HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-25 Planning PACKET
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ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
STUDY SESSION
September 25, 2018
AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER:
7:00 PM, Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street.
II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
III. AD-HOC COMMITTEE UPDATES
IV. PUBLIC FORUM
V.
A. Approval of Findings for PA-T2-2018-00001, 449-459 Russell Street.
B. Alan Harper Introduction and Presentation on Views from Communities Around the
World
C. Confirm Planning Commission Retreat date May 11, 2019
D. Confirm term limits for Commission Chair
VI.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please
contact the Community Development office at 541-488-5305 (TTY phone is 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to
the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-
35.104 ADA Title 1).
BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION
September 25, 2018
IN THE MATTER OF PLANNING ACTION PA-T1-2018-00001, A REQUEST FOR )
SITE DESIGN REVIEW APPROVAL TO CONSTRUCT A NEW 22,469 SQUARE )
FOOT, TWO-STORY MIXED-USE BUILDING AT 449-459 RUSSELL ST. THE )
APPLICATION PROPOSES TO MODIFY THE ORIGINAL SUBDIVISION APPROV-)
AL BY CONSOLIDATING THE TWO LOTS INTO A SINGLE PROPERTY. THE )
PROPOSED BUILDING WILL INCLUDE A MIX OF OFFICE AND LIGHT MANU- )
FACTURING SPACE ON THE GROUND FLOOR. THE SECOND FLOOR IS PRO- )
POSED TO CONSIST OF TEN TWO- BEDROOM RESIDENTIAL CONDOMIN- )
) FINDINGS,
IUMS RANGING IN SIZE FROM 814 TO 1,094 SQUARE FEET. THE APPLICA-
CONCLUSIONS
TION INCLUDES AN EXCEPTION TO THE SITE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN )
& ORDERS
STANDARDS BECAUSE THE ENTRANCES ALONG RUSSELL STREET ARE )
PLACED MORE THAN 20 FEET BACK FROM THE RIGHT-OF-WAY. THE )
SPACE BETWEEN THE BUILDING ENTRANCES AND THE RIGHT-OF-WAY IS )
PROPOSED TO BE AN OUTDOOR PLAZA SPACE. )
)
APPLICANT:
OWNER/Laz Ayala/KDA Homes, LLC )
)
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RECITALS:
1) Tax lots #2800 and #2801 of Map 39 1E 09 AA are located at 449 and 459 Russell Street within the
E-1 Employment
2) The applicants are requesting Site Design Review approval to construct a 22,469 square foot mixed-
use building on the properties located at 449 Russell Street and 459 Russell Street, Lots 1 and 2 of the
Falcon Heights Subdivision. The application proposes to modify the original subdivision approval by
consolidating the two lots into a single property. The proposed building will include a mix of office and
light manufacturing space on the ground floor. The second floor is proposed to consist of ten two-bedroom
residential condominiums ranging in size from 814 to 1,094 square feet. The application includes an
Exception to the Site Development and Design Standards because the entrances along Russell Street are
placed more than 20 feet back from the right-of-way. The space between the building entrances and the
right-of-way is proposed to be a 3,213 square foot outdoor plaza space. The proposal is outlined on plans
on file at the Department of Community Development.
AMC 18.5.2.050
3) The criteria for Site Design Review approval are described in as follows:
Underlying Zone:
A.The proposal complies with all of the applicable provisions of the
underlying zone (part 18.2), including but not limited to: building and yard setbacks, lot
area and dimensions, density and floor area, lot coverage, building height, building
orientation, architecture, and other applicable standards.
PA-T2-2018-00001
September 25, 2018
Page 1
Overlay Zones:
B. The proposal complies with applicable overlay zone requirements (part
18.3).
Site Development and Design Standards:
C. The proposal complies with the applicable Site
Development and Design Standards of part 18.4, except as provided by subsection E,
below.
City Facilities:
D. The proposal complies with the applicable standards in section 18.4.6
Public Facilities and that adequate capacity of City facilities for water, sewer, electricity,
urban storm drainage, paved access to and throughout the property and adequate
transportation can and will be provided to the subject property.
Exception to the Site Development and Design Standards.
E.The approval authority may
approve exceptions to the Site Development and Design Standards of part 18.4 if the
circumstances in either subsection 1 or 2, below, are found to exist.
