HomeMy WebLinkAboutZMA201400008 Staff Report 2015-03-17 COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
STAFF REPORT SUMMARY
Project Name: ZMA201400008 CMA Staff: Rachel Falkenstein
Properties; SP201500005 CMA Properties
Outdoor Storage & Display; SP201500006 CMA
Properties Stand Alone Parking
Planning Commission Public Hearing: March Board of Supervisors Public Hearing: TBD
17, 2015
Owner: CMA Properties Inc. Applicant: CMA Properties Inc.
Acreage: 3.53 acres Rezone from R-6 Residential to HC Highway
Commercial.
Special use permit for Outdoor storage, display
and/or sales within the Entrance Corridor Overlay
under Section 30.6.3.
Special use permit for Stand alone parking
under Section 24.2.2.
TMP: 04500000017300 By-right use: R-6 Residential zoning district,
residential uses at a density of 6 units per acre.
Magisterial District: Rio Proffers: Yes
Proposal: Request to permit the expansion of Requested # of Dwelling Units: None
Colonial Auto Center operations, parking and
inventory onto adjacent parcel; to allow outdoor
storage and display of inventory vehicles within
Rio Road Entrance Corridor; to allow stand
alone parking to support adjacent Colonial Auto
Center property during first phase.
DA (Development Area): Places29 Comp. Plan Designation: Urban Density
Residential which allows residential uses at 6-12
units/acre and supporting uses such as religious
institutions, schools, commercial. Concurrent with
Comprehensive Plan Amendment application
CPA201400002.
Character of Property: Currently vacant. Use of Surrounding Properties: To the east -
Former site of Greenfield Mobile Home Park. current Colonial Auto Center, Rio Hill Shopping
Road network and pads remain, partially Center; north —vacant parcel zoned
wooded. Neighborhood Model District and Agnor Hurt
Elementary; west—vacant parcel and small
businesses, south — apartment building, vacant
parcels and single family homes.
Factors Favorable: Factors Unfavorable:
ZMA20140008 ZMA20140008
1. The rezoning is consistent with the 1. The proposed building envelope does not
Comprehensive Plan land use change from meet neighborhood model principles of
CPA2014-00002. relegated parking and buildings and spaces of
2. The rezoning is supportive of the County's human scale. This location would be
economic development goals including the appropriate for auto sales/service, but is not
expansion of an existing business, infill appropriate for other retail uses permitted in
development and the creation of new jobs. HC zoning.
3. The rezoning request does not impede the 2. The short term development of the site does
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opportunity for the extension of Myers Drive not provide for pedestrian improvements
should it be recommended by the Small Area along Berkmar Drive, which could leave a gap
Plan. in the pedestrian network as adjacent parcels
4. The proffers and concept plan provide area develop.
reserved for future right-of-way dedication for 3. The proffers and concept plan are in need of
the expansion of Berkmar Drive. substantive and technical revisions.
SP201500005 Outdoor Storage/Display SP201500005 Outdoor Storage/Display
1. The Architectural Review Board has None.
reviewed the request for outdoor sales,
storage and display and recommends
approval with conditions.
SP201500006 Stand Alone Parking SP201500006 Stand Alone Parking
1. With staff's recommended changes to the None.
proffers and concept plan, the parking will be
adequately screened from Berkmar Drive
and residential uses across Berkmar Drive.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of ZMA201400008 CMA Properties provided the following changes are
made to the proffers and concept plan prior to the Board of Supervisors meeting:
1. The building envelope on the concept plan should be extended to the edge of the right of way.
The applicant should commit to locating buildings for commercial uses other than automobile
sales/service to addresses the street with relegated parking.
2. The sidewalks and street trees should be constructed upon demand of the County rather than
during Phase 2.
3. The landscaping/screening provided during the Phase 1 development should be enhanced.
Staff recommends at minimum a 20' planting strip along Berkmar Drive.
4. The concept plan should clearly identify which elements of the site will be constructed during
Phase 1 and Phase 2.
5. The proffer to keep Myers Drive free from impediments for a period of two years should be
clarified (it may be determined that this proffer is not needed based on commitments provided
in the concept plan).
6. Technical fixes should be made to proffers as recommended by staff.
Staff recommends approval of SP201500005 CMA Properties - Outdoor Storage & Display with
the following conditions:
1. Vehicles shall not be elevated anywhere on site.
2. Vehicles shall be displayed only in areas indicated as "inventory" on the plan entitled "CMA
Properties Highway Commercial Concept Plan" by Collins Engineering with revision date of 1-
30-2015. Inventory parking within the EC Overlay District shall be only in designated striped
parking spaces, as identified on this plan.
