HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB201400095 Staff Report Final Site Plan and Comps. 2014-08-18ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT
Project #/Name
ARB- 2014 -95: Faith Christian Center International
Review Type
Final Site Development Plan, preliminary architectural review
Parcel Identification
078000000047AO
Location
2184 Richmond Road, on the north side of Rt. 250 East, approximately 1500' east of the intersection with I64 at Pantops
Zoned
Rural Areas (RA), Entrance Corridor (EC)
Owner /Applicant
Faith Christian Center International Inc. /Brian Smith, PE
Magisterial District
Scottsville
Proposal
To construct a church with a footprint of 18,875 sf and associated site improvements.
Context
The central and southern parts of this site were formerly occupied by a mobile home park. The site is wooded. A dilapidated residence stands near the southwest
corner of the site. A few outbuildings stand in various locations elsewhere on site. A stream runs along the east side of the property. A mix of residential and
commercial uses is in the vicinity on the north side of Rt. 250. The 164 interchange stands to the west. The Shadwell property, which is under a historic preservation
easement, is across Rt. 250 to the south.
Visibility
Because the density of the existing wooded area to remain in unclear, it is difficult to know exactly how visible the proposed development will be from the Entrance
Corridor. Wooded area along the EC frontage is currently heavy, but proposed clearing may open views into the site along the frontage. The west and south elevations
of the church are expected to have some visibility from the EC, and the church will be viewed above the level of the EC. Views will be available into the site along the
entrance drive, and the graded slopes below the church will be visible. When new trees have matured, and during the summer months, visibility will decrease.
ARB Meeting Date
August 18, 2014
Staff Contact
Margaret Maliszewski
PROJECT HISTORY
The ARB completed a review of the Initial Site Plan for this proposal on July 7, 2014. The action letter from that meeting is included as Attachment A to this report and the ARB's comments are listed in
the table below.
CHANGES SINCE THE LAST REVIEW
1. The drive to the septic fields is no longer proposed.
2. Landscaping along the entrance drive and on the graded slopes has been revised.
3. Architectural designs for the building have been submitted.
ANALYSIS
REF
GUIDELINE
7/7/2014 ARB COMMENT
CURRENT ISSUE
RECOMMENDATIONS
Structure design
1
The goal of the regulation of the design of development
No comments were made on the
The proposed building has a flat roof with raised
Continue the corner bay
within the designated Entrance Corridors is to insure that
architectural design of the building at
parapets on all but the south side. A central
detailing around the
new development within the corridors reflects the
the 7/7/2014 meeting because
projecting bay on the west elevation (facing the
southwest corner of the
traditional architecture of the area. Therefore, it is the
architectural designs were not
EC) has an arched roof above a slate and brick
building.
purpose of ARB review and of these Guidelines, that
submitted for review at that time.
face, a vehicle drop -off on the north elevation (not
proposed development within the designated Entrance
visible from the EC) has an arched roof, and end
Consider using synthetic
Corridors reflect elements of design characteristic of the
bays on the north, east and west elevations have
stucco instead of EIFS.
significant historical landmarks, buildings, and structures
arched detailing with slate infill. A variety of
of the Charlottesville and Albemarle area, and to promote
window types are proposed, with little coordination
Consider integrating the cross
orderly and attractive development within these corridors.
in size or location.
more closely with the
Applicants should note that replication of historic structures
architecture of the building.
is neither required nor desired.
The end bays are raised on the north and east
elevations. The end bay detailing does not carry
Add a material/color schedule
2
Visitors to the significant historical sites in the
Charlottesville and Albemarle area experience these sites
over to the south elevation. This results in an
to the elevation sheets and
as ensembles of buildings, land, and vegetation. In order
uncoordinated appearance at the southwest corner.
key the materials to the
to accomplish the integration of buildings, land, and
It also emphasizes the lack of depth in the detailing
drawing.
vegetation characteristic of these sites, the Guidelines
and the utilitarian design of the south elevation.
require attention to four primary factors: compatibility
The south side is the back of the building; it
with significant historic sites in the area; the character of
features a flat - roofed balcony at the second story,
the Entrance Corridor; site development and layout; and
supported by tall posts. Continuing the corner bay
landscaping.
detailing around the southwest corner of the
building would provide for a more coordinated
3
New structures and substantial additions to existing
structures should respect the traditions of the architecture
appearance.
of historically significant buildings in the Charlottesville
and Albemarle area. Photographs of historic buildings in
Pilasters, raised parapets, projecting bays, and
the area, as well as drawings of architectural features,
brick bases are all building features that are found
which provide important examples of this tradition are
in historic buildings of the area. The overall
contained in Appendix A.
building, however, does not have a strong
connection to Albemarle's historic architecture.
4
The examples contained in Appendix A should be used as
a guide for building design: the standard of compatibility
The form of the building is not consistent with that
with the area's historic structures is not intended to
of historic churches in the area.
impose a rigid design solution for new development.
Replication of the design of the important historic sites in
The main block of the building is to be faced with
the area is neither intended nor desired. The Guideline's
Dryvit, with the field in "Sunset Yellow" and trim
standard of compatibility can be met through building
in "Oyster Shell" (white). The building has a dark
scale, materials, and forms which may be embodied in
red brick base and multi -color slate detailing. Brick
architecture which is contemporary as well as traditional.
and stone are traditional building materials in the
The Guidelines allow individuality in design to
area.
accommodate varying tastes as well as special functional
requirements.
Some believe Dryvit has the appearance of stucco,
but it is prone to installation, moisture and impact
5
It is also an important objective of the Guidelines to
establish a pattern of compatible architectural
damage and is technically not a traditional
characteristics throughout the Entrance Corridor in order
material. The ARB has limited the use of EIFS in
to achieve unity and coherence. Building designs should
freestanding signs as follows: "Synthetic stucco is
demonstrate sensitivity to other nearby structures within
acceptable for signs if mounted on a solid surface
the Entrance Corridor. Where a designated corridor is
such as concrete block and if limited to use as a flat
substantially developed, these Guidelines require striking
surface as a background for lettering. Styrofoam
a careful balance between harmonizing new development
backing is not acceptable." The amount of EIFS
with the existing character of the corridor and achieving
proposed for this church is far beyond any
compatibility with the significant historic sites in the area.
proposed for a freestanding sign, so following the
"no foam backing" guideline seems reasonable.
9
Building forms and features, including roofs, windows,
doors, materials, colors and textures should be compatible
However, the building is situated at a distance from
with the forms and features of the significant historic
the Entrance Corridor — far enough that a close
buildings in the area, exemplified by (but not limited to)
inspection of the material will not be possible from
the buildings described in Appendix A [of the design
the EC street.
guidelines]. The standard of compatibility can be met
through scale, materials, and forms which may be
A cross is shown on the renderings, attached to the
embodied in architecture which is contemporary as well as
face of the arched bay on the west elevation and
traditional. The replication of important historic sites in
extending above the building. Its location has no
Albemarle County is not the objective of these guidelines.
particular relationship to the architecture of the
building and its point of attachment lends it an
unstable appearance.
10
Buildings should relate to their site and the surrounding
The proposed building does not have a strong
None.
context of buildings.
relationship to nearby buildings. It has a much
larger scale than the nearby residences and the
adjacent commercial building. Its materials and
forms are more in line with the Comfort Inn
located a short distance west on Rt. 250. The
building does take advantage of the slope of the
site, with two stories above ground on the north
elevation and three on the south.
11
The overall design of buildings should have human scale.
The building does not have human scale. The mass
Continue the corner bay
Scale should be integral to the building and site design.
of the overall building is large and, although the
building is broken down into bays by pilasters and
detailing around the
southwest corner of the
12
Architecture proposed within the Entrance Corridor
should use forms, shapes, scale, and materials to create a
corner treatments, the individual building elements
building.
cohesive whole.
remain at a large scale. The building is situated
approximately 570' from the EC street. This
13
Any appearance of "blankness" resulting from building
design should be relieved using design detail or
distance reduces the need for pedestrian - scaled
vegetation, or both.
detailing, but the design of the south elevation
appears out of place with the rest of the building,
and the minimal depth of the pilasters is expected
to provide little relief at the blank west end.
14
Arcades, colonnades, or other architectural connecting
A single building is proposed. The easternmost 50'
Revise the site plan to include
devices should be used to unify groups of buildings within
of the footprint shown on the site plan is planned as
the building phase line. If it is
a development.
a second phase of construction. Architectural
anticipated that the phase 2
designs have not been provided for the second
building will be visible from
phase.
the EC, additional ARB
review will be required.
15
Trademark buildings and related features should be
The building does not appear to be a trademark
None.
modified to meet the requirements of the Guidelines.
design, although some elements of the proposed
design have been built for churches in other
locations.
16
Window glass in the Entrance Corridors should not be
The south and west elevations of the building are
None.
highly tinted or highly reflective. Window glass in the
expected to have some visibility from the EC. No
Entrance Corridors should meet the following criteria:
windows are proposed on the west elevation. The
Visible light transmittance (VLT) shall not drop below
glass in the windows proposed on the south
40 %. Visible light reflectance (VLR) shall not exceed
elevation is not expected to have a significant
30 %. Specifications on the proposed window glass should
impact on the EC.
be submitted with the application for final review.
Accessory structures and equipment
17
Accessory structures and equipment should be integrated
Eliminate the service drive to the
The service drive to the septic fields has been
None.
into the overall plan of development and shall, to the
septic fields. If the drive can't be
eliminated. More existing trees are designated as to
extent possible, be compatible with the building designs
eliminated, relocate and/or reorient the
remain, and more trees and shrubs spaced closer
used on the site.
drive to significantly reduce visibility
from the EC. Provide landscaping to
together are proposed along the main drive to the
church.
18
The following should be located to eliminate visibility from
the Entrance Corridor street. If, after appropriate siting,
better integrate the drive into the
these features will still have a negative visual impact on the
surrounding natural landscape.
The applicant plans to locate equipment on the
Entrance Corridor street, screening should be provided to
rooftop. Rooftop equipment is not expected to be
eliminate visibility.
visible from the EC given that the finish floor
a. Loading areas,
elevation of the building is 44' above the EC, and
b. Service areas,
that there is a raised parapet on the west side of the
c. Refuse areas,
building.
d. Storage areas,
e. Mechanical equipment,
f. Above - ground utilities, and
g. Chain link fence, barbed wire, razor wire, and similar
security fencing devices.
19
Screening devices should be compatible with the design of
the buildings and surrounding natural vegetation and may
consist of:
a. Walls,
b. Plantings, and
c. Fencing.
20
Surface runoff structures and detention ponds should be
Clarify the appearance of the pipes and
The applicant has indicated that the culvert at the
Show on the landscape plan
designed to fit into the natural topography to avoid the need
ditches at the lower end of the entrance
entrance has been extended on the downstream side
the plants intended to hide the
for screening. When visible from the Entrance Corridor
drive. Show how these elements will
so that it is hidden at the toe of the right turn taper
pipes near the site entrance.
street, these features must be fully integrated into the
have an appropriate appearance from
slope. A letter from the applicant states that low
landscape. They should not have the appearance of
the EC.
plants are added to hide the end sections of the
engineered features.
pipe, but these plants don't show up on the
landscape plan.
44
Natural drainage patterns (or to the extent required, new
drainage patterns) should be incorporated into the finished
site to the extent possible.
21
The following note should be added to the site plan and the
Add the standard mechanical
The note has been added to Sheet L5.0.
None.
architectural plan: "Visibility of all mechanical equipment
equipment note to the site and
from the Entrance Corridor shall be eliminated."
architectural drawings.
Lighting
Provide a legible lighting plan. Include
cut sheets for the proposed fixtures in
A photometric plan has been provided. It shows
that spillover does not exceed .3 fc at the property
Make the light fixture cut
sheets legible in the site plan
22
Light should be contained on the site and not spill over
onto adjacent properties or streets;
the site plan. Ensure that spillover does
lines. A separate sheet includes the light fixture cut
set.
not exceed .3 fc at all property lines
sheets, but they are not legible.
23
Light should be shielded, recessed or flush - mounted to
and coordinate this requirement with
All proposed fixtures appear to be full cutoff.
None.
eliminate glare. All fixtures with lamps emitting 3000
the notes on the plan.
lumens or more must be full cutoff fixtures.
24
Light levels exceeding 30 footcandles are not appropriate
Maximum light levels reach 11.6 fc, which is not
None.
for display lots in the Entrance Corridors. Lower light
expected to be excessive.
levels will apply to most other uses in the Entrance
Corridors.
25
Light should have the appearance of white light with a
LED lights are proposed, which is becoming
None.
warm soft glow; however, a consistent appearance
typical in the ECs.
throughout a site or development is required.
