, the allowed sign area of the wall sign shall be reduced by the sign area of the projecting sign (which may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. One (1) sandwich board sign is permitted for each establishment, subject to the requirements of section 4.15.16(i). (12-10-80; 7-8-92, § 4.15.12.6; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01) ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 10 State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280. Sec. 4.15.14 Regulations applicable in the HI, LI and PD-IP zoning districts The following regulations pertaining to the number of signs permitted per lot or establishment, the sign area, sign height, and setback requirements shall apply to each sign for which a sign permit is required within the Heavy Industry (HI), Light Industry (LI) and Planned Development-Industrial Park (PD-IP) zoning districts. Sign Type Number of Signs Allowed Sign Area (Maximum) Sign Height (Maximum) Sign Setback (Minimum) Directory 1 or more per establishment, as authorized by zoning administrator 24 square feet, aggregated 6 feet 5 feet Freestanding 1 per street frontage, or 2 per entrance, per lot with 100 or more feet of continuous street frontage plus 1 per lot if the lot is greater than 4 acres and has more than 1 approved entrance on its frontage 32 square feet, aggregate, plus bonus tenant panels as provided in section 4.15.16(b); if more than 1 sign at an entrance, no single sign shall exceed 16 square feet 1216 feet 5 feet Projecting* 1 per street frontage 32 square feet 30 feet, but not to exceed the top of the fascia or mansard 5 feet Temporary 1 per street frontage per establishment 32 square feet 12 feet, if freestanding sign; 30 feet if wall sign, but not to exceed the top of the fascia or mansard cornice line 5 feet Wall* As calculated pursuant to section 4.15.20 1.5 square feet per 1 linear foot of establishment structure frontage, not to exceed 200 square feet 30 feet Not to exceed the cornice line Same as that applicable to structure *Each establishment may have both a projecting sign and a wall sign. If the establishment has both such signs, the allowed sign area of the wall sign shall be reduced by the sign area of the projecting si gn (which may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet). Within the PD-IP zoning district, one (1) sandwich board sign is permitted for each establishment, subject to the requirements of section 4.15.16(i). (12-10-80; 7-8-92, § 4.15.12.7; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01) State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280. Sec. 4.15.15 Regulations applicable in the entrance corridor overlay district In addition to all other regulations set forth in this section 4.15, the following regulations shall apply within the entrance corridor overlay zoning district: a. Certificate of appropriateness required. Prior to the erection of a sign that would be visible from an entrance corridor street, including a sign erected on or visible through a window on a structure, the owner or lessee of the lot on which the sign will be located shall obtain a certificate of appropriateness for that sign unless the sign is exempt under section 30.6.5(d). b. Authority and procedure for acting upon application for certificate of appropriateness. The authority and procedure for acting upon an application for a certificate of appropriateness for a sign shall be as set forth in section 30.6. ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 11 c. Opaque backgrounds. All internally illuminated box-style and cabinet-style signs shall have an opaque background. (12-10-80; 7-8-92, § 4.15.12.8; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01; Ord. 10-18(5), 5-12-10) State law reference – Va. Code §§ 15.2-2280, 15.2-2286. Sec. 4.15.16 Regulations applicable to certain sign types In addition to all other regulations set forth in this section 4.15, the following regulations apply to the sign types identified herein: . . . b. Anchor signs Bonus tenant panels. In each shopping center exceeding one hundred thousand (100,000) fifty thousand (50,000) square feet in gross floor area: (i) one (1) freestanding anchor sign bonus tenant panel shall be permitted for each one hundred thousand (100,000) fifty thousand (50,000) square feet in gross floor area, not to exceed four (4) anchor signs bonus tenant panels at the shopping center; and (ii) each anchor sign no bonus tenant panel shall not exceed six (6) eight (8) square feet in sign area. . . . i. Wall signs. In order to be eligible to have a wall sign, the establishment shall have an exterior wall. Sandwich board signs. Sandwich board signs shall be subject to the following: (1) the sign shall not exceed four (4) feet in height, two (2) feet in width or eight (8) square feet of area per sign face; (2) if the sign is placed on a sidewalk or any other public pedestrian right-of-way, it shall be placed in a location that provides a contiguous and unobstructed pedestrian passageway at least three (3) feet wide; (3) the sign shall not be located in any required off-street parking space, driveway, access easement, alley or fire lane; (4) the sign shall not be illuminated; (5) the sign shall be removed during non-business hours; and (6) if the sign is located on county-owned right-of-way, prior to placement of the sign, the owner shall agree to indemnify and hold harmless the county against any claim or liability arising from the placement of the sign, and the