3. Final site plan approval is subject to ARB approval of the lighting plan (submitted with the site
plan). Maximum light levels shall not exceed 30 footcandles.
4. Final site plan approval is subject to ARB approval of the landscape plan (submitted with the
site plan). Landscaping shown on the plan may be required to be in excess of the minimum
requirements of ARB guidelines and/or the Zoning Ordinance to mitigate visual impacts of the
proposed use.
5. Clarify on the plan all site elements to be included in Phase 1 and Phase 2. If the stormwater
pond is constructed in Phase 1, indicate that the trees along the southern perimeter of the site
will also be installed in Phase 1.
Staff recommends approval of SP201500006 CMA Properties — Stand Alone Parking with no
conditions.
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STAFF PERSON: Rachel Falkenstein
PLANNING COMMISSION: March 17, 2015
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TBD
ZMA201400008 CMA Properties
SP201500005 CMA Properties -Outdoor Storage & Display
SP201500006 CMA Properties - Stand Alone Parking
PETITION
PROJECT: ZMA201400008 CMA Properties, SP201500005 CMA Properties - Outdoor Storage
& Display, SP201500006 CMA Properties - Stand Alone Parking
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Rio
TAX MAP/PARCEL: 04500000017300
LOCATION: East side of Berkmar Drive (Rt 1403), 400 feet northeast of intersection with Rio
Road (Rt 631)
PROPOSAL: Request to permit the expansion of Colonial Auto Center operations, parking and
inventory onto adjacent parcel; to allow outdoor storage and display of inventory vehicles within
Rio Road Entrance Corridor; to allow stand alone parking to support adjacent Colonial Auto
Center property.
PETITION: Rezone 3.53 acres from R-6 Residential zoning district which allows residential uses
at a density of 6 units per acre to HC Highway Commercial zoning district which allows
commercial and service, residential by special use permit at a density of 15 units/acre; special
use permit for outdoor storage, display and/or sales serving or associated with a permitted use
within the Entrance Corridor Overlay under Section 30.6.3 of zoning ordinance; special use
permit for standalone parking and parking structures under Section 24.2.2 of zoning ordinance.
No dwellings proposed.
ENTRANCE CORRIDOR: Yes
AIRPORT IMPACT OVERLAY: Yes
PROFFERS: Yes
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Urban Density Residential which allows residential uses at 6-12
units/acre and supporting uses such as religious institutions, schools, commercial. Concurrent
with Comprehensive Plan Amendment application CPA201400002
CHARACTER OF THE AREA
The currently vacant 3.53 acre parcel is the former site of the Greenfield Mobile Home Park,
which closed in June of 2013 due to water infrastructure issues. The parcel is mostly cleared
except for some trees along the southern and eastern portions of the lot.
To the north of the property are two vacant parcels zoned Neighborhood Model District (NMD).
To the south is an apartment building, a vacant parcel and a few single family homes. The
parcels to the south are zoned for commercial and a few of these are currently under review for
proposed commercial uses. To the east is the existing Colonial Auto Center and to the northeast
is Rio Hill Shopping Center. To the west, across Berkmar Drive, are several small office
buildings and Agnor-Hurt Elementary school (Attachment A).
SPECIFICS OF THE PROPOSAL
The applicant proposes to rezone the property from R-6 Residential to HC Highway Commercial
to allow for the expansion of the Colonial Auto Center business along a contiguous footprint.
The applicant proposes to develop the parcel in two phases. Phase 1 will include the
construction of a backdoor entrance on Berkmar Drive and a paved parking area for employee
and customer parking as well as inventory parking. Phase 2 will include the construction of a
building and additional parking. The applicant has not identified a specific use for the building,
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but anticipates it will be a continuation/expansion of some aspect of the existing automobile
sales and/or service provided by Colonial Auto Center (Attachment B).
The applicant has also submitted two Special Use Permit (SP) applications. The first is a
request (SP2015-00005) is to permit outdoor storage and display within the Entrance Corridor.
The southern portion of this property lies within the Rio Road Entrance Corridor and an SP is
required for outdoor storage, display and/or sales serving or associated with a permitted use
within the Entrance Corridor. The intent of the special use permit requirement for outdoor sales,
storage and display is to review the potential impacts of those activities on the Entrance
Corridors.
