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HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB202000125 Staff Report 2020-12-30ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT Project #/Name ARB-2020-125: Scotts Ivy Exxon Initial Site Plan Review Type Initial Site Plan and Preliminary Review of an Architectural Design Parcel Identification 058A2-00-00-02100 Location 4260 Ivy Rd, on the north side of Rt. 250 approximately 265' east of the Rt. 250 and Ivy Depot Rd. intersection. (See Figure 1). Zoned Commercial (C1), Entrance Corridor (EC) Owner/Applicant SR&DR LLC/Collins Engineering (Scott Collins) Magisterial District Samuel Miller Proposal To construct a 3,200-sf addition to an existing service station and to complete associated site improvements on approximately 1.59 acres. Context The subject property is comprised of a ca. 1950s service station, a fuel pump canopy/fueling area, and a ca. 1950s residence north of the service station in the heart of the Ivy commercial area. Railroad tracks are located to the north, a residence converted to offices is to the west and commercial uses are to the southwest and west of Owensville Road. Properties zoned Village Residential are to the north and south with a Rural Area zoned property to the east. Beyond the central commercial area, the Entrance Corridor is characterized by wooded frontages. (Fig. 1.) Visibility The addition is proposed at the rear of the existing service station, 75' from the right-of-way and approximately 98' from the Rt. 250 edge of pavement. Three sides of the proposed addition, as well as much of the parking areas, will be clearly visible from the EC (Rt. 250). ARB Meeting Date January 04, 2021 Staff Contact Khris Taggart PROJECT HISTORY The building, which predates the establishment of the Entrance Corridor, is representative of small-scale mid-201 century service stations. It appears to have been originally built with two overhead bays with the taller western bay added later. The ARB previously reviewed and approved the existing fuel pump canopy and the refacing of the pole -mounted sign for this site. A special use permit for the expansion of the existing use was approved by the Board of Supervisors on August 19, 2020. Figure 1: Google Image (left) showing project area along the Rt. 250 Entrance Corridor and County GIS map (right) highlighting subject property. ANALYSIS Gray highligh = means the guideline can't be reviewed at initial site plan stage, but recommendations can be provided for final Yellow highlight = means the guideline can only be reviewed for location/configuration at the initial plan stage Regular text = means the guideline can be reviewed at initial plan stage, can be made a condition of initial plan approval, and can be the basis for denial REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATIONS GENERAL GUIDELINES ftrpose, Compatibility with si ni cant historic sites and the character of the Entrance Corridor, 1 The goal of the regulation of the design of The design of the proposed addition is a utilitarian extension Provide samples for all development within the designated Entrance of the existing building. Its south -facing second story is a materials and colors. Corridors is to ensure that new development blank elevation. The side elevations have windows and within the corridors reflects the traditional doors, so they are not completely blank, but the form is Revise the proposal to architecture of the area. Therefore, it is the generic and there is no architectural detailing that reflects provide a design that purpose of ARB review and of these the area's historic architecture. The addition significantly maintains a connection to Guidelines, that proposed development within increases the mass of the building. The utilitarian materials - the historic architecture of the designated Entrance Corridors refleq concrete block and corrugated metal — though appropriate to the area, that does not use elements of design characteristic of the the use and consistent with the west elevation of the existing trademark colors as a major significant historical landmarks, buildings, and building (which predates the EC), do not relieve the mass or design element, and that structures of the Charlottesville and Albemarle scale. The light paint color that is proposed emphasizes the establishes a cohesive area, and to promote orderly and attractive blocky character of the addition and will make it stand out in overall design with human development within these corridors. Applicants the immediate surroundings. Painting the red brick fnade scale and minimal should note that replication of historic structures removes a significant tie to the historic architecture of the blankness. is neither required nor desired. County. The light paint color, combined with the blue band and red and yellow stripes, transforms the building into 2 Visitors to the significant historical sites in the Charlottesville and Albemarle area experience trademark architecture, which is not supported by the these sites as ensembles of buildings, land, and guidelines and does not contribute to an integrated vegetation. In order to accomplish the appearance along the corridor. Using a more muted, earth - integration of buildings, land, and vegetation tone color could help reduce the visual impact of the characteristic of these sites, the Guidelines addition and its blank upper story. Replacing the blue band require attention to four primary factors: and color stripes with architectural detail could improve compatibility with significant historic sites in form, scale and connection to the historic architecture of the the area; the character of the Entrance area. The metal canopies that are proposed above the Corridor; site development and layout; and existing storefront windows and garage bays are an landsca in . appropriate addition that helps enhance human scale, but 3 New structures and substantial additions to existing structures should respect the traditions of the architecture of historically significant buildings in the Charlottesville and Albemarle area. Photographs of historic buildings in the area, as well as drawings of architectural features, which provide important examples of this tradition are contained in Appendix A. trimming the canopies in trademark color stripes is not appropriate. 