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HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB201000098 Review Comments Preliminary Site Plan 2010-11-01ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT Project #/Name ARB- 2010 -98: Crozet Library Phase 1 Review Type Final review of a Site Development Plan for Phase 1 Parcel Identification Tax Map 56A2, Section 1, Parcel 18 Location 1171 Crozet Avenue, on the east side of Route 240, approximately 250' north of Tabor Street Zoned Downtown Crozet District (DCD), Entrance Corridor (EC) Owner /Applicant County of Albemarle /Ron Lilley Magisterial District Whitehall Proposal To construct a parking lot with landscaping and lighting as Phase 1 of the library construction. Context The library site is located on the east side of Crozet Avenue (Route 240), just south of the new Main Street. A two - story frame house and the Tabor Presbyterian Church are located to the south. Three one -story commercial buildings are located to the north of the library site on the same side of Crozet Avenue. Across Crozet Avenue to the west are one- and two -story commercial buildings and the Crozet United Methodist Church. The house, carport and sheds that previously occupied the library site have been demolished. Mature trees remain on site. A stone retaining wall borders the front of the property at the sidewalk. This portion of Crozet Avenue falls within the proposed Crozet National Register Historic District. Visibility The proposed parking lot is set back approximately 200' from the Entrance Corridor street. Crozet Avenue in the vicinity of the library site rises in elevation from south to north from 685' to 690'. The front of the site slopes up from the road at 691' to 704' near the biofilter, with a very regular slope around the northwest corner of the site. The elevation of the parking lot rises from 705' at its west end closest to the EC to 715' at the east end. Parked cars are expected to be visible from the EC. ARB Meeting Date November 1, 2010 Staff Contact Margaret Maliszewski PROJECT HISTORY DATE APPLICATION/REVIEW TYPE RESULT Current Main Street is under construction at this time. It is anticipated that this construction will be completed prior to construction of the library project. Current SDP - 2009 -67 The site plan for the library is currently under review. The Current landscaping are intended to reflect the Development division may grant preliminary approval of phase 2 of the site plan without ARB approval. April 7, 2010 BOS meeting The division of the project into two phases was approved by the BOS. November 2, 2009 ARB- 2009 -89 The ARB completed a preliminary review of the library proposal and by large shade trees and lawns. Landscaping offered a number of comments for the applicant's next submittal. See Attachment A for the action letter from this meeting. June 3, 2009 BOS meeting The BOS approved the schematic design for the library and directed staff to Corridor and help to integrate buildings into the properties that currently exist on the corridor do proceed to construction design. October 20, 2008 ARB work session The ARB held a work session on the preliminary design of the library. ANALYSIS REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION Landscaping 7 The requirements of the Guidelines regarding No building will be constructed during Phase 1. None. landscaping are intended to reflect the When the library is constructed, it will be built landscaping characteristic of many of the area's close to the road, as the zoning regulations specify significant historic sites which is characterized for the Downtown Crozet District. Consequently, a by large shade trees and lawns. Landscaping lawn with shade trees will not be appropriate at that should promote visual order within the Entrance time. However, the residential and religious Corridor and help to integrate buildings into the properties that currently exist on the corridor do existing environment of the corridor. have lawns with shade trees. The current plan for Phase 1 maintains a lawn at the front of the property, but shade trees are limited to the three that currently exist along the southern property line, and those proposed in the biofilter, 135' from the EC. The open lawn will likely appear out of place due to the lack of trees and the regular grade u from the northwest corner. The parking lot will REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION likely be in place for at least two years without the library. Any trees added in the lawn in Phase 1 would have to be removed for Phase 2 construction. If the library remains on schedule, the trees planted in the lawn would not have time to grow to a mature size that would have a significant impact on the EC. Planting trees in the Phase 1 lawn becomes more important if library construction does not remain on schedule. Lighting 20 Light should be contained on the site and not A photometric plan was not provided. A lighting Provide a complete lighting plan spill over onto adjacent properties or streets; schedule was not provided. with lighting schedule as part of the site plan set. Include all 21 Light should be shielded, recessed or flush- Full cutoff fixtures are proposed, but the cut sheets mounted to eliminate