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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 19 77 PC Minutes-21- January 1$, 1977 The Albemarle County Planning Commission conducted a meeting on Tuesday, January 19, 1977, 7:30 p.m., Board Room, County Office Building, Charlottesville, Virginia, to consider a series of site plan and subdivision requests. Those members in attendance were Mr. David W. Carr, Chairman; Mr. Roy Barksdale; Mr. Paul Peatross; Mr. Kurt M. Gloeckner; Col. William R. Washington; Dr. James Moore; Mr. Leslie Jones; Mrs. Joan Graves; and Mrs. Opal D. David, ex-Officio. Absent was Mr. Peter Easter, Vice -Chairman. Other officials present were Mr. Ron Keeler, Assistant Director of Planning; Mr. Carlos Montenegro, Planner; and Mr. Frederick Payne, Deputy Co. Attorney. Mr. Carr established that a quorum was present and called the meeting to order. Minutes: Minutes of the January 4, 1977, meeting were approved subject to the changes requested by Dr. Moore and Col. Washington. Minutes of the January 11, 1977, meeting were approved as submitted by the chairman. Mr. Carr addressed the letter from the resident engineer to the Planning Commission which had been received the last week. He stated that in his opinion the Commission needs to have a meeting with the representatives from the Highway Department to clarify Planning Commission policies and Virginia Department of Highways policies and how they fit together. Col. Washington agreed that the Commission needs to know the intentions of the High- way Department. Mr. Peatross also stated that the Commission needs to know the legal ramifications of certain requirements the Highway Department frequently asks the Commission to make. He pointed out that the Commission can only legally require so much. Mr. Jones said that he is under the impression that the Highway Department feels the Commission is not cooperating. Mr. Gloeckner stated that some of the Planning Commission decisions give the Highway Department the power it needs to enforce certain restrictions. A delineation of authority and how far it extends is necessary. Mr. Barksdale suggested deferring a meeting with the Highway Department until the Board has made its decision on service roads. Mr. Gloeckner felt that the matter goes further than that, to the entire county road system. Mr. Carr suggested that the staff contact the Highway Department and set up a meeting with the Commission at the beginning of the next Planning Commission meeting. This meeting would begin at 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Graves asked that all the individuals receiving agendas be notified of the work session. -22- JOHN W. AND CATHERINE S. HUDSON FINAL PLAT: Mr. Gloeckner disqualified himself from the discussion and vote by leaving the room. Mr. Montenegro presented the staff report, stating that this property is located on an 18 foot wide access easement off Route 53 between Simeon and the University of Virginia airport. The property is zoned A-1. The proposal is to divide a 4.0 acre parcel from an existing 12.0 acre parcel. Mr. Carr questioned the necessity of Planning Commission review on this plat. Mr. Montenegro responded that it was on an easement, a rather long one, that does not go all the way to Route 729. Mr. Jones questioned the purpose of the division. Mr. Montenegro replied it is for residential purposes. Mr. Barksdale moved approval of the plat subject to the condition recommended by the staff: 1. Written Health Department approval. Dr. Moore seconded this motion, which carried unanimously, with no discussion. Mr. Gloeckner returned to the meeting. CHURCH OF GOD SITE PLAN: Mr. Montenegro presented the staff report, stating that the property is located on the south side of Route 663 near Nortonsville, zoned A-1. The proposal is to build a one-storie addition with basement to the existing structure. This expansion would increase the fixed seating by 40 persons. The plan calls for 34 parking spaces. He read a letter from Mrs. Steen, an adjoining property owner, who addressed the drainage from the site. She stated in her letter that she has gone to some expense to correct the erosion on the site that has resulted from drainage and she does not want more drainage from the church site causing further erosion than already exists. Mr. Peatross questioned any additional run-off that might result from development. Mr. Montenegro stated that the staff has spoken to the Engineering Department about this. The Engineering Department responded that very little of the property will be distrubed and that further drainage will be minimal, and therefore it should not be a problem. The Rev. Deel stated that what drains to her property will drain there regardless of any development of the church site, because her property is lower than that of the church. Mr. Montenegro stated that nothing happening on the church site now is affecting her erosion problem. Mrs. Graves suggested that the church could cooperate, since she has attempted -23- to rectify her erosion problem. The Rev. Deel stated that there is a 6 to 10 foot wide tree and shrubbery boundary between the church's property and Mrs. Steen's property, which provides a natural boundary. Mr. Gloeckner asked if the road is lower than the church property. Mr. Sandy Lambert, architect, responded that it is. Mr. Gloeckner stated that natural drainage takes place along the road, too. Mr. Carr felt that if the property is developed as it is shown on the plan, he sees no reason that it will affect her existing erosion problem, though he wants to be mindful of the lady's problems. He felt that nothing can be done about the natural drainage. Col. Washington questioned the possibility of a catch -basin. Mr. Lambert stated that would mean standing water for a period of time. Mr. Peatross