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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZMA200700004 Staff Report Zoning Map Amendment 2007-10-30COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE PLANNING STAFF REPORT SUMMARY Project Name: ZMA 07-04 Oakleigh Farm Staff: Claudette Grant Planning Commission Public Hearing: Board of Supervisors Public Hearing: October 30, 2007 December 12, 2007 Owners: George Ray Applicant: Terra Concepts represented by Steve Edwards Acreage: 8.82 Rezone: 8.82 acres from R-6 to Neighborhood Model District TMP: Tax Map 45, Parcel 26A By -right use: 53 dwelling units and up to 78 dwelling units with a density bonus or other Location: 547 Rio Road West (Route 631) supporting uses permitted in R-6 such as directly across the street from Woodburn Road schools, churches, and clubs by special use (Route 659) (See Attachments A and B) permit. Magisterial District: Rio Proffers: Yes Proposal: Rezone to provide 109 dwelling units Requested # of Dwelling Units: 109 and up to 28,800 square feet of commercial space. DA (Development Area): Neighborhood One Comp. Plan Designation: Urban Density Residential Character of Property: Along Rio Road the Use of Surrounding Properties: Along Rio property contains an open pasture which is Road, Berkmar Crossing lies to the east of the roughly 1/3 of the property. The remaining 2/3 of property and the Garden Spot lies to the west. A the property contains mature trees, a house, small townhouse community is across Rio Road barn, bomb shelter, and a few smaller areas not from the property. Heritage Hall is adjacent to covered by mature tree canopy. the parcel at the back of the property and the Berkeley subdivision lies to the South. The intersection of Rio Road and U.S. Route 29 is approximately 1/3 of a mile away. Factors Favorable: Factors Unfavorable: 1. The proposal meets most of the 1. Impacts on public facilities are not principles of the Neighborhood Model. appropriately offset through proffers meeting the County's cash proffer policy 2. The applicant is proposing to preserve or the provision of public improvements. 39 of the existing mature trees. 2. Timing of payment for affordable units needs to be better addressed. 3. The provision of a buffer along the common property line with Heritage Hall needs to be addressed. 4. The pedestrian connection to Berkeley needs to be addressed. 5. The limitation of square footage for retail vs. office use needs to be clearly stated in the Code of Development and be consistent with the plan and proffer. Oakleigh Farm PC Public Hearing 10/30/07 Oakleigh Farm PC Public Hearing 10/30/07 6. An easement or agreement allowing the interconnection of adjacent property needs to be provided. 7. The proffers need technical revisions. 8. The Code of Development needs technical revisions. 9. ARB comments need to be addressed. RECOMMENDATION: Without resolution of the aforementioned outstanding issues, staff cannot recommend approval. Should the Planning Commission wish to recommend approval of this proposal to the Board inclusive of proffers, code of development, and the general development plan, staff recommends that this recommendation be based on resolution of the nine (9) outstanding issues listed above before the Board acts on this rezoning. Oakleigh Farm PC Public Hearing 10/30/07 STAFF PERSON: Claudette Grant PLANNING COMMISSION: October 30, 2007 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: December 12, 2007 ZMA 2007- 004 Oakleigh Farm Request for approval of parking waiver PETITION PROPOSAL: Rezone 8.82 acres from R-6 zoning district which allows residential uses and 6 units/acre to NMD - Neighborhood Model zoning district which allows residential mixed with commercial, service and industrial uses and 3 — 34 units/acre. Proposed number of units is 109 for a density of 12.3 units/acre. PROFFERS: Yes EXISTING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE/DENSITY: Urban Density Residential - residential (6.01-34 units/acre) and supporting uses such as religious institutions, schools, commercial, office and service uses. Neighborhood 1 ENTRANCE CORRIDOR: Yes LOCATION: 547 Rio Road West (Route 631) directly across the street from Woodburn Road (Route 659) TAX MAP/PARCEL: TM: 45/P: 26A MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Rio CHARACTER OF THE AREA The property is located at 547 Rio Road West (Route 631) directly across the street from Woodburn Road (Route 659). The portion of this property adjacent to Rio Road contains an open pasture, which is roughly 1/3 of the property. The remaining 2/3 of the property contains mature trees, a house, barn, bomb shelter, and a few smaller areas not covered by a mature tree canopy. Berkmar Crossing, a commercial property, is adjacent to the east of the subject property and the Garden Spot, a landscape business is located to the west. A small