4 The examples contained in Appendix A should be used as a guide for building design: the standard of compatibility with the area's historic structures is not intended to impose a rigid design solution for new development. Replication of the design of the important historic sites in the area is neither intended nor desired. The Guideline's standard of compatibility can be met through building scale, materials, and forms which may be embodied in architecture which is contemporary as well as traditional. The Guidelines allow individuality in design to accommodate varying tastes as well as special functional require ents. 9 Building forms and features, including roofs, windows, doors, materials, colors and textures should be compatible with the forms and features of the significant historic buildings in the area, exemplified by (but not limited to) the buildings described in Appendix A [of the design guidelines]. The standard of compatibility can be met through scale, materials, and forms which may be embodied in architecture which is contemporary as well as traditional. The replication of important historic sites in Albemarle County is not the objective of these guidelines. 5 It is also an important objective of the Guidelines to establish a pattern of compatible architectural characteristics throughout the Entrance Corridor in order to achieve unity and coherence. Building designs should demonstrate sensitivity to other nearby structures within the Entrance Corridor. Where a designated corridor is substantially developed, these Guidelines require striking a careful balance between harmonizing new development with the existing character of the corridor and achieving compatibility with the significant historic sites in the area. 10 Buildings should relate to their site and the surrounding context of buildings. 13 Any appearance of "blankness" resulting from building design should be relieved using design detail or ve etation, or both. 11 The overall design of buildings should have human scale. Scale should be integral to the building and site design. 12 Architecture proposed within the Entrance Corridor should use forms, shapes, scale, and materials to create a cohesive whole. 15 Trademark buildings and related features should be modified to meet the requirements of the Guidelines. 14 Arcades, colonnades, or other architectural An addition connected to the rear of the existing building is None. connecting devices should be used to unify proposed, so a connecting device is not necessary. groups of buildings within a development. 16 Window glass in the Entrance Corridors should Specifications on the proposed glass have been provided and None. not be highly tinted or highly reflective. meet the EC Guidelines. Window glass in the Entrance Corridors should meet the following criteria: Visible light The window glass note has been provided on the drawings. transmittance (VLT) shall not drop below 40%. Visible light reflectance (VLR) shall not exceed 30%. Specifications on the proposed window lass should be submitted with the application or final review. Accessory structures and equipment 17 Accessory structures and equipment should be The site and architectural drawings are not consistent Coordinate the appearance integrated into the overall plan of development regarding dumpster location and design. Materials and and location of the and shall, to the extent possible, be compatible colors coordinated with those approved for the building dumpster screen in both the with the building designs used on the site. would be appropriate. site plan and color renderings. It is not clear from the drawings where the building- and/or ground -mounted equipment is located. Provide street level views looking east and west from Vending machines are currently located in an open -fronted Rt. 250 with and without structure near the southeast corner of the building. This landscaping illustrating as condition is currently proposed to remain as is. The visual much of the site as possible. impacts of this structure could be reduced by rotating it so that its closed end faces the street and by painting it a muted, Show the location of 18 The following should be located to eliminate visibility from the Entrance Corridor street. If, earth -tone color that coordinates with the building. mechanical equipment after appropriate siting, these features will still (building- and ground - have a negative visual impact on the Entrance mounted) on the site and Corridor street, screening should be provided to architectural plans and eliminate visibility. a. Loading areas, b. Service show how it will be areas, c. Refuse areas, d. Storage areas, e. screened from the EC. If Mechanical equipment, f. Above -ground the location is inside the utilities, and g. Chain link fence, barbed wire, building, note this on the razor wire, and similar security fencing plans. If located on the devices. rooftop, provide a roof plan showing equipment 19 Screening devices should be compatible with the design of the buildings and surrounding locations, and show the natural vegetation and may consist of: equipment locations and a. Walls, b. Plantings, and c. Fencing. heights on the elevation drawings. Coordinate the color of the vending machine enclosure with the approved building color. Consider rotating the vending machine enclosure so that the closed end faces the street. 