PZC Packet 021892i• W 0 a STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Tract Q, Block 2, Benchmark at Beaver Creek Cassidy's Hole -In -The -Wall Remodel Final Design Review INTRODUCTION The owners of Cassidy's Hole -In -The -Wall restaurant are requesting design review approval for a minor expansion to the south side of the Benchmark Shopping Center building. The request consists of a first floor expansion eight feet wide and thirty-seven feet long. The expansion will encroach out onto the existing deck and entry sidewalk. The entry sidewalk will be moved to the south to accommodate the new building space. The restaurant owners believe that this additional area will allow improved internal circulation around the dance floor. All materials will match existing colors and materials with one exception. A twelve foot length o new exterior wall will utilize a fully operable bifold gla_, door system. This will open to allow easy circulation between the restaurant and the deck on nice days. The new expansion area, the airlock entry and the storage room create a new parking demand for the building of three spaces. This additional parking is being provided on site. The following tables represent the existing and proposed parking requirements. EXISTING 14,900 sq. ft. 1st floor x 5.5/1000 = 82 parking spaces 10,207 sq. ft. 2nd floor x 4.0/1000 = 41 parking spaces 82 +41 123 x 15% reduction 104 parking spaces required 10 STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 2 of 4 Tract Q, Block 2, Benchmark at Beaver Creek Cassidy's Hole -In -The -Wall Remodel Final Design Review PROPOSED 15,410 sq. ft. 1st floor x 5.5/1000 = 85 parking spaces 10,207 sq. ft. 2nd floor x 4.0/1000 = 41 parking spaces 85 +41 126 x 15% reduction 107 parking spaces required Total new parking spaces required = 3 spaces. STAFF COMMENTS The Commission shall consider the following items in reviewing the design of a proposed project: 6.11 - The conformance with the Zoning Code and other applicable rules and regulations of the Town of Avon. COMMENT.: With the addition of 3 parking spaces, this proposal is in conformance with the Zoning Code and all other applicable rules and regulations of the Town of Avon. 6.12 - The suitability of the improvement including type and quality of materials of which it is to be constructed and the site upon which it is to be located. COMMENT: All materials, with one exception, are to match esisting. The new bifold doors are also a positive addition to the restaurant. 6.13 - The compatibility of the design to minimize site impacts to adjacent properties. COMMENT: There should be no impact to adjacent properties from this minor expansion. 6.14 - The compatibility of proposed improvements with site topography. STAFF REPORT TO THt PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 3 of 4 Tract Q, Block 2, Benchmark at Beaver Creek Cassidy's Hole -In -The -Wall Remodel Final Design Review COMMENT: There is no impact to topography with this request. 6.15 - The visual appearance of any proposed improvement as viewed from adjacent and neighboring properties and public ways. COMMENT: The visual impact of this improvement should be positive from both public and private properties. 6.16 - The objective that no improvement be so similar or dissimilar to others in the vicinity that values, monetary or aesthetic will be impaired. COMMENT: Staff sees no conflict with this criteria. 6.17 - The general conformance of the proposed improvements with the adopted Goals, Policies and Programs of the Town of Avon. COMMENT: The proposal is in general conformance with adopted Go` Policies and Programs of the Town of Avon. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends approval of this design review application with the following conditions: 1. The required parking spaces be constructed in conjunction with the restaurant addition. 2. All requirements of the previous Planning and Zoning Commission approval be completed prior to the issuance of a building permit i'or the new construction. This condition is made in specific reference to the exterior painting that has not been completed to date. STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSON February 18, 1992 Page 4 of 4 Tract Q, Block 2, Benchmark at Beaver Creek Cassidy's Hole -In -The -Wall Remodel Final Design Review RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Introduce Application 2. Applicant Presentation 3. Commission Review 4. Commission Action Respectfully submitted, Rick Pylman Director of Community Development PLANNING AND ZONING ACTION Approved as submitted ( ) Approved with Recommended Conditions Approved with Modified Conditions ( ) Continued ( ) Denied ( ) Withdrawn ( ) Date ZAVL�Z Patty Dixon, Secretary�!!=� SEE ATTACHED SHEET 00 •• STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 A Tract Block 2, Benchmark at Beaver Creek 0 Cassidy's Hole -In -The -Wall Remodel Final Design Review ob The Commission granted final design review approval for the remodel at Cassidy's_ Hole -In -The -Wall with the following conditions: 1. The building be painted as soon as possible. 2. Additional landscaping be applied at the four new parking spaces on the west end of the building. To be submitted to the Planning Department for approval. 