1. There is a demonstrable difficulty meeting the specific requirements of the Site
Development and Design Standards due to a unique or unusual aspect of an
existing structure or the proposed use of a site; and approval of the exception will
not substantially negatively impact adjacent properties; and approval of the
exception is consistent with the stated purpose of the Site Development and Design;
and the exception requested is the minimum which would alleviate the difficulty.;
or
2. There is no demonstrable difficulty in meeting the specific requirements, but
granting the exception will result in a design that equally or better achieves the
stated purpose of the Site Development and Design Standards.
4) The Planning Commission, following proper public notice, held a public hearing on August 14, 2018
at which time testimony was received and exhibits were presented. Subsequent to the closing of the hearing,
the Planning Commission approved the application subject to conditions pertaining to the appropriate
development of the site.
Now, therefore, the Planning Commission of the City of Ashland finds, concludes and recommends as
follows:
SECTION 1. EXHIBITS
For the purposes of reference to these Findings, the attached index of exhibits, data, and testimony
will be used.
Staff Exhibits lettered with an "S"
Proponent's Exhibits, lettered with a "P"
Opponent's Exhibits, lettered with an "O"
PA-T2-2018-00001
September 25, 2018
Page 2
Hearing Minutes, Notices, Miscellaneous Exhibits lettered with an "M"
SECTION 2. CONCLUSORY FINDINGS
2.1
The Planning Commission finds that it has received all information necessary to make a decision
based on the Staff Report, public hearing testimony and the exhibits received.
2.2
The Planning Commission finds that the proposal for Site Design Review approval meets all
applicable criteria for Site Design Review approval described in Chapter 18.5.2.050.
2.3
The Planning Commission finds that, the first approval criterion for Site Design Review is that,
The proposal complies with all of the applicable provisions of the underlying zone (part 18.2), including
but not limited to: building and yard setbacks, lot area and dimensions, density and floor area, lot
coverage, building height, building orientation, architecture, and other applicable standards.
application materials provided note that all -1 zoning from
AMC 18.2, including but not limited to building and yard setbacks, lot area and dimensions, density and
floor area, lot coverage, building height, building orientation, architecture and other applicable standards
are being complied with. An Exception to the Site Development and Design Standards requested with
-of-way is discussed under 2.7
below.
The Commission further finds that t-1 (Employment) and within
this zone, there is no minimum lot area, width, or depth; no minimum front, side or rear yard area except
where abutting a residential zone to the side or rear; no maximum lot coverage; and no minimum
residential density. The subject property partly abuts residential zones to the rear along the north property
line and as such AMC 18.2.6.030 requires that a ten-foot per story rear yard be provided. In addition, as
between the subdivision and the residential properties to the north. The application indicates that the
building will comply with Standard A, and the aillustrates that the
building has been designed with a Standard A setback in mind. Russell Street is not classified as an
arterial street, and as such no arterial setback requirements come into play. The maximum building height
is limited to 40 feet, and the proposed 32-foot 6-inch maximum height here complies with the applicable
E-1 height limit.
2.4
The Planning Commission finds that the second Site Design Review approval The
proposal complies with applicable overlay zone requirements (part 18.3).The application materials
explain that the proposal complies with the Residential Overlay regulations found in AMC 18.3.13.010,
including but not limited to commercial and residential ground floor ratios as well as permissible
project is for an attractive and well thought-out
mixed use development that will not only provide the City with needed small unit housing and new office
plans and is contextually compatible with the existing building on Lot #4 and the two new buildings across
the street on Lot #6 and the recently approved building on Lot #3.
PA-T2-2018-00001
September 25, 2018
Page 3
The Commission also finds that for properties within the E-
residential development is allowed at a density of 15 dwelling units per acre. The application materials
provided explain that the property is 0.8644 acres in size and thus has a base density of 12.97 dwelling
0.8644 acres x 15 dwelling units/acre = 12.9665978 dwelling units
units (). The proposal is for ten two-
bedroom units which complies with the allowed base density.