The second SP is to allow stand alone parking, which is parking located on a lot other than the
lot on which the use served is located. Having stand alone parking requires an SP within HC
zoning. For the Phase 1 development of the property the applicant proposes stand alone
parking with no associated buildings or uses on site to serving the existing Colonial Auto Center
business located on the adjacent parcel.
APPLICANT'S JUSTIFICATION FOR THE REQUEST
In the short term, the ZMA and SPs would satisfy the applicant's needs for relocation of existing
parking during the Rio/Route 29 interchange construction. The construction will temporarily
eliminate some parking areas on the current Colonial Auto Center property and the proposal will
allow for an alternate location for inventory, employee and customer parking.
In the long term, the applicant would like to use the property to expand the existing Colonial
Auto Center business. The applicant anticipates the addition of 20-30 new jobs with the future
automotive use of the property and suggests that allowing growth of the business along a
contiguous footprint will reduce trips around town by customers and employees (Attachment C,
D & E).
PLANNING AND ZONING HISTORY
• This property was zoned R-6 in the 1980 comprehensive rezoning.
• ZMA97-06 - Request to rezone the property from R-6 to C-1 for unspecified uses. The
application was indefinitely deferred.
• CPA201400002 CMA Properties — Request to amend the Comprehensive Plan land use
designation from Urban Density Residential to Office/R&D/Flex/Light Industrial. On
1/13/15 the Board expressed their support for the CPA and will either fold the land use
change into full Comp Plan update, or hold a public hearing for CPA at the same time
that the ZMA comes before the Board, whichever comes first (Attachment F).
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Land Use:As mentioned above, there is a Comprehensive Plan Amendment application
running concurrently with this application to change the land use on the property from Urban
Density Residential to Office/R&D/Flex/Light Industrial. An analysis of how the proposed use
complies with the Comprehensive Plan was provided with CPA2014-02 (see Attachment F).
Neighborhood Model: Staff's analysis below indicates how well this proposal meets the 12
principles of the Neighborhood Model.
Pedestrian The concept plan and proffers make a commitment to construct a
Orientation sidewalk and street trees with the Phase 2 development of the site.
This principle will be met with Phase 2; however, staff recommends
that a sidewalk and street trees be constructed upon the demand of
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the County. This would allow for sidewalk connections when adjacent
parcels redevelop with sidewalks, which could occur sooner than the
Phase 2 development.
Mixture of Uses This proposal is for a singular use on a currently vacant site but there
are some residences and a school within walking distance of the site.
Future mix of uses for the area will be part of upcoming Small Area
Plan. This principle is met.
Neighborhood The property is located close to the Rio Hill shopping center. The
Centers Places 29 Master Plan does not recommend this site serve as part of
a center but as an area adjacent to a center. This principle is met.
Mixture of Housing Not applicable to this request.
Types and
Affordability
Interconnected The potential extension of Myers Drive with sidewalks could improve
Streets and interconnectivity in the area. Until a Small Area Plan is developed for
Transportation this area, the alignment between Myers Drive and the Berkmar
Networks entrance should be kept clear of buildings. This principle is met with
the concept plan showing no buildings in this location.
Multi-modal This section of Berkmar Drive contains bike lanes in both directions.
Transportation The addition of a sidewalk on the east side of Berkmar Drive would
Opportunities improve conditions for walking. This principle will be met with Phase 2
of the proposal but is not met with the short-term redevelopment of the
site. Staff recommends that a sidewalk and street trees be
constructed upon the demand of the County, to allow for sidewalk
connections when adjacent parcels redevelop with sidewalks.
Parks, Recreational Not applicable to this request.
Amenities, and Open
Space
Buildings and Space The proposed building is separated from the street by two rows of
of Human Scale parking and does not address the street. This principle is not met. The
building is set back from the street with two rows of parking between
the building and street/sidewalk. Staff feels that if the building is used
for automotive sales and service, then the location of the building is
appropriate, but recommends a commitment be made by the applicant
to have the building address the street if the site is developed for other
commercial or retail uses.
Relegated Parking Parking is shown along the entire frontage of Berkmar Drive. This
principle is not met. Two rows of parking are shown between the
building and street. Staff feels that if the building is used for
automotive sales and service, then the location of the parking is
appropriate, but recommends a commitment be made by the applicant
to have the building address the street with relegated parking if the
site is developed for other commercial or retail uses.
Redevelopment The proposed infill development project would be built on a vacant site
that was formerly a mobile home park. This principle is met.
Respecting Terrain The concept plan shows areas of managed steep slopes to be
and Careful Grading graded, but notes that the grading of these slopes will be done in
and Re-grading of accordance with the County regulations. This principle is met.
Terrain
Clear Boundaries Not applicable to this request.
with the Rural Area
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Relationship between the application and the purpose and intent of the requested zoning
district
Highway Commercial Districts are intended for development of commercial establishments,
other than shopping centers, primarily oriented to highway locations rather than to central
business concentrations. It is further intended to limit sprawling strip commercial development
by providing sites with adequate frontage and depth to permit controlled access to public
streets. Motor vehicle sales and service is a by-right use HC zoning.
The proposed rezoning will allow an existing business to expand along a contiguous footprint
and provides opportunities for improved traffic circulation and interconnection for properties in
the immediate vicinity. The development of the site will provide a backdoor entrance to the
existing Colonial Auto Center which could help mitigate traffic impacts on Route 29.
Anticipated impact on public facilities and services
Streets:
The development of the site will provide a backdoor entrance to the existing Colonial Auto
Center, which could help mitigate traffic impacts on Route 29. Traffic impacts on Berkmar Drive
are unknown at this time. Engineering staff has asked that left and right turn analysis be
provided with the rezoning application to determine if changes are needed to the existing left
turn lane on Berkmar Drive; however, this information has not been provided by the applicant.
The Small Area Plan recommended for this area by the Places 29 Master plan will determine a
final desired streetscape for this section of Berkmar Drive.
The Places29 Master Plan calls for the creation of blocks where possible and shows a possible
connection between Route 29 and Berkmar Drive within the vicinity of the existing Myers Drive.
Myers Drive currently extends from Route 29 to backside of the Rio Hill Shopping Center. The
extension of Myers Drive to Berkmar Drive through or along the northern portion of the CMA site
could create an additional link between two major parallel roadways, increase the connectivity of
the transportation network and help to establish a block network in this area. The Small Area
Plan should include an assessment of the need for this interconnection.
The applicant has made a proffer to keep the area between Myers Drive and Berkmar Drive free
from impediments until the Small Area Plan can be completed, or for a period of 2 years,
whichever comes first. Based on the Concept Plan and the location of the building envelope
proffered by the applicant, staff is not sure what is intended by this proffer. More clarification is
needed.
Schools:
No residential units are proposed, so no impacts to schools are expected.
Fire and Rescue:
The Seminole Fire Station and Berkmar Rescue Squad are within close proximity of the site.
Fire/Rescue has no objection to the development as proposed.
Utilities:
Public water and sewer service is available to the site. No known service capacity issues were
identified by Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority.
Anticipated impact on cultural and historic resources
The Comprehensive Plan (Chapter 2, Natural Resources and Cultural Assets) establishes the
goals for preserving the scenic resources that are essential to the County's character, economic
vitality and quality of life. The Entrance Corridor Overlay District is intended to support that goal
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by maintaining the visual integrity of the County's roadways. The Architectural Review Board
addresses potential adverse aesthetic impacts in the Entrance Corridors by applying the
County's Entrance Corridor Design Guidelines during the review of development proposals. The
Architectural Review Board has reviewed the subject request for conformance with the Entrance
Corridor Design Guidelines. At its meeting on February 17, 2015, the ARB voted 3:0 to forward
a recommendation of"no objection" with standard conditions to the Planning Commission. (See
Attachment G for the ARB's action letter on this proposal.)
Anticipated impact on nearby and surrounding properties
No major anticipated impact is expected on nearby and surrounding properties with this
rezoning request. Landscaping along Berkmar Drive has been proffered within both Phases of
the development. This will provide screening for the stand alone parking during Phase 1 and
screening and street trees for Phase 2 when the building is constructed.
Landscaping along the southern boundary line is also proposed, which would provide screening
to adjacent residential uses. Staff has requested that the applicant provide clarification as to
what elements along the southern property line will be constructed in Phase 1 and Phase 2,
including screening and the stormwater management facility.
Public need and justification for the change
The applicant anticipates that the expansion of Colonial Auto Center will create 20-30 additional
full time jobs. Further, the applicant anticipates that the proposed use will have a positive impact
on traffic in the area by providing an alternate means of ingress and egress to Colonial Auto
Center, which will reduce vehicle trips along Route 29, particularly during the Rio/Route 29
interchange construction.
Economic Vitality Action Plan
The primary goal of the County's Economic Vitality Action Plan is to:
Increase the County's economic vitality and future revenues through economic development by
expanding the commercial tax base and supporting the creation of quality jobs for local
residents. This Plan is developed for the benefit and economic well being, first, of current local
residents and existing local businesses.