21 The following note should be added to the site The note is on both the site and architectural plans. None. plan and the architectural plan: "Visibility of all mechanical equipment from the Entrance Corridor shall be eliminated." 22- Lighting A lighting plan has not been provided with the initial plan. Provide a lighting plan with 31 the next submittal. Landscaping 7 The requirements of the Guidelines regarding Proposed landscaping is included in the site development None. landscaping are intended to reflect the plan. The proposed planting island along the frontage helps landscaping characteristic of many of the to provide space for frontage landscaping to soften the area's significant historic sites which is appearance of the existing fuel pump canopy/fueling area characterized by large shade trees and lawns. and integrate the site into the surrounding area. Landscaping should promote visual order within the Entrance Corridor and help to Portions of the existing paved area along the frontage (south integrate buildings into the existing and east of the existing fuel pump canopy) are being environment of the corridor. removed to provide planting islands. Shade trees with interspersed ornamentals and a row of shrubs are shown 8 Continuity within the Entrance Corridor should be obtained by planting different types of plant along the frontage in these planting islands. While the materials that share similar characteristics. spacing exceeds 35' where the existing entrances are Such common elements allow for more located, the required number of large trees are proposed. flexibility in the design of structures because common landscape features will help to harmonize the appearance of development as seen from the street upon which the Corridor is centered. 32 Landscaping along the frontage of Entrance Corridor streets should include the following: a. Large shade trees should be planted parallel to the Entrance Corridor Street. Such trees should be at least 3% inches caliper (measured 6 inches above the ground) and should be of a plant species common to the area. Such trees should be located at least every 35 feet on center. b. Flowering ornamental trees of a species common to the area should be interspersed among the trees required by the preceding paragraph. The ornamental trees need not alternate one for one with the large shade trees. They may be planted among the large shade trees in a less regular spacing pattern. c. In situations where appropriate, a three or four board fence or low stone wall, typical of the area, should align the frontage of the Entrance Corridor street. d. An area of sufficient width to accommodate the foregoing plantings and fencing should be reserved parallel to the Entrance Corridor street, and exclusive of road right-of-way and utilitv easements. 33 Landscaping along interior roads: There are no interior roads in this site plan. None. a. Large trees should be planted parallel to all interior roads. Such trees should be at least 2% inches caliper (measured six inches above the ground) and should be of a plant species common to the area. Such trees should be located at least every 40 feet on center. 34 Landscaping along interior pedestrian ways: Other than the walkway shown along the rear and eastern None. a. Medium trees should be planted parallel to side of the building, no interior pedestrian pathways are all interior pedestrian ways. Such trees should proposed. be at least 2% inches caliper (measured six inches above the ground) and should be of a species common to the area. Such trees should be located at least every 25 feet on center. 35 Landscaping of parking areas: There are 29 parking spaces proposed for the site. This Revise the landscape plan a. Large trees should align the perimeter of requires three interior trees; however, only 2 interior trees to add one additional parking areas, located 40 feet on center. Trees are proposed, and they do not meet the 2.5" caliper interior tree. should be planted in the interior of parking requirement. areas at the rate of one tree for every 10 Revise the landscape plan parking spaces provided and should be evenly Along the eastern perimeter of the site, the landscape plan to show all interior trees at distributed throughout the interior of the shows a combination of large deciduous and evergreen trees 2.5" caliper at time of parking area. and shrubs. Along the western perimeter of the site large planting. b. Trees required by the preceding paragraph deciduous and evergreen trees are also proposed. The should measure 2% inches caliper (measured existing shrubs at the southwest corner of the site contribute Revise the landscape plan six inches above the ground); should be evenly to a disorganized appearance. Removing them and providing to provide additional trees spaced; and should be of a species common to additional trees consistent with the rest of the proposal and shrubs consistent with the area. Such trees should be planted in would result in a more coordinated appearance. New shrubs the rest of the proposal at planters or medians sufficiently large to might be required where existing utilities conflict with trees. the southwest comer of the maintain the health of the tree and shall be site. protected by curbing. c. Shrubs should be provided as necessary to minimize the parking area's impact on Entrance Corridor streets. Shrubs should measure 24 inches in height. 