The Commission further finds that within the Residential Overlay zone, AMC 18.2.3.130.B.1 provides
If there is one building on a site, ground floor residential uses shall occupy not more than 35 percent
of the gross floor area of the ground floor. Where more than one building is located on a site, not more
than 50 percent of the total lot area shall be designated for residential uses.application explains
that the proposal involves a single building, and that the ground floor will be 11,241 square feet with the
only area to be used by the second floor residents limited to the stairwell and elevator which are roughly
300 square feet or less than three percent of the ground floor area. The Commission therefore finds that
the ground floor commercial/residential split complies with the standard.
2.5
The Planning Commission finds that the The proposal complies
with the applicable Site Development and Design Standards of part 18.4, except as provided by subsection
E, below.
appearance; to create a positive, human scale relationship between proposed buildings and the streetscape
which encourages bicycle and pedestrian travel; to lessen the visual and climatic impacts of parking; and
to screen adjacent uses from adverse impacts of development. To these ends, buildings are to have their
primary orientation to the street rather than to parking areas, with visible, functional and attractive
entrances oriented to the street, placed within 20 feet of the street, and accessed directly from the public
automobile parking and circulation areas are not to be placed between buildings and the street.
The Commission finds that the application materials assert that the proposal complies with the applicable
Site Development and Design Standards of AMC Chapter 18.4, and that only one exceptions to the Site
Development and Design Standards has been requested. Section 2.7 below addresses the exception
request.
With regard to the Basic Site Review standards, the application materials areas
sits behind the proposed building and will be screened from the front of the property by the building. The
applicants assert that the proposed building occupies the majority of the streetscape.
The Commission further finds that ts primary commercial entrance
is located on the ground level and has been designed to face the primary street, proposed public plaza
space and public sidewalk. They further note that the entrance is designed to be clearly visible, functional
and will remain open to the public during typical business hours. The applicants explain that the design
will accommodate an array of uses including commercial offices and service businesses that will benefit
from the design and access to public sidewalks. The proposal includes a public sidewalk built to current
city street standards, and street trees selected from the approved street tree list are to be installed at one
PA-T2-2018-00001
September 25, 2018
Page 4
per 30 feet of frontage.
The Commission also finds that the application materials provided include landscaping and site plans
identifying a screened trash and recycling area. The applicant further notes that all site and building
lighting will meet requirements not to directly illuminate adjacent properties and noise ordinance
requirements as well. The applicant emphasizes that they have an interest in minimizing any typical
residents.
With regard to the Detail Site Review Overlay standards, the Planning Commission finds that the site is
0.86 acres in size, or 37,655 square feet, and has a total proposed floor area of 22,482 square feet, for a
Floor Area Ration (F.A.R.) of 0.60, not including the plaza space or any pedestrian areas, which exceeds
the minimum requirement for a 0.50 F.A.R. The applicant notes that the building frontage has a variety
of jogs and other distinctive changes in the façade for the purpose of creating an attractive street façade,
and that the walls facing the street and plaza area will have displays, windows and doorways for at least
be transparent while also addressing current building code and conservation standards relating to energy
efficiency. The applicant explains that the buildings incorporate lighting and changes in mass, surface and
finish to give emphasis to the entrances, and that the b
windows
pedestrians form the rain and sun, and will provide a minimum seven-foot covered area (awning and
recessed entry) at entries for pedestrians to assemble. The applicant further notes that the buildings will
front onto a 13-foot sidewalk with street trees planted in irrigated five-foot by five-foot tree wells that,
along with the building awnings, provide relief from inclement weather and in return promote walking
between the building and the street will
The Commission also finds that while the building is to be placed more than five feet from the sidewalk,
the space between the building and sidewalk is to be used for pedestrian activities such as plaza space as
provided for in the Detail Site Review standards, and that the landscape plan includes landscaping between
the existing driveway and the neighboring residences to the north. The applicants note that the landscaping
and irrigation in these areas were installed with the subdivision infrastructure in 2003-2004 and have since
matured, but that in some areas the landscaping has been vandalized or has died, and that any missing
landscaping materials will be replaced prior to occupancy to ensure that required sight-obscuring
screening is maintained. A condition to this effect has been added below. The application materials
point out that the building materials include changes in relief for at least 15 percent of the exterior wall
facades.