stated that he did not feel the Commission could legally require that anything more be done about the drainage. He stated that his original intent had been to see if additional run-off that is created could be controlled. He moved approval of the plan subject to the following conditions recommended by the staff: 1. That a 25-foot dedication be made along Route 663 on a separate plat; 2. Written Health Department approval of the additional septic field; 3. Grading permit. Mr. Gloeckner seconded the motion, which carried unanimously with no discussion. JAMES WOODS COMMERCIAL BUILDING SITE PLAN AMENDMENT: Mr. Montenegro stated that this site plan is a re -submittal of the originally approved site plan, which scales down the project. The property is located on the existing private road off Route 631 across from Phillips Building Supply, on property zoned B-1. The original plan was approved by the Planning Commission in August, 1976, subject to the following conditions: 1. Albemarle County Service Authority approval of sewage connections; 2. Grading permit; 3. Highway Department approval, if necessary; 4. An agreement over the maintenance of private commercial entrance with Phillips Building Supply; 5. Technical requirements of Article 17 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Montenegro stated that the new plan calls for a one-storie building and only 16 parking spaces. The purpose is for wholesale of ceramic tile. The amended plan meets all the requirements of the Site Development Ordinance, however the staff feels that an effort should be made to bring adequate public water to this area. Mr. Montenegro pointed out that this had been a topic of discussion at the previous meetings. -24- He stated that the Service Authority is trying to influence the adjoining property owners to bring in an 8" water line and the Service Authority has stated that it will participate in this project. The staff recommended the following conditions of approval: 1. Albemarle County Service Authority approval of sewage connections; 2. Grading permit; 3. An agreement over the maintenance of the private commercial entrance with Phillips Building Supply; 4. An agreement be found whereby residents of this area in conjunction with the Albemarle County Service Authority may extend an 8" water line to this area. Mr. Montenegro added that the Commission may wish to add to these conditions Virginia Department of Highways approval, if necessary. Mr. Gloeckner asked if the Planning Commission can legally require them to contribute to bringing in an 8" water line. Mr. Payne stated that he did not view this as materially different from the proposed Westmoreland Manor ( RPN ), and requirements for adequate water had been included in the conditions of approval. Mrs. Graves questioned water provisions for Bill Edwards Oldsmobile. Mr. Montenegro stated that there is a well on the property. Mr. Sandy Lambert, architect, stated that the applicant has committed his willingness to contribute to bringing water to the area, through any of the alternatives, but does not feel this should be a condition of approval since it could delay the project's beginning. Mr. Payne informed the Commission that it gets its authority on this matter from Section 17-5-15 of the Ordinance. In this case the applicant could post funds and the project would not be delayed. Mr. Carr questioned when the staff spoke to the Service Authority on this. Mr. Montenegro stated that it had been addressed at the last site plan review meeting. Mr. Gloeckner asked about the time frame for bringing in the 8" water line. Mr. Montenegro stated that he had been informed by the Service Authority that it is a top priority. Mr. Gloeckner stated that nevertheless it could take a long time, maybe even two years. Mr. Carr agreed that it would not be wise to reject this site plan on some "would-be" water line or condition it upon that water line. Mrs. Graves questioned if the Fire Marshal approved this submitted site plan. Mr. Montenegro stated that he did approve it, though obviously an 8" line would better serve the area. -25- Mr. Jones felt that the Commission should try to accomplish an 8" line at this time, and if the applicant had trouble with the condition of approval he could come back to the Commission for its review. Mr. Gloeckner asked about the time frame of the applicant. Mr. Lambert stated that he hopes to receive approval as soon as possible and begin construction when the weather breaks. Mr. Carr stated that the Commission needs to know the Service Authority's plans on this, or else take Mr. Payne's suggestion about posting funds. However, he felt this could be a problem if the engineer has not computed the cost. Mr. Payne stated that the bond would not be essential until the applicant is ready for a certificate of occupancy. If the necessary expenditures have not been computed at that time, he could seek relief from the condition of approval at that time. Mr. Carr questioned the de-cel lane. Mr. Gloeckner stated that this is a small private road with little traffic except interior traffic - there are only two residences, at the end of the road and they would yield approximately 14 vehicle trips per day. Mr. Montenegro also pointed out that such a requirement would be an off -site requirement. Mrs. Graves stated that it had been previously decided by the Commission that this might be an unreasonable condition of approval at this time. Mr. Carr agreed that a decel could be addressed at a later date when the corner is developed. Since there was no other discussion on points other than the water, the Commission returned to that point. Dr. Moore suggested that the applicant post bond as recommended by the County Attorney. Mr. Payne stated that would be the best way to execute condition #4 as recommended