Consequently, if existing lamps that emit non -white light
are to remain, new lamps may be required to match them.
26
Dark brown, dark bronze, or black are appropriate colors
The color of the fixtures and poles is not identified
Indicate on the plan that the
for free - standing pole mounted light fixtures in the
in the plan.
color of the light poles and
Entrance Corridors.
fixtures will be bronze.
27
The height and scale of freestanding, pole- mounted light
A note on the lighting plan states that no luminaires
Note that the 20' light height
fixtures should be compatible with the height and scale of
will be mounted at a location that is more than 20'
maximum includes poles and
the buildings and the sites they are illuminating, and with
in height. The applicant should note that this
bases.
the use of the site. Typically, the height of freestanding
includes both the light pole and base.
pole - mounted light fixtures in the Entrance Corridors
should not exceed 20 feet, including the base. Fixtures that
exceed 20 feet in height will typically require additional
screening to achieve an appropriate appearance from the
Entrance Corridor.
28
In determining the appropriateness of lighting fixtures for
The southern parking lot is at an elevation of 402'
None.
the Entrance Corridors, the individual context of the site
— 404' which is approximately 40' above the
will be taken into consideration on a case by case basis.
elevation of the EC street. This places parking lot
pole lights well above street level, with a potential
for glare. The white pines and scarlet oaks around
the parking lot perimeter, after a few years of
growth, may help diffuse the glare.
29
The following note should be included on the lighting
The lighting note is on sheet C6.
None.
plan: "Each outdoor luminaire equipped with a lamp that
emits 3,000 or more initial lumens shall be a full cutoff
luminaire and shall be arranged or shielded to reflect light
away from adjoining residential districts and away from
adjacent roads. The spillover of lighting from luminaires
onto public roads and property in residential or rural areas
zoning districts shall not exceed one half footcandle."
Guidelines for the Use of Decorative Landscape Lighting
No decorative lighting is proposed.
None.
Landscaping
Remove the "This plan received
The note has been removed.
None.
preliminary ARB approval...." note
from the landscape plan.
7
The requirements of the Guidelines regarding landscaping
Show the existing tree line along the
The tree lines are now shown consistently on all
None.
are intended to reflect the landscaping characteristic of
Rt. 250 frontage and the tree line to
plans.
many of the area's significant historic sites which is
remain consistently on all sheets. (The
characterized by large shade trees and lawns. Landscaping
tree line is not shown on the Rt. 250
An easement associated with the overhead utility
should promote visual order within the Entrance Corridor
Improvements plans or the existing
line near Rt. 250 is now shown on the plan. No
and help to integrate buildings into the existing
conditions plans.)
new trees are proposed within the easement.
environment of the corridor.
Revise the plans to include all
VDOT has indicated that low growing junipers are
8
Continuity within the Entrance Corridor should be
obtained by planting different types of plant materials that
easements associated with all utilities.
acceptable in the right -of -way.
share similar characteristics. Such common elements
allow for more flexibility in the design of structures
Provide documentation from VDOT
3%2" caliper trees spaced 35' on center are shown
because common landscape features will help to
stating that the proposed grading and
along the Rt. 250 frontage where grading and tree
harmonize the appearance of development as seen from
planting in the right -of -way is
clearing are proposed. The proposed planting
the street upon which the Corridor is centered.
acceptable.
extends approximately 80' on both sides of the
entrance drive. There will not be a consistent
32
Landscaping along the frontage of Entrance Corridor
streets should include the following:
Provide large shade trees at 3'/2"
appearance along the frontage of the parcel west of
a. Large shade trees should be planted parallel to the
caliper, 35' on center, and interspersed
the entrance due to the natural, overgrown
Entrance Corridor Street. Such trees should be at least 3'/2
ornamental trees, along the Rt. 250
appearance of the existing wooded area to remain
inches caliper (measured 6 inches above the ground) and
frontage of the property in areas where
directly adjacent to the new planting area.
should be of a plant species common to the area. Such
grading is proposed and where on -site
trees should be located at least every 35 feet on center.
wooded area to remain is thin.
b. Flowering ornamental trees of a species common to the
area should be interspersed among the trees required by the
preceding paragraph. The ornamental trees need not
alternate one for one with the large shade trees. They may be
planted among the large shade trees in a less regular spacing
pattern.
c. In situations where appropriate, a three or four board
fence or low stone wall, typical of the area, should align
the frontage of the Entrance Corridor street.
d. An area of sufficient width to accommodate the
foregoing plantings and fencing should be reserved
parallel to the Entrance Corridor street, and exclusive of
road right-of-way and utility easements.