3. The galvanized mechanical vents be painted and the color be approved at Staff level. 4. The trim on the southeast corner of the building be cleaned up and drawn into conformance with the architecture of the building. 5. The paving of the additional parking spaces be completed by June 15, 1992. I \m C L L - - T- -------T — — -t - CIL N W L O w /A n 0 M. 0 Co p—r---t I OLm°IOe.l �u� W Ig IVO p kb 01- I lL p (n I 13 cQ fn a z� F C L L - - T- -------T — — -t - CIL N W L O w /A n 0 M. 0 Co STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivisiion Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Special Review Use Public Hearing INTRODUCTION David Galloway, of Galloway, Romero and Associates, on behalf of Diamond Shamrock, is requesting a Special Review Use permit to allow for the construction of an automobile service station on Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision. Lot 1 is 0.62 of an acre (27,007 sq. ft.) in size as currently platted, hDwever, the applicants wish to move the lot line between Lots 1 and 2 approximately 30' to the east. If the proposed minor subdivision is approved by the Town Council, the new lot size of Lot 1 will be 0.727 of an acre (51,600 sq. ft.). Lots 1 and 2 are cureently zonwed Neighborhood Commercial. The intention of the Neighborhood Commercial District is to provide sites for commercial facilities and services for the principle benefit of residents of the community and also to highway -oriented concrnience commercial needs. The purpose of listing automobile service station as a special review use in the NC zone district is to allow the Planning Commission and Town Council to assess the need for imposing any additional (i.e, not specifically required by the zoning/building codes) development or performance standards reasonably determined to be necessary to meet the special review use criteria and/or mitigate against any adverse impacts to adjaacent property and/or occupants. The proposed development consists of a one story building with a floor area of 1,563 sq. ft. and four petroleum dispenser islands. The site also includes appurtenant parking, dirveway, landscaping and drainage facilities, as well as a 49' x 103'8" canopy over the building and pump islands. The canopy has a maximum height of 18'8" above finished grade. A 12' x 20' handicap parking space has been conveniently located on the south side of the building and ramps have been placed at both entry doors for ease of access. There are three 12,000 glalon and one 8, 000 gallon underground petroleum storage tanks located at the western side of the lot. The applicants propose to use a portion of Lot 2 (25' x 40' area) for turning large trucks around on those occasions when the site is to crowded to manouver. This is preferable to backing out onto Hurd Lane. This same area may also be used as a drive for future cross access between Lots 1 and 2 in the future. STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 2 of 5 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Special Design Review Public Hearing STAFF COMMENTS The following criteria as listed in Section 17.48.040 of the Avon Zoning Code, should be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Town Council when reviewing a Special Review Use application. A. Whether the proposed use otherwise complies with all requirements imposed by the Zoning Code; COMMENT: With the exception of the three parking spaces located within 10' of the front property line, all other requirements of the zoning code (building height, lot coverage, parking lot grades, etc.) appear to be in compliance with the Avon Zoning Code. B. Whether the proposed use is in conformance with the town comprehensive paln; COMMENT: It would appear that the proposed use is in general conformance with the Avon Comprehensive Plan. The Avon Comprehensive Plan's Urban Design Plan includes this property in Subarea 4 "Town Gateway". It is critical that properties within this Subarea are developemd in a manner which creates an attractive appearance. The following goals and objectives exerpted from the Avon Conprehensive Plan also seem applicable to this proposal: - Enhance the Town's role as a principal, year-round residential and commercial center in the Vail Valley - Provide for increased opportunities for development of service-oriented commercial and light industrial uses, with proper controls to ensure compatibility. - Ensure that a high quality visual image of the Town is established through both public and private sector activities. - Ensure that the high quality, natural environment is preserved and integrated into the developed areas of the Town. STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 3 of 5 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Special Review Use Public Hearing - Ensure that future development will minimize degradation of the environmentf, particularly in sensitive natural areas. - Protect and enhance the water quality of the Eagle River and Nottingham Lake. C. Whether the proposed use is compatible with adjacent uses. Such compatibility may be expressed in appearance, architectural scale and features, site design, and the control of any adverse impaccts including noise, dust, odor, lighting, traffic, safety, etc. COMMENT: It would appear that the