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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Estes Valley Planning Commission 2019-08-20RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Planning Commission August 20, 2019 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall Commission: Chair Bob Leavitt, Vice-Chair Sharry White, Commissioners Steve Murphree, Frank Theis, Nick Smith, Dave Converse Attending: Chair Leavitt, Vice-Chair White, Commissioners Murphree, Theis, Smith, Converse Also Attending: Director Randy Hunt, Planner I Linda Hardin, Senior Planner Jeff Woeber, Recording Secretary Karin Swanund, Town Board Liasion Ron Norris, Town Attorney Dan Kramer Absent: None OPEN MEETING Chair Leavitt called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. There were approximately 35 people in attendance. APPROVAL OF AGEND A It was moved and seconded (White/Smith) to approve the agenda as presented and the motion passed 6-0. PUBLIC COMMENT None CONSENT AGENT 1. Study Session Minutes dated July 16, 2019 2. Meeting Minutes dated July 16, 2019 It was moved and seconded (Converse/Theis) to approve the consent agenda as presented and the motion passed 6-0. ACTION ITEMS 1. DEVELOPMENT PLAN: THE MEADOW CONDOMINIUMS at WILDFIRE Senior Planner Woeber gave a synopsis of the entire Wildfire Development Plan. He reviewed the Development Plan proposal for The Meadow Condominiums. The applicant proposes to develop the vacant lot with nine condominium buildings, eight units per building, containing a total of 72 individual units. All units will be qualified as workforce housing. Workforce housing, under the EVDC §11.4.C., requires, “…at least one (1) resident in each housing unit annually submits an affidavit, including a copy of a W -2 form, to the Town certifying that the resident is employed within the Estes Park School District R-3 Boundary Map.” RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Planning Commission August 20, 2019 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall As all units are proposed as workforce, the applicant is able to utilize the density and height bonus incentives per EVDC §11.4. The maximum permitted density for this lot using the density bonus incentive (200% of maximum base) is 84 units; however the applicant is proposing 72 with this project. A Restrictive Covenant Agreement is required. Applicant Discussion: Lonnie Sheldon, Van Horn Engineering, distributed a letter of support from the Estes Park Economic Development Corp. He shared a slide show explaining the project and the steps that have been taken thus far in the process as well as the architectural plans and distances from the residences to the south of the development and emergency access points. The price point of units is planned at $260,000-$425,000. A turn lane is not required per the LCUASS Standard (Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards). However, the owners have agreed to install a left turn lane at Wildfire Drive; no additional land will be required to do this. Public Comment: Anna Schonlau, town resident, asked who will be enforcing the workforce housing and commented that the emergency outlets do not meet the fire code requirements. Hold off on any advancement until these concerns are discussed. Applicant response: Reviews with the Fire Marshall have been ongoing and frequent. There are numerous emergency access points planned. Commission Discussion: Attorney Kramer noted that workforce housing will be reviewed by the Town and the Housing Authority, working together to verify employment. Modifications to the Covenants would be decided by the Town Board of Trustees. The Restrictive Covenants run for 50 years. Woeber addressed the emergency outlets, stating that the Fire Marshall thoroughly reviewed the plan and will permit some leeway with ingress and egress. It was suggested to have a letter from the Fire Marshall or have him present at the Town Board Meeting. It was moved and seconded (White/Theis) to APPROVE The Meadow Condominiums at Wildfire Development Plan application according to findings as presented. The motion passed 6-0. 2. PRELIMINARY CONDO MAP, The Meadow Condominiums Staff noted the Preliminary Condominium map is nearly identical to the Development Plan. It was moved and seconded (White/Murphree) to forward a recommendation of APPROVAL to the Town Board of Trustees of The Meadow RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Planning Commission August 20, 2019 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall Condominiums at Wildfire Preliminary Condominium Map application, according to findings of fact recommended by Staff. The motion passed 6-0. 3. THE DIVIDE CONDOMINIUMS at WILDFIRE. The applicants propose to develop the vacant lot with two condominium buildings, with eight units per building, containing a total of 16 individual units. All units will be qualified as workforce housing. Workforce housing, under the EVDC §11.4.C., requires, “…at least one (1) resident in each housing unit annually submits an affidavit, including a copy of a W -2 form, to the Town certifying that the resident is employed within the Estes Park School District R-3 Boundary Map.” As all units are proposed as workforce, the applicant can utilize the density and height bonus incentives per EVDC §11.4. The maximum permitted density for this lot using the density bonus incentive (200% of maximum base) is 16.3 units, where the applicant is proposing 16. The height bonus incentive allows a maximum height of 38 feet, with a maximum height of 34.83 feet being proposed. Applicant Discussion: see above for The Meadow Public Comment: see above for The Meadow It was moved and seconded (White/Leavitt) to APPROVE The Divide Condominiums at Wildfire Development Plan application according to findings as presented. The motion passed 6-0. 4. PRELIMINARY CONDO MAP, The Divide Condominiums Staff noted the Preliminary Condominium map is nearly identical to the Development Plan. It was moved and seconded (White/Murphee) to forward a recommendation of APPROVAL to the Town Board of Trustees of The Divide Condominiums at Wildfire Preliminary Condominium Map application, according to findings of fact recommended by Staff. The motion passed 6-0. 5. ESTES PARK CHALET DEVELOPMENT PLAN Woeber summarized the Development application proposing to rebuild the lodge, which will have 49 rooms, a restaurant, meeting space, and a craft brewing area. Staff notes the Estes Park Chalet project involves the rebuild of the lodge facility, along with a new proposed “Event Facility.” With that, staff has reviewed and evaluated the impacts of the project as a whole, while at the same time recognizing there are two distinct approval processes. The uses-by-right in the Accommodations Zoning (Hotel/Motel and Restaurant) are considered for action RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Planning Commission August 20, 2019 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall by the EVPC in the Development Plan, while at the same time recognizing the project involves the Event Facility. The Event Facility use itself is subject to an S1 Level Special Review, with final action by the Town of Estes Park Board of Trustees as the governing body. There is no recommendation by the EVPC for the S1 Special Review. The Special Review is scheduled for the August 27, 2019, Town Board hearing. Applicant Comments: Morgan Mulch, owner, described the past 14 months of planning this development after the devastating fire. He has received a positive consensus from the two HOA boards regarding the plans. 