agreement shall be in a form and have a substance approved by the county attorney. j. Signs using rare gas illumination. Signs using exposed rare gas illumination, and signs within the entrance corridor overlay district visible from an entrance corridor overlay street that use rare gas illumination covered by a transparent material, shall not have a brightness that exceeds thirty (30) milliamps. Brightness shall be determined by the zoning administrator, who shall consider information provided by the sign manufacturer, the rated size of the sign’s transformer, and any other relevant information deemed appropriate. (Added 3-16-05) k. Wall signs. In order to be eligible to have a wall sign, the establishment shall have an exterior wall. (12-10-80; 7-8-92, § 4.15.12; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01; Ord. 05-18(4), 3-16-05) State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280. Article III. District Regulations Sec. 30.6.4 Certificates of appropriateness The architectural review board is authorized to issue certificates of appropriateness for any structure, and associated improvements, or any portion thereof, that are visible from the EC street to which the parcel is contiguous, as follows: ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 12 . . . b. Types of certificates of appropriateness. The architectural review board is authorized to issue the following types of certificates of appropriateness: 1. Specific developments. For specific developments associated with one or more building permits or a single site plan. 2. Signs in a new multi-business complex or shopping center. For all of the signs in a new multi- business complex or shopping center, where the architectural review board first conducts a comprehensive sign review. Once a certificate of appropriateness for signs in a new multi- business complex or shopping center is issued, the director of planning is authorized to determine whether a particular sign satisfies the conditions of the certificate of appropriateness. 3. County-wide certificates of appropriateness. County-wide certificates of appropriateness may be issued for classes of structures, sites, improvements, or architectural elements, subject to the applicable design criteria and procedures, as follows: a. Categories of structures, sites, improvements, or architectural elements eligible for county-wide certificates of appropriateness. The following categories of structures, sites, improvements, or architectural elements shall be eligible for county-wide certificates of appropriateness: 1. Structures located seven hundred fifty (750) feet or more from an EC street that are not more than five (5) stories tall. 2. Structures that are proposed to be located behind another structure that fronts an EC street as viewed from the EC street, where the rear structure is no more than twice the height of the front structure. 3. Personal wireless service facilities. 4. Wall signs proposed for structures having a single occupant Signs. 5. Safety fencing and screening fencing. 6. New or replacement rooftop-mounted or ground-mounted equipment. 7. Additions to structures or improvements for which a certificate of appropriateness was issued, where the design of the addition to the structure or improvement is consistent with the architectural design approved with the certificate of appropriateness. 8. New structure or site lighting or changes to existing structure or site lighting. 9. Minor amendments to site plans and architectural plans. 10. Building permits for which the proposed change occupies fifty (50) percent or less of the altered elevation of an existing structure. 11. Permits classified in sections 5-202, 5-203, 5-204 and 5-208(A) not otherwise exempt under section 30.6.5(k). ATTACHMENT A Draft: 02/27/12 13 . . . (§ 30.6.4, 10-3-90; § 30.6.4.1, 10-3-90; 5-18-94; § 30.6.4.2, 10-3-90; §30.6.5(formerly § 30.6.3.2, 7-8-92; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01); § 30.6.4, Ord. 10-18(5), 5-12-10) Sec. 30.6.5 Development exempt from requirement to obtain certificate of appropriateness The following development is exempt from the requirements of section 30.6: . . . d. Agricultural product signs, political signs, public signs, sandwich board signs, temporary signs, and sandwich board signs window signs and signs exempt from the sign permit requirement under section 4.15.6. . . . (§ 30.6.6, 10-3-90; § 30.6.6.1, 10-3-90; § 30.6.6.2, 10-3-90, 6-14-00; § 30.6.6.3, 5-18-94; § 30.6.5; Ord. 10- 18(5), 5-12-10) (Formerly SIGNS, Now see 30.6.4, 5-12-10) Return to exec summary ATTACHMENT B COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AGENDA TITLE: ZTA 2010-00005 Sign Ordinance Zoning Text Amendments SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Work Session - Proposed Sign Ordinance Zoning Text Amendments STAFF CONTACT(S): Messrs: Foley, Elliott, Davis, Kamptner, Graham, Higgins and Wright; and Ms. McCulley and Ms. Maliszewski LEGAL REVIEW: Yes AGENDA DATE: February 1, 2012 ACTION: X INFORMATION: CONSENT AGENDA: ACTION: INFORMATION: ATTACHMENTS: Yes REVIEWED BY: BACKGROUND: At their public hearing on September 13, 2011 the Planning Commission recommended adoption of the proposed Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to amend the sign regulations (Attachment A). At the end of your November 2, 2011 Public Hearing you asked staff to come back to you for a work session in order to: provide more detailed explanation of the proposals with options; provide