33
Landscaping along interior roads:
Increase landscaping to better
The service drive to the septic fields has been
Remove the note on sheet L5
a. Large trees should be planted parallel to all interior
integrate the entrance drive into the
eliminated.
that references a 500' ARB
roads. Such trees should be at least 2%2 inches caliper
surroundings. Provide 2%2" caliper
limit and correct the
(measured six inches above the ground) and should be of a
trees, spaced 40' on center, along the
A note on sheet L5 states that tree sizes have been
corresponding plant sizes.
plant species common to the area. Such trees should be
full length of the entrance drive. If the
reduced in areas beyond the 500' ARB limit. There
located at least every 40 feet on center.
service drive to the septic fields cannot
is no 500' limit in this case because the parcel in
Provide the landscape plan at
be eliminated, add landscaping to
question is adjacent to the Entrance Corridor street
a more legible scale for
better integrate the drive into the
and the full depth of the parcel is subject to ARB
review. Make the key
surroundings.
review. Consequently, standard EC planting sizes
numbers easily legible.
are required.
Trees and shrubs are provided along the full length
of the entrance drive. Many of the trees appear to
be spaced more than 40' apart. The quantity and
irregular arrangement of plants may make the
proposal acceptable, but the landscape plan is small
and difficult to read.
34
Landscaping along interior pedestrian ways:
Provide perimeter trees for the
A row of scarlet oaks (2%2" caliper, 40' on center)
None.
a. Medium trees should be planted parallel to all interior
southern parking lot, 40' on center,
is proposed along the south and west sides of the
pedestrian ways. Such trees should be at least 2'/2 inches
21/2" caliper at planting. Provide a
southern parking lot, and a staggered row of white
caliper (measured six inches above the ground) and should
staggered row of evergreen shrubs
pines (4' -5' tall) is proposed on the slope below the
be of a species common to the area. Such trees should be
along the eastern and southern
oaks. A staggered row of shrubs is also proposed
located at least every 25 feet on center.
perimeters of the southern parking lot,
24" minimum at planting.
around the perimeter.
35
Landscaping of parking areas:
a. Large 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 2'/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 inches in height.
36
Landscaping of buildings and other structures:
None at this time.
The west end of the south side of the building is
Make architectural changes,
a. Trees or other vegetation should be planted along the
relatively blank and the more developed detailing
landscaping additions at
front of long buildings as necessary to soften the
found on the other elevations is not carried over to
grade with the building, or a
appearance of exterior walls. The spacing, size, and type
the south side. The building is three stories tall on
combination of both, to
of such trees or vegetation should be determined by the
this side. Architectural changes are the preferred
relieve the blankness of the
length, height, and blankness of such walls.
method for resolving the blankness, but large trees
west end of the south
b. Shrubs should be used to integrate the site, buildings,
close to the building could mitigate some of the
elevation. Adjust the location
and other structures; dumpsters, accessory buildings and
lack of detail. There are currently no trees proposed
of the septic tanks to avoid
structures; "drive thru" windows; service areas; and signs.
close to the building on the south side, and septic
landscape conflicts.
Shrubs should measure at least 24 inches in height.
tanks are proposed in this location. Some trees and
shrubs will likely be planted further down on the
slope below the building as part of the buffer
replanting requirements. When those trees and the
trees along the entrance drive have matured, they
will reduce the visibility of the building from the
EC.
37
Plant species:
None.
White pines are included in the plant list.
None.
a. Plant species required should be as approved by the
Historically, the ARB has limited the use of white
Staff based upon but not limited to the Generic Landscape
pines for screening purposes. As proposed in this
Plan Recommended Species List and Native Plants for
plan, the white pines are acceptable because they
Virginia Landscapes (Appendix D).
are not meant to screen a specific object, but rather
to re -plant the slope and to help provide a natural
setting for the development.
38
Plant health:
Add the standard planting note to the
The planting note has been added, but it is
Delete the text after the first
The following note should be added to the landscape plan:
plan.
followed by information that does not apply to this
sentence in note #4 on the
"All site plantings of trees and shrubs shall be allowed to
project.
landscape plan.
