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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZMA202100001 Special Exception 2021-07-16 (2)SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST NARRATIVE ZMA-2021-00001 January 19, 2021, resubmitted July 19, 2021 REQUEST Zoning References 1. Modification to the recreational facilities requirement for all residential uses related to ZMA 2021-0001 18-4.16 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 specific recreational amenities described in Section 4.16. Willow Glen Phase 2 intends to provide amenity and recreational facilities appropriate to multi -family dwelling residents. Within the development there are expected to approximately 308 multi -family units. Minimum recreational facilities are outlined under Section 4.16.2.1-2. Extrapolating these requirements with the number of proposed units equate to three (3) half -court basketball courts and eight (8) tot lots. These required recreational facilities, along with the minimum square - footage, is depicted in the table labeled Recreational Facilities found on Sheet Z7 titled, Conceptual Open Space and Recreational Facilities Plan within our Rezoning Amendment Application. The Applicant believes these minimum requirements are not entirely compatible to what the residents in this type of development desire. The contract purchaser has over approximately 45 similar properties in Virginia. Drawing upon experiences learned from these similar apartment projects, the Applicant has found residents are happier and drawn to projects with alternative amenities such as a pool, fitness/business center, outdoor grilling stations, pocket parks, walking trails and dog amenity programs in addition to the traditional type playgrounds. Section 4.16.2 allows substitutions of facilities to be approved by the director of planning and community development if they `offer a recreational amenity equivalent to the (required) facilities... and are appropriate to the needs of the occupants." The alterative activities that we are proposing would be scattered throughout the development to make them easily convenient and accessible to the residents. These recreational facilities locations are illustrated on Sheet Z7, titled, Conceptual Open Space and Recreational Facilities Plan within our Rezoning Amendment Application. On this sheet, we have also quantified their "usage areas" to compare them with our minimum square -footage requirements. Together, these programs will offer an active and fulfilling lifestyle for the residents. All recreational in Phase 2 will be available to the residents of Phase 1, as discussed in the accompanying Narrative within our Rezoning Amendment Application.