The proposed amendment would support the Plan by providing additional jobs and allowing
expansion of an existing local business, while also expanding the commercial tax base. (See
staff report for CPA2014-02 for more information on how this request meets the Economic
Development Goals of the Comprehensive Plan -Attachment F).
PROFFERS
The applicant has provided proffers which are summarized below (Attachment H):
Development in general accord with important elements of concept plan listed below:
a. Building envelope
b. Parking envelope
c. Access and circulation throughout the property
d. Landscaping and screening envelopes
e. Area shown as 20' reserved area for future R/W dedication, pedestrian
improvements and proposed street trees along Berkmar Drive
f. The area between Myers Drive and Berkmar Drive entrance be kept clear from
impediments for 2 years or until a Small Area Plan is adopted, whichever occurs first.
g. A 10' landscaping buffer along Berkmar Drive during Phase 1
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h. Sidewalk and street trees along Berkmar Drive to be constructed during Phase 2
Staff has identified a few issues with the proffered concept plan (Attachment B) and important
elements listed above.
Building envelope: The applicant has not yet specified a use for the building, but anticipates it
will be used for automobile sales or service. The applicant feels it is important to their business
to maintain two rows of parking for customers and inventory in front of the building and has
committed to mitigating the appearance of the parking by providing landscaping and screening;
however, the applicant is also not comfortable with committing to a specific use at this time. The
location of the building shown would be appropriate for an automobile sales or service building,
but if other permitted uses are proposed on the site in the future, such as office, commercial or
retail uses, such buildings should address the street with relegated parking. In order to address
this issue, the concept plan should be revised to show a more general building footprint
extending to the street. A commitment in the form of a proffer should be made by the applicant
to require buildings for commercial uses on the site, other than automobile sales and service, be
constructed to addresses the street with relegated parking.
Sidewalk and street trees: The applicant has proffered to construct the sidewalk and street trees
with Phase 2 of the project. Currently, there are no sidewalks along the east side of Berkmar
Drive. Parcels to the north proffered the construction of sidewalks with a rezoning application in
2006, but the parcels have not yet developed. The Places29 Master Plan calls for sidewalks and
street trees on both sides of the street, but it is anticipated that when the Small Area Plan is
developed for this area, a more detailed street section for Berkmar Drive will be determined.
Staff recommends that instead of proffering the sidewalks and street trees during Phase 2 of the
project that the applicant instead agree to construct these features upon demand of the County,
so that if adjacent sidewalks are constructed before Phase 2, this section of sidewalk can also
be built. Sidewalks in this area would greatly improve pedestrian safety and interconnectivity,
which is especially important considering the site's proximity to the elementary school.
Landscaping and screening: Adequate screening should be provided during Phase 1 to screen
the stand alone parking area. A 10' landscaping buffer along Berkmar Drive is not adequate to
screen the parking shown for Phase 1. The buffer should be increased to, at minimum, a 20'
planting strip. This should be provided in addition to trying to preserve existing trees on site
during Phase 1. Phase 2 appears to have adequate screening with the addition of street trees
and the 10' landscape buffer.
Myers Drive: The applicant has proffered to keep the area between Myers Drive and Berkmar
Drive free from impediments for a period of 2 years or until the Small Area Plan is adopted,
whichever comes first. More clarification is needed for this proffer, as the term "impediments" is
not defined. The concept plan is showing access aisles, parking and some landscaping in the
area between Myers Drive and Berkmar Drive. These features could be interpreted as
impediments as they would need to be relocated if a future roadway were constructed and may
cause some redesign of the parking area. However, no building is shown to be blocking the
area and these features do not present too great of an obstruction to prohibit the future roadway
extension, if recommended by the Small Area Plan.
This 2 year commitment was presented to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors
as part of the review of the CPA request and appeared to be acceptable to each body at that
time. Staff notes that the 2 year period is a relatively limited window of time to complete the
Small Area Plan and then, if a road is recommended for the area, determine a specific location
and acquire necessary rights to develop such a road. Staff believes a 4-5 year commitment
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would be more appropriate. However, as mentioned above, this proffer may not be necessary
since the proffered concept plan already shows this area free from buildings/permanent
structures.
Phasing: Though it is not proffered as an "important element" of the concept plan, staff has
asked the applicant to provide clarification as to which elements of the site will be constructed
during Phase 1 and Phase 2. The proffers state that landscaping will be constructed along
Berkmar Drive in Phase 1 but the concept plan has it shown along with the Phase 2
improvements. Further, the phase line appears to bisect major features such as retaining walls,
landscaping and screening and the stormwater management facility along the southern property
line. The ARB has asked that if the stormwater management facility is constructed with Phase 1,
that the adjacent landscaping also be constructed with Phase 1.
