HomeMy WebLinkAboutZMA202100001 Special Exception 2021-07-16SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST NARRATIVE
ZMA-2021-00001
January 19, 2021, resubmitted July 19, 2021
REQUEST
Zoning References
1.
Modification to the parking requirement for all residential
4.12.6
uses related to ZMA 2021-0001 specifically related to
4.12.2(c)
Phase 2
REASONS AND JUSTIFICATIONS BEHIND THE REQUEST
On behalf of Dickerson Ridge, LLC (the "Applicant') we respectfully request a Special Exception
to the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance requirement for parking described in Section 4.12.6.
Willow Glen Phase 2 intends to provide approximately 308 multi -family units of which these
breakdown to (60) 1-bedroom, (158) 2-bedroom and (90) 3-bedroom.
The Applicant is proposing to revise/amend/establish the requirements for parking. The
modification is requested in accordance with Chapter 18, Section 4.12.2(c). Because this project
is a Planned Residential Development; is within walking distance to many services in the area;
and in a potential bus transportation corridor, we feel the overall parking requirements can be
reduced more than what is required based on older models of similar developments.
The parking areas are shown generally on Sheet Z5, titled, Concept Plan within our Rezoning
Amendment Application. Here on Sheet Z5, we have illustrated more clearly where they exist
and quantified our counts.
Based on Section 4.12.6, the 308 multi -family units are required to have the following spaces:
Number of Bedrooms/Unit
Parking Spaces/Unit
Phase 2
Total
Any unit of 500 sf or less
1.25
0
0
One bedroom
1.50
74
ill
Two or more bedrooms
2.00
234
468
Total Required:
579
We request a modest ten (10) percent reduction. Of the five hundred eighty-six (587) spaces
required per the Code our request would reduce this number by sixty (60) spaces in Phase 2 to
provide some flexibility in the design and project.
Multi -family communities often employ different strategies when it comes to parking. Some offer
residents one assigned space in the general vicinity of the unit while others follow the first -
come, first -served regime for all spaces. The contract purchaser owns and operates
approximately 45 similar properties in Virginia. Drawing upon its experience with these similar
apartment projects, the Applicant has found that not all the residents will be home at the same
time or have an equal number of cars per bedroom or unit. For instance, students have different
schedules and lifestyles than older people; young entrepreneurials might be able to afford a 3-
bedroom but only have one car; while some residents will "work at home," walk or bike.
Furthermore, family sizes will differ and thereby have different work schedules which will allow
parking to be available. For these reasons we believe a continued parking reduction waiver is
justified.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST NARRATIVE
ZMA-2021-00001
January 19, 2021, resubmitted July 19, 2021
Further, the community's clubhouse and fitness center, if considered as separate uses from the
apartment community, would be required to have eight (8) parking spaces. However, these uses
are amenities solely for the residents, so we do not believe dedicated spaces are warranted for
these uses.
2