36 Landscaping of buildings and other structures: No planting areas are provided along the front elevation of None. a. Trees or other vegetation should be planted the existing building, but its appearance does not require along the front of long buildings as necessary "softening". A dogwood is shown in a planting island near to soften the appearance of exterior walls. The the northeast comer of the building. spacing, size, and type of such trees or vegetation should be determined by the length, height, and blankness of such walls. b. Shrubs should be used to integrate the site, buildings, and other structures; dumpsters, accessory buildings and structures; "drive thm" windows; service areas; and signs. Shrubs should measure at least 24 inches in height. 37 Plant species: The proposed plants are on the recommended species list. None. a. Plant species required should be as approved by the Staff based upon but not limited to the Generic Landscape Plan Recommended Species List and Native Plants or Virginia Landscapes (Appendix D . 38 Plant health: The following note should be added The note is present on the plan. None. to the landscape plan: "All site plantings of trees and shrubs shall be allowed to reach, and be maintained at, mature height; the topping of trees is prohibited. Shrubs and trees shall be pruned minimally and only to support the overall health of theplant." Development pattern 6 Site development should be sensitive to the The site is accessed from Rt. 250. The travelway and See # 1. existing natural landscape and should parking have an organized pattern. contribute to the creation of an organized development plan. This may be accomplished, The existing building is set back from the road parallel to to the extent practical, by preserving the trees the EC street. The proposed addition maintains the and rolling terrain typical of the area; planting layout/form of the existing building. new trees along streets and pedestrian ways and choosing species that reflect native forest There are no existing pedestrian ways along this portion of elements; insuring that any grading will blend Route 250. into the surrounding topography thereby creating a continuous landscape; preserving, to A portion of the site where the addition and expanded paved the extent practical, existing significant river area is proposed is wooded and will be removed to and stream valleys which may be located on accommodate the development. the site and integrating these features into the design of surrounding development; and Views around the site are not expected to be negatively limiting the building mass and height to a scale impacted. that does not overpower the natural settings of the site, or the Entrance Corridor. 39 The relationship of buildings and other structures to the Entrance Corridor street and to other development within the corridor should be as follows: a. An organized pattern of roads, service lanes, bike paths, and H pedestrian walks should guide the layout of the site. b. In general, buildings fronting the Entrance Corridor street should be parallel to the street. Building groupings should be arranged to parallel the Entrance Corridor street. c. Provisions should be made for connections to adjacent pedestrian and vehicular circulation systems. d. Open spaces should be tied into surrounding areas to provide continuity within the Entrance Corridor. e. If significant natural features exist on the site (including creek valleys, steep slopes, significant trees or rock outcroppings), to the extent practical, then such natural features should be reflected in the site layout. If the provisions of Section 32.5.2.n of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance apply, then improvements required by that section should be located so as to maximize the use of existing features in screening such improvements from Entrance Corridor streets. f. The placement of structures on the site should respect existing views and vistas on and around the site. Site Grading 40 Site grading should maintain the basic The existing site grading is not being significantly altered. None. relationship of the site to surrounding conditions by limiting the use of retaining walls and by shaping the terrain through the use of smooth, rounded land forms that blend with the existing terrain. Steep cut or fill sections are generally unacceptable. Proposed contours on the grading plan shall be rounded with a ten foot minimum radius where they meet the adjacent condition. Final grading should achieve a natural, rather than engineered, appearance. Retaining walls 6 feet in height and taller, when necessary, shall be terraced and planted to blend with the landscape. 41 No grading, trenching, or tunneling should occur The landscape plan shows a tree line towards the rear of the Show the tree protection within the drip line of any trees or other existing site along the north, east, and west perimeter that is to fencing consistently features designated for preservation in the final remain. Tree protection fencing is shown on the landscape throughout the landscaping, Certificate of Appropriateness. Adequate tree plan. This will need to be coordinated throughout the site grading, and E&S plans. protection fencing should be shown on, and plan set. coordinated throughout, the grading, landscaping and erosion and sediment control plans. 