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."
Development paftern
6
Site development should be sensitive to the existing
Add trees on the re- graded slopes at
A staggered row of 4' -5' white pines is proposed
Clarify the intent of the
natural landscape and should contribute to the creation of
the south end of the building and
on the slope below the southern parking lot, and 1'-
Stream Buffer Mitigation
an organized development plan. This may be
parking areas to help integrate the
2' white pines are proposed in groups below the
notes on the landscape plan.
accomplished, to the extent practical, by preserving the
regular grading of the slopes into the
staggered row. Groups of 1'- 2' white pines are
If a replanting method other
trees and rolling terrain typical of the area; planting new
surrounding natural landscape.
also proposed on the graded slope just west of the
than that required as a
trees along streets and pedestrian ways and choosing
top of the entrance drive.
condition of the Special Use
10
species that reflect native forest elements; insuring that
Eliminate the service drive from the
Permit is proposed, submit an
any grading will blend into the surrounding topography
proposal.
The service drive has been eliminated from the
application to amend the
thereby creating a continuous landscape; preserving, to the
proposal.
Special Use Permit.
extent practical, existing significant river and stream
Revise the landscape plan to include
Otherwise, provide details to
valleys which may be located on the site and integrating
details regarding the replanting of
A note on the landscape plan requests a stream
clarify how the buffer
these features into the design of surrounding development;
disturbed areas within the stream
buffer replanting method different from the one
replanting will be
and limiting the building mass and height to a scale that
buffer and the 20' buffer on the west
required as a condition of the Special Use Permit.
accomplished, consistent with
does not overpower the natural settings of the site, or the
side of the site.
Such a change would require an amendment to the
the conditions of the Special
Entrance Corridor.
Special Use Permit.
Use Permit.
39
The relationship of buildings and other structures to the
Entrance Corridor street and to other development within
Grading is no longer proposed within the buffer on
the corridor should be as follows:
the north/west side of the site.
a. An organized pattern of roads, service lanes, bike paths,
and pedestrian walks should guide the layout of the site.
b. In general, buildings fronting the Entrance Corridor
street should be parallel to the street. Building groupings
should be arranged to parallel the Entrance Corridor street.
c. Provisions should be made for connections to adjacent
pedestrian and vehicular circulation systems.
d. Open spaces should be tied into surrounding areas to
provide continuity within the Entrance Corridor.
e. If significant natural features exist on the site (including
creek valleys, steep slopes, significant trees or rock
outcroppings), to the extent practical, then such natural
features should be reflected in the site layout. If the
provisions of Section 32.5.6.n of the Albemarle County
Zoning Ordinance apply, then improvements required by
that section should be located so as to maximize the use of
existing features in screening such improvements from
Entrance Corridor streets.
f. The placement of structures on the site should respect
existing views and vistas on and around the site.
Site Grading
40
Site grading should maintain the basic relationship of the
Coordinate the landscape plan and the
Off -site grading has been coordinated on the
Coordinate the plans
site to surrounding conditions by limiting the use of
Rt. 250 Improvements plan regarding
various plans.
regarding the low wall
retaining walls and by shaping the terrain through the use of
off -site grading.
located south of the building.
smooth, rounded land forms that blend with the existing
There is a low retaining wall on the landscape plan
terrain. Steep cut or fill sections are generally unacceptable.
that does not appear on the site plan.
10
11
Proposed contours on the grading plan shall be rounded with
a ten foot minimum radius where they meet the adjacent
condition. Final grading should achieve a natural, rather than
engineered, appearance. Retaining walls 6 feet in height and
taller, when necessary, shall be terraced and planted to blend
with the landscape.
41
No grading, trenching, or tunneling should occur within the
Show all Conservation checklist items
Tree protection (safety fence) is included on the
None.
drip line of any trees or other existing features designated
on the plan, including tree protection
plan. Individual trees to be protected are not
for preservation in the final Certificate of Appropriateness.
fencing.
shown.
Adequate tree protection fencing should be shown on, and
coordinated throughout, the grading, landscaping and
erosion and sediment control plans.
42
Areas designated for preservation in the final Certificate
of Appropriateness should be clearly delineated and
protected on the site prior to any grading activity on the
site. This protection should remain in place until
completion of the development of the site.
43
Preservation areas should be protected from storage or
movement of heavy equipment within this area.
