HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP200500145 Review Comments Letter of Revision 2 2012-01-06Ellie Ray
From:
Ellie Ray
Sent:
Friday, January 06, 2012 2:12 PM
To:
'richc @southlandhomesinc.com'
Subject:
SDP200500145 Solomon Road Townhomes LOR
Mr. Carter,
As discussed by phone yesterday, any LOR to revise an approved landscape plan must still meet the requirements of
Section 32.7.9. See the following for comments regarding the LOR submitted 12/27/11:
[32.7.9.4] Contents. Please include all proposed plants in the Plant List and make sure all counts correspond
between the plan and the list. There are two plant symbols on each side of the end of the parking lot (at the bottom
of the retaining wall) that aren't marked as to what type of plant is proposed; please indicate the type of plant (and
include in the plant list) or mark for removal, if that is the intention. The plant list also states 27 Cryptomeria
japonica are proposed, but there only appear to be 24 symbols on the plan; please verify the correct number and
revise.
[32.7.9.9] Tree canopy. It appears that during the preliminary and final plan reviews for this project tree canopy
was never properly calculated or verified. There are several issues: 1) the approved plan states 20% tree canopy is
required, but in reality 15% is the requirement; 2)the approved plan claimed a 0.5 acre open space credit, but when
the subdivision plat was recorded, it resulted in only 0.253 acres of open space; 3)the approved plan claimed 0.5
acres of 'preserved' tree canopy corresponding with the 0.5 acre of open space, but there was never any tree
conservation plan submitted or verification of tree canopy on site ... given that only 0.253 acres of open space
currently exists and aerial photos show approximately a fourth of the open space is providing tree canopy, it doesn't
appear that the tree canopy requirement will be met if 15 of the proposed Betula nigra are eliminated. There are
two different ways this issue can be resolved:
You can have a surveyor verify the location of any existing trees /treeline within the open space and we
can calculate what 'preserved' tree canopy actually exists. Once we know that number, we can
determine how many Betula nigra can be eliminated. This option requires submittal of a tree
conservation checklist and plan; or
Keep 19 of the 25 proposed Betula nigra, eliminating one of the two at each of the 6 islands as they
would be planted far too close together for long term health. In this scenario, you can also reduce the
size to 8 -10' instead of 14 -16' as this is a fast growing species and will likely perform better if planted at
a smaller size. Keeping 19 of the Betula nigra, combined with the existing tree canopy should provide
the 15% required.
[Comment] It appears the Juniperus horizontalis 'Plumosa' along the entry road was requested during engineering
review of the Final Plan. Engineering is going to take a look at the site to see if what is currently in place will meet
the intention of the previous request. I will pass long their comments once I receive them. If they find the juniper
aren't necessary, please mark them as removed on the plan in addition to the plant list; if they think they should
stay, please add them back to the plant list.
[Comment] The euonymous, liriope, and miscanthus were not proposed in relation to any County requirement and
can be removed from the plan. The viburnum can only be removed if handrail is present at the tops of all of the
retaining walls. I believe handrail will be required regardless, so if it's shown on the landscape plan the viburnum
can be removed.
5. [Comment] I cannot find any documentation of a LOR to remove the basketball court as discussed in our phone
conversation. If you can provide documentation of approval from the County for removal of this basketball court, I
don't see any issues with moving the required tot lot to the court location. No easements are shown in that area on
the subdivision plat, but you may need permission from any easement holders to place playground equipment
within the easement.
If you have any additional questions, please let me know. Otherwise, please submit revisions addressing these
comments.
Thanks,
Ellie Carter Ray, PLA
Senior Planner
Albemarle County Community Development
Planning Division
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
ph: 434.296.5832 x. 3432
fax: 434.972.4126