HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP201100005 Review Comments Final Site Plan and Comps. 2011-02-28- � 9
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COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, Room 227
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 -4596
Phone (434) 296 -5832 Fax (434) 972 -4126
March 1, 2011
Mr. Robert Hauser
Stonehaus Development
2421 Ivy Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
RE: ZMA 07 -04 Belvedere Variation Requests #36 & 37 dated February 18, 2011 in
conjunction with SDP - 2011 -5 Belvedere Phase I Block 4A — Final Site Plan
Dear Bob:
You have requested a variation to allow open space to be located across the frontage of
proposed Lots A — K on the above referenced site plan. While Planning staff has no problem
with this change as a design aspect, accomplishing it will need to be done in a different way
than shown on the site plan. In Albemarle County, unless a Code of Development indicates
otherwise, lots cannot front on open space or an alley. Absent approval of such a waiver or
modification at the rezoning stage, the requirement for frontage on a public or private street
which comes from the subdivision ordinance cannot be varied.
There appear to be two ways to modify the plan and still achieve the desired design. The first
way to modify the plan would be to extend the townhouse lots to Belvedere Blvd. and apply an
open space easement across the 26 feet of width in front of the lots. Restrictions relating to use
of that space can be attached to the easement and covenants for the townhouses. The second
way to modify the plan would be to create a private street where the alley is shown. That
private street would need to meet County requirements or otherwise be approved by the County
Engineer and Agent. In both cases, the variation would be to the front build -to -line.
Again, from a design standpoint, the open area between the streets and the townhouses can be
an attractive amenity, especially if trees are planted in the area and /or it becomes a usable
space for residents. Adding open space to the development is not problematic. The open
space table on page 14 of the Code of Development would need to be modified and could be
approved as variation #37.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or need additional information.
Sincerely,
Elaine K. Echols, AICP
Principal Planner