compatibility of the proposed use can be enhanced by incorporating some of the recommendations contained in the accompanying design review staff report into this project (enhance landscaping, reduce sign area, etc). Staff's biggest concerns with this proposal involves the proposed level of lighting as viewed drom adjacent properties and projection of the Eagle River. The applicant has provided a lighting plan, as well as cut sheets and engineering specifications for lighting fixtures. The foot candle footprint plan shows that minimal light spills over the site boundries. The applicants have also worked with Staff to reduce the impacts of seeing direct light sources, as viewed from surrounding properties, by providing recessed canopy lights and flat lens style site lights. Staff is still concerned with the impacts of the white pump spanners and th 8' long neon tubes inside the building. In order to recuce possible contamination to ground water and/or the nearby Eagle River, the applicant is proposing double wall tanks and piping system. This system incorporates various safety features into the design. The grading and drainage plan shows improvements intended for normal storm water filtration and detention as well as containment of large on-site spills if one should occur. A more detailed presentation of lighting and environmental protection measures will be presented by the applicant at the meeting. ab STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 ! Page 4 of 5 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Special Review Use M Public Hearing STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff feels that an automobile service station is an appropriate use for this site:, with one major condition. The proximity of this site to the Eagle River raises major environmental concerns which have not been completely addressed. The applicant must demonstrate that this use can be designed and controlled to mitigate the potential for gasoline to contaminate the Eagle River in the event of a minor or major spill incident. Other concerns of the Staff in utilizing this site as a gasoline service station may be addresse through the design review process. RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Introduce Application 2. Applicant Presentation 3. Open Public Hearing 4. Close Public Hearing 5. Commission Review 6. Commission Action Respectfully sub�m4tttted, Jim Curnutte Planner STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION . February 18, 1992 Page 5 of 5 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Special Review Ues Public Hearing PLANNING AND ZONING ACTION Approved as submitted ( ) Approved with recommended conditions ( ) Approved with modified conditions ( ) Continued Denied ( ) Withdrawn ( ) Date 2, `L'l�_ Patti Dixon, Secre� 1MKI 11111 11 .11 1' .11 1 __II �__�_ -•• 1• -11 "..r STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Lot 1, and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Final Design Review INTRODUCTION David Galloway, of Galloway, Romero and Associates, on behalf of Diamond Shamrock, Inc., has requested final design review of a proposed convenience store and motor fuel sales facility on Lot 1, and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision. Lots 1 and 2 of the Nottingham Station Subdivision are owned by Nottingham Investment Co. and are zoned Neighborhood Commercial (NC). Lot 1 is 0.62 of an acre (27,007 sq. ft.) in size as currently platted, however, the applicants wish to move the lot line between Lots 1 and 2 approximately 30' to the east. If the proposed minor subdivision is approved by the Town Council, the new lot size of Lot 1 will be 0.727 of an acre (31,600 sq. ft.). Since an automobile service station is not listed specifically as an allowed use in the Neighborhood Commercial zone district, the applicants have submitted a Special Review Use application in conjunction with this design review application. In addition, a minor subdivision has been requested for the purpose of adjusting the lot line between Lots 1 and 2. There is also a sign variance request that accompanies the design review application. The proposed development consists of a one story building with a floor area of 1,563 square feet and four petroleum dispenser islands. The site also includes appurtenant parking, driveway, landscaping and drainage facilities, as well as a 49' x 103'8" canopy over the building and pump islands. The canopy has a maximum height of 18'8" above finished grade. A 12' x 20' handicap parking space has been conveniently located on the south side of the building and ramps have been placed at both entry doors for ease of access. The parking requirement of 7 spaces is being met on site There are three 12,000 gallon and one 8,000 gallon underground petroleum storage tanks located at the western side of the lot. Proposed building and site materials are as follows: BUILDING: 1" x 4" T 8 G cedar siding stained light grey and red. The top 3' of the building is proposed to be white plastic laminated fascia panels. The building's windows and doors are black anodized aluminum. STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 2 of 9 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Final Design Review CAi40PY: The top 3' of the canopy will