In terms of the Additional Standards for Large Scale Developments in AMC 18.4.2.040.D., the
Commission finds that the proposed building has been designed to divide large building masses into
PA-T2-2018-00001
September 25, 2018
Page 5
heights and sizes that relate to human scale, and that the design incorporates changes in building masses,
has sheltering awnings and recessed entrances, and includes a distinct pattern of divisions on surfaces. In
addition, the design includes windows, small scale lighting and trees that will be planted along the
The Commission further finds that the subject property is outside the Downtown Design Standards
Overlay, and as such is subject to standards which limit the building area and length. The application
explains that the total square footage of the proposed building is 22,482 square feet, and the frontage is
182 lineal feet, and as such the buildings comply with the standards limiting their footprints and areas to
less than 45,000 square feet and their lengths to no more than 300 feet.
The Commission also finds that the project was designed with a roughly 4,000 square foot plaza, and that
the floor area is 22,482 square feet. As such, the plaza space represents roughly 18 percent of
the floor area, which exceeds the minimum ten percent plaza space requirement. The applicant
emphasizes that the plaza was designed to serve multiple purposes ranging from a view corridor, a break
in the building mass, a place for gathering and recreation, a wind break, and an area for seating, dining
and general relaxation for both the commercial and residential tenants. The plaza incorporates four of the
required elements for plaza space sitting spaces, a mixture of sunlight and shade, protection from wind,
and trees. The general layout accommodates siting in various locations (benches, seating wall, planter
seats) while retaining an open, central plaza to accommodate assembly. -
the applicants note that the final design has not been fully developed and will be finalized during
construction as the forms are installed but will create a two-tone colored maze. The applicant goes on to
explain that the design includes more than the minimum four requisite plaza elements, as it incorporates
sitting spaces, a mixture of areas of sun and shade, outdoor eating areas, protection from wind by
buildings, and art in the form of the proposed in-laid concrete maze.
The Planning Commission finds that the applicants have provided the following parking calculations to
address the , which are detailed in AMC 18.4.3.040:
449-459 Russell Street Mixed-Use
17.5spaces
10 Two-bedroom residential units @ 1.75 space per unit =
22.456 spaces
11,228 sq. ft. of general office @ 1 space per 500 sq. ft. =
PA-T2-2018-00001
September 25, 2018
Page 6
Total Parking Required = 39.956 spaces
Total Parking Required: 39.956 spaces (40 spaces)
Surface Parking Provided (Off-Street): 39 spaces (including two ADA-accessible)
On-Street Parking Credit Requested: 1 space
Mixed-Use Parking Credit Requested: 0 spaces
Total Off-Street Parking Provided: 40.0 spaces with 1 credit
The Commission further finds that a total of 29
original infrastructure installation, and that the applicant proposes to construct ten additional off-street
parking spaces. As detailed above, the total parking required is 40 spaces, and a total of 39 off-street
spaces are proposed. The applicant has requested to meet address the remaining one space of required
parking through an on-street parking credit which is one of the parking management strategies provided
for in AMC 18.4.3.060. The applicants
street frontages they have attempted requests for on-street parking credits or other management strategies
in case the ground floor office space uses are ever proposed to intensify to retail or medical office use. If
this is the case, the applicants recognize that a future owner would have to modify the site to provide more
parking or propose additional parking management strategies. The applicants have also noted that all
parking spaces originally provided as part of the subdivision are open and available to tenants and
customers from all lots within the subdivision.
The Commission finds that the parking managements strategies allow for a maximum combined reduction
in parking demand of 50 percent; the combined reduction requested here is approximately 2.39 percent
0.956/39.956 = 0.023926319
(). For adjacent properties, parking management strategies combining
mixed-use credits and on-street parking credits have allowed for reductions in required parking ranging
from 11 to 23 percent. The Commission finds that the single on-street credit requested here seems
reasonable given that there are nine on-and that the
peak demand for the commercial and residential uses is likely to be materially off-set to some degree. The
Commission also finds that the shared use of parking throughout the subdivision further supports the
requested minimal, single-space reduction to the off-street parking requirements.
The Planning Commission also finds that the required bicycle parking for the proposal includes 15
required covered bicycle parking spaces for the ten proposed two-bedroom residential units, and at least
five bicycle parking spaces for the proposed office space, with at least three of these spaces to be covered.
