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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSD-15-42 - Decision - 1630 Dorset Street#SD-15-42 CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ZONING LARRY & LESLIE WILLIAMS — 1630 DORSET STREET FINAL PLAT APPLICATION #SD-15-42 FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISION Final plat application #SD-15-42 of Larry & Leslie Williams to amend a previously approved planned unit development consisting of a 10 lot subdivision. The amendment consists of: 1) revising the water service serving lots #1 and #10, 2) replacing previously approved pervious pavers at the temporary cul-de-sac to crushed stone, 3) designating the community garden area as being reserved for use by the residents of the development only, and 4) creating two (2) footprint lots on lot #9, 1630 Dorset Street. The Development Review Board held a public hearing on December 1, 2015. Larry Williams represented the applicant. Based on the plans and materials contained in the document file for this application, the Development Review Board finds, concludes, and decides the following: FINDINGS OF FACT 1. The applicant seeks final approval to amend a previously approved planned unit development consisting of a 10 lot subdivision. The amendment consists of: 1) revising the water service serving lots #1 and #10, 2) replacing previously approved pervious pavers at the temporary cul-de-sac to crushed stone, 3) designating the community garden area as being reserved for use by the residents of the development only, and 4) creating two (2) footprint lots on lot #9, 1630 Dorset Street. 2. The owners of record of the subject property are Larry & Leslie Williams. 3. The subject property is located in the Southeast Quadrant Zoning District and Village Residential Subdistrict. 4. The application was received on November 2, 2015. S. The final approved plans consist of a five (5) page set of plans, page two (2) entitled "Williams Subdivision 1630 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT", prepared by Lamoureux & Dickinson Consulting Engineers, Inc., dated 1/15/13 and last revised on October 26, 2015. ZONING DISTRICT & DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS The Board finds that no changes from what was previously approved in #SD-14-20 are proposed and the project continues to be in compliance with these requirements. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS Pursuant to Section 15.18 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, PUDs shall comply with the following standards and conditions: - 1 — #SD-15-42 (A)(1) Sufficient water supply and wastewater disposal capacity is available to meet the needs of the project. According to Section 15.13(B)(1) of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, the existing public utility system shall be extended to provide the necessary quantity of water, at an, acceptable pressure, to the proposed dwelling units. According to Section 15.13 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, the subdivider or developer shall connect to the public sewer system or provide a community wastewater system approved by the City and the State in any subdivision where off -lot wastewater is proposed. The proposal includes revisions to the water service for Lots #1 and #10 so that service is provided via an 8" water main on Sadie Lane rather than the existing 12" water main on Dorset Street. The applicant has submitted a Grading & Utility Plan. The Board finds that this criterion is met. (A)(2) Sufficient grading and erosion controls will be utilized during and after construction to prevent soil erosion and runoff from creating unhealthy or dangerous conditions on the subject property and adjacent properties. The applicant has submitted a Grading & Utility Plan and a Landscaping & Erosion Control Plan. The Board finds that this criterion is met. (A)(3) The project incorporates access, circulation, and traffic management strategies sufficient to prevent unreasonable congestion of adjacent roads. The Board finds that no changes from what was previously approved in #SD-14-20 are proposed that would impact access, circulation and traffic management strategies. (A)(4) The project's design respects and will provide suitable protection to wetlands, streams, wildlife habitat as identified in the Open Space Strategy, and any unique natural features on the site. As part of the Findings of Fact & Decision for #SD-14-20, the Board found this criterion to be met. The Board finds that none of changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. (A)(5) The project is designed to be visually compatible with the planned development patterns in the area, as specified in the Comprehensive Plan and the purpose of the zoning district(s) in which it is located. As part of the Findings of Fact & Decision for #SD-14-20, the Board found this criterion to be met. The Board finds that none of changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. (A)(6) Open space areas on the site have been located in such a way as to maximize opportunities for creating contiguous open spaces between adjoining parcels and/or stream buffer areas. As part of the Findings of Fact & Decision for #SD-14-20, the Board found this criterion to be met. The Board finds that none of changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. -2— #SD-15-42 (A)(7) The layout of a subdivision or PUD has been reviewed by the Fire Chief or (designee) to ensure that adequate fire protection can be provided. As indicated in the applicant's letter of October 27, 2015 the Fire Chief has reviewed and approved the proposed change for removal of the pervious pavers and construction of the cul-de-sac with crushed stone only. The Board finds that this criterion continues to be met. (A)(8) Roads, recreation paths, stormwater facilities, sidewalks, landscaping, utility lines and lighting have