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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPEC17-0030_LindForkSDD170620 revised_1498169340.pdf Re: SDD #34, Lot C 1521 Buffehr Creek Road June 20, 2017 Overview: The subject property, Lot C of SDD #34, was originally part of an SDD created in 1972 with an underlying RC Zoning. In 1997 the SDD was modified to create 3 single family building sites as shown. This SDD only permitted one access from Buffher Creek Road. In this request the applicant would like to move the building envelope as it is now defined and create a second access point from Buffher Creek Road. The applicant believes that permitting a new access point would not have any negative impact on Buffher Creek Road. (Public Works has expressed preliminary approval) and would relieve congestion and parking issues for the existing two homes on Lots A and B. Furthermore, the relocation of the building envelope would permit the future construction to occur in an open area rather than a relatively dense grove of mature trees. Process: For this project as envisioned, we are requesting three changes to the SDD, each of which requires a different submittal procedure in the Town of Vail. But since they are all related we would like to submit the following as an overview and narrative for all the requests. Minor Amendment to the SDD: to address the additional road access from Buffher Creek Road, as well as minor modifications to the existing access and utility easements and to align the SDD with the current code requirements on retaining walls Exemption Plat: to relocate the building envelope Variance: from the 40% slope restriction on the underlying RC zoning. Please note that all of Lot C is over 40% and this would be required for any construction anywhere on this property 1. Minor Amendment: A new road cut for site access: Section 7 SDD No. 34. 3 Amend the Single Curb Cut. Currently, the permitted access for Lot C is via easement through Lot B. This route would cause loss of parking on Lot B, requiring major excavation and loss of existing tree cover. Alternatively, access could be gained directly from the bottom of the existing shared driveway. However, this route would also result in significant loss of existing tree cover. The proposed road cut would allow access onto Lot C without damage to the vast majority of mature trees on the site and would relieve parking issues. Please see Attached topographic survey (4080.1 Topo C) from Peak Land Consultants, Inc. dated 5/4/17 for tree locations. Access and Utility Easement as indicated on the plat: See attached Exhibit A which maintains the utility easement to benefit Lots A, B and C but updates the easement to correspond with the proposed access. Update the SDD to align with current codes regarding retaining walls: Section 7 SDD No. 34. 7 Amend the Retaining Walls to align with current guidelines. Currently Section 7 states ”All Retaining walls on-site shall conform to existing Vail Town Code requirements. No retaining wall shall exceed 3’ in the first 20’ from the front property line on these lots.” Add-- unless related to access to a structure constructed on excessive slopes (in excess of 30 percent). Note this a direct quote from 14-6-7 retaining walls of the Vail Town Code. Also note that at the time of the SDD the existing Town of Vail retaining wall on the Northwest (uphill) side had not been constructed. 2. Exemption Plat: A relocated building envelope: We request a relocation of the building envelope to the east to correspond to the road cut access area. As shown on the attached topographic survey (4080.1 Topo C) from Peak Land Consultants, Inc. dated 5/4/17. A relocated building envelope would leave untouched most of the mature trees on Lot C. The proposed building envelope shown in Exhibit A shows a building envelope slightly smaller (14.2 square feet) than the existing envelope. The proposed building envelope is similar to the existing envelope in size but a portion of the envelope extends to the front property line to provide for garage and access. The east line is set 15’ from the east property line to match underlying RC zoning. 3. Variance: Permission to build on a slope greater than 40%: This variance matches the other two structures in the SDD and most of the existing structures on the uphill side of Buffehr Creek Road. This does not constitute a special privilege. All of Lot C has a slope greater than 40%, thus this allowance would be required for any building on this site. Adjacent Lots B and A are also greater than 40%, so this allowance is in keeping with neighboring sites. There is no effect on light, air, distribution of population, transportation, traffic, public facilities, utilities or public safety as a result of granting a variance to the 40% maximum slope. This does not constitute a special privilege as it matches the other structures built in the SDD. The exceptional circumstance is that all of Lot C is more than 40%; this does not occur in most other RC zone districts. Public Benefits The surrounding neighborhood along Buffehr Creek Road, also known as “The Valley” after the original townhome project, is characterized as a narrow alpine valley with significant stands of mature aspen trees. Lot C contains a large number of mature aspens on the western half of the site, while the eastern half has many fewer aspens and more sage and scrub oak coverage. By moving the access and building envelope to the eastern half, we can leave undisturbed most of the mature aspens. New landscaping and replanting around the new building area will allow a more natural transition from the mature aspen stand to the sage and scrub oak hillside. With significant numbers of wildlife living in the area, leaving areas of natural vegetation and tree cover between houses may reduce impacts on wildlife. In sum, moving the access and building envelope to the eastern portion of Lot C will result in a smaller amount of impact to the character of the surrounding neighborhood in comparison to the existing condition.