The applicants have proposed to provide 18 covered bicycle parking spaces on the north side of the
building, with the two remaining un-covered spaces to be provided between the plaza and the sidewalk to
address the combined commercial and residential bicycle parking requirement. All proposed bicycle
parking spaces are to be designed in compliance with the Bicycle Parking Design Standards noted in AMC
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September 25, 2018
Page 7
18.4.070.
The Commission further finds that the -existing, and was constructed
in 2003-2004 in conjunction with the other subdivision improvements. The curbing, drainage,
landscaping area, irrigation conduit, asphalt thickness, etc. met the Building and Planning standards at the
time, and the applicant intends to utilize the parking lot as originally constructed, completing the necessary
landscaping and irrigation improvements shown in the landscape plans, and has not proposed to bring the
parking lot into compliance with the more recently adopted parking area design requirements from AMC
18.4.3.080.B.5, which would require substantial modifications to surfacing and
stormwater drainage provisions. An exception to these standards is discussed under section 2.7 below.
2.6
The Planning Commission finds that the fourth criterion for Site Design Review approval is that,
The proposal complies with the applicable standards in section 18.4.6 Public Facilities and that
adequate capacity of City facilities for water, sewer, electricity, urban storm drainage, paved access to
and throughout the property and adequate transportation can and will be provided to the subject
property. The application materials indicate that all key facilities are available to service the proposed
tion in 2003-2004. The application
further explains that all utilities to service the buildings are available within the adjacent Russell Street
right-of-way or are already stubbed to the property, but that if necessary, services will be installed at the
time of construction in accordance with Ashland Public Work Standards. The applicant indicates that in
meetings with the various city utilities, it has been indicated that adequate City facilities are available to
serve the subject property.
The Commission further finds that planning staff has noted that in discussing the available public facilities
with the Public Works, Fire and individual utility departments they have determined the following:
Water
There are eight-inch water mains in place in the adjacent rights-of-way for Russell Street
and Rogue Place, and another eight-inch water main is in place along the northern property line.
The applicant will need to extend services and pay any applicable service and connection fees
required for any new water services installed as part of this project. The Fire Department has also
indicated that because the project is mixed-use, monitored fire sprinklers will be required.
anitary Sewer
SThere is an eight-inch sanitary sewer main in Russell Street and an eight-inch
main in Rogue Place.
Electricity
The Electric Department has indicated that capacity was sufficient at the time of the
subdivision although anticipated loads may have changed based on the level of development
proposed here. The applicants will need to work with the Electric Department to arrive at a final
service plan addressing the service needs of the proposed building and its tenants.
Urban Storm Drainage
The Public Works Department noted that stormwater issues were
considered in the subdivision infrastructure installation, and there is an 18-inch storm sewer main
in Russell Street, along with 12-inch mains in Rogue Place and along the northern property line.
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September 25, 2018
Page 8
Paved Access & Adequate Transportation
Russell Street is a commercial neighborhood
collector street, and was improved to city street standards as part of the subdivision infrastructure
installation, with the exception of sidewalks and street trees which were to be installed as each lot
develops. The street standards call for a five-foot hardscape parkrow with tree wells, five-foot by
five-foot city-standard tree grates, and irrigated street trees and an eight- to ten-foot sidewalk. The
applicant has proposed to meet these standards with the installation of a 13-foot sidewalk corridor.
With the construction of subdivision infrastructure, a pedestrian bridge over Mountain Creek was
constructed to provide a link for pedestrian connectivity to the adjacent residential subdivision
(Mountain Creek Estates) and down through the subdivision via Thimbleberry Lane to the North
Mountain Park area. A future street connection will extend Russell Street to connect with Clear
s
developer was required to sign in favor of a Local Improvement District (L.I.D.) to participate in
the cost of constructing a future railroad crossing at Fourth Street.
The application materials include a Transportation Impact Analysis review prepared by Alex
Georgevitch Consulting. In his review, Alex Georgevitch, P.E. concludes that the site is estimated
to generate approximately 21 trips during both the A.M. and P.M. peak hours, and further notes
that there will be a less than 2.6 percent increase in PM Peak Hour traffic on East Hersey Street in
2034 and a 0.9 percent increase in PM Peak Hour traffic along North Mountain Avenue in the
same period. Georgevitch indicates that these volumes are very low and would not in his opinion
warrant analysis of any signalized or stop controlled intersections or turn lanes. As such, he does
not believe that a traffic impact analysis is merited.