Access: The concept plan is showing a relocated entrance near the northern boundary of the
property, which provides for better sight distance than the existing entrance. VDOT and
engineering have no objections to the entrance location. The plan also shows a new right
turning lane and an existing left turning lane. The plan contains a note stating that there is an
existing left turn lane along the entire length of Berkmar Drive between Rio Road and
Woodbrook Drive. The actual left turn lane striping tapers off just north of the CMA site.
Engineering staff has suggested that turn lane analysis be provided with the rezoning
application to ensure that restriping could be done to provide additional left turn lane here, if
necessary. The applicant has stated a preference to work this issue out during site plan, which
is acceptable to staff and VDOT, though usually not recommended because turn lane analysis
could reveal roadway issues.
The proffers are also in need of some minor technical fixes.
SUMMARY
Staff has identified the following factors, which are favorable to this rezoning request:
1. The rezoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan land use change from
CPA2014-00002.
2. The rezoning is supportive of the County's economic development goals including the
expansion of an existing business, infill development and the creation of new jobs.
3. The rezoning request does not impede the opportunity for the extension of Myers Drive
should it be recommended by the Small Area Plan.
4. The proffers and concept plan provide area reserved for future right of way dedication for
the expansion of Berkmar Drive.
Staff has identified the following factors which are unfavorable to this request:
1. The proposed building envelope does not meet neighborhood model principles of
relegated parking and buildings and spaces of human scale. This location would be
appropriate for auto sales/service, but is not appropriate for other retail uses permitted in
HC zoning.
2. The short term development of the site does not provide for pedestrian improvements
along Berkmar Drive, which could leave a gap in the pedestrian network as adjacent
parcels develop.
3. The proffers and concept plan are in need of substantive and technical revisions.
STAFF COMMENT ON SP201400005 — Request for Outdoor Storage & Display in the
Entrance Corridor
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Section 33.8 of the Zoning Ordinance states that the Planning Commission and Board of
Supervisors shall reasonably consider the following factors when reviewing and acting upon an
application for a special use permit:
No substantial detriment. The proposed special use will not be a substantial detriment to
adjacent lots.
The subject parcel is not located adjacent to the Rio Road Entrance Corridor; only a small
portion at its south end is included within the EC overlay. A view is currently available from Rio
Road to the vehicles parked at the rear of the existing Colonial Auto site. The view is across the
parcels adjacent to Rio Road and through trees, and is therefore limited. It is anticipated that a
similar view will be available of the proposed development. Nearby properties include a mix of
commercial and residential uses and some vacant land, with proposals for development on
some of the Rio Road parcels currently under review.
Trees proposed to be added along the south perimeters of the subject parcel and the proposed
parking lot will help limit visual impacts from the EC and on the Rio Road properties. The
outdoor sales, storage and display proposed with this application is expected to be compatible
with the existing development in the vicinity. The ARB has reviewed this request for impacts on
the Entrance Corridor and has recommended approval with conditions to limit negative impacts
on adjacent property.
Character of district unchanged. The character of the district will not be changed by the
proposed special use.
Section 30.6 of the Zoning Ordinance states that the intent of the EC Overlay District is, in part,
to ensure a quality of development that is compatible with the county's important natural, scenic,
historic and architectural resources through the architectural review of new development. The
ARB has applied the County's adopted design guidelines for development within the EC to the
review of this request and has recommended approval with conditions. With those conditions of
approval, the existing character and visual integrity of the area will be maintained.
Harmony. The proposed special use will be in harmony with the purpose and intent of
this chapter, with the uses permitted by right in the district
Outdoor sales, storage and display in the Entrance Corridor requires a special use permit, but
the use is considered accessory to motor vehicle sales, which is a use allowed by right within
the Highway Commercial (HC) zoning district. The existing Colonial Auto dealership stands to
the east. It contains outdoor sales, storage and display areas. The proposed sales, storage and
display use is in harmony with other existing uses.
...and with the public health, safety and general welfare.
