Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB202100134 Staff Report 2021-12-14ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT Project #/Name ARB-2021-134: Caliber Collision Major Amendment Review Type Major Amendment to a Site Plan Parcel Identification 04500-00-00-10600 Location 1720 Seminole Trail Zoned Highway Commercial (HQ / Entrance Corridor (EC) Owner/Applicant TAP Investments LLC / Cross Architects (Bret Flory) Magisterial District Rio Proposal To renovate an existing 9,200 sf building to establish an auto body shop in addition to associated site improvements on a 1.02-acre parcel. Context This parcel is located on the west side of Rt. 29 approximately 447' north of the Rt. 29 and Rio Road intersection. This portion of Route 29 is characterized by commercial development, including Albemarle Square Shopping Center across Rt. 29 to the east, self -storage buildings to the north/west, and Jefferson Coin and CVS to the south (Fig. 1). Visibility This site is readily visible from the Rt. 29 Entrance Corridor. Some views of the rear of the site are available from the Rio Rd. Entrance Corridor. ARB Meeting Date December 20, 2021 Staff Contact Khris Taggart SITE HISTORY A site plan was first approved for this site in 1973. The building was constructed in 1974, prior to the establishment of the Entrance Corridors. The ARB reviewed a sign for the site in 2006. That review resulted in a change from multiple cabinet signs attached to the building's fascia, to the current sign which is composed of white letters on a long, opaque blue background. CURRENT PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DETAILS On March 1, 2021 the ARB reviewed but did not recommend approval of the Special Use Permit for this site due to the screening issues related to new roof -mounted mechanical equipment for the auto body shop use. A work session was held during the April 5, 2021 ARB meeting where the ARB reviewed the revised proposal and recommended approval of the use and provided preliminary comments for the site plan submittal. On December 7, 2021 the Planning Commission reviewed the Special Use Permit for this site (SP-2021-03) and forwarded a recommendation of approval with revisions to the condition stated in the staff report to the Board of Supervisors. Figure 1: Pictometry image showing project area along the Rt. 29 Entrance Corridor. ANALYSIS REF GUIDELINE RECOMMENDATION from CURRENT ISSUE RECOMMENDATION April 5, 2021 meeting 12/20/21 GENERAL GUIDELINES Purpose, Compadbifity with significant historic sues 1 The goal of the regulation of the design of development within the designated Entrance See landscaping and fencing, below. The warehouse building was See landscaping and fencing Corridors is to ensure that new development within the corridors reflects the traditional constructed prior to the recommendations, below. architecture of the area. Therefore, it is the purpose of ARB review and of these establishment of the Entrance Guidelines, that proposed development within the designated Entrance Corridors Corridors. It does not reflect the reflect elements of design characteristic of the significant historical landmarks, traditions of local historic buildings, and structures of the Charlottesville and Albemarle area, and to promote architecture and the proposed orderly and attractive development within these corridors. Applicants should note that changes to the site will not alter replication of historic structures is neither required nor desired. that condition. Orderly and attractive 2 Visitors to the significant historical sites in the Charlottesville and Albemarle area experience these sites as ensembles of buildings, land, and vegetation. In order to development could be promoted accomplish the integration of buildings, land, and vegetation characteristic of these with the addition of appropriate sites, the Guidelines require attention to four primary factors: compatibility with landscaping and fencing. significant historic sites in the area; the character of the Entrance Corridor; site development and layout; and landscaping. 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. 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 requirements. Compatibility with the character of the Entrance Corridor 5 It is also an important objective of the Guidelines to establish a pattern of compatible See landscaping and equipment The building would be painted See landscaping architectural characteristics throughout the Entrance Corridor in order to achieve unity recommendations, below. a color (Nomadic Desert) that is recommendations, below. and coherence. Building designs should demonstrate sensitivity to other nearby compatible with the structures within the Entrance Corridor. Where a designated corridor is substantially surroundings. Mechanical developed, these Guidelines require striking a careful balance between harmonizing equipment screens, that match new development with the existing character of the corridor and achieving the existing building material compatibility with the significant historic sites in the area. and the proposed paint color, are shown screening both 10 Buildings should relate to their site and the surrounding context of buildings. existing and new roof -mounted equipment. Unity and coherence would be more substantially improved by brin in landsca ing into conformance with ordinance and uidelines re uirements. Structure design 9 Building forms and features, including