51 of 69 condos on site are in the rental pool, the new accommodations will allow for most event guests to be on-site. The event center will hold 200 people, the restaurant will have 50 seats. Bo Wenzl, project manager, gave a timeline of construction stating it will take between 14-16 months and is being done by Doan Construction using the 2015 Building code requirements. Dave Bangs, Trail Ridge Consulting Engineers, spoke on the emergency access points, which will be a significant improvement from what has been, including fire sprinklers and hydrants There was a drainage study done in 2006 for the entire area. The majority of the project is being done in the original footprint of the burned lodge. Sean Keller, Traffic Engineer Consultant, noted the site plan parking requirements were calculated according to the current Institute of Traffic Engineering total use and total demand, which calls for 195 spaces. Considerable discussion on parking was had between the applicants and the Commission. There is no reciprocal agreement with the church on Promontory Drive. Public Comment: John Meissner, town resident, asked what is being done for fire suppression. (see above) Commission Comments: Appreciation for the timeliness of the rebuild and the overall likeability and creativity of the plan. It was moved and seconded (Smith/Murphree) to APPROVE the Estes Park Chalet Development Plan application according to findings as presented. The motion passed 6-0. 6. BEST WESTERN-SILVER SADDLE DEVELOPMENT PLAN Planner Hardin described the current application to add 18 guest units to the motel, move the swimming pool to an indoor location, and add separate laundry facilities for guests and staff. In addition, the proposal includes employee break areas and an office. Additional parking is included to accommodate the increase in guest units. The property has 56.5% impervious coverage, improving on the RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Planning Commission August 20, 2019 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall nonconforming standard. Parking spaces have been corrected to 19.5 feet, per code. Applicant comment: Wally Burke, owner, wants to bring the hotel up to modern standards, centrally locate the lobby and make most rooms indoor-corridor. Neighbor views will not be lost. Pubic Comment: Ron Stevens, town resident, objected to the plan as it will impede the view from his condo (E) in Ranch Meadows thus impacting his property value. A redesign of the roof could minimize the impact. Barbra Headley, town resident, stated that the height variance seems to be glossed over. Dave Wehrs, town resident, had questions on how the height was calculated. Applicant response: Jason McMurren, Bas1s Architecture, confirmed the roof is in line with the standard 30 foot code requirement. Building heights are calculated by taking the tallest and shortest part of the building from grade to roofline and averaging those measurements. Commission comments: Viewshed has been a concern in the past, but as long as the plan follows the Development Code there is nothing the Planning Commission can do. Submitting a cross-section of the building would make it much easier to understand the building height. It was moved and seconded (Leavitt/Theis) to APPROVE the Silver Saddle Addition Development Plan application according to findings of fact and including conditions as recommended by Staff. The motion passed 6-0. 7. MODIFICATION OF ALARADO DEVELOPMENT PLAN Director Hunt explained the request of the applicants’ request to modify the conditions of Development Plan approval by adding an option for traffic management on U.S. 34 adjacent to the project site. The applicants specifically are asking that the conditional approval allows for the possibility of a traffic signal at the U.S. 34 / Steamer Drive intersection, rather than the additional traffic lane approved in Oct. 2018, provided that CDOT approves the signal and that other necessary steps (including funding) align. Approval of the motion will not lock in either option for the U.S. 34 traffic solution; it will only allow continued design of the signal and a path to possible approval of that option. Applicant comments: Lonnie Sheldon, Van Horn Engineering, reported that CDOT stated that a waiver could be allowed for a traffic light less than ½ mile from the closest signal if traffic warrants. A traffic study was done in mid-June RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Planning Commission August 20, 2019 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall and again in August and numbers are now available to take to CDOT for review. The applicant pursued this improvement at their own cost. This request is an option to the original plan; it will be either/or. Ryan Wells, owner, noted that he will fund a traffic light 100%. Public Comment: Sean Jones, town resident, stated that 33% of Jimmy Johns business is delivery and delivery vehicles will account for more traffic. A light will back up traffic on Steamer Drive. David Cordes, town resident, stated that a traffic light may not solve all the problems, and suggested a public meeting to throw out all possible scenarios. Applicant response: A light will provide significant breaks in traffic for turning onto Highway 34. Commission Comments: Questions about the fate of the pedestrian crosswalk to the north. The Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) is an excellent venue for public input. The final decision is up to CDOT, not Public Works or the Town Board. It was moved and seconded (Theis/Smith) to APPROVE the modification to conditions of approval for the Alarado Business Park Development Plan application according to findings of fact and including conditions as recommended by Staff. The motion passed 6-0. REPORTS • Park and Recreation Amendment will be on the Town Board meeting on August 27. The “Green” option will return with camping and hunting struck out. • Suggestion of having an on-site visual of proposed project heights for Development Projects. • Town and County have set a tentative meeting date of September 30 to discuss the future of the IGA. • ADJOURN There being no further business Chair Leavitt adjourned the meeting at 9:06 p.m. Bob Leavitt, Chair Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary