Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP-06-33 SP-06-34 - Decision - 0472 Meadowland Drive#S P-06-33 #SP-06-34 CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ZONING O'BRIEN BROTHERS PARTNERSHIP - PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT 472 MEADOWLAND DRIVE PRELIMINARY PLAT APPLICATION #SD-06-33 FINAL PLAT APPLICATION #SD-06-34 FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISION O'Brien Brothers Partnership, hereafter referred to as the applicant, is seeking preliminary and final plat plan review for a planned unit development consisting of a 50,000 sq. ft. building for a multiple number of tenants and a multiple number of uses under an umbrella approval, 472 Meadowland Drive. The Development Review Board held a public hearing on June 6, 2006. Patrick O'Brien represented the applicant. Based on testimony provided at the above mentioned public hearing and the plans and supporting 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 is seeking preliminary and final plat plan review for a planned unit development consisting of a 50,000 sq. ft. building for a multiple number of tenants and a multiple number of uses under an umbrella approval, 472 Meadowland Drive. 2) The subject property is located in the Industrial & Open Space (10) Zoning District. 3) The owner of record of the subject property is Munson Earth Moving Corp. 4) The plans submitted consist of an eight (8) page set of plans, page two (2) entitled, "Site Plan Meadowlands Business Complex Lot 2 Meadowland Industrial Park 472 Meadowland Drive South Burlington, Vermont", prepared by Krebs & Lansing Consulting Engineers, Inc., dated 5/3/06. - 1 - #SP-06-33 #SP-06-34 Zoning District & Dimensional Requirements Table 1. Dimensional Requirements 10 Zoning District Required Proposed Min. Lot Size 3 acres 8.13 acres Max. Density n/a n/a �l Max. Building Coverage 30% 14.3% Max. Overall Coverage 50% 38.4% Min. Front Setback 50 ft. 50 ft. Min. Side Setback 35 ft. >35 ft. Min. Rear Setback 50 ft. 200 ft. Max. Building Height 35 ft. 35 ft Front Yard Coverage 30% 29.9% zoning compliance n/a no residential units proposed SUBDIVISION CRITERIA Pursuant to Section 15.18 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, subdivisions shall comply with the following standards and conditions: Sufficient water supply and wastewater disposal capacity is available to meet the needs of the project. According to Section 15.13 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, the existing public water system shall be extended so as to provide the necessary quantity of water, at acceptable pressure. The entire Meadowland Business Park has been preliminarily approved for water allocation. However, the applicant shall still adhere to the comments of the South Burlington Water Department regarding this proposal. 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 original subdivision received a 51,272 gpd sewer allocation which is still in effect. To date there is 48,380 gpd available. 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 and erosion control plans which will sufficiently prevent soil erosion and runoff from creating adverse conditions on the subject property and adjacent properties. -2- #SP-06-33 #S P-06-34 The project incorporates access, circulation, and traffic management strategies sufficient to prevent unreasonable congestion of adjacent roads. Access to this property is proposed via one (1) 24' drive off of Meadowland Drive. The access drive will split and access two parking areas. The westerly side will serve as parking for some staff and customers to the site. The easterly side will service delivery trucks and a limited amount of parking. This is sufficient for the proposed use. The areas do not connect at the southern edge of the property. A 20' fire lane will be provided for emergency access at this area of the building. It is not prudent to connect the areas as passenger vehicles may be tempted to access the easterly side of the building and come into conflict with commercial vehicles. According to the ITE Trip Generation Manual, 7th Edition, the 50,000 square feet of contractor or building trade facility is estimated to generate 22 P.M. peak hour trip ends. The applicant has estimated 55 PM peak hour trip ends and would like approval for such. The Board finds this acceptable. Condition #3c of the September 10, 1996 subdivision approval for the business park required that "prior to site plan approval for each lot, the signal warrant analysis shall be updated. When the signal is shown to be warranted at Rte 116/Swift Street Extension, applicant shall install signal at specifications approved by the City." (Swift Street Extension is now known as Meadowland Drive). The applicant submitted a traffic impact study for this project dated 5/26/06 prepared by Lamoureux & Dickinson Consulting Engineers. This study concludes that "it has determined that the peak hour and four-hour signed warrants were not satisfied" for the subject intersection. 