by the staff. Mr. Keeler agreed that it could later be appealed by the applicant, if it does not seem to be a reality at the time the CO is requested. Dr. Moore moved that the site plan be approved subject to the conditions recommended by the staff - conditions 1-3, and that condition #4 be reworded to state that the applicant is required to post bond for his share of completion of the 8" water line loop prior to receiving the certificate of occupancy. Mr. Payne stated that this is not necessary, since the ordinance controls this matter; he felt that the condition should remain as presented by the staff. Dr. Moore stated that this is agreeable. Mr. Barksdale seconded this motion. -26- Mr. Lambert asked if this addresses the applicant's being able to bring water from Berkmar ( a 2" line). Mr. Jones stated that this was not included in the motion. The chairman agreed with Mr. Jones. The motion to approve, subject to the four conditions recommended by the staff, carried unanimously, with no further discussion. ALBEMARLE BANK AND TRUST SITE PLAN: Mr. Montenegro presented the staff report, pointing out that the B-1 zoned land is located on Route 29 North, across from the entrance to Berkeley Subdivision. A previous site plan was approved on June 16, 1975, for a temporary facility. This temporary approval expired on December 16, 1976. This is a proposal to locate a three-storie 14,000 square foot banking and office facility on a 1.8+ acre site. This plan calls for 63 parking spaces including two handicapped spaces and two loading spaces. The plan also calls for a full third lane along the entire length of the property. The staff recommended approval subject to the following conditions: 1. The northern exit must be 18 feet in width and its alignment must be 55 degrees from the horizontal ( assuming that Route 29 North is the horizontal ); 2. The sign at the entrance shall be located 10 feet or more from the proposed fire hydrant; 3. Handicapped parking spaces must be located closer to the ramp provided; 4. A by-pass lane must be provided along northern side of the site; 5. Engineering Department approval of surface treatment on the site; 6. Engineering Department approval of retaining walls; 7. Grading permit; 8. Albemarle County Service Authority approval of sewer and water connections; 9. Highway Department approval of entrance and exit. Mr. Jones quesitoned if the parking were adequate. Mr. Montenegro stated that he went over the calculations with the architect and stated that they work out exactly. Dr. Moore questioned the height of the retaining walls. Mr. Wendell Wood stated that they are approximately 7 feet at the back and taper to approximately 3 feet. Dr. Moore asked if that is safe. Mr. Wood responded that the bank is above it. 19 When questioned about the requirements of the Highway Department, Mr. Coburn responded that the Highway Department concurs with the recommendations of the staff. -27- Mr. Jones again questioned the number of parking spaces. Mr. Keeler calculated, according to the total square footage, that the number of spaces needed was 66 spaces. Mr. Montenegro stated that there are different requirements for a building such as this: one space per 150 sq. ft of gross area in a bank is the requirement, and one space per 200 sq. ft. net area for office space. He also stated that this is an irregularly shaped building which decreases the floor space, and that one foot must be deducted from the entire perimeter of the building before the square footage can be determined for the interior of the building. Mr. Montenegro stated that he had spoken to the architect that day and had been informed that the sq. footage is 7,200. Mr. Gloeckner stated that in this case the County will have to take the architect's work that the office space is 7,200 feet, and if it isn't, then more parking spaces will have to be provided. Mr. Carr stated that such is the case, but the Commission is taking note of the questionable amount of space. If it does not meet the requirements, then the parking spaces will have to be increased. Mrs. Graves asked if the retaining walls will help the erosion of the bank. Mr. Wood replied that it will keep dirt out of the parking lot. Also 6' pines will be planted in front of the bank, which will conceal any erosion occurring or that has already occurred. Mrs. Graves asked if any seeding will be required by the grading permit. Mr. Montenegro stated that all earth will have to be stabilized. Mr. Jones quesitoned the exterior lighting angles. lighting angles Mr. Montenegro replied that all/nave been directed away from on -coming traffic and adjacent residences. Mr. Barksdale moved approval of the site plan subject to the nine conditions recommended by the staff. Mrs. Graves seconded the motion. Discussion: Mr. Carr stated that the parking facilities will have to meet the ordinance requirements and will be addressed at a later date. The motion to approve carried unanimously, with no further discussion. Mr. Jones asked if the Commission needs to address the new mall that is a topic of discussion before the City of Charlottesville, especially in view of the letter addressing county/city cooperation. Mr. Carr stated that according to the Chairman of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, the mall is not a topic of discussion until there is some overture from the City. : lz Mr. Carr advised Mr. Byron Coburn of the possible meeting with the Highway Department January 25, 1977, 7:00 p.m., to discussion Virginia Department of Highway and Planning Commission policies and how they relate to each other. 148) He asked if this were feasible. Mr. Coburn felt that it would be, though the Commission would be notified at a later date if it will take place. Since there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. 19