glare; must be included on a sheet in the site plan set. exterior lighting, both site lights and wall lights, on the plan. 22 The light should achieve an incandescent effect; The proposed fixtures are available with metal halide and high pressure sodium lamps. High Include the cut sheets as part of pressure sodium lamps have a pink- tinted glow, the site plan set. Reduce the which is not recommended. height of parking lot pole lights to 20' maximum, including any 23 Dark brown, dark bronze, or black are The proposed fixtures and poles come with a appropriate colors for free - standing pole standard bronze finish. For clarity, the color should bases. Indicate the color /finish of mounted light fixtures in the Entrance Corridors. be identified on the lighting lan. the fixtures and poles on the lighting plan. Indicate in the 24 The height and scale of freestanding, pole- The cut sheet for the light poles indicates that the mounted light fixtures should be compatible proposed pole height is 25'. 20' was identified as schedule the type of lamps with the height and scale of the buildings and an acceptable height for this location in the proposed; high pressure sodium the sites they are illuminating, and with the use previous ARB review. (See comments below under lamps are not recommended. of the site. Typically, freestanding pole- mounted "Applicable Comments from Previous Review ".) light fixtures in the Entrance Corridors should Consequently, the proposed height remains not exceed 15 feet in height. Fixtures that excessive. exceed 15 feet in height will typically require additional screening to achieve an appropriate appearance from the Entrance Corridor. Site development and layout/Grading 6 Site development should be sensitive to the Many of the older properties on the east side of Revise the grading on the north existing natural landscape and should contribute Crozet Avenue, like the library site, have lawns and west sides of the site to to the creation of an organized development that slope up from a low retaining wall at the road. achieve a more gradual, less plan. This may be accomplished, to the extent With the construction of Main Street on the north abrupt, slope with a more practical, by preserving the trees and rolling side of the site, the continuity of the topography natural, less engineered, REF 34 35 37 38 O GUIDELINE terrain typical of the area; planting new trees along streets and pedestrian ways and choosing species that reflect native forest elements; insuring that any grading will blend into the surrounding topography thereby creating a continuous landscape. The site grading should respect the existing topographic characteristics of the site and blend with adjacent properties. Site grading should not change the basic relationship of the site to surrounding conditions. Cut and fill slopes should be rounded (minimum ten foot radius) to meet adjacent conditions. 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 ADDrollriateness. Landscaping of parking areas: a. Trees should align the perimeter of parking areas, located 40 feet on center. Trees should be planted in the interior of parking areas at the rate of one tree for every 10 parking spaces provided and should be evenly distributed throughout the interior of the parking area. b. Trees required by the preceding paragraph should measure 21/2 inches caliper (measured six inches above the ground); should be evenly spaced; and should be of a species common to the area. Such trees should be planted in planters or medians sufficiently large to maintain the health of the tree and shall be protected by curbing. c. Shrubs should be provided as necessary to minimize the parking area's impact on Entrance Corridor streets. Shrubs should measure 24 ISSUE across the parcels is broken. The plan shows a regular grade on the north and west sides of the parcel. Much of this proposed grading meets the existing topography in an abrupt manner and results in an engineered appearance, not a natural one. A more gradual, rounded grading would blend better with the existing topography and the adjacent site and would result in a more characteristic appearance for the corridor. Tree protection fencing is not shown at the perimeter of the trees that are to remain on the south side of the property. The proposed trees don't meet the 21 /z" caliper requirement. Trees are provided at the eastern and northern sides of the parking lot. The trees on the north side are oriented with Main Street rather than the parking lot, and they are located approximately 15 -20' from the lot. The proposed location puts them about 20' from the Main Street streetscape trees. The trees on the east side of the parking lot are located off -site. Trees are not proposed on the south side of the parking lot. A pipe is proposed in part of this planting area in Phase 2. Moving the pipe into the parking lot area would allow for the required trees. Trees are not shown along the west perimeter of the lot, but the biofilter trees are about 20' away from the parking lot and 135' from the RECOMMENDATION appearance. Revise the plans (grading, landscaping, Phase 1 erosion control) to show tree protection fencing for the trees to remain on the south side of the property. Include a tree conservation