roofs, windows, doors, materials, colors and None. With this proposal, no major Revise the architectural drawings textures should be compatible with the forms and features of the significant historic changes to the existing building to correctly note the illustrated buildings in the area, exemplified by (but not limited to) the buildings described in form are proposed. The building paint colors. Appendix A [of the design guidelines]. The standard of compatibility can be met proposed changes include through scale, materials, and forms which may be embodied in architecture which is painting of the building, the contemporary as well as traditional. The replication of important historic sites in addition of a garage bay door Albemarle County is not the objective of these guidelines. near the southeast comer of the building, mechanical equipment screens on the roof, and the infill of an existing opening along the north elevation. The building paint colors appear to be labeled incorrectly in a few locations on the elevation drawings. The front elevation notes the base and upper wall color as Nomadic Desert (PT-3) while the other elevations show Nomadic Desert as the upper wall color and Kilim Beige (PT-5) for the garage bay doors and the base alon the ri t elevation. 11 The overall design of buildings should have human scale. Scale should be integral to None. The scale of the building would None. the building and site design. not change with this proposal. The heavy fascia at the southeast corner and the length of blank walls on the north tend to diminish the sense of human scale. 12 Architecture proposed within the Entrance Corridor should use forms, shapes, scale, None. The proposal would not change None. and materials to create a cohesive whole. the building form, scale or materials. 13 Any appearance of "blankness" resulting from building design should be relieved See landscaping of building The proposal does not include See landscaping of building using design detail or vegetation, or both. recommendations, below. any proposed changes to the recommendations, below. existing blank elevations. 14 Arcades, colonnades, or other architectural connecting devices should be used to unify None. The site includes a single None. groups of buildings within a development. building so connecting devices are not necessary. 15 Trademark buildings and related features should be modified to meet the requirements None. The existing building is not None. of the Guidelines. reflective of any trademark design. The proposed paint colors appear to be standard for the company, but they do not create an overall trademark a eazance for the building. 16 Window glass in the Entrance Corridors should not be highly tinted or highly reflective. None. No window changes are None. Window glass in the Entrance Corridors should meet the following criteria: Visible proposed. light transmittance (VLT) shall not drop below 40%. Visible light reflectance (VLR) shall not exceed 30%. Specifications on the proposed window glass should be submitted with the applicafionforfinal review. Accessory structures and equipment 17 Accessory structures and equipment should be integrated into the overall plan of Revise the plans to show a dumpster The plan includes a detail (02 Revise the plans to show a development and shall, to the extent possible, be compatible with the building designs enclosure that has a coordinated on SP1.0) that is labeled dumpster enclosure that matches used on the site. appearance with the overall development. "Dumpster Enclosure" but the detail only addresses the the ornamental fencing. 18 The following should be located to eliminate visibility from the Entrance Corridor street. If, after appropriate siting, these features will still have a negative visual impact on the concrete pad. An enclosure to Revise the ornamental fence Entrance Corridor street, screening should be provided to eliminate visibility. a. Loading The additional mitigation measures match the approved screening detail to indicate material and areas, b. Service areas, c. Refuse areas, d. Storage areas, e. Mechanical equipment, f. shown for screening the rooftop fencing would be appropriate. color. Above -ground utilities, and g. Chain link fence, barbed wire, razor wire, and similar equipment appear appropriate. security fencing devices. Revise the plans show a fence The mechanical equipment screens reviewed during the Revise the ornamental fence detail to indicate screening fabric 19 Screening devices should be compatible with the design of the buildings and surrounding natural vegetation and may consist of. a. Walls, b. Plantings, and c. design that relates more closely to April 51 work session remain. color. Fencing. the building and the surrounding The screens match the existing commercial context. Consider building material and proposed Revise the plans to indicate a alternative, more durable screening color for the building and single color for the chain link materials. screen both the existing and fence vision slats that matches new roof -mounted equipment. the ornamental fencing. Revise the plans to indicate a compatible color for the vision slats The fence design, ornamental for the chain link fence. fencing with screening fabric, reviewed during the April 51 No increase in chain link fence is work session remains. Detail 08 approved. on sheet SPI.1 notes 1" sq. ornamental pickets but does not indicate fence material or the color for the fence and screening fabric. The