been designed in a manner that is compatible with the extension of such services and infrastructure to adjacent landowners. The applicant's submitted plan addresses these elements in an adequate manner. As noted above, this proposal proposes a shared water line from Sadie Lane to service Lots #1 and Lot #10. This proposal also adds a common easement to the subdivision plat to reflect this shared service. The Board finds that this criterion is met. (A)(9) Roads, utilities, sidewalks, recreation paths, and lighting are designed in a manner that is consistent with City utility and roadway plans and maintenance standards. As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision for this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. Lighting is discussed under Section 9.09, SEQ Village Residential. Pursuant to Section 15.13(E) of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, any new utility lines shall be underground. (A)(10) The project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan for the affected district(s). As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision for this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. SITE PLAN REVIEW STANDARDS Pursuant to Section 14.03(A)(6) of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, any PUD shall require site plan approval. Section 14.06 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations establishes the following general review standards for all site plan applications: (A) Relationship of the proposed development to the City of South Burlington Comprehensive Plan. -3— #SD-15-42 As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision for this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. (B)(1) The site shall be planned to accomplish a desirable transition from structure to site, from structure to structure, and to provide for adequate planting, safe pedestrian movement, and adequate parking areas. As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision for this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. (B)(2) Parking: a. Parking shall be located to the rear or sides of buildings. Any side of a building facing a public street shall be considered a front side of a building for the purposes of this subsection. b. The Development Review Board may approve parking between a public street and one or more buildings if the Board finds that one or more of the following criteria are met. The Board shall approve only the minimum necessary to overcome the conditions below. C. ... (iii) The parking area will serve a single or two-family home; Only single family homes are proposed for this subdivision. As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision for this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. (B)(3) Without restricting the permissible limits of the applicable zoning district, the height and scale of each building shall be compatible with its site and existing or adjoining buildings. As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision for this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. (B)(4) Newly installed utility services and service modifications necessitated by exterior alterations or building expansions shall, to the extent feasible, be underground. Pursuant to Section 15.13(E) of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, any new utility lines shall be underground. The plans submitted by the applicant indicate that all new utility lines are underground. The Board finds that this criterion is met. (C)(1) The Board shall encourage the use of a combination of common materials and architectural characteristics, landscaping, buffers, screens and visual interruptions to create attractive transitions between buildings of different architectural styles. #SD-15-42 (C)(2) Proposed structures shall be related harmoniously to themselves, the terrain, and to existing buildings and roads in the vicinity that have a visual relationship to the proposed structures. As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision for this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. Site plan applications shall meet the following specific standards as set forth in Section 14.07 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations: (A) The reservation of land may be required on any lot for provision of access to abutting properties whenever such access is deemed necessary to reduce curb cuts onto an arterial of collector street, to provide additional access for emergency or other purposes, or to improve general access and circulation in the area. The Board finds that the reservation of land is not necessary. (B) Electric, telephone and other wire -served utility lines and service connections shall be underground. Any utility installations remaining above ground shall be located so as to have a harmonious relation to neighboring properties and to the site. Pursuant to Section 15.13(E) of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, any new utility lines shall be underground. The plans submitted by the applicant indicate that all new utility lines are underground. The Board finds that this criterion is met. (C) All dumpsters and other facilities to handle solid waste, including compliance with any recycling or other requirements, shall be accessible, secure and properly screened with opaque fencing to ensure that trash and debris do not escape the enclosure(s). The proposed development consists only of single-family homes. This criterion is not applicable. (D) Landscaping and Screening Requirements No changes to the previously landscaping. SOUTHEAST QUADRANT DISTRICT This proposed subdivision is located in the southeast quadrant district. Therefore it is subject to the provisions of Section 9 of the SBLDR. 