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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP200900035 Legacy Document 2010-04-28COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE PLANNING STAFF REPORT SUMMARY Project Name: SP 2009 - 00035, St. Anne's Playing Field Staff: Judith C. Wiegand, AICP Planning Commission Public Hearing: Board of Supervisors Public Hearing: May 4, 2010 Not scheduled Owners: University of Virginia Foundation. Applicant: St. Anne's - Belfield, represented by Richard E. Carter, Zunka, Milnor, Carter & Inigo, Ltd.. Acreage: 13.5 acres of a 265 -acre tract.. Special Use Permit: Section 13.2.2.5, Private Schools. This special use permit is related to SP 2007 - 00053, St. Anne's Belfield -New Academic Buildings. TMP: TMP 60 -24 (Portion) Existing Zoning and By -right use: R -1 Residential, Location: 1600 feet from the intersection of Faulconer which allows private schools by special use permit. Drive and the Ivy Road /Rt 250 offramp from the 250 Entrance Corridor Overlay District (US Route 29/250 Bypass on property adjacent to the existing school. (See Bypass (Monacan Trail/ Richmond Road) Attachment A). Magisterial District: Jack Jouett Conditions: Yes Proposal: To construct a new playing field, spectator Comprehensive Plan Designation: Neighborhood area, and overflow parking. This playing field was Density Residential — residential (3 -6 units /acre) and originally proposed to be located on the main school supporting uses such as religious institutions and campus under SP 2007 - 00053. The school proposes to schools and other small -scale non - residential uses, in move the field across Faulconer Drive and to construct a Neighborhood 7. spectator area and overflow parking with the new field. Requested # of Dwelling Units: NA DA (Development Area): Neighborhood 7 Character of Property: The portion of TMP 60 -24 Use of Surrounding Properties: St. Anne's main between Faulconer Drive and the 250 Bypass is an campus is north across Faulconer Drive from the undeveloped, grassy area. proposed field location. The property on the west side of Faulconer Drive is largely undeveloped, except for a few, scattered homes and outbuildings. The 250 Bypass forms the eastern and southern boundaries of the property. The main campus of the University of Virginia is located east across the 250 Bypass from the subject property. Factors Favorable: Factors Unfavorable: Staff has identified the following factors that are favorable Staff has identified no factors that are unfavorable to to this application: this application. 1. There will be less environmental impact on St. Anne's campus because the new location requires less grading and no trees will need to be removed. 2. Moving the playing field to the proposed location will result in preservation of more of the buffering vegetation along the 250 Bypass (the original location). 3. The new field location will be easier for attendees at events to locate. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of this special use permit with conditions. STAFF PERSON: PLANNING COMMISSION: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: SP 2009 -035, St. Anne's Playing Field PETITION PROJECT: SP2009- 00035, St. Anne's Playing Field JUDITH C. WIEGAND, AICP May 4, 2010 Not scheduled PROPOSED: Allow playing field, spectator area, and overflow parking on 13.5 acres ZONING CATEGORY /GENERAL USAGE: R -1, Residential SECTION: 13.2.2.5 which allows private schools by Special Use Permit. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE /DENSITY: Neighborhood density residential (3 -6 units /acre) and supporting uses such as religious institutions and schools and other small -scale non - residential uses in Neighborhood 7. ENTRANCE CORRIDOR: Yes X No LOCATION: 1600 feet from the intersection of Faulconer Drive and the Ivy Road /Rt 250 off ramp from the 250 Bypass TAX MAP /PARCEL: Portion of TMP 60 -24 MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Jack Jouett CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AREA The portion of TMP 60 -24 between Faulconer Drive and the 250 Bypass is an undeveloped grassy area. This area is south across Faulconer Drive from St. Anne's - Belfield Lower School campus. The area to the west across Faulconer Drive is undeveloped, except for a few residences and outbuildings. SPECIFICS OF THE PROPOSAL On April 13, 2008, the Board of Supervisors approved a special use permit (SP2007- 00053) for changes to St. Anne's - Belfield Lower School campus (See Attachment D, Action Letter). One of the facilities included in that special use permit was a new playing field. This application (SP2009- 00035) relates to SP2007- 00035, but is on a separate parcel. It is proposed to allow construction of the new playing field, along with a spectator area and unpaved parking, in a new location across Faulconer Drive from the main school campus. Most of those attending sports events at the new field will park in a lot on the main campus. The parking to be constructed along with the proposed field is for overflow or "as needed" parking. Locating the playing field in the new location will result in less environmental disturbance because the new location is a grassy field that is used occasionally for overflow parking now. The former location would