Based on the above information, the Planning Commission finds that existing public facilities and utilities
are in place and available to serve the project, and have been preliminarily identified on the Site Plan
provided and discussed in the narrative. Utilities and street improvements were largely installed with the
subdivision: water service, sanitary sewer and storm drainage are available in Russell Street, and the
applicant has indicated that services will be extended as necessary to connect to the proposed buildings.
Conditions have been included below requiring that final electrical distribution, utility, storm drainage,
and street improvement plans be provided for review and approval prior to building permit submittal, and
that any fees for necessary service upgrades or connection to address specific service requirements for
the proposed buildings be paid for prior to permit issuance.
2.7
The Planning Commission finds that the final criterion for Site Design Review approval provides
that the Planning Commission may approve Exceptions to the Site Development and Design Standards of
part 18.4 if certain circumstances are found to exist.
With regard to the placement of entrances relative to the right-of-way, the Planning Commission finds
that Building entrances shall be located within 20 feet of the public
PA-T2-2018-00001
September 25, 2018
Page 9
right-of-way to which they are required to be oriented. Exceptions may be granted for topographic
constraints, lot configuration, designs where a greater setback results in an improved access or for sites
with multiple buildings, such as shopping centers, where other buildings meet this standard.The
applicants contend that the proposed design improved circulation for those with disabilities, provides for
inviting entrances, creates a break in the streetscape and has a surface area consistent with the public
sidewalk. The applicants further explain that in considering development options, they looked at a north-
facing plaza which made for a more uncomfortable outdoor space during much of the year as it would
have been shaded, cold and windy, and was also too private for a plaza space where the intent is to be
visible and accessible to the public even though it is on private property. In response to the Exception
criteria, the applicants recognize that there is not a demonstrably difficulty in meeting the specific
standard, but they suggest that granting the exception will result in a design which equally or better
achieves the stated purpose of the standards. The applicants strongly contend that the plaza on the south
side of the building, between the building and the sidewalk, will be much more usable throughout the year
and provide a type of space that can be used for many purposes such as small meetings, group gatherings
or public assembly when compared to a plaza hidden behind the building (as was the plaza space for the
building on Lot #3). The applicants also contend that the design of the building is attractive with inviting
and well-planned interior and exterior spaces that could be utilized in a variety of ways. They emphasize
that the plaza space is to be visually open to the public, will have a number of seating areas and shaded
plaza space is roughly 967 square feet larger than required by code and that if it were located behind the
building, the additional space would likely wind up as storage, additional parking or under-utilized
landscaping. In considering this exception, the Planning Commission finds that a larger, more inviting
and prominent public space within the Falcon Heights subdivision will supplement the individual plaza
areas and provide benefits both by enlivening the streetscape and supporting a sense of neighborhood
identity. The plaza space as proposed provides a mixture of the requisite public space elements sought in
the standards: sitting spaces, protection from wind by buildings, areas of sunlight and shade, trees, and
public art in the form of a scored concrete color-differentiated maze artistic element within the plaza
surface, and could readily accommodate outdoor eating and/or food vendors.
With regard to the parking lot treatment, the Planning Commission finds, as it did for the adjacent Lot #3,
that s
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September 25, 2018
Page 10
2.8
The Planning Commission finds that in considering the landscape plans for development of the
subdivision, the Ashland Tree Commission recommended that the applicants look at ways to provide more
soil volume with larger tree wells, that the tree trunks should be wrapped to provide protection from sun
damage, and that the street trees should be watered regularly for two to three years to ensure they can fully
establish themselves.
2.9
The Planning Commission finds that utilities and street improvements were largely installed with
the subdivision creating the lot, and that the applicant proposes to complete these by extending services
to the buildings proposed and installing city standard frontage improvements. The proposed new building
has been designed with city standards in mind, with the primary orientation to the street rather than to
parking areas; visible, functional and attractive entrances oriented to Russell Street and accessed via a new
large south-facing plaza space to be placed between the building and the sidewalk. Parking is located
behind the building and surface parking will be visible from the second-story windows. The Commission
finds that with the conditions attached below, the proposal seems well-suited to the standards, the site and
the vicinity.
