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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP201500010 Review Comments Special Use Permit 2015-02-25�� OF ALB �'IRGINZP COUNTY 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: Claudette Grant FROM: Margaret Maliszewski RE: SP- 2015 -10: Van Dine Plaza DATE: February 25, 2015 I have reviewed the Van Dine Plaza plan dated 1/20/2015 and I have the following comments: 1. The proposal does not meet the Entrance Corridor Design Guideline regarding site grading and retaining walls: Site grading should maintain the basic relationship of the site to surrounding conditions by limiting the use of retaining walls and by shaping the terrain through the use of smooth, rounded land forms that blend with the existing terrain. Steep cut or fill sections are generally unacceptable..... 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. The site is nearly surrounded by retaining walls and the walls reach a height of 34'. Though some of the walls may not be directly visible from the EC, the extensive use of the walls will be evident in the development if it is built as illustrated. The layout of the site does not appear to allow for the terracing and planting of the retaining walls as required by the guidelines. Also, the proximity of the retaining walls to property lines, utilities, and easements does not allow for sufficient planting at the base in many locations. 2. The proposal does not meet the Entrance Corridor Design Guideline regarding frontage planting: Large shade trees should be planted parallel to the Entrance Corridor Street. Such trees should be at least 3' /a inches caliper (measured 6 inches above the ground) and should be of a plant species common to the area. Such trees should be located at least every 35 feet on center. 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. 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. Trees are shown along the EC frontage, but they are shown either in an easement or off site. In addition to large shade trees and ornamental trees, shrubs will also be required along the frontage. 3. The proposal does not meet the Entrance Corridor Design Guideline regarding perimeter parking lot planting: Large trees should align the perimeter of parking areas, located 40 feet on center.... Trees should measure 2' /z inches caliper... Shrubs should be provided as necessary to minimize the parking area's impact on Entrance Corridor streets. Shrubs should measure 24 inches in height. 4. The front entrance to the hotel is not located on the building elevation that faces the Entrance Corridor. In the Entrance Corridor, it would be more appropriate to locate the main building entrance on the EC- facing elevation. With or without the main building entrance, the elevation facing Rio Road will be required to be a fully designed front. Blank walls will not be appropriate. 5. A dumpster is located in a front corner of the property adjacent to the EC. Although the retaining wall currently shown in this area will screen some of the dumpster from view, the dumpster location emphasizes that the proposal does not support the goals of the Entrance Corridors. The applicant is encouraged to pursue a re- design that takes advantage of existing grades; significantly reduces the need for retaining walls; provides for no less than the minimum planting requirements on site and outside of utilities and easements; locates accessory structures, equipment and objectionable features away from the EC; and preferably orients the main building entrance towards the Entrance Corridor.