SIGNS
No sign information was provided at
The central arched element with slate infill on the
Consider changes to the sign
the initial review.
south elevation of the building is used as a
to reduce the "billboard"
background for signage reading, "Faith Christian
effect.
Center International." The sign is approximately
4'8" tall x 26' 6" long. With the sign, the slate bay
takes on the character of a billboard. If illuminated,
the sign will likely be visible from the EC. During
the day, the distance from the road may limit
noticeability.
11
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion:
1. The extent of visibility of the building from the EC.
2. The blank character of the south elevation.
3. The extensive use of Dryvit, which has a foam backing.
4. The character of the landscape along the EC — new trees adjacent to existing wooded area.
5. The trees and shrubs proposed for the graded slopes.
Staff offers the following comments on the proposal:
1. Continue the corner bay detailing around the southwest corner of the building.
2. Consider using synthetic stucco instead of EIFS.
3. Add a material/color schedule to the elevation sheets and key the materials to the drawing.
4. Consider integrating the cross more closely with the architecture of the building.
5. Revise the site plan to include the building phase line. If it is anticipated that the phase 2 building will be visible from the EC, additional ARB review will be required.
6. Show on the landscape plan the plants intended to hide the pipes near the site entrance.
7. Make the light fixture cut sheets legible.
8. Indicate on the plan that the color of the light poles and fixtures will be bronze. Note that the 20' light height maximum includes poles an bases
9. Remove the note on sheet L5 that references a 500' ARB limit and correct the corresponding plant sizes.
10. Provide the landscape plan at a more legible scale. Make the key numbers easily legible.
11. Make architectural changes, landscaping additions at grade with the building, or a combination of both, to relieve the blankness of the west end of the south elevation.
12. Adjust the location of the septic tanks to avoid landscape conflicts.
13. Delete the text after the first sentence in note #4 on the landscape plan.
14. Clarify the intent of the Stream Buffer Mitigation notes on the landscape plan. If a replanting method other than that required as a condition of the Special Use Permit is proposed, submit an
application to amend the Special Use Permit. Otherwise, provide details to clarify how the buffer replanting will be accomplished, consistent with the conditions of the Special Use Permit.
15. Coordinate the plans regarding the low wall located south of the building.
16. Consider changes to the sign to reduce the "billboard" effect.
12
TABLE A This report is based on the following submittal items:
Sheet #
Drawing Name
Drawing Date
Sheet #
Drawing Name
Drawing Date
C1.0
Cover Sheet
July 21, 2014
C6.1
Lighting Details
July 21, 2014
C2.0
Ex. Topography & Demolition - North
July 21, 2014
C7.0
Site Note & Details
July 21, 2014
C2.1
Ex. Topography & Demolition — Middle
July 21, 2014
1
Color perspectives from the Southwest, with and without
landscaping
7/18/2014
C2.2
Ex. Topography & Demolition — South
July 21, 2014
2
Color perspective from the North
7/22/2014
C2.3
Ex. Topography & Demolition — Rt. 250 West
July 21, 2014
3
Color perspective from the Northwest
7/22/2014
C2.4
Ex. Topography & Demolition — Rt. 250 East
July 21, 2014
4
Color perspective from the East
7/22/2014
C3.0
Site Plan - North
July 21, 2014
5
Birdse e view from the EC
7/22/2014
C3.1
Site Plan — Middle
July 21, 2014
6
Color perspective from the EC with new trees
7/22/2014
C3.2
Site Plan — South
July 21, 2014
7
Proposed materials
7/18/2014
C3.3
Entrance /Route 250 Improvements/Sight Triangles - West
July 21, 2014
8
Level 0 Floor Plan
7/17/2014
C3.4
Entrance /Route 250 hn rovements /Si ht Triangles — East
July 21, 2014
9
Level 1 Floor Plan
7/18/2014
L5.0
Landscape Plan
July 21, 2014
10
Level 2 Floor Plan
7/17/2014
L5.1
Landscape Details
July 21, 2014
11
North and South Elevations
7/18/2014
C6.0
Lighting Plan
July 23, 2014
12
East and West Elevations
7/18/2014
13
Views from the southwest, with and without landscaping
8/6/2014
Materials Sample Board
EIFS
Dryvit (or equal)
"Oyster Shell" and "Sunset Yellow"
Block
Rockcast (or equal)
Gris Smooth
Brick
Lee Brick
"Deep River"
Slate wall tile
Slate wall tile
Assorted shades of tan, brown, green, gray
Storefront window
Anodized aluminum
with grey tinted glass
Roofs
Copper (for arched roofs)
Columns
Steel
I Grey
13
ATTACHMENT A
Phone (434) 296 -5832
July 11, 2014
Brian P. Smith, PE