SECTION 3. DECISION
3.1 The Planning Commission concludes that based on the record of the Public Hearing on this matter,
the proposal for Site Design Review approval for a new two-story mixed-use building at 449-459 Russell
Street is supported by evidence contained within the whole record.
Therefore, based on our overall conclusions, and upon the proposal being subject to each of the following
conditions, the Planning Commission approves Planning Action #T2-2018-00001. Further, if any one or
more of the conditions below are found to be invalid, for any reason whatsoever, then Planning Action #2018-
T1-00001 is denied. The following are the conditions attached to the approval:
1)That all proposals of the applicant shall be conditions of approval unless otherwise specifically
modified herein.
2)That the plans submitted for the building permit shall be in conformance with those approved as
part of this application. If the plans submitted for the building permit are not in conformance with
those approved as part of this application, an application to modify this approval shall be submitted
and approved prior to the issuance of a building permit.
3)That prior to the installation of any signage, a sign permit shall be obtained. All signage shall meet
the requirements of the Sign Ordinance (AMC 18.4.7).
4)That all requirements of the Fire Department shall be satisfactorily addressed, including approved
addressing; commercial fire apparatus access including angle of approach and any necessary
easements; provisions for firefighter access pathways; fire flow; fire hydrant clearance; fire
department connection (FDC); fire extinguishers; a Knox key box; and monitored fire sprinklers
for mixed-use buildings.
5)That mechanical equipment shall be screened from view from Russell Street, and the location and
screening of all mechanical equipment shall be detailed on the building permit submittals.
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September 25, 2018
Page 11
6)That the front business entrance(s) adjacent to Russell Street shall remain functional and open to
the public during all business hours, and the windows on the ground floor shall not be tinted so as
to prevent views from outside of the building into the interior of the building.
7)That building permit submittals shall include:
a)The identification of all easements, including but not limited to public or private utility or
drainage easements, mutual access easements, fire apparatus access easements, and public
pedestrian access easements.
b)The identification of exterior building materials and paint colors for the review and
approval of the Staff Advisor. Colors and materials shall be consistent with those described
in the application and very bright or neon paint colors shall not be used.
c)Specifications for all exterior lighting fixtures. Exterior lighting shall be directed on the
property and shall not directly illuminate adjacent proprieties.
d)Revised Landscape and Irrigation Plans shall be provided for the review and approval of
the Staff Advisor with the building permit submittals. These revised plans shall address:
1) required size and species specific replacement planting details and associated irrigation
plan details, including the requirements for programmable automatic timer controllers and
a maintenance watering schedule with seasonal modifications; 2) details of the fence, wall
or hedge installations proposed to provide the requisite five- to six-foot buffer between
zones; 3) details of the final placement of the refuse and recycling enclosure which provide
a minimum 30-foot separation from adjacent residential properties; 4) lot coverage and
required landscaped area calculations, including all building footprints, driveways,
parking, and circulation areas, and landscaped areas. Lot coverage shall be limited to no
more than 85 percent, and the calculations shall demonstrate that the requisite 15 percent
landscaping and seven percent parking lot landscaping are provided.
e)Stormwater drainage, grading and erosion control plans for the review and approval of the
Engineering, Building and Planning Departments. The stormwater plan shall address
Public Works/Engineering standards requiring that post-development peak flows do not
exceed pre-development levels. Any necessary drainage improvements to address the
torm water from all new
impervious surfaces and run-off associated with peak rainfall events must be collected on
site and channeled to the city storm water collection system (i.e., curb gutter at public
street, public storm pipe or public drainage way) or through an approved alternative in
accordance with Ashland Building Division policy BD-PP-0029. On-site collection
systems shall be detailed on the building permit submittals.