perspective view shows the fencing and screening fabric as black or dark bronze which is expected to have an appropriate appearance. Due to the design of the proposed fencing, the screening of vehicles awaiting repair is reliant on the screening fabric attached to the fence. Durability is one of the considerations identified in the screening fence design criteria approved by the ARB for Countywide Certificates of Appropriateness. (See Table A.) The manufacturer's information for the screening fabric included with the submittal indicates a 10+ year life expectancy if properly installed. This appears to satisfy the material durability consideration. Vinyl privacy slats are proposed for the existing chain link fence. Two different colors are specified in the site plan (tan on SP1.1 and black on SP1.0). Matching the color of the ornamental fence and screening would help establish a more cohesive appear ce. 20 Surface runoff structures and detention ponds should be designed to fit into the natural None. No above -ground stormwater None. topography to avoid the need for screening. When visible from the Entrance Corridor facilities are existing or street, these features must be frilly integrated into the landscape. They should not have proposed. the appearance of engineered features. 21 The following note should be added to the site plan and the architectural plan: "Visibility Revise the site and architectural The note is not present on the Revise the site and architectural of all mechanical equipment from the Entrance Corridor shall be eliminated." plans to include the standard site or architectural plan. plans to include the standard mechanical equipment note. mechanical equipment note. 22-29 Lighting None. The site includes three pole If any new lighting is proposed lights and building -mounted revise the site plan set to provide lighting. The applicant proposes a complete lighting plan. no change to the lights. Three decorative streetlights were installed along Rt. 29 as part ofstreetscape improvements associated with the Rt. 29 upgrades. 30-31 Guidelines for the Use of Decorative Landscape Lighting None. No decorative lighting has been None. proposed. Landscaping 7 The requirements of the Guidelines regarding landscaping are intended to reflect the Note that the site changes that are Currently, a row of shrubs runs Revise the landscape plan to landscaping characteristic of many of the area's significant historic sites which is shown will require a Site Plan along the northern half of the show large trees with an upright characterized by large shade trees and lawns. Landscaping should promote visual order Amendment. A complete landscape east elevation of the building. habit and an arrangement of within the Entrance Corridor and help to integrate buildings into the existing plan should be provided with the There are no street trees along ornamental trees and shrubs at a environment of the corridor. first submittal of that amendment. the Rt. 29 Entrance Corridor. The plant schedule notes 11 minimum of 24" at time of planting in the planting area 8 Continuity within the Entrance Corridor should be obtained by planting different types of plant materials that share similar characteristics. Such common elements allow for boxwoods with no planting size along the frontage. more flexibility in the design of structures because common landscape features will indicated and 20 Japanese help to harmonize the appearance of development as seen from the street upon which Barberry specified at 3 gal. in the Corridor is centered. the planting bed along the EC elevation. This planting 32 Landscaping along the frontage of Entrance Corridor streets should include the following: arrangement is not typical of a. Large shade trees should be planted parallel to the Entrance Corridor Street. Such frontage landscaping. trees should be at least 3'/z 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 Base on the overall length every 35 feet on center. (148.56') of the EC frontage, 4 b. Flowering ornamental trees of a species common to the area should be interspersed large trees are required; among the trees required by the preceding paragraph. The ornamental trees need not however, due to the existing alternate one for one with the large shade trees. They may be planted among the large entrances to the site only shade trees in a less regular spacing pattern. approximately 81' of the c. In situations where appropriate, a three or four board fence or low stone wall, typical frontage has available planting of the area, should align the frontage of the Entrance Corridor street. area. This area is further limited by existing and potential future edestrian aths the Rio29 plan d. An area of sufficient width to accommodate the foregoing plantings and fencing recommends a 14' shared -use should be reserved parallel to the Entrance Corridor street, and exclusive of road right- path), and an overhead line, but of -way and utility easements. there appears to be available space for 1 or 2 large trees with an upright habit and an arrangement of ornamental trees and shrubs. 33 Landscaping along interior roads: None. There are no interior roads in None. a. Large trees should be planted parallel to all interior roads. Such trees should be at this site. 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: None. Other than the sidewalk around None. a. Medium trees should be planted parallel to all interior pedestrian ways. Such trees the southeast corner of the should be at least 2% inches caliper (measured six inches above the ground) and building there are no interior should be of a species common to the area. Such trees should be located at least every pedestrian ways within this site. 25 feet on center. 35 Landscaping of parking areas: Revise the plan to show landscaping The landscape plan has not Revise the plan to show large a. Large trees should align the perimeter of parking areas, located 40 feet on center. in the planting areas along the been revised to show any trees (with an upright habit where Trees should be planted in the interior of parking areas at the rate of one tree for every northern and southern perimeters of landscaping in the planting overhead lines are located 10 parking spaces provided and should be evenly distributed throughout the interior of the site. areas along the northern and nearby), spaced 40' on center and the parking area. southern perimeters of the site. 2'/z" caliper at time of planting in b. Trees required by the preceding paragraph should measure 2% inches caliper The changes that are proposed the planting areas along the (measured six inches above the ground); should be evenly spaced; and should be of a to north and south ends of the northern and southern perimeters species common to the area. Such trees should be planted in planters or medians building are minor and do not of the site. sufficiently large to maintain the health of the tree and shall be protected by curbing. help to soften the appearance of c. Shrubs should be provided as necessary to minimize the parking area's impact on these long elevations that are Entrance Corridor streets. Shrubs should measure 24 inches in height. mostly blank. No planting areas are existing or proposed along 36 Landscaping of buildings and other structures: a. Trees or other vegetation should be planted along the front of long buildings as these elevations but the addition necessary to soften the appearance of exterior walls. The spacing, size, and type of of trees along the northern and such trees or vegetation should be determined by the length, height, and blankness of southern perimeters of the site such walls. could help to soften the b. Shrubs should be used to integrate the site, buildings, and other structures; appearance of these blank dumpsters, accessory buildings and structures; "drive flim" windows; service areas; elevations and integrate the and signs. Shrubs should measure at least 24 inches in height. development into the EC. 37 Plant species: a. Plant species required should be as approved by the Staff based upon Provide a complete landscape plan A plant schedule has been None. but not limited to the Generic Landscape Plan Recommended Species List and Native with the first site plan submittal. provided with this submittal. Plants for Virginia Landscapes (Appendix D). The schedule notes two species of shrubs in the planting area along the frontage. The ro osed lants are on the list. 38 Plant health: The following note should be added to the landscape plan: "All site Include the plant health note on the The standard plant health note Add the standard plant health plantings of trees and shrubs shall be allowed to reach, and be maintained at, mature landscape plan in the first site plan is not present on the landscape note to the landscape plan. height; the topping of trees is prohibited. Shrubs and trees shall be pruned minimally submittal. plan. and only to support the overall health of theplant." Site development and layout 6 Site development should be sensitive to the existing natural landscape and should None. No major changes are proposed None. contribute to the creation of an organized development plan. This may be to the general site layout. The accomplished, to the extent practical, by preserving the trees and rolling terrain typical existing building is oriented of the area; planting new trees along streets and pedestrian ways and choosing species parallel to the Entrance that reflect native forest elements; insuring that any grading will blend into the Corridor. No changes are surrounding topography thereby creating a continuous landscape; preserving, to the proposed to the site entrances or extent practical, existing significant river and stream valleys which may be located on the sidewalk along Rt. 29. No the site and integrating these features into the design of surrounding development; and significant natural features limiting the building mass and height to a scale that does not overpower the natural remain on this property. Views settings of the site, or the Entrance Corridor. are not expected to be impacted. 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 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 relationship of the site to surrounding conditions None. No grading of the site is shown. None. by limiting the use of retaining walls and by shaping the terrain through the use of smooth, rounded landforms 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 within the drip line of any trees or other existing features designated for preservation in the final Certificate of Appropriateness. Adequate tree protection fencing should be shown on, and 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 completion of the development of the site. 43 Preservation areas should be protected from storage or movement of heavy equipment within this area. 44 Natural drainage patterns (or to the extent required, new drainage patterns) should be None. Existing drainage patterns are None. incorporated into the finished site to the extent possible. not proposed to be changed. Signs Sign applications are required for all No changes have been made to Please note separate sign proposed signs. Note that the the signage shown for the site applications are required for all number of colors in the wall sign since the previous submittal. proposed signs. The following exceeds the guidelines maximum While signage is reviewed and comment for the sign application and internal illumination of the approved by separate submittal has been provided: multicolor band will not likely be submission, the following Because the band includes more recommended. comments that were provided than 3 colors, staff recommends with the advisory review still that the band not be illuminated. apply: The ARB may require that the color and scale of standard templates for trademarks, service marks, corporate logos and graphics be modified. A wall sign is shown on the east end of the building. The sign is composed of individual white letters (possibly internally illuminated channel letters) above a rainbow -colored band. The number of colors in the sign exceeds the guidelines maximum; internal illumination of the band is not appropriate. m SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion: 1. The proposed frontage landscaping. 2. The proposed landscaping along the north and south perimeters of the site. 3. The design proposed for the new fence; the color of vision slats for the existing chain link fence. Staff offers the following recommendations on the proposal: 1. Revise the architectural drawings to correctly note the illustrated building paint colors. 2. Revise the plans to show a dumpster enclosure that matches the ornamental fencing. 3. Revise the ornamental fence detail to indicate material and color. 4. Revise the ornamental fence detail to indicate screening fabric color. 5. Revise the plans to indicate a single color for the chain link fence vision slats that matches the ornamental fencing. 6. Revise the site and architectural plans to include the standard mechanical equipment note: Visibility of all mechanical equipment from the Entrance Corridor shall be eliminated. 7. If any new lighting is proposed revise the site plan set to provide a complete lighting plan. 8. Revise the landscape plan to show large trees with an upright habit and an arrangement of ornamental trees and shrubs at a minimum of 24" at time of planting in the planting area along the frontage. 9. Revise the plan to show large trees (with an upright habit where overhead lines are located nearby), spaced 40' on center and 2%" caliper at time of planting in the planting areas along the northern and southern perimeters of the site. 10. Add the standard plant health note 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 the plant. 11. Please note separate sign applications are required for all proposed signs. The following comment for the sign application submittal has been provided: Because the band includes more than 3 colors, staff recommends that the band not be illuminated. ATTACHMENTS • Attach. 1: ARB2021-134: Caliber Collision Site Plan • Attach. 2: ARB2021-134: Caliber Collision Architectural Drawings TABLE A Design Criteria for Screening Fencing DESIGN CRITERIA Screening fencing Height Height should be as low as possible while maintaining full screening. Size/Scale Lengths of 80' or more must provide variation by using Length of fence should be mitigated through surface changes in height, different material combinations, relief, either in detail or massing. projections forward or back, piers, other similar features, or a combination of these. Structure Design Minimize the place of the fence structure in the landscape. Detailing should be used to mitigate surface and Ornamental screening fences may be approved on Design and detailing should be simple. texture. a case -by -case basis. Fences along pedestrian routes should be scaled and detailed relative to human size. Materials Possible fence materials include wood, wood composite, No chain link with or without vinyl slats. No barbed Metal panel fencing will likely require planting stone, brick, decorative concrete block, metal panels, or a wire, razor wire or similar devices. along the fence for mitigation. combination of these materials. Length and visibility of fence will be considered in determining appropriate fence material. Fence material should match or complement the materials found on the building and/or adjoining structures or landscape. Fence materials should have a proven track record of durability and longevity relative to color retention and overall appearance. Colors Color should be neutral — for example: gray, brown, or No shiny, reflective finishes. Flat finishes are required. black. A white screening fence will rarely be appropriate. Planting Planting should be used in masses to mitigate the visual Placement of planting shall be sufficient to allow for Fences longer than 40' shall include one evergreen impact of the length of the fence. proper plant growth. tree or 3 shrubs for each 40-foot section or portion thereof planted on the public side. Location Areas requiring screening should be placed behind buildings, as viewed from the EC. If buildings are not available for screening, areas and features to be screened should be located as far from the EC as possible. Locating screening fences along pedestrian paths should be limited. 12