HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP199700028 Staff Report 1997-07-01STAFF PERSON: MARY JOY SCALA
PLANNING COMMISSION: JULY 1, 1997
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: AUGUST 13,1997
SP 97-28 FARMINGTON COUNTRY CLUB
Applicant's Proposal: The applicant proposes to make the existing, non -conforming club a
conforming use, and to add three additions to the existing building: a fitness center located on the
west side of the club; a restaurant with outdoor dining and changes to the golf staging area on the
south side of the club; and an enlarged pre -function space and outdoor dining and terrace on the
north side of the club. (See applicant's project description'- Attachment A).
[NOTE: A tennis bubble was originally proposed as part of this special use permit. It has been
determined that a setback variance is required before a special use permit can be considered.
Therefore, that separate special use permit application will be reviewed at a later date.]
Petitions Proposal to make the existing club a conforming use in the RA, Rural Areas Zoning
District and to allow for three building additions to the club on part of 273.472 acres zoned RA,
Rural Areas District[10.2.2(2)]. Property,described as Tax Ma 60 E2 Parcel 1 is located on
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the north side of Route 250 West (Ivy Road) in the Samuel Miller Magisterial District. This site
is designated Rural Area in the Comprehensive Plan. (See maps -Attachment B).
Character of the Area: Farmington Country Club consists of a large clubhouse facility with
adjacent golf course, swimming pools and tennis courts, and is situated in the center of a
development of single family homes. The area is served by private roads, with entrances on
Route 250 West (Ivy Road), and Route 601 (Old Garth Road or Twenty-one Curves). The club
is not visible from public roads.
There is commercial and residential zoning to the south of the Farmington property, within
Neighborhood Six Urban Area Development Area. Otherwise, the Farmington property is
surrounded by Rural Areas zoning.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff has reviewed this request for compliance with Section 31.2.4,1 of the Zoning Ordinance
and recommends approval with conditions. A preliminary site plan has been submitted, and will '
be approved administratively. (See site plan - Attachment Q.
Planning and Zoning History: The club was opened in 1929 and is non -conforming.
SP 92-07 Farmington Country Club - April 15, 1992 -Request approved to construct 30,980
square foot sports club and 4,830 square foot storagefacility to supplement existing
golf/maintenance building on approximately 28 acres.
Comprehensive Plan: This site is designated Rural Area, and is located within the South Fork
Rivanna River Reservoir watershed. The Open Space Plan shows Route 250 as a designated
Entrance Corridor and Virginia Byway. Farmington is on the Virginia Landmarks Register and
National Register of Historic Places.
The Growth Management goal states, "Protect and efficiently utilize County resources by:
A. Emphasizing the importance of protecting the elements that define the Rural Area:
1) Agriculture and forestry resources; 2) water supply resources; 3) natural resources;
4) scenic resources; 5) historic and cultural resources; 6) limited service delivery.,
Of these, the protection of agriculture and forestry resources' is the highest priority.
B. Designating Development Areas where a variety of land uses, facilities, and services are
planned to support the County's future growth, with emphasis placed on infill development."
Staff opinion is that the applicant's proposal to add three additions to the existing club facility
does not affect agricultural or forestry resources, natural resources, or scenic resources. The club
is not visible from the Entrance Corridor. Because the club is existing, and the proposed
additions are not an intensification of use, the proposal will not affect the existing level of service
delivery in the Rural Area. Water supply resources may be affected by increased runoff. Runoff
concerns will be addressed through site, plan review.
Farmington is a designated historic property, listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the
National Register of Historic Places. Thomas Jefferson designed the octagonal wing of a house,
completed in 1802, for his friend George Divers. The earlier part of the house was erected before
1780. In 1927 the house and 350 acres of farmland were sold to Farmington, Inc., and the
property was converted into a country club. Although extensively enlarged, the club retains its
octagonal front addition designed by Jefferson:
A Natural Environment goal states, "Protect the County's natural, scenic, and historic resources:
in the Rural and Growth Areas." An Objective is, "Conserve the County's historical and cultural
resources, including historic sites, structures and landscape features; archaeological sites; and
other unique man-made features."