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. The subject property contains identified Class II wetlands. However, neither the parking areas nor the building encroach upon these wetlands or their respective buffers. 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. According to Section 6.04(A) of the Land Development Regulations, the Industrial -Open Space 10 District is established to provide suitable locations for high -quality, large -lot office, light industrial and research uses in areas of the City with access to major arterial routes and Burlington International Airport. The IO District regulations and standards are intended to allow high -quality planned developments that preserve the generally open character of the district, minimize impacts on natural resources and water quality, and enhance the visual quality of approaches to the City while providing suitable locations for employment and business growth. The location and architectural design of buildings in a manner that preserves these qualities is strongly encouraged. -3- #SP-06-33 #S P-06-34 The proposed project is in compliance with the stated purpose of the 10 District, as outlined in the Land Development Regulations. 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. There are significant portions of open space running along the southern portions of the property, so this requirement is met. 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. The Fire Chief has reviewed the plans and provided comments in a memo dated May 31, 2006. 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 subject property contains a 20' wide pedestrian easement running along the southern and eastern side of the proposed building and the southerly property boundary. This is sufficient to facilitate pedestrian and recreation traffic through the property. However, the Board suggests that this is the most appropriate time to move the easement to the west so as to keep it out of the wetland. The South Burlington Recreation Department concurs with this. While no construction of the path is planned at this time, it will facilitate the process at a later date. Roads, utilities, sidewalks, recreation paths, and lighting are designed in a manner that is consistent with City utility and roadway plans and maintenance standards. The subdivision plans for the entire Meadowland Business Park show details on street utilities, lighting, and stormwater management. These have been approved by the City Engineer, so they are acceptable for the proposed project. The applicant has submitted an adequate lighting point by point plan for the proposed project which meets the requirements in Appendices A.9 and A.10 of the Land Development Regulations. In addition, the applicant has submitted exterior lighting details (cut -sheets) for the proposed lighting on the subject parcel. The proposed lighting fixtures shall be in compliance with Appendix D of the Land Development Regulations. The project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan for the affected district(s). The proposed development of this property is in conformance with the South Burlington Comprehensive Plan. Z� #SP-06-33 #S P-06-34 SITE PLAN REVIEW STANDARDS Pursuant to Section 14.03(A)(6) of the Land Development Regulations, any PUD shall require site plan approval. Section 14.06 establishes the following general review standards for all site plan applications: 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. The subject property contains a 20' wide pedestrian easement running the southern and eastern side of the proposed building and the southerly property boundary. This is sufficient to facilitate pedestrian and recreation traffic through the property. The applicant is proposing 90 parking spaces, so all uses in the building under an umbrella permit can not exceed a parking demand of 90 spaces. According to Table 13-7 of the Land Development Regulations, a property with 90 parking spaces requires four (4) handicapped -accessible parking spaces. The plans depict four handicapped -accessible spaces. The dimensions of the proposed parking areas appear to meet the requirements in Table 13-8 of the Land Development Regulations. Section 13.01(G)(5) requires that bicycle parking or storage facilities are provided for employees, residents, and visitors to the site. A bicycle rack is depicted on the plans. Parking shall be located to the rear or sides of buildings to the greatest extent practicable. All of the proposed parking is located to the side of the building. 