HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP200900090 Review Comments No Submittal Type Selected 2010-02-25�� OF ALg�
County of Albemarle
Department of Community Development
Memorandum
To:
Phil Custer
From:
Bill Fritz
Division:
Current Development
Date:
February 25, 2010
Subject: SDP 2009 -90 Martha Jefferson Hospital Parking Garage
This memo is to address various waivers /modifications requested by the applicant for this project.
Waiver of Section 18- 4.12.16.c.1 Minimum Parking Space Size
The design proposed by the applicant may be accepted. Some parking spaces are less than 18 feet due to
column encroachment. However, the adjacent travel aisle is greater than 24 feet. I believe that the
reduction is consistent with typical parking garage design. This decision was reached after researching
the design requirements in other jurisdictions.
Waiver of Section 18- 4.12.15.c Maximum Grade in Parking Areas
The design proposed by the applicant may be accepted. I believe that the increase in slope is consistent
with typical parking garage design. This decision was reached after researching the design requirements
in other jurisdictions.
Waiver of Section 18- 4.12.15.d Sight Distance in Parking Areas
The design proposed by the applicant is not approved. Stop bars /signage is to be installed at every
intersection where inadequate sight distance exists.
Appeal of Section 18- 32.7.2.8 Pedestrian Walkways within the Site Plan
The sidewalks along the north side of Lot G from the eastern corner to the second entrance to the parking
garage may be eliminated. Adequate alternative pedestrian access exists. This is not a waiver of this
provision it is an interpretation that this provision of the ordinance has been met by the design proposed
by the applicant.
Appeal of Section 18- 32.7.2.A.e Parking Structures
This section of the ordinance states: "The structure shall be designed so that the light from all vehicle
headlights and all lighting fixtures will not routinely shine directly outside the structure."
The issue under review is the lights from vehicles. When parked the height of the knee wall will be
adequate to block most if not all vehicle lights. Some larger vehicles may have some light escape from the
garage. The main issue is the light from vehicles as they are driving on the ramps. Lights from these
vehicles will be directed above the knee wall. The applicant states that the presence of parked vehicles will
serve to reduce light escape from the garage.
I have reviewed ordinances from other localities, the zoning text amendment for parking structures and
other literature regarding the design of parking structures. I believe that the occasional light escape that
will occur from oversized vehicles and vehicles on the ramp is not prohibited by the ordinance.
This is not a waiver of this provision it is an interpretation that this provision of the ordinance has been
met by the design proposed by the applicant.