Staff opinion is that the applicant's proposal, subject to proposed condition # 2, supports this
goal and objective by protecting an important historic resource through Virginia Department of
Historic Resources certification that the addition does not detract from the integrity of the
existing historic structure. No architectural modifications are planned for the front portico and
"Jefferson room."
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STAFF COMMENT:
This special use permit includes requests to make the existing, non -conforming club a
conforming use, and to add three additions to the existing building.
This permit includes only the clubhouse facility, and not the golf course, where no changes are
proposed. Within the clubhouse facility, activities include swimming and tennis facilities, golf
staging area, guest rooms, dining facilities, banquet facilities, and provisions for special
functions for members such as weddings. Any future intensification of use would require an
amendment to this special use permit.
The applicant is requesting Planning Commission approval of a modification of Section 4.12.6.5
of the Zoning Ordinance to allow five parallel parking spaces. (See letter dated 6/16/97 -
Attachment D). Use of parallel parking will not affect internal circulation and staff recommends
approval of this modification. A preliminary site plan will be approved administratively, if the
Special Use Permit request is approved.
Staff will address each provision of Section 31.2.4.1 of the Zoning Ordinance.
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
neon a finding by the Board of Supervisors that such use will not be of substantial detriment to
adjacent property,
Staff opinion is that the proposed additions will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent
property. The club is located approximately 200 feet from the nearest property line. Parking is
being altered slightly, but is existing.
The Virginia Department of Transportation comment is that there is no impact.
The Zoning Department comments are attached. (See memo dated 6111197 - Attachment E).
Zoning staff requests that consideration be given to requiring commercial setbacks (50 foot
setback from adjacent rural area district, 20 foot buffer area for parking and grading.) The
application of commercial setbacks would not affect this special use permit request for building
expansion. However, it would affect the variance application for the tennis bubble. Staff
recommends addressing the application of commercial setbacks for the country club with the
special use permit request for the tennis bubble.
Zoning also noted that the existing uses should be requested in the special use permit, procedure.
This was discussed above.
The Engineering Department comments are attached. (See memo dated 612197- Attachment F)
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that the character of the district will not be changed thereby;
The applicant's proposal will not change the character of the district.
and that such use will be in harmony with the 12=ose and intent of this ordinance,
Staff has reviewed the purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance, relation to the environment,
and relation to Comprehensive Plan as stated in Sections 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6, and has found this
application to be in harmony with these sections. Specifically, this request protects'against .
destruction of historic area, and facilitates provision of a recreational facility,
with the uses permitted by right in the district.
The use will be in harmony with uses permitted by right in the district.
with additional regulations provided in Section 5`.0 of this ordinance
Supplementary Regulation Section 5.1.16 contains requirements for swimming, golf and tennis
clubs., (See Section 5.1.16 -Attachment G).
and with the nublichealth, safety and general welfare.
The applicant's proposal will promote the general welfare by providing for the club's needs.
There are no health or safety issues.
"SUMMARY:
Staff opinion is that this request is in compliance with the provisions bf Section 31.2.4.1 of the
ZoningOrdinance. Concerns addressed by the conditions are: future intensification of use and
protecting the historical integrity of the structure.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends approval of SP 97-28 subject to the following conditions:
RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
1. Virginia Department of Historic Resources certification that the additions do not detract
from the integrity of the existing historic structure.
2. This permit is for the existing club facility and three building additions, excluding the
golf course. Any future intensification of use shall require an amendment to this special
use permit.
Staff also recommends Planning Commission approval of a modification of Section 4.12.6.5 of
the Zoning Ordinance to permit five (5) parallel parking spaces.
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ATTACHMENTS:`
A - Applicant's project description
B - Maps
C - Site plan
D - Parallel parking waiver request
E Zoning memo
F - Engineering memo
G- Supplementary Regulations
I:\general\share\farmgton.rpt
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ATTACHMENT A
Project Description:`
Farmington Country Club predates the county's zoning and planning regulations. The club is
applying for a special use permit in order to bring the present situation into the county's zoning
process and to allow for three building additions to the club. The first of these additions is a
fitness and locker room facility, the second is the expansion of one eating area to facilitate the
closure of another, and the third is the widening of an existing gallery walkway.