9.06 Dimensional and Design Requirements Applicable to All Sub -Districts The following standards shall apply to development and improvements within the entire Southeast Quadrant Zoning District. A. Height. -5— #SD-15-42 (1) The maximum height of any occupied structure in the SEQ-NRP, SEQ-NRT, or SEQ-NR sub -district shall not exceed forty-five feet (45'); the waiver provisions of Section 3.07(E) shall not apply to occupied structures in these sub -districts. Not applicable. (2) The maximum height of any occupied structure in the SEQ-VR or SEQ-VC sub -district shall not exceed fifty feet (50'); the waiver provisions of Section 3.07(E) shall not apply to occupied structures in these sub -districts. As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision for this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. B. Open Space and Resource Protection. (1) Open space areas on the site shall be located in such a way as to maximize opportunities for creating usable, contiguous open spaces between adjoining parcels. The Board previously found in its Findings for #SD-14-20 that this requirement was met by proposing that the houses be placed close to the street, thereby leaving contiguous open space amongst lots 1 — 4 & 10 and amongst lots 5 — 9. The Board hereby reaffirms this finding. (2) Building lots, streets and other structures shall be located in a manner consistent with the Regulating Plan for the applicable subdistrict allowing carefully planned development at the average densities provided in this bylaw. As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. (3) A plan for the proposed open spaces and/or natural areas and their ongoing management shall be established by the applicant. As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision for this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. (4) Sufficient grading and erosion controls shall be employed during construction and after construction to prevent soil erosion and runoff from creating unhealthy or dangerous conditions on the subject property and adjacent properties. In making this finding, the Development Review Board may rely on evidence that the project will be covered under the General Permit for Construction issued by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. The applicant has submitted a Grading & Utility Plan and a Landscaping & Erosion Control Plan. The Board finds that this criterion is met. K-M #SD-15-42 (5) Sufficient suitable landscaping and fencing shall be provided to protect wetland, stream, or primary or natural community areas and buffers in a manner that is aesthetically compatible with the surrounding landscape. Chain link fencing other than for agricultural purposes shall be prohibited within PUDs; the use of split rail or other fencing made of natural materials is encouraged. No changes proposed to the previously approved landscaping. The Board finds that this criterion is met. C. Agriculture. The conservation of existing agricultural production values is encouraged through development planning that supports agricultural uses (including but not limited to development plans that create contiguous areas of agricultural use), provides buffer areas between existing agricultural operations and new development, roads, and infrastructure, or creates new opportunities for agricultural use (on any soil group) such as but not limited to community -supported agriculture. Provisions that enhance overall neighborhood and natural resource values rather than preservation of specific soil types are strongly encouraged. The applicant's proposal includes a previously approved community garden. With this proposal, the applicant requests that the community garden area be reserved for use by the residents of the development only. The Board finds that the community garden area shall be reserved for use by the residents of the development only and that this criterion is met. D. Public Services and Facilities. In the absence of a specific finding by the Development Review Board that an alternative location and/or provision is approved for a specific development, the location of buildings, lots, streets and utilities shall conform with the location of planned public facilities as depicted on the Official Map, including but not limited to recreation paths, streets, park land, schools, and sewer and water facilities. The applicant's proposal includes both construction of recreation path segments and designation of easements for the same. The Board finds that this criterion is met. (1) Sufficient water supply and wastewater disposal capacity shall be available to meet the needs of the project in conformance with applicable State and City requirements, as evidenced by a City water allocation, City wastewater allocation, and/or Vermont Water and Wastewater Permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation. See discussion of compliance with Section 15.18(A) (1) above. The Board finds this criterion to be met. (2) Recreation paths, storm water facilities, sidewalks, landscaping, utility lines, and lighting shall be designed in a manner that is compatible with the extension of such services and infrastructure to adjacent properties. No changes proposed to the previously approved plans. The Board finds that this criterion is met. (3) Recreation paths, utilities, sidewalks, and lighting shall be designed in a manner that is consistent with City utility plans and maintenance standards, absent a specific agreement with the applicant related to maintenance that has been approved by the City Council. See also discussion of compliance with Section 15.18(A) (8) & (A) (9) above. -7— #SD-15-42 The Board previously found this requirement to be met as the property is currently served by an existing recreation path running east -west, and a new sidewalk will run along the east side of the new street running north -south. (4) The plan shall be reviewed by the Fire Chief or his designee to insure that adequate fire protection can be provided, with the standards for evaluation including, but not limited to, minimum