checklist on the plan. Include a tree protection fence detail on the plan. Add trees on the south side of the parking lot, 21/2" caliper minimum, 40' on center. Move the pipe to allow for the trees on this side. Move the trees on the north side of the parking lot closer to the parking lot and align them with the lot. Shift the trees that are shown on the east side of the parking lot so that they are located on the library site, within the property boundary. This review only covers Phase 1, M REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION inches in height. EC. As viewed from the corridor, the biofilter but note that perimeter parking trees will suffice for western perimeter trees. lot trees will still be required in • The Phase 1 trees on the north and east sides of Phase 2. the lot are not present on the Phase 2 plan. Eventually, the plants in the biofilter will be Increase the size of the abelia removed for the library building. (and the holly) to 24" minimum. • The abelia (Phase 1) and ilex (Phase 2) shrubs are shown at 18 -24" high at planting. 24" is the typical minimum height for shrubs in the EC. APPLICABLE COMMENTS FROM PREVIOUS REVIEW 1 Provide a plant schedule in the site plan (include The species of the trees and shrubs illustrated along Revise the landscape plan to scientific and common names, planting sizes, Main Street and at the east end of the parking lot ensure that all plants are quantities, etc.). Consult the EC Guidelines for are not identified on the plan. identified by species on the plan. minimum sizes andspacing. 2 Provide perimeter parking lot trees, 40' on See comments under "Landscaping ", above. See recommendations under center, 21/2" caliper minimum. "Landscaping", above. 8 Provide a complete lighting plan as part of the See comments under "Lighting ", above. See recommendations under site plan. Include all exterior lighting, both site "Lighting ", above. lights and wall lights. Reduce the height of parking lot pole lights to 20' maximum. 11 If a stormwater facility is proposed, coordinate With the slope at the front of the site (see None. its location throughout the site plan drawings. "visibility" on page 1) and the distance from the Include sufficient information in the site plan to EC to the biofilter, the stormwater facility itself is illustrate how the grading and planting of the not expected to be visible from the road. Four trees facility will eliminate its engineered appearance and thirty shrubs are proposed for the facility. The and will incorporate the facility into the site and closest tree is about 135' from the EC. The trees streetscape. are expected to be visible from the EC; the shrubs in the biofilter are not expected to have an impact on the EC. The facility and its trees and shrubs will be removed for Phase 2 construction. Phase 2 stormwater will be handled in a proposed regional facility. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion: 1. The landscaping of the parking lot. 2. Trees in the "yard" between the parking lot and the EC. Staff recommends approval of Phase 1 with the following conditions: 1. Provide a complete lighting plan with lighting schedule as part of the site plan set. Include all exterior lighting, both site lights and wall lights, on the plan. Include the cut sheets as part of the site plan set. Reduce the height of parking lot pole lights to 20' maximum, including any bases. Indicate the color /finish of the fixtures and poles on the lighting plan. Indicate in the schedule the type of lamps proposed; high pressure sodium lamps are not recommended. 2. Revise the grading on the north and west sides of the site to achieve a more gradual, less abrupt, slope with a more natural, less engineered, appearance. 3. Revise the plans (grading, landscaping, Phase 1 erosion control) to show tree protection fencing for the trees to remain on the south side of the property. Include a tree conservation checklist on the plan. Include a tree protection fence detail on the plan. 4. Add trees on the south side of the parking lot, 2'/2" caliper minimum, 40' on center. Move the pipe to allow for the trees on this side. 5. Move the trees shown on the north side of the parking lot closer to the parking lot and align them with the lot. 6. Shift the trees that are shown on the east side of the parking lot so that they are located on the library site, within the property boundary. 7. Increase the size of the abelia (and the holly) to 24" minimum at planting. 