The use of the club will not change, nor will the number of members` This project will require
only minor adjustments to the existing site and parking.;
The project also includes the realignment of some existing tennis courts in order to allow for a
temporary inflatable bubble to provide for indoor tennis from late fall until early spring.A central
cooling plant will also be constructed to provide air conditioningthroughout' the club.
PHONE(804)293-4251
(804) 977-0205
FAX (804) 296-5220
ROUDABUSH, GALE & ASSOC., INC. ATTACHMENT D
LAND SURVEYORS A PROFESS] O NAL CORPORATION
ENGINEERS 914 MONTICELLO ROAD
LAND PLANNERS CHARLOTTESVILLE', VIRGINIA 22902
J. THOMAS GALE, L.S. DAVID L. COLLINS, L.S.
MARILYNN R. GALE, L.S. DIANA P. GALE, P.E. L.S.
WILLIAM S. ROUDABUSH, L.S. WILLIAM J. LEDBETTER, L.S.
EDWARD D. CAMPBELL III, L.S.
June 16, 1997
Wayne Cilimberg
Director of Planning and Community Development
County of Albemarle
401 McIntire Road
Room 218
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Re: Request for modification of Section 4.12.6.5 of the County Zoning Ordinance
Dear Mr Cilimberg,
I am writing on behalf of Farmington Country Club. On our attached site plan, we are
showing five proposed parallel parking spaces. We are hereby requesting from you a
modification of Section 4.12.6.5 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance as it speaks
to proposed parallel parking spaces. Two of the proposed spaces are shown next to the
proposed fitness facility as reflected on sheet 3/7 of the attached site plan. We are
proposing that they be designated as handicap spaces, because they would provide easy
access to both the fitness facility as well as the new grill and pro shop. As; you will notice,
there are four existing parallel parking spaces in this same location; therefore, what we
are actually proposing is to eliminate two of them and slightly realign the other two as
shown:
The other three proposed parallel spaces are shown next to the proposed Farmington
Grill as reflected on sheet 3/7 of the attached site plan. These three spaces would
provide easy and convenient access for people using the new grill, the golf shop, or the
golf course. Because they are larger than required (9'x 23' instead of 9'x 20'), we feel
that they will be more accessible. Farmington Country Club has eight existing parallel
parking spaces that have served the club well for many years. Because this is a private
club, the parking lot is used mainly by people who are very familiar with it and know that
you have to drive very carefully because of the nature of the site.
We hope that you find this request acceptable.
Sincerely,
Brent W. Nelson
°F.AL ATTACHMENT E
RECEIVen
COUNTY of ALBEMARLE JON 13 1997
Department of Building Code and Zoning Services
401 McIntire Road, Room 223 Planning
Charlottesville, Virginia 229024596 Dept,
Building Code Information FAX (804) 972-4126 Zoning Information
(804) 296-5832 TTD (804) 972-4012 (804) 296-5575
MEMORANDUM
TO Mary Joy Scala, Senior Planner
FROM: Jan Sprinkle, Chief of Zoning Administration �5
DATE: June 11, 1997
RE: SP 97-28, Farmington Country Club, Inc.
The Building Code and Zoning Services Department has several concerns that should be
addressed in the SP process.
1. This is a commercial use in the Rural Areas district. -Please ask the Board to
consider requiring the commercial setbacks of Section 21.7, including the buffer
zone, to apply to all new structures. if we know what section of the ordinance to
apply when questions come up, it makes our enforcement much easier. If certain
setbacks just "show up" on a plan but there is no specific requirement, we are left
to wonder how or why and what to use for a future situation. Often an accessory
structure or dumpster or some other item that doesn't require site plan amendment
comes into question after the fact and causes us to use our own judgment making
it difficult to track and be consistent.
2. This use, "swim, golf, tennis or similar athletic facilities" is subject to the
supplemental regulations of Section 5.1.16. This section allows the Board to
require additional conditions as it deems necessary. This includes but is not
limited to provision for additional fencing and/or planting or other landscaping,
additional setback from property Fines, additional parking space, location and
arrangement of lighting, and other reasonable requirements. It also allows for
provision for concessions for the serving of food, refreshments or entertainment
for club members and guests. Please include in the SP procedure a request for
the existing club uses such as, guest rooms, dining facilities, banquet facilities,
and special functions for members such as weddings.