The intent of the special use permit requirement for outdoor sales, storage and display is based
on the need to mitigate the potential negative impact of this use on the aesthetics of the
Entrance Corridors and to mitigate the potential for development that is incompatible with the
historic resources of the County. This intent is directly related to the promotion of public welfare
and general quality of life. The ARB has reviewed the proposal with this intent in mind and has
recommended approval with conditions regarding appropriate lighting and landscaping. In
addition, the manner in which vehicles may be stored and displayed on site is a potential
aesthetic issue and a typical concern for this type of use. Elevating vehicles for display
purposes is not considered appropriate, and double- or triple-parking vehicles is also considered
to have a negative visual impact. Consequently, the ARB has recommended standard
conditions of approval to address these issues. With these conditions of approval, the visual
integrity of the corridor will be maintained, thereby protecting the quality of life.
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The Site Review Committee will review the site plan for this proposal for compliance with the
relevant development review regulations that are also set forth to protect the public health,
safety and general welfare. Therefore, a combination of proper site design and implementation
of the recommended conditions, along with the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness by
the ARB, would sufficiently address this objective.
Summary
The intent of the special use permit requirement is based on potential impacts to the Entrance
Corridors. The ARB has reviewed this proposal for its impact on the Rio Road Entrance Corridor
and had no objection to the request for the Special Use Permit with the following conditions:
1. Vehicles shall not be elevated anywhere on site.
2. Vehicles shall be displayed only in areas indicated as "inventory" on the plan entitled
"CMA Properties Highway Commercial Concept Plan" by Collins Engineering with
revision date of 1-30-2015. Inventory parking within the EC Overlay District shall be only
in designated striped parking spaces, as identified on this plan.
3. Final site plan approval is subject to ARB approval of the lighting plan (submitted with
the site plan). Maximum light levels shall not exceed 30 footcandles.
4. Final site plan approval is subject to ARB approval of the landscape plan (submitted with
the site plan). Landscaping shown on the plan may be required to be in excess of the
minimum requirements of ARB guidelines and/or the Zoning Ordinance to mitigate visual
impacts of the proposed use.
5. Clarify on the plan all site elements to be included in Phase 1 and Phase 2. If the
stormwater pond is constructed in Phase 1, indicate that the trees along the southern
perimeter of the site will also be installed in Phase 1.
Staff has identified the following factors that are favorable to this request:
1. The Architectural Review Board has reviewed the request for outdoor sales, storage and
display and recommends approval with conditions.
The following factors are relevant to this consideration:
1. The existing Colonial Auto dealership is located immediately to the east and includes
areas of outdoor sales, storage and display of vehicles.
2. The subject parcel is not located adjacent to the Rio Road Entrance Corridor and only a
small portion at its south end falls within the EC overlay district.
STAFF COMENT ON SP201500006 — Request for Stand Alone Parking
Section 33.8 of the Zoning Ordinance states that the Planning Commission and Board of
Supervisors shall reasonably consider the following factors when reviewing and acting upon an
application for a special use permit:
No substantial detriment. The proposed special use will not be a substantial detriment to
adjacent lots.
The portion of the site that would be dedicated to the stand alone parking is adjacent to
commercially zoned parcels. Parcels to the south do currently contain residences, but proposed
screening along the southern property line will help screen the parking area. Screening along
Berkmar Drive will help screen the parking from view from residential zoned parcels across
Berkmar Drive.
Character of district unchanged. The character of the district will not be changed by the
proposed special use.
ZMA 2014-00008, SP 2015-00005, SP201500006 CMA Properties
Planning Commission March 17, 2015
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The proposed stand alone parking area will be an extension of the existing Colonial Auto Center
parking area. The SP is required because the use will be on a separate parcel, but it will have
the appearance of one continuous parking area and will therefore not substantially change the
character of the area.
Harmony. The proposed special use will be in harmony with the purpose and intent of
this chapter, with the uses permitted by right in the district
The proposed stand alone parking area is intended to be a temporary use on the site. As
mentioned above, the applicant hopes to use this parking area in Phase 1 of the development to
temporarily relocate parking that will be lost during the construction of the Rio/Route 29
interchange. The longer term use of the site would establish an expansion of the automobile
sales and service business onto the adjacent parcel, which is a by-right use in the HC and
therefore in harmony with the chapter and other uses permitted in HC zoning.
...with the regulations provided in section 5 as applicable,
Section 5 requires that a site plan be required for each parking lot and parking structure. A site
plan will be required prior to the construction of this use.
...and with the public health, safety and general welfare.
As mentioned above, the relocation of parking onto the subject parcel will provide relief to
Colonial Auto Center employees and customers during construction of the Rio/Route 29
intersection construction.
Summary
Staff has identified the following factors, which are favorable to this rezoning request:
1. With staff's recommended changes to the proffers and concept plan, the parking will be
adequately screened from Berkmar Drive and residential uses across Berkmar Drive.
