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HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB201600120 Staff Report 2016-10-31ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT Project #/Name ARB -2016-120: Shull's Wrecker & Repair Amendment Review Type Advisory Review for a Special Use Permit and Site Plan Amendment Parcel Identification 090000000035QO Location 1815 Avon Street Extended, on the east side of Avon Street, approximately 200' south of Reynovia Drive Zoned Light Industry (LI)/Entrance Corridor (EC) Owner/Applicant Barbara H or Montague U Dixon III/Timmons Group (Clint Shifflett) Magisterial District Scottsville Proposal Request for a Special Use Permit for automotive repair in conjunction with existing towing and body shop uses, with changes to fencing, parking, vehicle storage, dumpsters, and screening. Context This parcel is located in an area of mixed development. Residential properties are located across Avon Street to the west. Other industrial, commercial and institutional uses are located along the east side of the street. The Avinity residential development is under construction approximately 700' north on the east side of Avon Street. Visibility The building and parking areas on site are visible from the Entrance Corridor. Existing off-site buildings and trees limit views of the site to approximately 300' along the corridor. ARB Meeting Date November 7, 2016 Staff Contact Margaret Maliszewski PROJECT HISTORY A rezoning (ZMA 1972-259), Special Use Permit (SP1973-289), and Site Development Plan (SDP -66) were approved for Certified Welding at this site in 1973. A condition of SP approval was that 6' white pines be staggered across the front of the property and a chain link fence be installed around the perimeter. An application for a sign for Shull's towing was denied in 2015 because the sign advertised an unpermitted use. Staff has been working with the applicant to bring this site into compliance for several months. 19:101BE" 811 D1W.1Iski Changes to the previously approved site plan and changes to the site to accommodate the body shop use (that are visible from the Avon Street EC) are subject to ARB review. These include: • the service vehicle parking space • the segments of chain link fence and gate moved to the current location east of the existing building • the company vehicle parking along the east side of the site • the vehicle and parts storage at the rear of the site • the dumpster at the rear of the site • the addition of a metal exhaust vent on the front of the building The building, the chain link fence at the perimeter of the property, and the body shop use already exist at this site and are not subject to review. ANALYSIS REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION Purpose 1 The goal of the regulation of the design of development None of the existing development reflects See below for within the designated Entrance Corridors is to insure that new historic architecture. Treating new recommendations. development within the corridors reflects the traditional changes to the property by increasing architecture of the area. Therefore, it is the purpose of ARB landscape screening, upgrading the gate review and of these Guidelines, that proposed development and adjacent segments of fence, and not within the designated Entrance Corridors reflect elements of increasing the visibility of parked vehicles design characteristic of the significant historical landmarks, would promote orderly and attractive buildings, and structures of the Charlottesville and Albemarle development along the Avon Street area, and to promote orderly and attractive development Entrance Corridor. within these corridors. Applicants should note that replication of historic structures is neither required nor desired. 2 Visitors to the significant historical sites in the Charlottesville and Albemarle area experience these sites as ensembles of buildings, land, and vegetation. In order to accomplish the integration of buildings, land, and vegetation characteristic of these sites, the Guidelines require attention to four primary factors: compatibility with significant historic sites in the area; the character of the Entrance Corridor; site development and layout; and landscaping. 3-5, Structure design No new buildings or building additions None. 9-16 are proposed. Accessory structures and equipment 17 Accessory structures and equipment should be integrated into A 58' length of chain link fence, Revise the plan to show the overall plan of development and shall, to the extent including a 25' -wide gate, was moved planting beds with possible, be compatible with the building designs used on the from a location at the entrance into the screening trees along the site. site, back approximately 50' into the site, segments of fence that running from the existing building to the flank the gate. 18 The following should be located to eliminate visibility from the Entrance Corridor street. If, after appropriate siting, these fence on the north/northeast side of the features will still have a negative visual impact on the Entrance property. This length of fence and gate are Replace the chain link Corridor street, screening should be provided to eliminate subject to review. This fence and gate are gate with a solid gate. visibility. a. Loading areas, b. Service areas, c. Refuse areas, fitted with black vinyl slats. The vinyl Provide details of the gate d. Storage areas, e. Mechanical equipment, f. Above -ground slats do decrease visibility of vehicles design on the plan for utilities, and g. Chain link fence, barbed wire, razor wire, and parked beyond the gate, but the review. similar security fencing devices. Guidelines state that visibility of the chain link must be eliminated. Indicate