be finished with red metal fascia panels. Below that is an 8" dark grey metal reveal. The canopy columns will receive a wood cladding identical to the building, however, the column supports on top of the building are steel and painted dark grey. The canopy will include 18 400 watt super metal halide recessed light fixtures with prismatic glass lenses:. Drainage of the canopy is handled by concealed downspouts within the column cladding. The canopy roofing and structural elements will be white. PUMP ISLANDS: The pump islands inclu-le red, white, biack and grey petroleum dispensers under 2'6" x 14' plastic red and white illuminated spanners. The total wattage at each spanner is approximately 1080 watts. SIGNS: There are two Diamond Shamrock signs on the canopy. These signs are located on the north and south fascia and are interior -lit white plastic channel letter signs. The canopy signs are 2' x 26'2" or 52.33 square feet each. Another sign "Corner Store" is proposed on the south side of the convenience store. This sign consists of interior -lit green plastic channel letters. The corner store sign is 18" x 14' or 21 square feet in size. A freestanding monument sign identifying the business and gas prices is located in the southwest corner of the property. This sign will be an interior -lit, plastic faced, box sign. The sign face will be red, white and green with a dark grey metal border. The sign will be supported by two 8" x 8" timber posts stained grey to match the building. This sign is 5'10" x 8'3-3/4" or 48.5 square feet and will have a maximum height of 9' 10" above finished grade. TRASH ENCL: A 12' X 9' X 6' high trash enclosure is pro- posed in the northeast corner of the site. The enclosure will be constructed of concrete STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 3 of 9 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Final Design Review blocks finished with 1' x 4" T & G wood siding. The enclosure doors will be made of 1" x 6" dog eared pickets. All wood will be stained light grey to match the building with a 6" wide red band at the top. OTHER SITE CONDITIONS= All parking and driveway areas will be topped with 5" of reinforced concrete (8" slab over underground storage tanks). A 6" concrete curb surrounds the paved areas. A concrete retaining wall with fluted fare pattern will be placed along much of the north property line. This wall will range in height from 0' to 7' high. A 6' high cedar fence will be placed on top of the retaining wall. It is not clear what finish treatment or color will be applied to the wall and fence. It is also not clear where the retaining wall and fence begins and ends. There are 5 16' high area floodlights on the property. These lights incorporate a 400 watt super metal halide lamp in a medium sized one piece aluminum housing with a flat lens. The housing and pole will be painted dark grey. An air station and two public telephones are located along the eastern property line. No detail drawings have been provided for these facilities. A 25' x 40' area on Lot 2 is labled "drive for future access". The applicants propose to surround this area with a 4' wire fence and a 2' high earthen berm. The area will be used to turn large trucks around when necessary. Staff has not yet received written authorization from the owner of Lot 2 concerning the improvements on, or the use of the property. Staff is not sure if this turn around area will be paved. E ■D ■► STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 4 of 9 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdividiosn Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Final Design Review The site grading and drainage plans show that the site has been graded towards two inlet points where the water is piped to a 750 gallon mud and grease trap and a 10,000 gallon steel storm water/run-off detention tank. From the tank, the storm water/run-off is piped to the existing storm water inlet at the corner of Hurd Lane and Avon Road. Parking/driveway areas have a maximum grade of 6% near the entrance, however, most of the site averages 2% to 3%. A landscape plan has been provided for the Commission's review. The plan shows a mixture of sod, shruL areas and evergreen and deciduous trees. A separately zonel automatic irrigation system will be provided to all shrub beds and lawn areas. The shrubs within the shrub bed areas will be c,urrounded with crushed red granite 3" deep, and a steel edger. The applicants have not shown any landscape treatment beyond their south and west property lines. Although the Town plans to install some landscaping at the corner of Avon Road and Hurd Lane, the project does not include all of that area between the property line and the sidewalk. The applicants have agreed to construct a 6' wide concrete sidewalk along Hurd Lane to their east property line. The sidewalk will conform with Town standards and is necessary for efficient and safe pedestrian access to and from the property. STAFF COMMENTS The Commission shall consider the following items in reviewing the design of a proposed project: 6.11 - The conformance with the Zoninc Code and other applicable rules and regulations of the Town of Avon. COMMENT: As mentioned previously, an automobile service station is not a "use by right" in