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. The height of the proposed building is in compliance with the South Burlington Land Development Regulations.. The proposed project is located in a business park in a area where industrial uses exists. The scale of the proposed building is compatible with existing buildings in the area. 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 Land Development Regulations, any new utility lines, services, and service modifications shall be underground. -5- #SP-06-33 #S P-06-34 The DRB 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. The applicant has submitted elevations of the proposed building. 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. The applicant has submitted elevations of the proposed building. In addition to the above general review standards, site plan applications shall meet the following specific standards as set forth in Section 14.07 of the Land Development Regulations: 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. Because the project is in a large lot, industrial area, access to adjacent properties is necessary. 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 Land Development Regulations, any new utility lines, services, and service modifications shall be underground. 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 plans show dumpsters to be typical of each unit. Those dumpsters appear to be adequately screened. Landscaping and Screening Requirements Based on the cost projections submitted by the applicant for this property, the minimum landscaping costs are $22,500. The applicant has submitted a landscaping budget which exceeds this minimum requirement. Pursuant to Section 13.06(B) of the Land Development Regulations, in all off-street parking area with twenty-eight (28) or more parking spaces, at least ten percent (10%) of the interior of the parking area shall be landscaped with trees, shrubs, and other plants. All interior and perimeter planting shall be protected by curbing. Interior planted islands shall have a minimum dimension of six (6) feet on any one side, and shall have a minimum square footage of sixty (60) feet. Large islands are encouraged. M #S P-06-33 #SP-06-34 Pursuant to Section 13.06(B) of the Land Development Regulations, snow storage area must be specified and located in an area that will minimize the potential for run-off. The plans depict two snow storage areas. The snow storage area shown to the northeast of the property conflicts with the pedestrian easement. This area shall be moved or otherwise altered so as not to conflict with the pedestrian easement. Pursuant to Section 13.06(C)(1) of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, any utility cabinets on the site shall be effectively screened to the approval of the Development Review Board. View Protection Zone The subject property is located within the Hinesburg Road -North Scenic View Protection Overlay District and thus subject to Section 10.03(H) of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations. Specifically, no part of any structure within the zone shall exceed an elevation of 393.5 feet above mean sea level plus 5.8 feet for each 1000 feet that said part of said structure is horizontally distant from the Hinesburg Road -North View Protection Zone Base Line shown on the Scenic View Protections Overlay District Map. Required Findings for Umbrella Approval To make positive findings for an umbrella permit pursuant to Section 3.09 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, the Development Review Board must determine that: 1) Such uses are compatible in normal manner of operation, including types of traffic generated; hours of use; lack of excessive noise, dust, or odor, or other objectionable element; and any other relevant aspect of operation. 2) Such uses can suitably share common facilities, such as parking and outside storage areas, within the requirements of these regulations for any lot. The Development Review Board must then establish the following limits for the site: 1) P.M. peak hour trip ends. 2) Number of required parking spaces. The proposed uses are as follows: a. general office b. contractor or building trade facility c. light manufacturing d. manufacturing & assembly from previously prepared materials and components. e. printing & binding production facilities. f. research facility or laboratory -7- #SP-06-33 #SP-06-34 Other The South Burlington Director of Public works reviewed the previously submitted plans and provided comments in a memorandum dated June 2, 2006. The subject property is located within the Industrial Open Space District and as such shall be subject to Section 6.04(F) and 6.05 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations. All lots of three acres or more, an open space buffer strip no less than two hundred (200) feet in width shall be maintained along the boundary of the SEQ district. The proposed building is exactly 200 feet from the SEQ boundary. At the discretion of the Development Review