distance between structures, street width, vehicular access from two directions where possible, looping of water lines, water flow and pressure, and number and location of hydrants. The Fire Chief previously reviewed the proposal as part of application #SD-14-20. As indicated in the applicant's letter of October 27, 2015 the Fire Chief has reviewed and approved the proposed change for removal of the pervious pavers and construction of the cul-de-sac with crushed stone only. The Board finds that this criterion is met. E. Circulation. The project shall incorporate access, circulation and traffic management strategies sufficient to prevent unsafe conditions on of adjacent roads and sufficient to create connectivity for pedestrians, bicycles, vehicles, school transportation, and emergency service vehicles between neighborhoods. In making this finding the Development Review Board may rely on the findings of a traffic study submitted by the applicant, and the findings of any technical review by City staff or consultants. (1) Roads shall be designed in a manner that is compatible with the extension of such services and infrastructure to adjacent properties. (2) Roads shall be designed in a manner that is consistent with City roadway plans and maintenance standards, absent a specific agreement with the applicant related to maintenance that has been approved by the City Council. (3) The provisions of Section 15.12(D) (4) related to connections between adjacent streets and neighborhoods shall apply. As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision for this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. 9.09 SEQ-VR Sub -District; Specific Standards The SEQ-VR sub -district has additional dimensional and design requirements, as enumerated in this Section. A. Street, Block and Lot Pattern (1) Development blocks. Development block lengths should range between 300 and 400 linear feet; see Figure 9-2 for example. If longer block lengths are unavoidable blocks 400 feet or longer must include mid -block public sidewalk or recreation path connections. #SD-15-42 (2) Interconnection of Streets (a) Average spacing between intersections shall be 300 to 400 feet. (b) Dead end streets (e.g. culs de sac) are discouraged. Dead end streets shall not exceed 200 feet in length. (c) Street stubs are required at the end of dead end streets to allow for future street connections and/or bicycle and pedestrian connections to open space and future housing on adjoining parcels per section 15.12(D)(4). (3) Street Connection to Adjoining Parcels. Street stubs are required to be built to the property line and connected to adjacent parcels per section 15.12(D)(4) of these Regulations. Posting signs with a notice of intent to construct future streets is strongly encouraged. (4) Lot ratios. Lots shall maintain a minimum lot width to depth ratio of 1:2, with a ratio of 1:2.5 to 1:5 recommended. In its previous Findings of Fact & Decision for the PUD, #SD-14-20, the Board found that the project does not meet the strict guidelines of the SEQ which call for short development blocks and limits the lengths of roadways, in order to minimize impacts on the wetlands which traverse the site from north to south and fit into the unique shape of the lot. However, the Board also found that the design presented achieved the best possible layout given the restrictions on the site and that lot width to length ratios were met. B. Street, Sidewalk & Parking Standards (1) Street dimensions and cross sections. Neighborhood streets (collector and local) in the VR sub -district are intended to be low -speed streets for local use that discourage through movement and are safe for pedestrians and bicyclists. Dimensions for public collector and local streets shall be as set forth in Tables 9-3 and 9-4, and Figures 9-8 and 9-9 below. (2) Sidewalks (a) Sidewalks must be a minimum of five feet (5') in width with an additional minimum five-foot planting strip (greenspace) separating the sidewalk from the street. (b) Sidewalks are required on one side of the street, and must be connected in a pattern that promotes walkability throughout the development. The DRB may in its discretion require supplemental sidewalk segments to achieve this purpose. (3) Street Trees; see Section 9.08(B)(3) (4) On -street parking; see Section 9.08(B)(4). (5) Intersection design. Intersections shall be designed to reduce pedestrian crossing distances and to slow traffic; see Figure 9-6 and Section 9.08(B)(5). (6) Street and sidewalk lighting. Pedestrian -scaled light fixtures (e.g., 12'to 14') shall be provided sufficient to ensure pedestrian safety traveling to and from public spaces. Overall illumination levels should be consistent with the lower -intensity development patterns and character of the SEQ with lower, smoother levels of illumination (rather than hot -spots) and trespass minimized to the lowest level consistent with public safety. #SD-15-42 As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision for this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. C. Residential Design (1) Building Orientation. Residential buildings must be oriented to the street. Primary entries for single family and multi family buildings must face the street. Secondary building entries may open onto garages and/or parking areas. (Special design guidelines apply to arterial streets). (2) Building FaVades. Building facades are encouraged to employ a theme and variation approach. Buildings should include common elements to appear unified, but facades should be varied from one building to the next to avoid monotony. Front porches, stoops, and balconies that create semi -private space and are oriented to the street are encouraged. (3) Front Building Setbacks. In pedestrian districts, a close relationship between the building and the street is critical to the ambiance of the street environment. (a) Buildings should be set