the NC zone district, but is listed as a special review use. This proposal will be in conformance with the Zoning Code if the accompanying special review use application is approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council. The applicants sign program exceeds the maximum amount of sign area for this business according to the Avon Sign Code. The applicants have applied STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 5 of 9 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Final Design Review for a sign area variance and if approved their proposed signs will comply with the Town's regulations. Section 17.24.020 (2) of the Avon Zoning Code prohibits the placement of parking spaces within 10' of a front lot line. The site plan currently shows three parking spaces immediately adjacent to the front lot line. F.12 - The suitability of the improvement, including type and quality of materials of which it is to be constructed and the site upon which it is to be located. COMMENT: The building architecture and material selection is somewhat consistant with the Avon design guidelines. As originally submitted, the building walls were entirely stucco. Staff suggested that the applicant consider incorporating wood and stone into the building design. The applicants responded to Staff's suggestion by suostituting the stucco with the 1' x 4" T & G cedar siding at the building, canopy columns and trash enclosure. The upper 3' of the building, however, is still intended to be finished with 1" red and white plastic fascia panels. The canopy fascia panels are proposed to be metal. Although the applicant's landscape plan shows a good mix of plant materials, the size and quantity of trees proposed is minimal. The site itself appears to be very conducive to the development of the Neighborhood Commercial type uses for which it is zoned. 6.13 - The compatibility of the design to minimize site impacts to adjacent properties. COMMENT: This property is bordered on the north by the 100' wide Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad right-of-way and on the south by Hurd Lane and the open space zoned Tracts A & B of the Nottingham Station Subdivision. Immediately to the west of this property is the 100' wide Avon Road right-of-:vay and to the east is Lot 2, Nottingham Station, which is zoned Neighborhood Commercial. The entrance to this property has been located ac far t•) the east as possible in order to reduce driveway grades and increase the distance from the Hurd Lane/Avon Road intersection (approximately 160'). Staff has determined that the recent improvements to Avon Road and Hurd Lane are adequate to handle the anticipated traffic movements associated with this proposed a STAFF REPORT TO THE P;.ANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 6 of 9 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Final Design Review business. Staff feels that the overall site lighting on tnis property will have the biggest impact on adjacent properties. The applicants have provided a lighting plan for the Commission's review, as well as cut sheets and engineering specifications for lighting fixtures. The foot candle footprint plan shows that minimal light spills over the site boundries. The applicants have also worked with Staff to reduce the impacts of seeing direct light sources, as viewed from surrounding properties, by providing recessed canopy lights and flat lens style site lights. Staff is still concerned with the impacts of the white pump spanners and the 8' long neon tubes inside the building. A summary of proposed exterior lighting fixture wattages is as follows: Canopy Lights 400 watts each (18 total) Site Lights 4u0 watts each (5 total) Security Light 175 watts (1 total) Pump Spanners 1080 watts each (4 total) Monument Sign 648 watts (1 total) Canopy Sign 920 watts each (2 total) Cornerstore Sign 890 Watts (1 total) 6.14 - The compatibility of proposed improvement with site topography. COMMENT: The proposed improvements appear to work well with site topography. The site has been designed to direct drainage flows in two directions, however, all surface run-off will ultimately pass through the 750 gallon mud and grease trap and the 10,000 gallon detention tank. Staff has some concerns regarding grading, drainage details and sizing which can be resolved prior to the issuance of a building permit. 6.15 - The visual appearance of any proposed improvement as viewed from adjacent and neighboring properties and public ways. COMMENT: The visual appearance of the building seems to have been improved with the addition of wood siding. The metal canopy panels and plastic building fascia panels are materials which are specifically discouraged in the Avon design guidelines. The guidelines also encourage the use of natural or earth tones as the dominant color with brighter STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 7 of 9 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Final Design Review colors used for accent. The area of the red canopy exceeds the total area of the buildings grey wood siding. Staff feels that the visual appearance of this property would be greatly enhanced with the addition of more, and larger, landscape materials. The applicants may also wish to consider extending the 6' cedar fence along the entire length of the north property line. Staff's biggest concern with this proposal, as viewed from adjacent and neighboring properties and public ways, is lighting. In particular, Staff recommends further discussion of the possible visual impacts associated with the white pump spanners, the soffit lights inside the store and all proposed signing. 