42 Areas designated for preservation in the final Certificate of Appropriateness should be clearly delineated and protected on the site prior to any grading activity on the site. This protection should remain in place until com letion of the development of the site. 43 Preservation areas should be protected from storage or movement of heavy equipment within this area. 20 Surface runoff structures and detention ponds A stormwater feature is proposed adjacent to the parking on None. should be designed to fit into the natural the eastern side of the site. A mixture of trees and shrubs is topography to avoid the need for screening. proposed between the facility and the parking spaces. Off - When visible from the Entrance Corridor street, site wooded area limits some of the visibility of this portion these features must be frilly integrated into the of the site. landscape. They should not have the appearance of engineered features. 44 Natural drainage patterns (or to the extent required, new drainage patterns) should be incorporated into the finished site to the extent possible. 12 Signs Signage is reviewed and approved by separate submission. Sign applications are However, the following preliminary comments are provided. required for all proposed signs. The ARB may require that the color and scale of standard templates for trademarks, service marks, corporate logos and Limit wall signs to graphics be modified. individual letter signs. The color renderings appear to show a long cabinet style sign added to the south elevation of the existing building. This style of sign is not appropriate for a wall sign in the Entrance Corridors. f.Ylhj hI /_\ MCI) M 9 X81115 h/ 1 DO 17_r Y Colo Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion: 1. The design of the additional and the proposed materials. 2. Painting the red brick of the existing building. 3. Adding trademark colors to the existing building and addition. 4. The landscaping along the western perimeter of the site and the interior parking area. 5. The signage shown on the south elevation of the building. Regarding the Initial Site Plan: Staff recommends that the ARB forward the following recommendations to the Agent for the Site Review Committee: • Regarding requirements to satisfy the design guidelines as per § 18-30.6.4c(2), (3) and (5) and recommended conditions of initial plan approval: 1. Prior to Initial Plan approval the following items shall be resolved to the satisfaction of the ARB: None. The ARB recommends approval of the Initial Plan without conditions. • Regarding recommendations on the plan as it relates to the guidelines: None. • Regarding conditions to be satisfied prior to issuance of a grading permit: None. • Regarding the final site plan submittal: A Certificate of Appropriateness is required prior to final site plan approval. The following items and all items on the ARB Final Site Plan Checklist must be addressed: 1. Provide samples for all materials and colors. 13 2. Revise the proposal to provide a design that maintains a connection to the historic architecture of the area, that does not use trademark colors as a major design element, and that establishes a cohesive overall design with human scale and minimal blankness. 3. Coordinate the appearance and location of the dumpster screen in both the site plan and color renderings. 4. Provide street level views looking east and west from Rt. 250 with and without landscaping illustrating as much of the site as possible. 5. Show the location of mechanical equipment (building- and ground -mounted) on the site and architectural plans and show how it will be screened from the EC. If the location is inside the building, note this on the plans. If located on the rooftop, provide a roof plan showing equipment locations, and show the equipment locations and heights on the elevation drawings. 6. Coordinate the color of the vending machine enclosure with the approved building color. 7. Consider rotating the vending machine enclosure so that the closed end faces the street. 8. Provide a lighting plan with the next submittal. 9. Revise the landscape plan to add one additional interior parking tree. 10. Revise the landscape plan to show all interior parking trees at 2.5" caliper at time of planting. 11. Revise the landscape plan to provide additional trees and shrubs consistent with the rest of the proposal at the southwest comer of the site. 12. Show the tree protection fencing consistently throughout the landscaping, grading, and E&S plans. 13. Sign applications are required for all proposed signs. 14. Limit wall signs to individual letter signs. TABLE A This report is based on the following submittal items: Site Plan 1 Cover 11/16/2020 2 Existing Conditions & Demolition Plan 11/16/2020 3 Site Plan 11/16/2020 4 Grading & Drainage Plan 11/16/2020 5 Landscape Plan 11/16/2020 6 1 Notes & Details 11/16/2020 Architectural Drawings ARB.01 Cover Sheet 12/20/2020 ARB.02 Existing Site Views 12/20/2020 ARB.03 First Floor Plan 12/20/2020 ARB.04 Second Floor Plan 12/20/2020 ARB.05 Roof Plan 12/20/2020 14 ARB.06 Front Route 250 Elevation 12/20/2020 ARB.07 Left West Side Elevation 12/20/2020 ARB.08 Right East Side Elevation 12/20/2020 ARB.09 Rear Elevation 12/20/2020 ARB.10 Proposed Materials 12/20/2020 ARB.11 Elevated Entrance from across Rt. 250 (View Looking Northeast into the Site 12/20/2020 ARB.12 Aerial View of Property View Looking North into the Site 12/20/2020 ARB.13 Aerial View of Bay Entrances and Vehicle Storage (View from the Rear of the Site Looking Southwest 12/20/2020 ARB.14 New Entrance from across Rt. 250 (View Looking Southeast into the Site 12/20/2020 ARB.15 Elevated View of the Side Parking Lot (View Looking West into the Site 12/20/2020 ARB.16 Entrance Approach from Rt. 250 East 12/20/2020 ARB.17 Entrance Approach from Rt. 250 West Top of Hill 12/20/2020 ATTACHMENTS 1. Scotts Ivy Exxon Initial Site Plan 2. Scotts Ivy Exxon Architectural Drawin¢s 15