townhouse community is located across Rio Road from the property. Heritage Hall, an elderly residential facility, is adjacent to the parcel at the rear of the property and the Berkeley residential subdivision lies to the South. The intersection of Rio Road and U.S. Route 29 is approximately 1/3 of a mile away. SPECIFICS OF THE PROPOSAL The applicant would like to rezone one parcel from R-6, residential to NMD, Neighborhood Model District. The proposal would include the development of 109 dwelling units, and up to 28,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. The primary entrance to this development would be on Rio Road with an interconnection to the adjacent Berkmar Crossing property. At the front of the property, the applicant is proposing residential uses on top of commercial space. The remainder of the parcel is proposed to be developed with a variety of residential units in the form of townhouses, multifamily, and two single family cottages surrounding an open space/green area in which the applicant intends to maintain a number of existing stately oak trees. The applicant has provided copies of the Code of Development for the Commission to review. The Code of Development has a number of technical deficiencies that must be resolved prior to rezoning approval. (See Attachment C) APPLICANT'S JUSTIFICATION FOR THE REQUEST The applicant proposes to provide a mixed-use development in keeping with the neighborhood model principles within the development area that complements the existing surroundings, respects the history of the property and provides some protection to the natural features of the site. 3 Oakleigh Farm PC Public Hearing 10/30/07 PLANNING AND ZONING HISTORY Prior to 1980 this property was zoned R-2, residential. The applicant has stated that the property was owned by the Nuttycombe family from at least 1897 until 2002 when Louise Nuttycombe died. This property has been parceled off over the years. A house was built on the site in 1990. After the sale of the property in 2006, a building on the site, which was the old farm house was removed by demolition. BACKGROUND A work session with the Planning Commission was held on June 19, 2007 in order to introduce the Commission to the project, provide an opportunity for public comment and discuss the following issues: The appropriateness of the applicant's proposed commercial uses The necessity of a buffer to screen the proposal from adjacent properties The need to bond trees that are proposed to be retained The need to investigate a pedestrian connection to Berkeley subdivision The proposed form and massing along Rio Road and the way that form relates to existing structures along Rio. Since the work session, the applicant decided to provide revisions to the code of development and increase the residential units from 101 to 109. The applicant has agreed to limit the square footage of retail space to 14,400 square feet as requested by the Planning Commission and provide the balance of non-residential space for office use, bringing the total non-residential square footage in this development to 28,000 square feet. The entrance to the site has been reconfigured as requested by the Planning Commission, so that it lines up with Woodburn Rd. During the work session, the slip ramp was discussed as an emergency entrance. The applicant has provided the slip ramp for emergency situations only and the County Engineer is satisfied with this solution. The Commission asked the applicant to discuss the addition of a screening buffer with the adjacent Heritage Hall property owner(s). The revised plan shows an amenity area adjacent to the Heritage Hall property. The applicant has not indicated or provided information regarding a discussion with Heritage Hall about this issue. The Commission also agreed that the applicant should attempt to provide a pedestrian connection to Berkeley by meeting with residents of Berkeley. The applicant has not indicated or provided information regarding a meeting with the residents of Berkeley regarding this issue. A detailed summary of questions asked of the Commission and the Commission's response is provided in Attachment D. CONFORMITY WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The Comprehensive Plan designates this property as Urban Density residential at a density of between 6.01 to 20 dwellings per acre, with possible densities of up to 34 dwellings per acre under a planned development approach. The Comprehensive Plan does not contain any specific recommendations related to this parcel or its immediate surroundings. The following recommendations guide the Urban Density Designation: • Urban Density Residential areas are intended to accommodate all dwelling types as well as institutional uses such as places of worship, public and private schools, and early childhood education centers including day care centers and preschools. • Urban