on the plan the 19 Screening devices should be compatible with the design of the buildings and surrounding natural vegetation and may maximum height of parts consist of. a. Walls, b. Plantings, and c. Fencing. The 5' fence height is sufficient to screen storage. Heights taller the view of many vehicles. It would not than a standard 21 The following note should be added to the site plan and the architectural plan: "Visibility of all mechanical equipment be sufficient to completely screen taller automobile would not be from the Entrance Corridor shall be eliminated." vehicles, such as those that require towing appropriate. by the "service vehicle." A taller gate and fence would provide better screening. Revise the plan to show Fence and gate heights over 8' would an enclosure around the likely begin to appear over -scaled in this dumpster and to include a context. detail of the enclosure. A replacement gate made of a solid material, possibly metal, would be more appropriate than the chain link gate with slats. The ARB previously established guidelines for the design of screening fencing and the gate should conform to these standards. (See Attachment A.) These guidelines should be considered for the new gate. Adding planting beds with screening trees along the segments of chain link fence that flank the gate might be an acceptable alternative to replacing these fence segments. An exhaust vent has been added to the front elevation of the building. On-site and off-site trees and parked vehicles limit views of the vent such that it does not have a significant impact on the EC. A dumpster is proposed to be located on a concrete pad at the rear of the site. The dumpster location is in line with the entrance to the site, but it is approximately 250' from the entrance. This distance, and a dumpster enclosure, would sufficiently limit the negative visual impacts on the EC. Auto repair, body shop and towing uses are subject to supplemental regulations that require, in part, that parts, materials and equipment be stored in an enclosed building, and that vehicles awaiting repair can't be visible from public streets. Temporary parts storage is proposed to be located at the rear of the site, next to the towed vehicle storage area. In this location, assuming the parts are not taller than a standard automobile, the parts are not expected to be readily visible from the EC. However, parts not stored in an enclosed building require a special exception. Lighting No new lighting is proposed. None. Landscaping 7 The requirements of the Guidelines regarding landscaping are The plan shows 5 existing evergreen trees Add tall -growing intended to reflect the landscaping characteristic of many of along the EC frontage, spaced 9' apart. screening shrubs along the area's significant historic sites which is characterized by The trees are white pines of varying the chain link fence that large shade trees and lawns. Landscaping should promote height, growing directly into overhead runs along the EC visual order within the Entrance Corridor and help to power lines. The trees have been trimmed frontage. integrate buildings into the existing environment of the to accommodate the lines and they do not corridor. appear particularly healthy or attractive. Another small tree is growing near the 8 Continuity within the Entrance Corridor should be obtained by planting different types of plant materials that share fence, but it is not shown on the plan and similar characteristics. Such common elements allow for it appears out of place. more flexibility in the design of structures because common landscape features will help to harmonize the appearance of This site developed before Avon Street development as seen from the street upon which the Corridor was designated an Entrance Corridor. is centered. There are no interspersed ornamental trees and no shrubs along the frontage. 32 Landscaping along the frontage of Entrance Corridor streets should include the following: This, combined with the fact that the a. Large shade trees should be planted parallel to the evergreens have been limbed up, results Entrance Corridor Street. Such trees should be at least 3'/2 in open views from the street into the inches caliper (measured 6 inches above the ground) and parking areas. Adding tall growing should be of a plant species common to the area. Such trees evergreen shrubs along the chain link should be located at least every 35 feet on center. fence would help limit views of the b. Flowering ornamental trees of a species common to the area service vehicle parking, the gate and should be interspersed among the trees required by the adjacent fence, and the parking beyond preceding paragraph. The ornamental trees need not alternate the fence. 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: There are no interior roads on site. None. a. Large trees should be planted parallel to all interior roads. Such trees should be at least 2%2 inches caliper (measured six inches above the ground) and should be of a plant species common to the area. Such trees should be located at least every 40 feet on center. 34 Landscaping along interior pedestrian ways: There are no pedestrian ways on site. None. a. Medium trees should be planted parallel to all interior pedestrian ways. Such trees should be at least 2'/2 inches caliper (measured six inches above the ground) and should be of a species common to the area. Such trees should be located at least every 25 feet on center. 