Board, the buffer strip either shall be left in its open, natural condition or shall be required to be landscaped in accordance with the standards in Section 3.06(I) to provide appropriate screening of proposed uses from adjacent residential properties. This property does abut residential properties. At this time, the applicant is proposing a significantly sized landscaping berm to be placed at the corner most adjacent to those residential properties. The berm is proposed to be 15 feet in height at its highest point and roughly 160 feet in length. At the sketch plan hearing, the Development Review Board suggested that staff explore a set of conditions originally proposed for a property on site. Staff has examined these conditions and worked with the applicant to compose a reasonable set of conditions on the property: a) The use of "Jake Brakes" by any vehicle going to or from the subject property on Meadowland Drive is prohibited. The applicant shall advise all drivers of this. b) There shall be no idling of diesel trucks for periods in excess of five (5) minutes on the subject property. c) There shall be no refrigerated trucks stored on the subject property. d) The restrictions on scheduled truck vehicle trip ends on the subject property shall be as follows: 12:00 A.M - 5:59A.M. 6:00 A.M. — 11:00 P.M 11:01 P.M —11:59 P.M. Monday no truck operations no restrictions restricted to 6 truck vehicle trip ends Tuesday restricted to 6 truck vehicle trip ends no restrictions restricted to 6 truck vehicle trip ends Wednesday restricted to 6 truck vehicle trip ends no restrictions restricted to 6 truck vehicle trip ends Thursday restricted to 6 truck no restrictions restricted to 6 truck #S P-06-33 #SP-06-34 vehicle trip ends vehicle trip ends Friday restricted to 6 truck no restrictions restricted to 6 truck vehicle trip ends vehicle trip ends Saturday restricted to 6 truck no restrictions no truck operations vehicle trip ends 7:00 A.M — 5:00 P.M no trucking operations 5:01 P.M — 11:59 P.M. Sunday I no truck operations I no truck operations I no truck operations The Board shall allow exception for emergency cases where it is not prudent, either for reasons of safety or substantial financial impact, to wait until such a time where truck traffic would be allowed. For the purposes of clarifying the Board's intent, this shall include, as example, emergency service calls and deliveries which have been delayed due to poor weather or other hazard which has impacted traffic in the region. The DRB originally suggested that there shall be no use of a "back-up beeper" on any vehicle on the subject property between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. However, after sufficient research into local and state traffic and transportation law and code, The Board does not advise implementing this condition. The potential safety and financial risk is too great. DECISION Motion by C AJ��� UC �f (�1 seconded by to approve Preliminary Plat Application #SD-06-33 and Final Plat Application #SD-06-34 of O'Brien Brothers Partnership, 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 plat submitted by the applicant, and on file in the South Burlington Department of Planning and Zoning. 3. The plans shall be revised to show the changes below and shall require approval of the Administrative Officer. Three (3) copies of the approved revised plans shall be submitted to the Administrative Officer prior to recording. a. The plans shall be revised to comply with the requests of the City Arborist as outlined in his memo dated May 19, 2006. b. The plans shall be revised to show the northeast snow storage area relocated so as not to conflict with the recreation path easement. c. The plans shall be revised to depict any utility cabinets on the site as effectively screened. M #SP-06-33 #SP-06-34 d. The plans shall be revised to comply with the requests of the Director of Public Works as outlined in his memo dated June 2, 2006 to show a 7" curb reveal detail. e. The plans shall be revised to show the recreational path easement located further to the west as to avoid the Class III wetland. 4. The applicant shall adhere to the comments of the South Burlington Water Department as dated May 18, 2006. 5. The applicant shall adhere to the conditions of the SBFD as per the memo dated May 31, 2006. 6. The applicant shall adhere to the comments of the South Burlington City Arborist as per his memo dated May 19, 2006. 7. The applicant shall adhere to the comments of the South Burlington Director of Public Works as per his memo of June 2, 2006. 8. The applicant shall receive sewer allocation prior to issuance of a zoning permit. 9. The proposed project shall adhere to standards for erosion control as set forth in Section 16.03 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations. In addition, the grading of the site shall meet the standards set forth in Section 16.04 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations. 