Density Residential designations are not intended for development at densities below 6 dwellings per acre. • Developments within an Urban Density Residential area are expected to occur 4 Oakleigh Farm PC Public Hearing 10/30/07 within the designated range of 6.01 to 34 dwelling units per acre and, to the greatest extent practicable, to maximize the developed density with a form in keeping with the Neighborhood Model. • Development densities within the Urban Density Residential area should ultimately be based on environmental criteria, road function and condition, available utilities, adjacent land uses, and site requirements. • It is anticipated that Urban Density Residential areas will accommodate areas of nonresidential land uses on the scale of Neighborhood Service and Office Service as defined later in the Land Use chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. Based on the preceding recommendations for Urban Density residential, staff believes the residential component of the applicant's proposal is in keeping with the Urban Density residential designation. Specifically, the applicant is proposing a mix of residential uses (townhouse, multifamily, and condos above commercial space) at a density of 12.3 units per acre. Regarding the non-residential uses, the Comprehensive Plan recommends that neighborhood commercial -scaled uses be less than 40,000 sq. ft. and that office -service scaled uses be less than 150,000 sq. ft. The applicant proposes a maximum of 28,000 sq. ft. of non- residential space on his property for office and retail/service uses. The following information was part of the original analysis provided to the Planning Commission. During the work session, the Planning Commission responded to the issue regarding commercial square footage by limiting the amount of square feet of retail use, and as previously mentioned in this report, the applicant has responded accordingly. As discussed at the Planning Commission worksession, the project is proposed adjacent to Berkmar Crossing, which has a Commercial Service designation in the Comprehensive Plan and provides a total of 111,000 sq. ft. of non-residential space with 81,000 sq. ft. in office space and 30,000 sq. ft. in retail and service uses. The appropriateness of Neighborhood Service scaled commercial in the Urban Density Residential is based on the existing context and existing availability of services and general mix of uses. Further, it should also be noted that Neighborhood Model District zoning should ideally contain a mix of residential and non- residential uses. If commercial uses did not exist adjacent to the subject property, the applicant's proposal for (28,000 sq. ft of commercial with 109 dwelling units) would be an excellent response to the Neighborhood Model. The Planning Commission requested that the applicant reduce the square footage of retail to 14,400 sq. ft. because of the existing commercial uses in the area. While the applicant is providing a maximum of 28,000 sq. ft. of non-residential uses, which includes office uses with the maximum 14,400 sq. ft. of retail uses, this commitment is not consistent or clearly depicted in the code of development and plan. Nearby neighborhood service areas include a mix of office and retail/service uses at Four Seasons, which is less than a mile away. The U.S. Route 29 corridor, also less than a mile away, contains community and regional service -scaled commercial development. Given the availability of office and retail/service uses adjacent to the site and in the immediate area, it may be that the applicant's proposal is in excess of what the neighborhood needs based on its designation. 5 Oakleigh Farm PC Public Hearing 10/30/07 Principles of the Neighborhood Model -- Conformity with the Neighborhood Model is assessed below: Pedestrian Sidewalks are provided along Rio Road and Berkmar Drive, which will Orientation provide convenient access from the Oakleigh development to other nearby commercial uses, and public transportation. Within the Oakleigh development sidewalks and pathways are shown through out the development making this a pedestrian friendly development. However, during the worksession, the Planning Commission said that the applicant should attempt to provide a pedestrian connection to Berkeley. The applicant did not provide information confirming a meeting took place with the residents of Berkeley. This principle is not met. Neighborhood The streets in Oakleigh are primarily designed as travelways. Slow traffic Friendly Streets speeds, low traffic volumes, and landscaped roadways with sidewalks will and Paths help to make the streets and paths neighborhood friendly. This principle is met. Interconnected Interconnection is shown on the plan into the Berkmar Crossing Streets and development. This interconnection will help facilitate the transportation Transportation network