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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSD-09-51 - Decision - 0119 Tilley Drive#SD-09-51 CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ZONING PIZZAGALLI PROPERTIES, LLC — 119 TILLEY DRIVE PRELIMINARY PLAT APPLICATION #SD-09-51 FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISION Pizzagalli Properties, LLC, hereafter referred to as the applicant, is requesting preliminary plat approval for a planned unit development to construct a 50,000 sq. ft. general office building, 119 Tilley Drive. The Development Review Board held a public hearing on December 15, 2009; February 2, 2010; March 16, 2010; April 6, 2010; and June 15, 2010. Robert Bouchard 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. Pizzagalli Properties, LLC, hereafter referred to as the applicant, is requesting preliminary plat approval for a planned unit development to construct a 50,000 sq. ft. general office building, 119 Tilley Drive. 2. The owner of record of the subject property is Pizzagalli Properties, LLC. 3. The application was received on November 6, 2009. 4. The subject property is located in the Industrial Open Space Zoning District. 5. The plan submitted consists of a 19 page set of plans, page two (2) entitled, "Mountain View Office Park Lot 6 Site Development", prepared by Donald L. Hamlin Consulting Engineers, Inc., dated 10/26/2009, last revised on 5/2/2010. Zoning District & Dimensional Requirements Table 1. Dimensional Rearuiremenfs IO Zoning District Required Proposed Min. Lot Size 3 acres 13.5 acres Max. Building Coverage 30% 4.2 % Max. Overall Coverage 50% 22.1 % Max. Front Yard Coverage 30% 21.6 % Min. Front Setback 50 ft. >50Efft Min. Side Setback 35 ft. >35Min. Rear Setback 50 ft. >50Max. Building Height 35 ft. 28 hDevelopment Review Boa rd\Findings_Decisions\2010\Pizzagalli_SD0951_ffd.doc #SD-09-51 zoning compliance 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 Water Department has reviewed earlier plans and provided comments in a letter dated December 11, 2009. The South Burlington Director of Public Works has reviewed the newest plans and finds that the previous comments from the Water Department should remain in effect. 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 City Engineer/Director of Public Works has reviewed the plans and provided comments in a letter dated June 8, 2010 from Justin Rabidoux. This letter also incorporates comments from the City Stormwater Superintendent and City Arborist. The applicant shall obtain preliminary wastewater allocation prior to final plat approval and final wastewater allocation prior to issuance of a zoning permit. 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 project incorporates access, circulation, and traffic management strategies sufficient to prevent unreasonable congestion of adjacent roads. Access to the subject lot is proposed via a 25 foot wide curb cut from Tilley Drive, aligned with an existing curb cut to the south. The applicant proposes that this curb cut would service both of the larger lots of the 2-lot subdivision to which this lot belongs. The applicant has carefully considered previous concerns by both Staff and the Board that the western most curb cut is too close to the Tilley Drive/Hinesburg Road intersection and could not handle the queuing of vehicles that the additional buildings would create and the connection of Tilley Drive to the interstate via the proposed ramp (:\Development Review Boa rd\Findings_Decisions\2010\Pizzagalli_SD0951_ffd.doc #SD-09-51 or connection to Community Drive. The Board finds that the applicant has sufficiently addressed these concerns with the current plans. Under the terms of an existing 5-lot subdivision of lands access via Tilley Drive, the applicant is required to submit a trip generation and traffic analysis including turning movement analysis to be submitted as part of the review of the fourth building. The Board has required that this condition be carried through to include the subdivision that this lot is included within, should any of the lots proposed herein be developed prior to the existing lots. This will be the fourth building. The applicant has submitted this analysis. The Board invoked a technical review of the traffic study and comments were received on January 28, 2010 from the Board's consultant, RSG Inc. 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 sketch plan references an area of wetlands located at the western access drive, a small wetland near the northwest property line, and a much smaller wetland near the southeast property line. The plans do not include the 50 foot buffer around the largest area, impacted by the access drive. If there are other wetlands on site, the applicant shall provide a full delineation as part of the preliminary plat application. 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. Per section 15.18B of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, a PUD in the Industrial -Open Space District shall comply with the following standards: 1) Open space and development areas shall be located so as to maximize the aesthetic values of the property in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan goal of preserving and enhancing the open character, natural areas, and scenic views of the Quadrant, while allowing carefully planned development. 2) Open space and any buffering shall be located in a manner that minimizes impacts on adjacent residential uses, if any. It is difficult to fully assess compliance with this criterion as the subject lot does not directly abut the residential properties but rather is separated by one small lot, and the narrow portion of a larger lot to the north of this one. The layout of the building and parking on the site appears to be in partial compliance with respect to this criterion, as it sits roughly centered on the lot. The Board will further assess this criterion at the time if or when development is proposed for the rear portion of the lot to the northern portion of this property which directly abuts the residential properties and the farms/open space to the north. 