place the field very close to the edge of school property, would require removal of mature trees, would involve more grading on the site, and would be closer to the 250 Bypass. Proximity to the 250 Bypass Entrance Corridor would make screening to fulfill Entrance Corridor requirements more difficult. The applicant has requested a waiver from the minimum design requirements for parking lots in order to allow the lot to be surfaced with pervious materials. The County Engineer has reviewed the waiver request and has indicated that the waiver can be approved. Details will be processed with the site plan. Planning Commission Public Hearing: SP 2009 -035 St. Anne'sPlaying Field Staff Report, May 4, 2010 APPLICANT'S JUSTIFICATION FOR THE REQUEST The applicant has asked for this special use permit in order to make construction simpler and to avoid disturbing the buffer along the eastern edge of the campus between the school and the 250 Bypass. The location proposed in this special use permit application is also closer to Faulconer Drive; those coming to sporting events at the field will not have to drive as far into the campus in order to reach the new field. PLANNING AND ZONING HISTORY St. Anne's - Belfield is currently operating under SP2007- 00053, St. Anne's Belfield -New Academic Buildings, which was approved on August 13, 2008. The property on which the proposed playing field is to be built, a portion of TMP 60 -24, is owned by the University of Virginia Foundation and is zoned R -1, Residential. This portion has been zoned R -1 since the current Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 1980. BACKGROUND On April 29, 2008, the Planning Commission approved SP2007- 00053, to permit construction of new academic buildings and related facilities on St. Anne's existing lower school campus. One of the fields proposed to be constructed was to be located to the east of the existing football field in an area where a building was to be demolished. Since that special use permit was approved, the school has reached an agreement with the University of Virginia Foundation to lease a portion of TMP 60 -24 and to locate the field and overflow parking facilities in that area. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The Comprehensive Plan designates the subject property as Neighborhood Density Residential, which includes schools, universities and colleges and ancillary facilities and public facilities and utilities. The requested Special Use Permit is consistent with this designation. The Comprehensive Plan also recommends to: Maintain or establish a buffer [along] the Route 250 bypass to protect the visual quality and character of the area as seen from the roadway. (page 76) This buffer is also shown on the Open Space Plan map. The Neighborhood Model: This special use permit application amendment would allow construction of a playing field with spectator area and an overflow parking lot. A Neighborhood Model analysis was conducted as part of the approval process for SP 2007 - 00053, St. Anne's - Belfield New Academic Buildings, which allowed construction of new buildings and other facilities on the main school campus. Staff has determined that this new application would only change the location of one athletic field, so a complete Neighborhood Model analysis is not necessary for this amendment. The only principle that is relevant to the changes in the amendment is Pedestrian Orientation. The applicant has shown pedestrian paths and crosswalk locations on the concept plan, so this principle is met. STAFF COMMENT Planning Commission Public Hearing: SP 2009 -035 St. Anne'sPlaying Field Staff Report, May 4, 2010 Staff will address each provision of Section 31.2.4.1 of the Zoning Ordinance: 31.2.4.1: The Board of Supervisors hereby reserves unto itself the right to issue all special use permits permitted hereunder. Special use permits for uses as provided in this ordinance may be issued upon a finding by the Board of Supervisors that such use will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property. The proposed location for the playing field, spectator area, and parking lot is in an undeveloped area adjacent to the existing lower school campus. Other than the school, the nearest structures are far enough away that potential noise from games being played will not affect residents. Further, the 250 Bypass separates the field from the main campus of the University of Virginia. Traffic issues were addressed during approval of SP 2007- 00053 and have not changed with the new field location. Locating the playing field and other facilities in this area will not be a detriment to adjacent properties. that the character of the district will not be changed thereby, The school is compatible with the R -1, Residential zoning district, so the proposed playing field, spectator area, and parking lot are not expected to change the character of the district. Since there is almost no surrounding development, no change in character should result from construction of these facilities. and that such use will be in harmony with the purpose and intent of this ordinance, The intent of the Rl- Residential District is to recognize the existence of previously established low density residential districts, to provide incentives for clustering of