more examples and illustrations to better educate the Board about current and proposed allowances , and; further explore the implications of adopting the changes. DISCUSSION: The September 13, 2011 Planning Commission staff report (Attachment B) provides some detailed information about the background and the specifics of the proposed changes that were before the Board on November 2, 2011. During your discussion various questions came up regarding the impacts of the proposed changes as noted in the Comparison Chart provided (Attachment C). One of the basic sign provisions in our sign regulations that we should note is that freestanding signage is PER PARCEL while the wall signage is PER ESTABLISHMENT. In addition, the following questions/decision points are offered for your consideration: -What is the implication if “site” is redefined for Planned Developments and Shopping Centers? The proposal is to define the site as the entire area of the original development, thus not requiring a special permit for an “off-site” sign in such developments. This change does not permit additional signs or sign area than the regulations currently allow. -How many freestanding signs could be allowed now and with the proposed changes? Currently, 1 freestanding sign is allowed per street frontage, or 2 per entrance, for lots with 100’ or more of continuous frontage, plus one additional freestanding sign if the site is four acres or more. If 2 sign are provided at an entrance, then each sign is limited to half of maximum area. Under the proposed changes no additional signs would be allowed. -Should there be a trade-off of freestanding signs when a larger development sign is permitted? The proposed regulations eliminate freestanding anchor signs for tenants which are presently allowed by the sign ordinance. -How many “64 sq. ft. signs” would be possible under the new changes? Only one PER DEVELOPMENT would be possible under the proposed ordinance. -Is there an example of a wall sign that would be an improvement if higher than 30’? The ARB suggested the BBandT Bank on Route 29 next to Fashion Square is such a case. They took the following action at their December 5, 2011 meeting: “The architectural design of some buildings may appropriately accommodate wall signs installed at heights greater than 30’. The forms, details, scale and ATTACHMENT B location of the architecture, together with the scale, color and Illumination of the proposed sign are all considerations in determining appropriateness. In no case would a roof-mounted sign or a sign extending above a parapet or similar architectural feature be appropriate. Likewise, the extension of a structure for the purpose of providing wall space for a higher sign would not be appropriate.” -Should the maximum coverage for a window sign be 50% or 25%? The current limit is 25%, with an aggregate maximum of 9 sq. ft. per business if visible from an Entrance Corridor. This requirement is problematic because 9 sq. ft. is restrictive and most businesses are not aware of or may not be complying with it. The proposal is for a 50% maximum window coverage for any window sign. Less than this amount may be difficult for some businesses that rely on window specials advertising, such as fast food and grocery stores. Ooption the Board can consider is establishing a maximum window sign area other than the current 9 sq. ft. or keeping with the maximum coverage per window of 25%. -Should sandwich board signs be allowed on Entrance Corridor (EC) roads? Staff recommends that they be allowed with proper anchoring. These types of signs are common in an urban form of development, such as within a town center. -Should this limit those visible from the EC or should such signs be prohibited on any part of a property in the EC? Staff recommends that sandwich board signs visible from the EC not be allowed. BUDGET IMPACT: The proposed changes are expected to reduce the amount of review time currently required by staff, the Planning Commission, the Architectural Review Board and the Board of Supervisors, thereby reducing the cost to the County and the applicants. RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff will incorporate Board guidance and comments into the draft Ordinance. We propose the Board set a public hearing for the March 14, 2012 night meeting. ATTACHMENTS A: Proposed Ordinance to amend the sign regulations . B. Staff Executive Summary for the September 13, 2011 Planning Commission Public Hearing. D. New Comparisons Chart of Sign Ordinance changes. C. Board of Supervisors May 12, 2010 Resolution of Intent. Return to exec summary Subject Area Current requirements Proposed requirements Planned Dev & Shopping Center “site” for off-site sign/Process Each Parcel/Special Permit from BZA Original Pl. Dev. or Shopping Center area/ No Special Permit Shopping Center Fr. St. sign size 32 sq. ft. max or 24 sq. ft. max in some districts 64 sq. ft. possible w/4 tenant panels Anchor Signs Up to 4 allowed @ 6 sq. ft. ea., freestanding. None allowed. Only bonus tenant signs once Fr. St. Sign setbacks 10 feet or 5 feet All 5 feet Wall Signs: Max area Max Height 1.5 or 1 sq. ft./1 linear ft. 30 feet 1.5 sq. ft./1 lin. ft., all Not to exceed cornice line on any building. Temp Signs: Max.#/year Length of time, each Length of time/year 4 15 days 60 days 6 15 days 60 days Window Signs: Review/ Permit/Max Coverage ARB in EC/no permit/25% No ARB review/no permit/25% Sandwich Board Signs In DCD only In all Planned Dev. Dist.