Staff has identified no unfavorable factors to this request.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends approval of this rezoning amendment ZMA201400008 CMA Properties
provided the following changes are made to the proffers and concept plan prior to the Board of
Supervisors meeting:
1. The building envelope on the concept plan should be extended to the edge of the right of
way. The applicant should commit to locating buildings for commercial uses other than
automobile sales/service to addresses the street with relegated parking.
2. The sidewalks and street trees should be constructed upon demand of the County rather
than during Phase 2.
3. The landscaping/screening provided during the Phase 1 development should be
enhanced. Staff recommends at minimum a 20' planting strip along Berkmar Drive.
4. The concept plan should clearly identify which elements of the site will be constructed
during Phase 1 and Phase 2.
5. The proffer to keep Myers Drive free from impediments for a period of two years should
be clarified (it may be determined that this proffer is not needed based on commitments
provided in the concept plan).
6. Technical fixes should be made to proffers as recommended by staff.
Staff recommends approval of SP201500005 CMA Properties - Outdoor Storage & Display
with the following conditions:
1. Vehicles shall not be elevated anywhere on site.
ZMA 2014-00008, SP 2015-00005, SP201500006 CMA Properties
Planning Commission March 17, 2015
Page 12
2. Vehicles shall be displayed only in areas indicated as "inventory" on the plan entitled
"CMA Properties Highway Commercial Concept Plan" by Collins Engineering with
revision date of 1-30-2015. Inventory parking within the EC Overlay District shall be only
in designated striped parking spaces, as identified on this plan.
3. Final site plan approval is subject to ARB approval of the lighting plan (submitted with
the site plan). Maximum light levels shall not exceed 30 footcandles.
4. Final site plan approval is subject to ARB approval of the landscape plan (submitted with
the site plan). Landscaping shown on the plan may be required to be in excess of the
minimum requirements of ARB guidelines and/or the Zoning Ordinance to mitigate visual
impacts of the proposed use.
5. Clarify on the plan all site elements to be included in Phase 1 and Phase 2. If the
stormwater pond is constructed in Phase 1, indicate that the trees along the southern
perimeter of the site will also be installed in Phase 1.
Staff recommends approval of SP201500006 CMA Properties — Stand Alone Parking with no
conditions.
PLANNING COMMISSION MOTION —ZMA201400008 CMA Properties:
A. Should a Planning Commissioner choose to recommend approval of this zoning map
amendment:
Move to recommend approval of ZMA 2014-00008 CMA Properties with changes to the
concept plan and proffers as recommended by staff.
B. Should a Planning Commissioner choose to recommend denial of this zoning map
amendment:
Move to recommend denial of ZMA 201400008 CMA Properties with reasons for denial.
Should a commissioner motion to recommend denial, he or she should state the reason(s) for
recommending denial.
PLANNING COMMISSION MOTION —SP201500005 CMA Properties Outdoor Storage and
Display:
A. Should a Planning Commissioner choose to recommend approval of this special use permit:
Move to recommend approval of SP 201500005 CMA Properties Outdoor Storage and
Display, with conditions identified in the staff report.
B. Should a Planning Commissioner choose to recommend denial of this special use permit:
Move to recommend denial of SP 201500005 CMA Properties Outdoor Storage and Display
with reasons for denial. Should a commissioner motion to recommend denial, he or she
should state the reason(s) for recommending denial.
PLANNING COMMISSION MOTION — SP201500006 CMA Properties Stand Alone Parking:
ZMA 2014-00008, SP 2015-00005, SP201500006 CMA Properties
Planning Commission March 17, 2015
Page 13
A. Should a Planning Commissioner choose to recommend approval of this special use permit:
Move to recommend approval of SP 201500006 CMA Properties Stand Alone Parking.
B. Should a Planning Commissioner choose to recommend denial of this special use permit:
Move to recommend denial of SP 201500006 CMA Properties Stand Alone Parking with
reasons for denial. Should a commissioner motion to recommend denial, he or she should
state the reason(s) for recommending denial.
Attachments
A— Location Map
B — Concept Plan
C —ZMA201400008 Narrative
D — SP201500005 Outdoor Storage/Display— narrative
E — SP201500006 Stand Alone Parking — narrative
F — CPA201400002 Staff Report
G — SP201400005 ARB action letter (ARB201500016)
H — Proffer Statement
ZMA 2014-00008, SP 2015-00005, SP201500006 CMA Properties
Planning Commission March 17, 2015
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