HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP201000039 Review Comments Special Use Permit 2010-11-16COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 -4596
Phone (434) 296 -5832 Fax (434) 972 -4126
MEMORANDUM
TO: Elaine Echols
FROM: Margaret Maliszewski
RE: ZMA- 2010 -10 and SP2010 -39: Peter Jefferson Overlook
DATE: November 17, 2010
The application plan shows that some of the Entrance Corridor landscaping
guidelines have not been met. In particular, EC trees (31/2" caliper large shade trees
spaced 35' on center, with interspersed ornamentals) have not been provided. The
biofilter trees are not considered an acceptable substitute for EC trees.
Perimeter parking lot trees have also not been provided (2 1/2" caliper trees 40' on
center) in all required locations.
A 240' long retaining wall (3' high) is proposed, running parallel to the EC. If a wall of
that length and proximity to the EC is approved, it will require considerable detailing
in the design to achieve an appropriate appearance. A material with appropriate
scale and color will be required. Materials like Redi -Rock will not be considered
appropriate for walls with this level of visibility. The wall may require detailing at
intervals to relieve the length. Landscaping along the wall will be required. The
absence of Entrance Corridor trees, combined with the length of the retaining wall,
is a concern. A feature like this wall would typically require planting beyond the
standard minimums to achieve an appropriate appearance. It is recommended
that the applicant demonstrate that the planting guidelines can be met and that
the retaining wall can be designed to achieve an appropriate appearance for the
EC.
Other retaining walls are proposed at the southeast corner of the site (6' high) and
along the north side of the site (height not indicated). Similar design issues apply to
these walls, depending on visibility. It appears that the site design and the presence
of a retaining wall on the north side of the parking lot will make it impossible to meet
the guideline regarding perimeter parking lot trees. The maximum height of the
north wall should be indicated on the plan. Again, it is recommended that the
applicant demonstrate that the planting guidelines can be met.
Sidewalks are shown along the EC frontage, with sidewalks accessing the EC sides of
the buildings. This suggests that the EC sides of the buildings are actual building
fronts, but architectural elevations have not been provided for review, so it is
recommended that the applicant confirm this. To have an be appropriate
appearance for the EC, the EC elevations must have the appearance of primary
building facades. East and west elevations of both buildings will also need to be fully
designed; a "back of building" appearance will not be appropriate.