related to Oakleigh Farm because there is a traffic signal at one of Networks the Berkmar Crossing accesses and Rio Road. The access from Rio Road to the Oakleigh Farm development is not proposed to be signalized. Easements or agreements allowing this interconnection will need to be provided prior to the rezoning. With provision of an easement or agreement this principle is met. Parks and Open There will be a park located in the center of the development where many Space of the older large trees will be preserved. Benches, paths and gardens will help facilitate this space into a park like environment. Additional amenities to the site will be a tot lot for children. This principle is met. Neighborhood The park area and commercial space within the Oakleigh development Centers may serve as centers to area residents. This principle is met. Buildings and The correct height of the proposed buildings is not known due to Spaces of Human discrepancies in the visionary statement and the Code of Development Scale related to building heights. There is not enough information to determine if this principle is met. Relegated Parking Although some of the parking in block two will be provided underneath the residential structures and in garages, some of this parking will also be provided to the front and side of buildings. Parking is also shown in Block one in front of Building B. The applicant has taken out some of the parking spaces in front of Building B at the request of the ARB, which now satisfies the ARB. Staff believes that parking would be better relegated if Building B were adjacent to Rio Rd. This principle is met in part. Mixture of Uses This development proposes commercial uses in the two buildings located in block one with residential uses located above this commercial space and residential uses located in block 2. This principle is met. Mixture of Housing The applicant proposes to provide townhouses, apartments, condominiums Types and and single-family detached cottages. A proffer is also provided that Affordability provides cash to the County in the amount based on the County's affordable housing policy. This principle is met. Redevelopment Oakleigh Farm is an example of an infill development. Site Planning that The applicant is making a large effort to preserve many of the existing Respects Terrain mature trees on the site and do as little grading as possible. This principle is met. Oakleigh Farm PC Public Hearing 10/30/07 Clear Boundaries This development is located in the development area. This principle is not with the Rural applicable. Areas STAFF COMMENT Relationship between the application and the purpose and intent of the requested zoning district: The purpose and intent of the Neighborhood Model District (NMD) is to establish a planned development district in which traditional neighborhood development, as established in the County's Neighborhood Model, will occur. The NMD provides for compact, mixed-use developments with an urban scale, massing, density and an infrastructure configuration that integrates diversified uses within close proximity to each other within the development areas identified in the comprehensive plan. The existing Residential (R-6) zoning district provides for compact, medium -density residential development; permits a variety of housing types; and provides incentives for clustering of development and provision of locational, environmental and developmental amenities. Staff believes that the proposal meets the intent of the Neighborhood Model District (NMD). Public need and justification for the change: The County's Comprehensive Plan supports development in the designated development area that is consistent with use, density, and form recommended in the Plan. Oakleigh Farm uses and form are viewed as being generally in conformity with the Comprehensive Plan. Impact on Environmental, Cultural, and Historic Resources: None of the environmental features is shown on the County's Open Space Plan, although the trees on the site are considered by many to be important resources. To respond, the applicant has provided a proffer for tree preservation as well as sections within the Code of Development regarding tree preservation efforts. Regarding historical resources, the only resources identified on the site in the Open Space Plan is the Nuttycombe farmhouse which dates to 1897. Prior to the applicant purchasing this property, a demolition permit was approved and the previous owner demolished that historic resource. Anticipated impact on public facilities and services: Streets: Although this project will increase traffic to an already high volume traffic road and area, as shown in the traffic study the relatively small to medium size of this project will not add any more impacts to this already high impacted area. (See Attachment E) Water and Sewer: Despite follow-up requests to the Albemarle County