35 Landscaping of parking areas: The site plan shows a tree line along Add evergree trees along a. Large trees should align the perimeter of parking areas, approximately 215' of the north/northeast the north/northeastern located 40 feet on center. Trees should be planted in the side of the property and a fence 5' from property line to screen the interior of parking areas at the rate of one tree for every 10 the property line. The 70' closest to the service vehicle parking. parking spaces provided and should be evenly distributed EC is shown without trees. However, a throughout the interior of the parking area. large tree exists very close to the fence Show on the plan b. Trees required by the preceding paragraph should measure and very close to the entrance. individual on-site trees 2'/2 inches caliper (measured six inches above the ground); Consequently, a few trees that appear to located outside the chain should be evenly spaced; and should be of a species common be off site may actually be located on site, link fence on the to the area. Such trees should be planted in planters or and some perimeter trees may exist, north/northeast side of the medians sufficiently large to maintain the health of the tree though they are not shown individually on property within 100' of and shall be protected by curbing. the plan. A parking space for the Avon Street. c. Shrubs should be provided as necessary to minimize the company's large tow truck is proposed in parking area's impact on Entrance Corridor streets. Shrubs this area. Adding evergreen trees for should measure 24 inches in height. screening vehicles in this parking space would be appropriate. Such trees would 36 Landscaping of buildings and other structures: a. Trees or other vegetation should be planted along the front also help limit views of other parking of long buildings as necessary to soften the appearance of areas on site. exterior walls. The spacing, size, and type of such trees or vegetation should be determined by the length, height, and Other than one tree located near the north blankness of such walls. corner of the building, there are no b. Shrubs should be used to integrate the site, buildings, and interior parking area trees. Most of the other structures; dumpsters, accessory buildings and site is a compacted gravel surface, making structures; "drive thm" windows; service areas; and signs. planting more difficult. Shrubs should measure at least 24 inches in height. 37 Plant species: a. Plant species required should be as approved No new plants are proposed. Add a plant schedule and by the Staff based upon but not limited to the Generic the standard plant health Landscape Plan Recommended Species List and Native If plants are added as recommended note to the plan. Plants for Virginia Landscapes (Appendix D). above, a plant schedule and the plant health note will be needed on the plan. 38 Plant health: The following note should be added to the landscape 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 theplant." Development paftern 6 Site development should be sensitive to the existing natural The existing building is oriented parallel See recommendations landscape and should contribute to the creation of an to the EC street. Customer parking spaces above. organized development plan. This may be accomplished, to are proposed in front of the building. A the extent practical, by preserving the trees and rolling terrain parking space for the company's large typical of the area; planting new trees along streets and tow truck ("service vehicle parking") is pedestrian ways and choosing species that reflect native proposed at the north/northeast corner of forest elements; insuring that any grading will blend into the the property near the entrance into the surrounding topography thereby creating a continuous site. Employee parking is located behind landscape; preserving, to the extent practical, existing the building. Company vehicle parking is significant river and stream valleys which may be located on proposed along the eastern property line the site and integrating these features into the design of across from the building. surrounding development; and limiting the building mass and Towed vehicle storage and storage of height to a scale that does not overpower the natural settings parts are proposed at the rear of the of the site, or the Entrance Corridor. property. 39 The relationship of buildings and other structures to the Entrance Corridor street and to other development within the The location of the service vehicle corridor should be as follows: parking could have a negative impact on a. An organized pattern of roads, service lanes, bike paths, the EC. The vehicle is a large one, it and pedestrian walks should guide the layout of the site. would be located only 20' from the EC, b. In general, buildings fronting the Entrance Corridor street and there is no landscape screening should be parallel to the street. Building groupings should be provided. Moving the parking space for arranged to parallel the Entrance Corridor street. this vehicle further from the EC and c. Provisions should be made for connections to adjacent behind a screening fence would be more pedestrian and vehicular circulation systems. appropriate. However, the fence would d. Open spaces should be tied into surrounding areas to need to be significantly taller than 5' to provide continuity within the Entrance Corridor. accomplish complete screening. Adding e. If significant natural features exist on the site (including some vegetative screening for the creek valleys, steep slopes, significant trees or rock proposed location might be a reasonable outcroppings), to the extent practical, then such natural compromise. features should be reflected in the site layout. If the provisions of Section 32.5.6.n of the Albemarle County There are no open spaces or important Zoning Ordinance apply, then improvements required by that natural features remaining on site. There section should be located so as to maximize the use of are no sidewalks on this side of Avon existing features in screening such improvements from Street. No important views are expected Entrance Corridor streets. to change as a result of this proposal. f. The placement of structures on the site should respect existing views and vistas on and around the site. Site Grading No grading is proposed. None. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion: 1. Replacement of chain link gate and fence segments with alternate material; addition of screening plants along fence segments; gate and fence height 2. Screening shrubs along the EC frontage 3. The service vehicle parking space and screening of the service vehicle 4. The vent on the front of the building Staff offers the following recommendation on the Special Use Permit for Auto Repair: The ARB has no objection to the Special Use Permit with the following conditions: 1. Revise the plan to show planting beds with screening trees along the segments of fence that flank the gate. 2. Replace the chain link gate with a solid gate. Provide details of the gate design on the plan for review. 3. Indicate on the plan the maximum height of parts storage. Heights taller than a standard automobile would not be appropriate. 4. Add evergreen trees along the north/northeastern property line to help screen the vehicles awaiting repair. Staff recommends approval of the site plan amendment (Letter of Revision) with the following conditions: 1. Add planting beds with screening trees along the segments of fence that flank the gate. 2. Replace the chain link gate with a solid gate. Provide details of the gate design on the plan for review. 3. Indicate on the plan the maximum height of parts storage. Heights taller than a standard automobile would not be appropriate. 4. Revise the plan to show an enclosure around the dumpster and to include a detail of the enclosure. 5. Add tall -growing screening shrubs along the chain link fence that runs along the EC frontage. 6. Add evergreen trees along the north/northeastern property line to screen the service vehicle parking and vehicles awaiting repair. 7. Show on the plan individual on-site trees located outside the chain link fence on the north/northeast side of the property within 100' of Avon Street. 8. Add a plant schedule and the standard plant health 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." ATTACHMENT A COUNTY -WIDE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Safety fencing DESIGN CRITERIA Height No taller than required for safety. Materials • No chain link. No chain link with vinyl slats. full screening. • Vinyl is generally not appropriate for the EC. It may be considered in situations where it is located Size/Scale Lengths of 80' or more must provide variation by using at a distance from the EC if the surface is not shiny or reflective. Planting along the fence may be considered a mitigating factor for vinyl fencing, if the planting will have immediate impact. mitigated through surface relief, Colors Colors should be dark; for example, black or Charleston green. No shiny, either in detail or massing. reflective finishes. Style Styles should be similar to those examples previously approved by the ARB. (See 10/31/08 memo. COUNTY -WIDE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Screening fencing DESIGN CRITERIA Height Height should be as low as possible while maintaining full screening. Size/Scale Lengths of 80' or more must provide variation by using Length of fence should be changes in height, different material combinations, mitigated through surface relief, projections forward or back, piers, other similar features, either in detail or massing. or a combination of these. Structure Design Minimize the place of the fence structure in the Detailing should be used to Ornamental screening landscape. Design and detailing should be simple. mitigate surface and texture. fences may be approved on a case-by-case basis. Fences along pedestrian routes should be scaled and detailed relative to human size. Materials Possible fence materials include wood, wood composite, No chain link with or without Metal panel fencing will stone, brick, decorative concrete block, metal panels, or a vinyl slats. No barbed wire, razor likely require planting combination of these materials. wire or similar devices. along the fence for Length and visibility of fence will mitigation. be considered in determining TABLE A This report is based on the following submittal items: Sheet # Drawing Name appropriate fence material. C0.0 Cover Fence material should match or complement the C1.0 Approved Site Plan SDP -66 - materials found on the building and/or adjoining Letter of Revision to SDP -66 9/15/16 structures or landscape. Fence materials should have a proven track record of durability and longevity relative to color retention and overall appearance. Colors Color should be neutral — for example: gray, brown, or No shiny, reflective finishes. Flat black. A white screening fence will rarely be appropriate. finishes are required. Planting Planting should be used in masses to mitigate the visual Placement of planting shall be Fences longer than 40' shall impact of the length of the fence. sufficient to allow for proper include one evergreen tree plant growth. or 3 shrubs for each 40 -foot section or portion thereof planted on the public side. Location Areas requiring screening should be placed behind buildings, as viewed from the EC. If buildings are not available for screening, areas and features to be screened should be located as far from the EC as possible. Locating screening fences along pedestrian paths should be limited. TABLE A This report is based on the following submittal items: Sheet # Drawing Name Drawin Date/Revision Date C0.0 Cover 9/15/16 C1.0 Approved Site Plan SDP -66 - C2.0 Letter of Revision to SDP -66 9/15/16 10