10. For the purpose of calculating road impact fees under the South Burlington Impact Fee Ordinance, the Development Review Board estimates that the new building and associated uses will generate 55 vehicle trip ends during the P.M. peak hour. 11. Prior to issuance of the zoning permit, the applicant shall record a new recreation path easement deed, approved by the City Attorney, for the relocated recreation path easement. 12. Pursuant to Section 15.13(E) of the Land Development Regulations, any new utility lines, services, and service modifications shall be underground. 13. The lighting fixtures shall be revised to be in compliance with Appendix D of the Land Development Regulations. 14. The applicant shall post a $22,500 landscape bond prior to permit issuance. This bond shall remain in full effect for three years to assure that the landscaping has taken root and has a good chance at survival. 15. The use of "Jake Brakes" by any vehicle going to or from the subject property on Meadowland Drive is prohibited. The applicant shall advise all drivers of this. 16. There shall be no idling of diesel trucks for periods in excess of five (5) minutes on the subject property. 17. There shall be no refrigerated trucks stored on the subject property -10- #S P-06-33 #SP-06-34 18. The restrictions on scheduled truck vehicle trip ends on the subject property shall be as follows: 12:00 A.M - 5:59A.M. 6:00 A.M. —11:00 P.M 11:01 P.M —11:59 P.M. Monday no truck operations no restrictions restricted to 6 truck vehicle trip ends Tuesday restricted to 6 truck no restrictions restricted to 6 truck vehicle trip ends vehicle trip ends Wednesday restricted to 6 truck no restrictions restricted to 6 truck vehicle trip ends vehicle trip ends Thursday restricted to 6 truck no restrictions restricted to 6 truck vehicle trip ends vehicle trip ends Friday restricted to 6 truck no restrictions restricted to 6 truck vehicle trip ends vehicle trip ends Saturday restricted to 6 truck no restrictions no truck operations vehicle trip ends 7:00 A.M - 15:00 P.M no trucking operations 5:01 P.M — 11:59 P.M. Sunday no truck operations no truck operations no truck o erations 19. This approval is for the following uses which are currently permitted uses in the Industrial & Open Space Zoning District: general office, contractor or building trade facility, light manufacturing, manufacturing & assembly from previously prepared materials and components, printing & binding production facilities, and research facility or laboratory. If the land development regulations change so that any of the above uses are no longer permitted, then those uses which are no longer permitted shall no longer be approved. 20. This approval is conditioned on a maximum of 90 parking spaces available and 55 PM peak hour vehicle trip ends. 21. The applicant shall obtain approval from the Director of Planning and Zoning prior to any change of any tenant in the building. The Director of Planning and Zoning shall approve the proposed new tenant only if the proposed combination of uses fits within the limitations established in stipulation #20 above. In making her determination, the Director of Planning and Zoning shall utilize the parking standards in Tables 13-1 through13-6 in the Land Development Regulations, and trip generation rates contained in the I.T.E. Trip Generation Manual. If a use proposed does not fit clearly within any of these standards, or if a shared parking concept is proposed in order to meet the parking limit, the applicant shall obtain approval from the Development Review Board for the proposed use. 22. Any changes to the final plat plan shall require approval of the South Burlington Development Review Board. 23. The final plat plan (site plan) shall be recorded in the land records within 180 days or this approval is null and void. The plan shall be signed by the Board Chair or Clerk prior to recording. ESE #SP-06-33 #SP-06-34 Mark Behr —PeP/nay/abs ain/not present Matthew Birmingham — e nay/abstain/not present Chuck Bolton —&�gjnay/abstain/not present John Dinklage — e nay/abstain/not resent Roger Farley — yea/nay/abstain of resen Larry Kupferman7&aj/nay/abstain/not present Gayle Quimby — e nay/abstain/not present Motion carried by a vote of (- C) - 6 Signed this day of 2006, by John Di age, Chair Please note: You have the right to appeal this decision to the Vermont Environmental Court, pursuant to 24 VSA 4471 and VRCP 76 in writing, within 30 days of the date this decision is issued. The fee is $225.00. If you fail to appeal this decision, your right to challenge this decision at some future time may be lost because you waited too long. You will be bound by the decision, pursuant to 24 VSA 4472 (d) (exclusivity of remedy; finality). -12-