development along with various types of amenities, and to provide for low density residential development in the urban area. Private schools are allowed in Residential districts by special use permit approved by the Board of Supervisors. Granting this request for the playing field and related facilities will support continuing programs at St. Anne's - Belfield. Providing schools in residential areas can be a service to the area and an amenity for the surrounding neighborhoods. The school also adjoins the 250 Bypass, one of the County's Entrance Corridors. So, the proposed development must meet the requirements of the Entrance Corridor Overlay District. The intent of that district is to protect the county's natural, scenic and historic, architectural and cultural resources. The County's design planner has indicated that the proposed playing field and overflow parking can be treated in a way that will produce an appropriate appearance for the Entrance Corridor. The landscaping and fencing shown on the concept plan may require revisions to achieve this appearance. The conditions of approval have been written to allow modifications to the concept plan to meet the requirements of the Architectural Review Board (ARB). The applicant will have to obtain ARB approval prior to site plan approval. with the uses permitted by right in the district, The primary use in an R -1 district is single - family homes. Schools are permitted in residential neighborhoods, although St. Anne's - Belfield has its own campus, rather than being part of a surrounding neighborhood. Schools contribute to the moral fabric of the community and are expected in residential districts. Planning Commission Public Hearing: SP 2009 -035 St. Anne'sPlaying Field Staff Report, May 4, 2010 with additional regulations provided in Section S.0 of this ordinance, There are no supplemental regulations in Section 5.0 that address private schools. and with the public health, safety and general welfare. Traffic and other potential impacts of the school were analyzed during the approval process for SP2007- 00053. Since the amendment to that special use permit would allow only a small shift in location of facilities, no additional or increased impacts are expected (See VDOT comments in Attachment Q. So, in conjunction with the original special use permit, this amendment supports the public health, safety and general welfare of the community. SUMMARY: Staff has identified the following factors favorable to this application: 1. There will be less environmental impact on St. Anne's campus because the new location requires less grading and no trees will need to be removed. 2. Moving the playing field to the proposed location will result in preservation of more of the buffering vegetation along the 250 Bypass (the original location). 3. The new field location will be easier for attendees at events to locate. Staff has identified no factors that are unfavorable to this application. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Based on the findings contained in this staff report, staff recommends approval of Special Use Permit 2009 - 00035, St. Anne's Playing Field, with the following conditions: 1. Development of the use on TMP 60 -24 shall be in general accord with the Conceptual Plan entitled "UVAF Property /Plan (Leased) Athletic Field/Gravel Parking Area," Revision 1, prepared by Gloeckner Engineering /Surveying, Inc., and dated February 10, 2010 (hereinafter "Conceptual Plan"), as determined by the Director of Planning and the Zoning Administrator. To be in accord with the Conceptual Plan, development shall reflect the following major elements within the development essential to the design of the development: • The location of the playing field and overflow parking as shown on the Conceptual Plan, except that the landscaping and fencing may be modified to meet the requirements of the Architectural Review Board (ARB) and the location of the crosswalks on Faulconer Drive may be changed to meet the requirements of the Virginia Dept. of Transportation (VDOT). Minor modifications to the Conceptual Plan, which do not conflict with the elements above, may be made to ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. 2. The playing field shall not be lit. ATTACHMENTS Planning Commission Public Hearing: SP 2009 -035 St. Anne'sPlaying Field Staff Report, May 4, 2010 Attachment A — Location Map Attachment B — Concept Plan, "UVAF Property /Plan (Leased) 200'x350' Athletic Field/Gravel Parking Area, No. 1)," prepared by Gloeckner engineering /Surveying Inc., and dated February 10, 2010. Attachment C — Comments from VDOT, dated April 8, 2010 Attachment D — Action Letter for SP2007- 00053, St. Anne's - Belfield New Academic Buildings Planning Commission Public Hearing: SP 2009 -035 St. Anne'sPlaying Field Staff Report, May 4, 2010 ATTACHMENT A Planning Commission Public Hearing: SP 2009 -035 St. Anne'sPlaying Field Staff Report, May 4, 2010 ATTACHMENT C From: DeNunzio, Joel D., P.E. [ Joel .DeNunzio @VDOT.virginia.gov] Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 8:31 AM To: Judith Wiegand Subject: FW: SP- 2009 -00035 St. Anne's Playing Field Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Judy, My comments are in the below e-mail. Thanks, Joel Joel DeNunzio, P.E. Staff Engineer 434 - 293 -0011 Ext. 120 ioel. den unzioCa vdot.viroinia.00v From: DeNunzio, Joel D., P.E. Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2010 8:49 AM , To: 'Judith Wiegand' Subject: SP -2009 -00035 St. Anne's Playing Field SP- 2009 -00035 St. Anne's Playing Field Judy, I have reviewed this application and my only comment is that the applicant will need to get a Land Use Permit or revise the existing permit for the addition of the marked crosswalks on the State Maintained Road. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks Joel Joel DeNunzio, P.E. Staff Engineer 434 - 293 -0011 Ext. 120 ioel.denunzio@vdot.virginia.gov Planning Commission Public Hearing: SP 2009 -035 St. Anne'sPlaying Field Staff Report, May 4, 2010 8 ATTACHMENT D A ti COUNTY OFALBFI IARLE Department of Community Dewloprnent 401 hlclntim Road, Room 277 Charlofuesaille, VirgiNa 2290245% Phow 1134) 296,-5832 Fazi4A4'1972 -3012 August 16, 2,308 Gloeckner Engineerin4&rveying, Inc. &o Kurt Gioeckner 5o8 Dale Avenue, Suite A Charlotiogolle, Va 22903 RE: SP2007 -00053 St. Anne's- Belfield TAX MAP,,PARCEL: TM 60, Parcels 57, 57A, 5713, 57C Dear Mr. GloQckner On August 13, 2008, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors took action on SP #2007 -00053 to increase the number of students from 300 to 550 by adding new bWchngs and demolishing some existing buildlings. No residential units are proposed on TAX MAPIPARC EL: TM 60, ,Parcels 57, 57A, 57B, 57C in the Jade Jouett District. This special use permit was approved based on the following conditions= 1 _ The site shall be developed in substantial accord with the concept plan entitled 'St. Anne's - eothekf Proposed Lower / Middle School Preliminary Site Plan,' dated June 6. 2008, except that changes may be made provided the Zoning Administrator funds that all other special use conditions are met; 2_ The maximxn enrollment shall be 550 students; 3- Arrival and dismissal times for Lower and Middle school students shall be staggered at a minimum twenty (20i - minute interval so that all students do not arrive at''depart from the campus at the same time; 4- The Owner shall design and construct all improvements at the Beffield campus to meet the minimum standards for LEED certificalbn under the LEER for Schools Rating System and shall seek to obtain such certification at the minimum level or better within two (2) years from the date of the Certificate of Occupancy; 5- Stormwater management shall be provided in the form of biolilters for any new impervious surfaces. In addition to the requirements of the County's Wafer Protection Ordinance, the majority of foot runoff shall be captured in a rainwater collection and reuse system; 6- Erosion control shall be provided within the property by the use of sediment trapping measures and diversions. Off -site easements or work, or variations from the standards, shall not be used; 7- In order to address off -site transportation impacts caused by this project, the Canner shall contribute cash in the amount of forty -nine thousand two hundred forty six dollars ($49,246.00) to the County for the purpose of funding road safety improvements, traffic signalization improvements, of other transportation improvements located within the boundaries of Neighborhoods 6 or 7 as delineated in the County Comprehensive Plan's Land Use Pian adopted June 5, 1996- The cash contrbution shall be made prior to issuance by the County of the first building permit for the project; 8. A raw of two and one -half inch (2 —) caliper shade trees spaced forty (40) feet on center shall be provided along the east side of the relocated portion of SR 855; 9- A minimum) of twenty (20) -foot deep landscape buffers shall be provided, free of utilities, to screen the parking lot located southeast of the existing football field from the US 299'250 Bypass; and Planning Commission Public Hearing: SP 2009 -035 St. Anne'sPlaying Field Staff Report, May 4, 2010 10. Landsr:aping may be required to be in excess of the minimum requirements of ARB guidelines or the Zoning Ordinance to compensate for the negative visual impact of the playing fields and parking on the Entrance Corridor. Please be advised that although the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors took action on the project noted above, no uses on the property as approved above may lawfully begin until all applicable approvals have been received and conditions have been met. This includes: • compliance with conditions of the SPECIAL USE PERMIT; • approval of and compliance with a SITE PLAN: and • approval of a ZONING COMPLIANCE CLEARANCE. In the event that the use, structure or activity for which this special use permit is issued is not commenced within twenty -four (24) months from the date of Board approval, it shall be deemed abandoned and the permit terminated. The term 'commenced" means -construction of any structure necessary to the use of the permit.' If you have questions or comments regarding the above -noted action, please do not hesitate to contact Sham Proctor at 296 -5832_ Sincerely, V- Wayne Cilimberg Director of Planning cc: St Anno's Belfield School Inc Attn Dr Lctwis Stephens 2132 fvy Rd Charlottesville, Va 229,03 Planning Commission Public Hearing: SP 2009 -035 St. Anne'sPlaying Field Staff Report, May 4, 2010 10