6.16 - The objective that no improvement be so similar or dissimilar to others in the vicinity that values, monetary or aesthetic will be impaired. COMMENT: This project is not in any way too similar to other improvements in the vicinity, therefore, possible impairment of monetary or aesthetic values should be judged on its dissimilarity. The amount of sign area being requested, the intensity of overall site lighting, canopy material and color, and size and quantity of proposed landscape materials are Staff's chief concerns relating to this criteria. 6.17 - The general conformance of the proposed improvements with the adopted Goals, Policies and Programs of the Town of Avon. COMMENT: The intention of the Neighborhood Commercial District is to provide sites for commercial facilities and services for the principle benefit of residents of the community and also to highway -oriented convenience commercial needs. Staff feels that the Diamond Shamrock proposal fits in nicely with the intent of the NC zone District. The Avon Comprehensive Plan's Urban Design Plan includes this property in Subarea 4 "Town Gateway". It is critical that Properties within this Subarea are developed in a manner which creates an attractive appearance. STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 8 of 9 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Final Design Review STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of this final design review application with the following conditions: 1). Written authorization be must provided from the owner of Lot 2, regarding the intended improvements and use of said Lot. 2). Staff's concerns relating to the grading and drainage plan must be resolved prior to building permit issuance. 3). Staff concerns with the proposed building materials, colors and lighting be discussed and resolved prior to approval. 4). The landscape plan should be amended to increase the quantity and size of plant materials. 5). The amount of sign area on this lot be brought into compliance with the Avon Sign Code. All sign approvals should be conditional upon approval of the sign variance request. RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Introduce Application 2. Applicant Presentation 3. Commission Review 4. Commission Action Respectfully submitted, Jim Curnutte Town, Planner 0 STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 9 of 9 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Final Design Review PLANNING AND ZONING ACTION Approved as submitted ( ) Approved with Recommended Conditions ( ) Approved with Modified Conditions ( ) Continued (---T Denied ( ) Withdr ( ) Datc` Patti Dixon, Secretary The Commission tabled this item until the March 3, 1992 meeting, to allow the Commission and applicants time to study the staff -^,ports and respond. STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Sign Variance INTRODUCTION David Galloway, of Galloway, Romero and Ass_)ciates, 3n behalf of Diamond Shamrock is requesting a sign variance for their proposed service station/convenience store on Lot 1 and part of Lott, Nottingham Station Subdivision. The applicants are requesting the variance for the purpose of allowing Diamond Shamrock to display 41.7 square feet more sign area than would be allowed according to the Avon Sign Code. Total sign area for an "individual business lot" is calculated at one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of building front. Since this lot has two front lot lines, the total sign area is determined by combining the building's south and west sides. Based on this formula, the sign area allowance is as follows: Facing Hurd Lane 27' 10" Facing Avon Road 56'_.2_ Total building frontage and sign allowed 84 square feet. In addition to the 84 square feet of business identification sign area, the applicant may cover up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the building's exterior window area with signs, provided that the wording thereon is not repetitious of other signs in the immed ate vicinity. Twenty-five percent of the total exterior window area of the building is approximately 107 square feet. The Avon Sign Code also allows the applicant to install a freestanding sign in vehicular oriented areas. Freestanding signs are generally limited to one per site with an area of 40 sq. ft. and a height of 8 ft. The Planning and Zoning Commission has discretionary poriers to approve more than one freestanding sign when a property has entrances from more than one front lot line. The Commission also has discretionary powers to approve a freestanding sign with a maximum total area of sixty-four square feet and a maximum height of twenty feet. Freestanding signs may not exceed the height of the tallest building on the site. The applicants are requesting approval of the following sign program: MONUMENT SIGN: Interior -lit, plastic faced, box sign, with Is a s ID �N 0 