f)A final utility plan for the project for the review and approval of the Engineering, Planning
and Building Divisions. The utility plan shall include the location of any necessary
connections to public facilities in and adjacent to the development, including the locations
of water lines and meter sizes, sewer mains and services, manholes and clean-outs, storm
drainage pipes and catch basins. Meters, cabinets, vaults and Fire Department Connections
shall be located outside of pedestrian corridors and in areas least visible from streets,
sidewalks and pedestrian areas, while considering access needs. Any necessary service
g)An electric design and distribution plan including load calculations and locations of all
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September 25, 2018
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primary and secondary services including any transformers, cabinets and all other
necessary equipment. This plan must be reviewed and approved by the Electric,
Engineering, Building and Planning Departments prior to the issuance of excavation or
building permits. Transformers, cabinets and vaults shall be located outside the pedestrian
corridor in areas least visible from streets, sidewalks and pedestrian areas, while
considering the access needs of the Electric Department. Any necessary service extensions
h)That the applicants shall provide engineered plans for the installation of city-standard street
frontage improvements for the full frontage of the subject property, including five-foot
width hardscape parkrows with irrigated street trees with city standard five-foot by five-
foot square metal tree grates, eight-foot sidewalks, and city-standard pedestrian scale street
lighting for the review of the Planning and Public Works/Engineering Departments. If
necessary to accommodate city standard street frontage improvements, the applicant shall
dedicate additional right-of-way or provide public pedestrian access easements. Any
necessary easements or right-of-way dedications shall be submitted for the review and
nts.
i)Identification or required bicycle parking, which includes 18 covered and two uncovered
bicycle parking spaces as proposed by the applicants. Inverted u-racks shall be used for
the outdoor bicycle parking, and the building permit submittals shall verify that the bicycle
parking spacing and coverage requirements are met.
j)That the building permit drawings shall clearly demonstrate that an area of at least seven
feet in depth is provided at the front entries to provide pedestrians with protection from
rain and sun as required in AMC 18.4.2.040.C. This depth may be met by a combination
of any entry recess and the depth of an awning or other covering.
k)Solar setback calculations demonstrating that all new construction complies with Solar
Setback Standard A as proposed by the applicants. Calculations shall be in the formula
\[(Height 6)/(0.445 + Slope) = Required Solar Setback\]
and elevations or cross section
drawings shall be provided clearly identifying the highest shadow producing point(s) and
the height(s) from natural grade.
8)That prior to the issuance of the building permit, the commencement of site work including
staging or the storage of materials:
a) That all necessary building permits fees and associated charges, including permits and
connections fees for new, separate, underground electrical services to each proposed unit,
and system development charges for water, sewer, storm water, parks, and transportation
shall be paid.
9)That prior to the final approval of the project, signature of the final plat or issuance of a
certificate of occupancy:
a) All hardscaping including the sidewalk corridor, parking lot and driveway; landscaping;
required buffers between zones, and the irrigation system shall be installed according to
the approved plan, inspected, and approved by the Staff Advisor. Any landscaping or other
screening required on the subject property in the subdivisionlandscaping plan which has
died or been removed shall be replaced to insure that the required sight-obscuring screening
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September 25, 2018
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and buffer between zones is provided and maintained.
b) All utility service and equipment installations shall be completed according to Electric,
Engineering, Planning, and Building
by the Staff Advisor.
c) Sanitary sewer laterals, water services including connection with meters at the street, and
underground electric services shall be installed according to the approved plans to serve all
units prior to signature of the final survey plat or issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
d) That all exterior lighting shall be directed on the property and shall not directly illuminate
adjacent residential proprieties.
e) All required street frontage improvements, including but not limited to the sidewalk,
parkrow with irrigated street trees spaced at one tree per 30 feet of frontage, and street
lighting, shall be installed under permit from the Public Works Department and in
accordance with the approved plans, inspected and approved by the Staff Advisor.
f) The CC&Rs for the Homeowner's Association or similar maintenance agreement shall be
provided for the review and approval of the Staff Advisor prior to signature of the final
survey plat. This agreement shall describe the responsibility for the maintenance of all
common use-improvements including landscaping, driveways, planting strips and street
trees. The CC&Rs must state that deviations from the approved plan shall be considered a
violation of the Planning Application approval and therefore subject to penalties described
in the Ashland Municipal Code.
g) Screening for the trash and recycling enclosure shall be installed in accordance with the
Site Design and Use Standards, and an opportunity to recycle site of equal or greater size
than the solid waste receptacle shall be included in the trash enclosure as required in AMC
18.4.4.040.
h) 20 required covered bicycle parking spaces shall be installed according to approved plan,
inspected and approved by the Staff Advisor.
September 25, 2018
Planning Commission Approval Date
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