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. I:\Development Review Boa rd\Findings_Decisions\2010\Pizzagalli_SD0951_ffd.doc #SD-09-51 Please see Board comments above on this matter. 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 submitted written comments dated 6/11/2010. 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 Board has addressed this issue above. 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 Board has already noted that the City Engineer has reviewed the preliminary plat plans and provided comments. The project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan for the affected district(s). The proposed subdivision of this property is in conformance with the South Burlington Comprehensive Plan. 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 Board finds that the proposed site layout adequately provides for a safe and desirable transition from structure to structure, site to site, site to structure. There are several sidewalks and walkways throughout the site, as well as a connection to an existing recreation path along Tilley Drive. The applicant shall provide for some safe pedestrian passage to the northerly undeveloped area at such time as the northerly area is developed. This could be as simple as a hatched walkway across the rear of the lot, connecting to the walkway which goes around the eastern portion of the building, or could include a sidewalk along the new driveway. Based on 50,000 square feet of general office use, the proposed building will require 175 parking spaces. 246 parking spaces are proposed on site. Although the applicant has 4 I:\Development Review Boa rd\Findings_Decisions\2010\PizzagaI1i_SD0951_ffd.doc #SD-09-51 not proposed medical office use, staff has evaluated those calculations (at full medical office use) as being a minimum of 250 parking spaces. Given the predominant use of medical office in the surrounding park, this may be an appropriate level of parking. The Board should discuss the parking space waiver of four (4) spaces or 1.6% if 100% of the building were used for medical office use. 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 not shown on the plans. Parking shall be located to the rear or sides of buildings to the greatest extent practicable. Some of the proposed parking on site does not comply with this criterion. There is an entire row and a half of parking along Tilley Drive, between the building and the road. Although some parking has been permitted to the fronts of other buildings in the development, the reasoning behind that decision was to mitigate the sea of parking that would be viewed from another important public right of way- Interstate 89. The Board has previously discussed the proposed parking layout and has voiced general agreeability with allowing parking to the front of the building, as shown in the proposed plan. 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 scale of the proposed buildings is compatible with the site and existing buildings in the area. The height of the proposed building is two stories and 28', which is under the 35' height maximum for the City. 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. 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 previously submitted a rendering of one side of a building. However, the rendering did not match up with the layout of the building as shown on the site plan. Perhaps the applicant's intent is to show the general design and materials of the building. The buildings in the surrounding subdivision are all very cohesive and complementary, without being carbon copies. They are all attractive buildings which meet this criterion. However, the Board previously asked that the applicant provide renderings of all four sides of the building to make a better assessment. The applicant should do this. I:\Development Review Boa rd\Findings_Decisions\2010\Pizzagalli_SD0951_ffd.doc #SD-09-51 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. Again, the applicant should submit architectural details. r. 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. The Board has already addressed the issue of the connection between this property and the lot to the rear. 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). There appears to be a screened dumpster to the western portion of the lot. A note on the plans could clarify this. Furthermore, although the wetland buffer is not shown on the plans, it would appear that the proposed dumpster lies within a 50 foot buffer of the wetland. Landscaping Pursuant to Section 13.06(A) of the Land Development Regulations, landscaping and screening shall be required for all uses subject to site plan and PUD review. Section 13.06(B) of the Land Development Regulations requires parking facilities to be curbed and landscaped with appropriate trees, shrubs, and other plants including ground covers. Pursuant to Section 13.06(B)(4) of the Land Development Regulations, snow storage areas must be shown on the plans. Show snow storage areas are shown for the subject property but give no regard to the proposed landscaping on the property or a potential 6 I:\Development Review Board\Findings_Decisions\2010\Pizzagalli_SD0951_ffd.doc #SD-09-51 future access drive to the abutting 1 acre lot. There are trees and shrubs proposed in areas where snow storage areas are proposed. The plans should be revised to include more appropriate areas for snow storage. Landscaping budget requirements are to be determined pursuant to Section 13.06(G)(2) of the SBLDR. The landscape