AGENDA DATE: 9/2/2015
TITLE:
Title
SDP201500024 Albrecht Place - Special Exception
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution approving a special exception to waive buffer zone requirements of County Code § 18-21.7(c). Rio Magisterial District.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Walker, Davis, Kamptner, Benish, Ray
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: A zoning map amendment was approved for Albrecht Place (ZMA201100010) on September 12, 2012 that established an approved Application Plan on 3.398 acres zoned Planned Development Shopping Center (“PDSC”) (no change in zoning district) (Attachment A). A Final Site Plan (SDP 2015-00024 Albrecht Place) is currently under review and the applicant is requesting a special exception to waive the prohibition of construction activities within the buffer zone adjacent to residential districts (Attachment B).
STRATEGIC PLAN: Development Areas: Attract quality employment, commercial, and high density residential uses into development areas by providing services and infrastructure that encourage redevelopment and private investment while protecting the quality of neighborhoods.
DISCUSSION: County Code § 18-21.7(c) states, “no construction activity including grading or clearing of vegetation shall occur closer than twenty (20) feet to any residential or rural areas district. Screening shall be provided as required in section 32.7.9. The board of supervisors may waive by special exception the prohibition of construction activity, grading or the clearing of vegetation in the buffer in a particular case upon consideration of whether: (i) the developer or subdivider demonstrates that grading or clearing is necessary or would result in an improved site design; (ii) minimum screening requirements will be satisfied; and (iii) existing landscaping in excess of minimum requirements is substantially restored”.
The waiver request is for approximately 80 square feet of buffer zone disturbance in the southwest corner of the site to allow for the installation of a stormwater pipe. The developer has investigated several alternate designs and believes that this is the best option in terms of minimizing impacts to the buffer zone. This option is also less intrusive than what was shown on the approved Application Plan (Attachment A). The plan proposes a fence along the buffer zone line, and supplemental plantings will be installed to replace those that will be removed. Staff finds that the disturbance within the buffer zone is necessary and that the proposed fence, the supplemental landscaping, and the remaining existing vegetation will enable the applicant to meet the minimum screening requirements. Based on the above factors, staff has no concerns that would cause them to object to the approval of the proposed buffer zone disturbance request.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment C) approving the special exception to waive the buffer zone requirements of County Code § 18-21.7(c).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Albrecht Place Application Plan
Attachment B - Special Exception Request
Attachment C - Resolution