ATTACHMENT F
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Engineering & Public Works
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mary Joy Scala, Senior Planner
FROM: Andre S. Williams, Senior Engineer
DATE: 2 June 1997 -
RE: Farmington Country Club - Special Use Permit and Preliminary Site Plan (SP -97-28)
Watershed Boundary: South Fork Rivanna River Watershed,, Ivy Creek Subwatershed, Unnamed
Tributary Drainage Basin
Stream/Watercourses: There are no streams or watercourses located within the limits of these
improvements.
Wetlands: There are no potential jurisdictional wetlands located within the limits of these
improvements.
Water Resources Protection Areas Ordinance: Does not apply to this project.
Runoff Control Ordinance: Does apply to this project.
The Special Use Permit and Preliminary Site Plan received 22 May 1997 have been reviewed.
Albemarle County Engineering has identified several items of concern which must be satisfactorily
addressed: [Each comment is preceded by the applicable reference, which is to the Zoning Ordinance -
unless otherwise specified.]
1. [32.5.6.1.] Label travelway widths adjacent to the proposed improvements. A minimum 20'
width is required.
2. [4.12.6.5:1 Provide dimensions for the proposed parking stalls. Parallel parking stalls require
Planning Commission approval.
3. [32.5.6n.] Indicate the material to be used for the proposed sidewalk and cart staging area.
Provided the above items are addressed, Albemarle County Engineering can support the Special Use
Permit subject to review of all relevant final site plan requirements and the following conditions:
A. [32.6:6] Albemarle County Engineering approval of grading and drainage plans. ,
B. [32. R4.3J Albemarle County Engineering approval of an erosion control plan if I0,000sf or
greater is disturbed.
C. [Runoff Control Ordinance] Albemarle County Engineering issuance of aRunoff Control
Permit, if applicable. Provide a summary of impervious cover within TMP 60E(2)-01
If you have any questions concerning this subject, please contact Jack Kelsey or me at 296-5861.
ASW/ctj
Fl�e:anNLfmmgm.vc
5.1.16
ATTACHf4kNT G
"
SWIMMING, GOLF, TENNIS CLUBS
a.
The swimming pool, including the apron, filtering and
pumping equipment, and any buildings, shall be at least
seventy-five (75) feet from the nearest property line
and at least one hundred twenty-five (125) feet from
.any existing dwelling on an adjoining property, except
that, where the lot upon which it is located abuts land
in a commercial -or industrial district, the pool may be
constructed no less than twenty-five (25) feet from the
nearest property line of such land in a commercial or
industrials district;
b.
When the lot on which any such pool is located abuts
the rear or side line of, or is across the street from,
any residential district, a substantial, sightly wall,
fence, or shrubbery shall be erected or planted, so as
to screen effectively said 'pool 'from view from the
nearest property in such residential district;
C.
The sound from any radio, recording device, public
address system or other speaker shall be limited to
forty (40) decibels at the 'nearest residential property
dine;
d.
The board of supervisors may, for the protection of the
health, safety, morals and general welfare of the
community, require such additional conditions as it
deems necessary, including but not limited to provi-
sions for additional fencing and/or planting or other
_
landscaping, additional setback from property lines,
additional parking space, location and arrangement of -
lighting, and other reasonable requirements;'
e.
Provision for concessions for the serving of food,
refreshments or entertainment for club members and
guests may be permitted under special use permit
procedures.
5.1.17 TOURIST LODGING
The
zoning administrator may issue a permit for such use for
a period not exceeding five (5) years and renewable for five
(5)
year periods thereafter, provided that:
a.
Approval for such use has been obtained from the
Albemarle County fire official._ The fire official
shall thereafter inspect the premises at his discre-
tion;
t b.
Approval of permit has been obtained from the Bureau of
E,
Tourist Establishment Sanitation of the Virginia
)'
Department of Health.
a
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