plan and landscape budget shall be prepared by a landscape architect or professional landscape designer. The applicant has submitted a landscape plan and budget in compliance with Section 13.06 of the SBLDR as part of the preliminary plat plan application. Based on estimated building costs of $4,000,000, the minimum required landscaping should be $47,500. The applicant previously proposed $57,387 in landscaping (itemization dated October 27, 2009). However, the landscaping plans have since changed. The applicant should submit an updated budget itemization for proposed landscaping. The proposed parking areas contain more than twenty (20) parking spaces, and therefore should be landscaped in accordance with Section 13.06(B) of the Land Development Regulations. The applicant should submit a plan which indicates that the requirements in Section 13.06(B) of the Land Development Regulations are being met. The landscaping islands must be entirely internal to the parking area and meet the 10% minimum. The City Arborist has reviewed the plans and provided comments as part of the memo from the Director of Public Works. Lighting Pursuant to Appendix A.9 of the Land Development Regulations, luminaries shall not be placed more than 30' above ground level and the maximum illumination at ground level shall not exceed an average of three (3) foot candles. Pursuant to Appendix A.10(b) of the Land Development Regulations, indirect glare produced by illumination at ground level shall not exceed 0.3 foot candles maximum, and an average of 0.1 foot candles average. All lighting shall be shielded and downcast. The applicant has submitted a lighting point by point plan and lighting cut -sheets with submission of the site plan application. They meet the lighting requirements of the SBLDR. The applicant is proposing to locate a chiller pad with fence in the wetland on the western edge of the property. The Board has considered this proposed location. DECISION Motion by c--., L� ��►rh seconded by to approve Prel urinary Plat Application #SD-09-51 of Pizzagalli Properties, LLC subject to the following conditions: 1. All previous approvals and stipulations shall remain in full effect except as amended herein. I:\Development Review Boa rd\Findings_Decisions\2010\Pizzagalli_SD0951_ffd.doc #SD-09-51 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 plat shall be revised to show the changes below prior to final plat submission: a. The plans shall be revised to include all wetlands on site; the wetlands shall be identified by class, and shall include a 50 foot buffer, also shown on the plans. The applicant shall also list the square footage of proposed impact. b. The plans shall be revised to depict a bicycle rack. c. The plans shall be revised to include appropriate snow storage areas as part of the final plat application. d. The plans shall include a note indicating that the dumpsters are screened on all four sides. e. The plans shall be revised to comply with the plan changes requested by the Fire Chief in a letter dated 6/11/2010. f. The plans shall be revised to relocate the chiller outside of the wetland. g. The final plat plans shall be revised to show all ground mounted HVAC units, generators, and utility cabinets, labeled as such. Adequate landscaping shall be provided around these units. 4. The applicant shall adhere to the comments of the City of South Burlington Water Department per the letter dated December 11, 2009. 5. The applicant shall address the questions and concerns of the City Engineer and Department of Public Works per the letter from Justin Rabidoux dated June 8, 2010. 6. The applicant shall obtain preliminary wastewater allocation prior to final plat approval and final wastewater allocation prior to issuance of a zoning permit. 7. 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 plan shall meet the standards set forth in Section 16.04 of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations. 8. The applicant shall adhere to the recommendations of the consultant based on the letter from RSG Inc. dated January 28, 2009 9. The applicant shall adhere to the comments of the Fire Chief in a letter dated 6/11 /2010. 10. Pursuant to Section 15.13(E) of the Land Development Regulations, any new utility lines, services, and service modifications shall be underground. 11. The applicant shall submit architectural details of all sides of the building as part of the submission of the final plat application. I:\Development Review Board\Findings_Decisions\2010\Pizzagalli_SD0951_ffd.doc #SD-09-51 11. The applicant shall submit architectural details of all sides of the building as part of the submission of the final plat application. 12. The applicant shall submit an updated and accurate budget itemization for proposed landscaping costs. 13. The landscaping plan shall be submitted to include a minimum of 10% of the internal parking area as landscaped islands in accordance with Section 13.06E of the LDRs. 14. The applicant shall adhere to the comments of the South Burlington City Arborist, dated 6/8/2010. 15. The final plat application shall be submitted within 12 months. Mark Behr — yea/nay/abst ' not present Matthew Birmingh e /nay abstain/riot present John Dinklage -Wnay abstain/not present Roger Farley —tna y/abstain/not present Eric Knudsen —ay/abstain/not present Gayle Quimbyay/abstain/not present Bill Stuono — yabstain/not present Motion carried by a vote of Signed this 'j, j day of 2010, by John Dinklage, Chairman Please note: You have the right to appeal this decision to the Vermont Environmental Court, pursuant to 24 VSA 4471 and VRECP 5 in writing, within 30 days of the date this decision is issued. The fee is $250.00. 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). 9 I:\Development Review Boa rd\Findings_Decisions\2010\Pizzagalli_SD0951_ffd.doc