back fifteen feet (15') from the back of sidewalk. (b) Porches, stoops, and balconies may project up to eight feet (8') into the front setbacks. Porch, stoop and balcony areas within the front setback shall not be enclosed or weatherized with glazing or other solid materials. (4) Placement of Garages and Parking. See Section 9.08(C)(4) and Figure 9-7. (5) Mix of Housing Styles. A mix of housing styles (i.e. ranch, cape cod, colonial, etc.), sizes, and affordability is encouraged within neighborhoods and developments. These should be mixed within blocks, along the street and within neighborhoods rather than compartmentalized into sections of near -identical units. As part of previously approved Findings of Fact & Decision this project, the Board found these criteria to be met. The Board finds that none of the changes proposed as part of this application affect this finding. Stormwater In an email to staff dated November 18, 2015, the Department of Public Works commented as follows: The Storm water Section has reviewed "Williams Subdivision" prepared by Lamoureau & Dickinson, dated 1115113, last updated 10126115. We do not have any additional comments to the changes made to the previously approved site plane. The DRB should include a condition requiring the applicant to regularly maintain all stormwater treatment and conveyance infrastructure. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Dave David P. Wheeler Assistant Stormwater Superintendent The Board finds that the applicant shall regularly maintain the stormwater treatment practice. -10— #SD-15-42 Notice of Conditions There are "footprint" lots proposed on Lot 9. For purposes of the Land Development Regulations, the Board finds that all footprint lots within a cluster will be considered one lot. DECISION Motion by Bill Miller, seconded by John Wilking, to approve final plat application #SD-15-42 of Larry & Leslie Williams subject to the following conditions: 1) All previous approvals and stipulations shall remain in full effect, except as amended herein. 2) This project shall be completed as shown on the plans submitted by the applicants, and on file in the South Burlington Department of Planning and Zoning. 3) All land development, including but not limited to expansions, sunrooms, patios, and decks, shall be limited to the building envelope shown on the plans to be reviewed and approved as part of the final plat application and applicable dimensional requirements of the district. Said structures shall be permitted through zoning permits by the Administrative Officer. Any land development on said lots extending beyond the approved building envelopes shall require an amendment to the PUD in application to the Development Review Board. 4) Pursuant to Section 15.13(E) of the Land Development Regulations, any new utility lines, services, and service modifications shall be underground. 5) The Board finds that the community garden area shall be reserved for use by the residents of the development only. 6) The plat plan shall be revised to show the changes below and shall require approval of the Administrative Officer. Three (3) copies of the approved revised plat shall be submitted to the Administrative Officer prior to recording the plat. a. The survey plat shall be revised to include the signature of the land surveyor. 7) For purposes of the LDRs, the footprint lots included on lot #9 together with the remaining portion of lot #9 shall be considered one (1) lot as approved previously. The applicants shall record a "Notice of Condition" to this effect which has been approved by the City Attorney prior to recording the final plat plan. 8) The proposed project shall adhere to standards for erosion control as set forth in Section 16.03 the standards set forth in Section 16.04 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations. 9) The mylar shall be recorded prior to any zoning permit issuance. 10) The applicant shall regularly maintain all stormwater treatment and conveyance structures on -site. - 11 — #SD-15-42 11) Prior to issuance of any zoning permit for site work or construction, a digital copy of the final project plans in pdf format shall be delivered to the Administrative Officer. 12) The final plat plan (survey plat) shall be recorded in the land records within 180 days or this approval is null and void. The plans shall be signed by the Board Chair or Clerk prior to recording. Prior to recording the final plat plan, the applicant shall submit a copy of the survey plat in digital format. The format of the digital information shall require approval of the South Burlington GIS Coordinator. 13) Any changes to the final plat plan shall require approval of the South Burlington Development Review Board. Tim Barritt— yea nay abstain not present Mark Behr— yea nay abstain not present Matt Cota — yea nay abstain not present Bill Miller— yea nay abstain not present David Parsons— yea nay abstain not present Jennifer Smith — yea nay abstain not present John Wilking — yea nay abstain not present Motion carried by a vote of 4 — 0 — 3 Signed this day of Tim Barritt, Chair 2015, by Please note: An appeal of this decision may be taken by filing, within 30 days of the date of this decision, a notice of appeal and the required fee by certified mail to the Superior Court, Environmental Division. See V.R.E.C.P. 5(b). A copy of the notice of appeal must also be mailed to the City of South Burlington Planning and Zoning Department at 575 Dorset Street, South Burlington, VT 05403. See V.R.E.C.P. 5(b)(4)(A). Please contact the Environmental Division at 802-828-1660 or httP://vermontiudiciary.org/GTC/environmental/defauIt.aspx for more information on filing requirements, deadlines, fees and mailing address. The applicant or permittee retains the obligation to identify, apply for, and obtain relevant state permits for this project. Call 802.879.5676 to speak with the regional Permit Specialist. -12—