8. Revise the landscape plan to ensure that all plants are identified by species on the plan. 9. This review only covers Phase 1, but note that perimeter parking lot trees will still be required in Phase 2. G1 APPENDIX A This report is based on the following submittal items: Sheet # Drawing Name Drawing Date/Revision Date C -1.1 Civil Cover Sheet 7 -7 -2010 C -1.2 Existing Conditions 7 -7 -2010 C -2.1 Initial Erosion and Sediment Control Plan 7 -7 -2010 C -2.2 Erosion and Sediment Control Plan — Phase 1 Construction 7 -7 -2010 C -2.3 Erosion and Sediment Control Plan — Phase II Construction 7 -7 -2010 C -2.4 Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Notes and Details 7 -7 -2010 C -3.1 On -Site Demolition Plan 7 -7 -2010 C -3.2 Off -Site Demolition Plan (NIQ 7 -7 -2010 C -4.0 Phase I Site, Landscape & Grading Plan 7 -7 -2010 C -4.1 Phase II Site and Landscape Plan 7 -7 -2010 C -4.2 Phase II Grading Plan 7 -7 -2010 C -4.3 Utilities Plan 7 -7 -2010 C -5.1 Profiles 7 -7 -2010 C -6.1 Typical Construction Details 7 -7 -2010 C -6.2 Typical Construction Details 7 -7 -2010 ATTACHMENT A COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE Department of Community Development 401 McIntire Road, North Wing Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 -4596 Phone (434) 296 -5832 Fax (434) 972 -4126 November 11, 2009 Todd Willoughby Grimm and Parker Architects 1355 Beverly Road McLean VA 22101 RE: ARB- 2009 -89: Crozet Library TM 56A2 -1 -18; 56A2 -1 -19, 56A2 -1 -19A Dear Mr. Willoughby, The Albemarle County Architectural Review Board, at its meeting on November 2, 2009, completed a preliminary review of the above -noted request to construct a new library building. The Board offered the following comments for the benefit of the applicant's next submittal. Please note that the following comments are those that have been identified at this time. Additional comments may be added or eliminated based on further review and changes to the plan. 1. Provide a plant schedule in the site plan (include scientific and common names, planting sizes, quantities, etc.). Consult the EC Guidelines for minimum sizes and spacing. 2. Provide perimeter parking lot trees, 40' on center, 2' /2" caliper minimum. 3. Provide a demolition plan; ensure that trees to be removed are coordinated throughout the site plan. Coordinate the location of proposed trees with the locations of existing trees. 4. Revise grading to avoid the drip lines of all trees to remain. Show trees to remain at actual size. 5. Consider a native plant alternative to the Japanese Pieris. 6. Increase the variety of proposed plants. 7. Include the standard planting note on the 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. 8. Provide a complete lighting plan as part of the site plan. Include all exterior lighting, both site lights and wall lights. Reduce the height of parking lot pole lights to 20' maximum. 9. Revise the plans to include a dumpster screen detail. Ensure that the detail identifies the material of the screen. Ensure that the material is coordinated with the building material. 10. If a generator is proposed, coordinate its location throughout the site plan drawings. Provide screening for the generator and transformer. 11. If a stormwater facility is proposed, coordinate its location throughout the site plan drawings. Include sufficient information in the site plan to illustrate how the grading and planting of the facility will eliminate its engineered appearance and will incorporate the facility into the site and streetscape. 12. Coordinate existing and proposed trees on the south side of the building, ensuring that trees and /or shrubs are provided to soften the appearance of the blank wall areas. 13. If a retaining wall is proposed, coordinate its location throughout the site plan. Indicate maximum wall height and top of wall /bottom of wall elevations. Indicate proposed materials and provide a sample. For walls 6' high or taller, provide a coordinated planting plan to mitigate the engineered appearance. 14. Consider metal to match the roof material as a more traditional replacement for the polycarbonate panel canopy over the Crozet Avenue entrance. Clearly identify the color and material on the drawings. 15. Indicate if additional wall signs will be proposed for the building. If so, provide complete information for review (type, location, size, color, material, etc.). 16. Consider diagrammatically, 3D if possible, representations of this building within the context of the proposed zoning district to illustrate how it will relate to the surrounding context. 17. Clarify the relationship between the traditional language of the building and the contemporary language of the building, and how materials relate to that. Organize the scalar relationships of the windows and simplify the relationship between the base and the main floor of the building. 18. Consider re- scaling the building facades to relate to the 3- to 4 -story context of the zoning district. 19. Relate the material selections more specifically to the context of downtown Crozet. * * ** There was also considerable discussion and recommendation from the ARB that a joint meeting of the ARB and the library steering committee should be held. You may submit your application for continued ARB review at your earliest convenience. Application forms, checklists and schedules are available on -line at www.albemarle.org /planning. Revised drawings addressing the comments listed above are required. Include updated ARB revision dates on each drawing and an ARB approval signature panel. Please provide a memo including detailed responses indicating how each comment has been addressed. If changes other than those requested have been made, identify those changes in the memo also. Highlighting the changes in the drawing with "clouding" or by other means will facilitate review and approval. If you have any questions concerning any of the above, please feel free to call me. Sincerely, Margaret M. Maliszewski Principal Planner cc: Trevor Henry (via email) ARB file 9