Tract Y MTST conceptTown of Avon
Concept Design Staff Report
June 2, 1998, Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
Report date
December 20, 2019
Project type
Office & Warehouse Project
Legal description
Tract Y, Mountain Star Subdivision
Zoning
Industrial Commercial (IC)
Address
Unassigned Metcalf Road
Introduction
This proposed office warehouse project is comprised of three 2-story buildings. Primary exterior building materials include stucco siding, metal roofs, and split faced concrete (CMU).
The project features a looped internal circulation system. Buildings B & C feature direct drive-in access. Building A, located along the Metcalf Road street frontage presents the appearance
of an office building rather than that of a warehouse.
The parcel is located east of Metcalf Road, just north of the electrical substation. Its main features are a small drainage and associated steep slopes. The site measures 7.232 acres,
though nearly half of its area is comprised of slopes exceeding 40%.
In June 1996, this parcel was rezoned from Open Space, Landscaping and Drainage (OLD) to Industrial Commercial (IC). As part of that rezoning and replatting approval, the parcel was
restricted to a two acre building envelope to be identified by the property owner and reviewed by the Town in conjunction with the Design Review process. The intent was to limit a project
to the actual available buildable area and avoid inappropriate disturbance of the site’s steep slopes.
Design Review Considerations
The Commission’s Procedures, Rules & Regulations, Section 6.10, provide the framework for evaluation of this project. Additional guidelines and regulations are contained within (but
not limited to) the Comprehensive Plan, the Design Guidelines, the Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Regulations.
The conformance with setbacks, massing, access, land use and other provisions of the Zoning Code.
The conformance with other applicable rules and regulations of the Town of Avon.
The type and quality of materials of which the structure is to be constructed.
The design of site grading and drainage to minimize impacts to adjacent sites, rights-of-way and easements.
The compatibility of proposed improvements with site topography, to minimize site disturbance, orient with slope, step building with slope, and minimize benching or other significant
alteration of existing topography.
The appearance of proposed improvements as viewed from adjacent and neighboring properties and public ways, with respect to architectural style, massing, height, orientation to street,
quality of materials, and colors.
The objective that no improvement be so similar or dissimilar to others in the vicinity that monetary or aesthetic values will be impaired.
The general conformance of the proposed improvements with the adopted Goals, Policies and Programs for the Town of Avon.
Staff Comments
Based upon our initial review of the project’s basic concepts, staff has the following comments. They are not intended to constitute a complete project report. Staff will conduct a complete
review and provided a full analyst with the Final Design staff report.
Use: The office and warehouse uses conform to the IC zoning district’s allowable uses. It needs to be pointed out, however, that the zoning code makes the distinction that only industrial,
construction, and wholesale offices are deemed as use by right office uses. All other general commercial office uses require a Special Review Use permit.
Items needing verification include building heights; snow storage area, unit sizes and uses as they relate to parking requirements, and trash storage.
Yard, bulk and density: One of the primary review issues is whether the project respects the intent of the two-acre building envelope restriction. Staff is concerned with the amount
of cut disturbance created directly northeast of Building A. Reconfiguration of Building A’s loading dock and parking may minimize this cut.
Site grading, access, and maneuverability: Exception for the area northeast of Building A, initial review of the grading plan appears to meet Town standards and guidelines.
Details of site access need to be further evaluated, specifically access radius, the potential need for a decel lane, and alignment with other nearby driveways. It is recommended that
a minimum radius of 50 feet be provided for the entrance to minimize conflicts between multi-unit vehicles entering and leaving the site and traffic on Metcalf Road. It is further recommended
that the access width and turning radii be adequate to accommodate a vehicle entering and a vehicle exiting the site at the same time without conflict.
Overall on-site maneuverability appears adequate, however, access to Building A and C’s loading docks do not appear feasible. Reconfiguration of Building A’s loading dock and parking
areas may be necessary.
General architectural design: The materials, colors and detailing appear appropriate. Staff strongly recommends a model be provided to fully evaluate the buildings’ scale and massing.
Context: The Metcalf Road Light Industrial District functions as the gateway to the Wildridge and Wildwood residential areas. It is important, therefore, that all projects along Metcalf
Road present a positive street appeal. Staff believes the assignment of office uses and the additional architectural detailing on Building A’s west side address this issue positively.
Additional Comments: The survey has three general notes regarding a conservation easement and other recorded documents that may affect the property. These notes require explanation.
There is also some concern that the project name may cause confusion as to the project’s location.
If you have any questions regarding this project or any other planning matter, please call me at 748-4030, or stop by the Community Development Department.
Respectfully submitted,
George H. Harrison
Planner