Service Authority, the only information staff has been given regarding this property from the Albemarle County Service Authority is provided in Attachment I. This attachment relates to a by -right proposal (Oakleigh Townhomes) located on the same tax map and parcel as the Oakleigh Farms proposal. This attachment is dated June 29, 2005. (See Attachment 1) Schools: Children from this development would attend Agnor-Hurt Elementary School, Burley Middle School and Albemarle High School. This development is expected to generate approximately 13.7 elementary school pupils, 7.23 middle school pupils, and 6.2 high school pupils. Fire, Rescue, Police: The Seminole Trail fire - rescue station serves this site. Albemarle County 5th Street Office Building contains the County's Police Department, although the police patrol all areas of the 7 Oakleigh Farm PC Public Hearing 10/30/07 County. Current policy of police services recommends an average response time of 10 minutes for all Development Areas. No impact to these facilities is expected. Stormwater Management: The applicant proposes managing the entire volume of storm water from this development through underground detention and storm water management ponds. In general, this approach is acceptable in the County's urban areas. The general development plan indicates the applicant will address storm water quality and quantity through the system proposed. Engineering has no objection with the management concepts proposed. Anticipated impact on nearby and surrounding properties: The residential and commercial aspects of this project are very much in keeping with the existing surrounding properties, which are also comprised of residential and commercial uses. However, this property is primarily wooded, which adds a particular characteristic and level of privacy for the adjacent properties. As previously mentioned in this report, during the Planning Commission work session, the Commission discussed the provision of a buffer along the common property line with Heritage Hall. Most of the Commissioners agreed with staff that a parking—driveway setback of 10 feet and a continuous screening buffer would allow for screening in the future should the existing wooded areas on the Heritage Hall property be eliminated. The Commission asked the applicant to discuss this issue with Heritage Hall. The applicant has not indicated if this discussion has occurred. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD COMMENT The proposed Oakleigh Farm development falls within Rio Road Entrance Corridor, therefore, this project was reviewed by the ARB on September 17, 2007. (See Attachments F and G) In summary: • The ARB suggested revised proffer language in order to address replacement/compensation for existing mature trees in the event that they die. • The ARB felt revisions should be made to the code of development regarding landscaping along the eastern property line, east of Buildings B and D. • At the ARB meeting the ARB requested the Architectural Standards required for the code of development be submitted for their review. The applicant has since revised the code of development to include this information; however, the ARB has not reviewed this information as yet. CODE OF DEVELOPMENT There are many technical changes needed to the code of development; however, they are things that do not require Planning Commission involvement and staff believes the applicant can address them before the Board of Supervisors hearing. Staff believes the following substantive issues need resolution before all changes to the Code can be made. • Whether a buffer along the common property line with Heritage Hall should be provided. • Whether a pedestrian connection to Berkeley should be made. • Confirmation that the applicant will have only 14,400 sq. ft. devoted to retail since it is not clearly stated within the code of development and consistent with the plan. • An easement or agreement will need to be submitted prior to the rezoning that allows the interconnection to occur between Oakleigh Farm and Berkmar Crossing. g Oakleigh Farm PC Public Hearing 10/30/07 PROFFERS Proffer 1. Affordable Housing: The applicant will contribute cash in the amount of $19,100 for each affordable unit to the County. Sixteen units or a cash equivalent should be provided for 16.35 units. The total cash will be provided for 15% affordable housing units and should reflect the portion of an affordable unit. Also the applicant has proposed 16 payments over the course of the project. Staff believes that having the cash provided in four payments would be preferable. Proffer 2. Cash for Capital Improvements Program: The applicant proposes a cash contribution to the County in the amount of $3,204.59 for each dwelling unit for the mitigation of impacts from the project for schools, libraries, fire, rescue, parks, transportation or any other public use