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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP201000003 Review Comments Special Use Permit 2010-03-17ALg�,�� �'IRGINZ�` COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE Department of Community Development 401 McIntire Road, Room 227 Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 -4596 Phone (434) 296 -5823 Fax (434) 972 -4012 MEMORANDUM TO: Claudette Grant FROM: Margaret Maliszewski DATE: March 17, 2010 RE: SP- 2010 -03; and ZMA- 09 -01: 5t" Street Avon Center (Related applications: ZMA- 06 -09, SP- 07 -04, ARB -06 -135) I have reviewed the documents submitted for the above - referenced project. I have the following comments. Issue: Proffers Comments: The proposed replacement text for the second sentence of paragraph IOD of the original proffers mentions "extensive roof design ". This phrase isn't clear. Also, Buildings are proposed with larger areas. This could make it more challenging for the building designs to meet the EC Guidelines. Particular guidelines that may become issues are those that deal with human scale, the treatment of long walls, and the use of architectural connecting devices. Recommendation: In the proffers (and wherever else it might appear), rewrite the "extensive roof design" phrase to clarify its meaning. The applicant should be aware that the larger building areas will likely make it more challenging to meet the EC Guidelines. Particular attention should be given to establishing appropriate scale, wall treatment, and connecting devices. Issue: Development Framework Comments: The language under "Other Conditions of Development for Building Zones C/E and F" is vague and will make future review difficult. Among the unclear phrases are: facades... oriented within a streetscape and urban design form, facades and rooflines ...integrated with the north/south streetscape, and integrated into streetscape design. Do this mean facades and rooflines will be either perpendicular or parallel to the north /south street? Does "integrated into streetscape design" mean something more than "will be present "? Recommendation: Revise the language under "Other Conditions of Development for Building Zones C/E and F" to more clearly and simply state the intent. Issue: Parking Structure Comments: Parking structure height is proposed up to 5 stories, which is equivalent to 60'. 60' is double the height of buildings illustrated in site sections that were reviewed by the ARB under ZMA -2006- 09 /ARB -06 -135. Any parts of proposed parking garage(s) that will be visible from the ECs will be required to meet all of the EC Guidelines. This means that even if the "back" of the structure is visible from the EC, the ARB will likely require that it be designed as a "front ". The taller the structure, the more likely it will be visible from the ECs. Deck -top lighting will likely be an issue that will be challenging to overcome. Recommendation: A roofed parking structure, with one or more levels below ground is recommended.