4835 Three Chopt Road
Troy, Va 22902
RE: ARB201400071 Faith Christian Center International - Initial
Dear Mr. Smith:
Lrf2C;l1�ZA
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 -4596
Fax (434) 972 -4126
At its meeting on Monday, July 7, 2014, the Albemarle County Architectural Review Board, by a vote of 4:0, voted to forward the following recommendations on the above -noted Initial Site Development
Plan to the agent for the Site Review Committee, as follows:
Regarding requirements to satisfy the design guidelines,
o As per § 32.4.2.2(b)(3) and 30.6.4(c)(5) and EC Guidelines 6, 17, 18, 19 and 39, service areas are not integrated into the overall plan of development and are not compatible with the surrounding
natural area; rolling terrain is not being preserved; and an organized pattern of roads and service lanes does not guide the layout of the site. Consequently, the following changes are required:
• Eliminate the service drive to the septic fields. If the drive can't be eliminated, relocate and /or reorient the drive to significantly reduce visibility from the EC and provide landscaping to better
integrate the drive into the surrounding natural landscape.
• Add trees on the re- graded slopes at the south end of the building and parking areas to help integrate the regular grading of the slopes into the surrounding natural landscape.
Regarding recommended conditions of initial plan approval:
o A Certificate of Appropriateness is required prior to final site plan approval. The following items (in addition to all other relevant checklist items) will need to be addressed with the next ARB
submittal:
• Eliminate the service drive to the septic fields. If the drive can't be eliminated, relocate and /or reorient the drive to significantly reduce visibility from the EC and provide landscaping to better
integrate the drive into the surrounding natural landscape.
• Add trees on the re- graded slopes at the south end of the building and parking areas to help integrate the regular grading of the slopes into the surrounding natural landscape.
• Revise the landscape plan to include details regarding the replanting of disturbed areas within the stream buffer and the 20' buffer on the west side of the site.
14
• Clarify the appearance of the pipes and ditches at the lower end of the entrance drive. Show how these elements will have an appropriate appearance from the EC.
• Add the standard mechanical equipment note to the site and architectural drawings: "Visibility of all mechanical equipment from the Entrance Corridor shall be eliminated."
• Provide a legible lighting plan. Include cut sheets for the proposed fixtures in the site plan. Ensure that spillover does not exceed .3 fc at all property lines and coordinate this requirement
with the notes on the plan.
• Remove the "This plan received preliminary ARB approval...." note from the landscape plan.
• Show the existing tree line along the Rt. 250 frontage and the tree line to remain consistently on all sheets. (The tree line is not shown on the Rt. 250 Improvements plans or the existing
conditions plans.)
• Revise the plans to include all easements associated with all utilities.
• Provide documentation from VDOT stating that the proposed grading and planting in the right -of -way is acceptable.
• Provide large shade trees at 3'/2" caliper, 35' on center, and interspersed ornamental trees, along the Rt. 250 frontage of the property in areas where grading is proposed and in areas where
on -site wooded area to remain is thin.
• Increase landscaping to better integrate the entrance drive into the surroundings. Provide 2'/2" caliper trees, spaced 40' on center, along the full length of the entrance drive.
• Provide perimeter trees for the southern parking lot, 40' on center, 2'/2" caliper at planting. Provide a staggered row of evergreen shrubs along the eastern and southern perimeters of the
southern parking lot, 24" minimum at planting.
• Add the standard planting note to 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."
• Coordinate the landscape plan and the Rt. 250 Improvements plan regarding off -site grading.
Regarding conditions to be satisfied prior to issuance of a grading permit:
o Show all the Conservation Checklist items on the plan, including tree protection fencing.
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 /ARB. Please be certain
that your ARB submittal addresses the above -noted issues.
If you have any questions concerning any of the above, please feel free to call me.
Sincerely,
Margaret Maliszewski
Principal Planner
cc: Faith Christian Center International Inc
Pastor Wayne Frye
P O Box 2306
Charlottesville Va 22902
15