serving Neighborhood One. Staff believes that, to mitigate impacts, this amount should reflect the County policy of: • $17,500 per single family detached (sfd) unit • $11,900 per townhouse/condominium • $12,400 per multi-family/apartment. Based on 2 single family detached units, 91 single family attached/townhouse units, and 16 multi -family units, the total expected amount would be $1,316,300. The total amount provided in the proffers is $349,300.00 The applicant disagrees and believes that the Board of Supervisors intended that credit should be given for 52 units that could be built by -right,. The applicant also believes that credit should be given for preservation of some of the trees on the site. Staff does not believe that the Board intended for credit to be given in either of these two circumstances. If cash proffers are provided, the total that addresses the impacts of this project on public facilities based on County policy is $1,316,300. Proffer 3. Annual Adjustment of Cash Proffers: The amount of each cash contribution required shall be adjusted annually until paid. This is based on the Consumer Price Index. This language will be revised to be consistent with other similar proffers to the County. Proffer 4. Tree Preservation: The applicant proposes in the Code of Development a tree protection plan for thirty nine (39) trees within Oakleigh Farm. ARB Staff has suggested some additional language regarding this proffer. (See Attachment G) Proffer 5. Limitation on Retail use of Commercial Space: This proffer limits the non-residential space within the project to Buildings A and B on the Application Plan and limits the square footage of non-residential space for retail uses. The Code and Plan need to be consistent with each other and the proffer. Proffer 6. Emergency Accessway: The applicant shall design and construct an emergency accessway into the project in the northwest corner for emergency use only. At this time, staff is unclear whether this commitment is necessary as a proffer but will advise at the Planning Commission meeting. Proffer 7. Pedestrian Easement: This proffer directs the Homeowner's Association to grant a pedestrian easement over all walkways, which directly connect with property outside of Oakleigh Farm. In addition to these comments, the proffers are in need of technical and language revisions. (See Attachment H) 9 Oakleigh Farm PC Public Hearing 10/30/07 WAIVERS Staff does not have the necessary information regarding the parking calculations in order to determine a recommendation for the parking waiver request. Therefore, the parking waiver request cannot be recommended for approval until the parking calculations are corrected in the Code of Development. SUMMARY Staff has identified the following factors, which are favorable to this rezoning request: 1. The proposal meets most of the principles of the Neighborhood Model. 2. The applicant is proposing to preserve 39 of the existing mature trees. The following lists substantive and technical issues, some of which regard the proffers that are still outstanding and unfavorable to this rezoning request: 1. Impacts on public facilities are not appropriately offset through proffers meeting the County's cash proffer policy or the provision of public improvements. 2. Timing of payment for affordable units needs to be better addressed. 3. The provision of a buffer along the common property line with Heritage Hall needs to be addressed. 4. The pedestrian connection to Berkeley needs to be addressed. 5. The limitation of square footage for retail vs. office use needs to be clearly stated in the Code of Development and be consistent with the plan and proffer. 6. An easement or agreement allowing the interconnection of adjacent property needs to be provided. 7. The proffers need technical revisions. 8. The Code of Development needs technical revisions. 9. ARB comments need to be addressed. RECOMMENDATION Without resolution of the aforementioned outstanding issues, staff cannot recommend approval. Should the Planning Commission wish to recommend approval of this proposal to the Board inclusive of proffers, code of development, and the general development plan, staff recommends that this recommendation be based on resolution of the nine (9) outstanding issues listed above before the Board acts on this rezoning. ATTACHMENTS ATTACHMENT A — Tax Map ATTACHMENT B — Location Map ATTACHMENT C — Code of Development ATTACHMENT D — Planning Commission Final Action Memo, dated June 19, 2007 ATTACHMENT E — Electronic Mail from Joel Denunzio-VDOT, dated October 23, 2007 ATTACHMENT F — Letter to Mr. Edwards from Margaret Maliszewski, dated October 8, 2007 ATTACHMENT G — Memo from Margaret Maliszewski, dated October 17, 2007 ATTACHMENT H - Proffers, dated September 4, 2007 ATTACHMENT I — Memo from Gary Whelan, dated June 29, 2005 10 Oakleigh Farm PC Public Hearing 10/30/07