r-. STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 2 of 5 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Noz�tingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Sign Variance metal border. Proposed colors are white, green, red, and dark grey. The 8" x 8" posts will be stained liuht grey. The sign is 5'10" x 8'3-3/4", or 48 sq. ft., and will have a maximum height of 9'10" above finished grade. CANOPY SIGNS: Mounted on the north and south fascia of the building. These signs are interior -lit, white plastic channel letters and are 2' x 26'2" or 52.33 sq. ft. each (104.66 sq. ft. total). CORNER STORE SIGN: This sign is mounted on the south fascia of the building and consists of interior -lit green plastic channel letters. The proposed size of the sign is 18' x 14' or 21 square feet. If the sign variance is approved, the total amount of sign area allowed on the property, including window signs will be approximately 281 square feet. The variance request is only related to the two canopy signs and the building mounted sign. The 25% window signing is allowed by right and the monument sign, although it exceeds the maximum size and height recommended in the sign code. may be discretionarily approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission if determinedd to be warranted. According to Section 15.28.090 (B,2) of the Avon Sign Code, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall consider the following factors before acting on a variance request. a. The relationship of the requested variance to existing and potential uses and structures in the vicinity. b. The degree to which relief from the strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of a specified regulation is necessary to achieve compatibility and uniformity of treatment among sites in the vicinity. C. Such other factors and criteria as the Commission deems applicable to the requested variance. The applicant has indicated in their application that the variance is warranted for the following reasons: STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 3 of 5 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Sign Variance r The proposed Diamond Shamrock site has a number of physical hardships resulting from the construction of the railroad underpass of Avon Road. The depression of Avon Road at the site and north of the railroad righ-of-way create;, visual site blocking of the site fro a significant distance to the north on Avon Road. Signs need to read from a distance to be effective. The extraordinary large utility easement adjacent to Avon Road forces an 88 foot setback from Avon Road that is significantly farther than the 25 feet normally used. Diamond Shamrock, operating in many parts of the country, has a uniform corporate identification policy, to reinforce the image in customers minds and to achieve the economics of standard sign sizes. STAFF COMMENTS Staff feels that although the Avon Road underpass does reduce the visibility of the lot from some locations, compared to the previous condition, the site is still highly visible. A reduction in the combined sign area of the two canopy signs and the store sign by 42 square feet would not appear to substantially affect the overall visibility of this business. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall make the following findings before granting a variance: A. That the granting of the variance will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the vicinity. B. That the variance is warranted for one or more of the following reasons: i. The strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of the regulation would result in practical difficulty or unnecessary physical hardship inconsistent with the objectives of this title; STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 4 of 5 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Sign Variance ii. There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the site of the variance that do not apply generally to other properties in the vicinity; iii. The strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of the specified regulation would deprive the applicant of privileges enjoyed by the owners of other properties in the vicinity. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of this sign variance application. Staff feels that granting the variance would constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the vicinity; and The strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of the specified regulation would not deprive the applicant of privileges enjoyed by the owners of other properties in the vicinity. RECOMMENDED ACTION Introduce Application 2. Applicant Presentation 3. Commission Review 4. Commission Action Respectfully submitted, Jim Curnutte Planner i STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 18, 1992 Page 5 of 5 Lot 1 and part of Lot 2, Nottingham Station Subdivision Diamond Shamrock Cornerstore Sign Variance PLANNING AND ZONING ACTION Approved as submitted ( ) Approved with recommended conditions ( ) Approved with modified conditions ( ) Continued C_ J Denied ( ) Withdrawn Date_4h��_Patti Dixon, Secretary The Commission tabled this item until the March 3, 1992 meeting, to allow the Commission and the applicants time to study the staff reports and respond.