HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP202000028 Request of Modification, Variance, Waiver 2020-11-20SHIMP ENGINEERING, P.C.
Design Focused Engineering
November 20, 2020
Bart Svoboda, Director of Zoning
cc: Frank Pohl, County Engineer
County of Albemarle
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
RE: SUB2020-55 Proffrt Road Twwnhomes North — Waiver of Section 4.12.16(c)(1)
Dear Mr. Svoboda,
Per Section 18-4.12.2(c)(2), the zoning administrator may modify or waive a design requirement
in Section 4.12.16 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance, with the County Engineer's consultation,
if the proposed waiver or modification would equally or better serve the public health, safety, or welfare.
The Owner, Albemarle Land Development, LLC (the "Owner") seeks to develop 54 townhome units on
the property, TMP 32A-2-2 (the "property"). We, on behalf of the Owner, request a waiver from Section
4.12.16(c)(1), which requires the width of perpendicular parking spaces to be a minimum of 9'. The
application associated with this development, SUB2020-55, proposes a majority of the units to be
developed with 1-car garages and I driveway parking space, however, lots 23-30 are provided with two
driveway spaces. Two spaces per unit are required by Section 4.12.6. With 20'x36' townhomes proposed,
an 18' width driveway, accommodating (2) 9' parking spaces would require (4) attached parking spaces
for a total of 36' of unbroken pavement between units and remove area previously reserved for plantings.
While a 9' width ensures safe and convenient movement in and out of vehicles in typical parking lots, an
8' width within a private driveway is adequate for drivers and passengers to safely enter and exit vehicles
and for drivers to safely maneuver in and out of the driveway as average vehicle width ranges from 6' to
6.5'.
Granting of this waiver would allow for planting strips to be accommodated between the private
driveways. These planting strips would break up the mass of pavement that would be even more
prominent if this waiver were not to be granted. Lots 23-30 are adjacent to the recreational area that
912 E. High Sr. Charlottesville, VA 229021434.227.5140 1 shimp-engineering.com
serves the entire property. While street trees are provided between the sidewalk and road, providing the
opportunity for residents to install their own plantings between driveways strengthens pedestrian
connectivity along these lots and creates a more welcoming street section leading to the neighborhood's
recreational activities. Waiving the required width of perpendicular parking spaces from 9' to 8' would
not cause undue harm for residents of lots 23-30 as safe and convenient movement within a private
driveway is still possible, while the streetscape is further enhanced through minimizing impervious
surfaces where possible.
Regards,
Keane Rucker