HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - Planning and Zoning Commission - 2017 - 06/20 - Regular' ; T_
CITY OF ALLEN
ATTENDANCE:
Commissioners Present:
Jeff Cocking, Chair
Stephen Platt, Jr., 2nd Vice -Chair
Luke Hollingsworth
Michael Orr
Absent:
Ben Trahan, 1" Vice -Chair
John Ogrimvich
June 20, 2017
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
June 20, 2017
City Staff Present:
Lee Battle, Assistant Director of Community Development, AICP, LEED AP
Joseph Cotton, PE, Assistant Director of Engineering
Matt McComb, RLA, ASLA, CA, Landscape Architect
' Madhuri Mohan, AICP, Senior Planner
Hayley Angel, Planner
Pete Smith, City Attorney
Call to Order and Announce a Quorum is Present:
With a quorum of the Commissioners present, Chairman Cocking called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
in the City Hall Council Chambers Room at Allen City Hall, 305 Century Parkway.
Directors Report
1. Action taken on the Planning & Zoning Commission items by City Council at the lune 13, 2017, regular
meeting, attached.
Consent Agenda (Routine P&Z business. Consent Agenda is approved by a single majority vote. Items
may be removed for open discussion by a request from a Commission member or member ofstaff.)
2. Approve minutes from the June 6, 2017, regular meeting.
3. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Status Report.
4. Final Plat — Consider a request for a Final Plat for Lot SR, Block A, McCoy and Roth Addition, being
1.570f acres situated in the John J. Miller Survey, Abstract No. 609; generally located south of Stacy
Road and east of Angel Parkway. (PL -050817-0006) [McCoy and Roth Addition]
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' Motion: Upon a motion by Commissioner Hollingsworth, and a second by
Commissioner Orr, the Commission voted 4 I FAVOR, and 0 OPPOSED to
approve the Consent Agenda.
The motion carried.
Reeular Aeenda
5. Combination Plat — Consider a request for a Combination Plat for Spirit Park, Lot 1, Block A, being
74.526} acres situated in the John W. Roberts Survey, Abstract No. 762 and the Henry Brandenburg
Survey, Abstract No. 110; generally located southwest of Ridgeview Drive and Bray Central Drive.
(PL-050417-0005)[Spirit Park]
Ms. Madhuri Mohan, Senior Planner, presented the item to the Commission. She stated that the item is a
Combination Plat for Spirit Park. Ms. Mohan stated that property is generally located southwest of
Ridgeview Drive and Bray Central Drive. The property to the north (across Ridgeview Drive) is zoned
Agriculture Open Space AO. The property to the west is zoned Planned Development PD No. 72 Single -
Family Residential R-5 and Planned Development PD No. 81 Single -Family Residential R-5. The
properties to the south and east are zoned Planned Development PD No. 77 Single -Family Residential R-
5.
The property is zoned Community Facilities CF. A Site Plan for Spirit Park was approved in March 2017.
Ms. Mohan stated it was previously referred to as Watters Branch Park. Platting the site is the last step in
the development process. A Combination Plat is submitted as the tract of land is subdivided into three lots
' or less, there is no change in street locations, and the requirements for both the Preliminary Plat and Final
Plat are met.
Ms. Mohan stated that the Combination Plat shows one lot at approximately 74.526± acres. Two access
points are provided, both on Ridgeview Drive through a 24' Firelane Easement. The plat also shows right-
of-way dedication and various easements required for development.
The Combination Plat has been reviewed by the Technical Review Committee and meets the requirements
of the Allen Land Development Code.
Motion: Upon a motion by 2°d Vice -Chair Platt, and a second by Commissioner
Hollingsworth, the Commission voted 4 IN FAVOR, and 0 OPPOSED to
approve the Combination Plat for Spirit Park, Lot 1, Block A; generally
located southwest of Ridgeview Drive and Bray Central Drive.
The motion carried.
6. Public Hearing—Conduct a Public Hearing and consider a request to amend the base zoning of a portion
of Planned Development "PD" 54 from Industrial Technology `7T to Community Facilities "CF", and
adopt Development Regulations, a Concept Plan, and Building Elevations, said portion being 7.502-+
acres situated in the William J. Jackson Survey, Abstract No. 484 and the John pike Survey, Abstract
No. 325; generally located south of Exchange Parkway and west of Junction Drive. (Z-12/14/16-127)
[Ground Storage Tanks]
' Ms. Madhuri Mohan, Senior Planner, presented the item to the Commission. She stated the item is a public
hearing for a PD amendment for the Ground Storage Tanks. The property is generally located south of
June 20, 2017
' Exchange Parkway and west of Junction Drive. The property to the north (across Exchange Parkway) is
zoned Planned Development PD No. 108 Mixed -Use MIX. The properties to the west and east (across
Junction Drive) are zoned Planned Development PD No. 54 for Industrial Technology IT. The property to
the south (across Medical Drive) is zoned Planned Development PD No. 108 Office O.
Ms. Mohan stated that applicant, North Texas Municipal Water District, is proposing to construct storage
tanks, categorized as a "Public Service Facility," on the approximate 7.5021 acre site which is currently
zoned Planned Development PD No. 54 Industrial Technology IT. The applicant is proposing to amend the
base zoning district to Community Facilities CF and adopt Development Regulations, a Concept Plan, and
Building Elevations for the property.
Ms. Mohan provided a brief history of the project, stating that the applicant originally intended to locate
the two storage tanks in two separate locations. She stated that in 2016, the applicant decided to m4ocate
the storage tanks in this location. She noted that in the staff's opinion, the applicant worked well with the
City by going above and beyond minimum requirements. Ms. Mohan stated that this included an additional
buffer along Exchange Parkway, masonry screening around the storage tanks, and enhancements to the
elevations of the storage tanks.
Ms. Mohan stated that two storage tanks are proposed on the property to serve and provide for the north
Texas region. Each tank is 205' in diameter, 82' in height to the top of the dome, and capable of holding
13.5 million gallons. A concrete splash pad and storage pond is proposed on the western side of the tanks
in case of overflow or failure. An associated 580 square foot control building, 525 square foot control meter
vault building, and a future chemical storage area are also proposed on the property. A future conceptual
development is shown along Exchange Parkway to ensure this area remains developable. Ms. Mohan stated
that the storage tanks have been intentionally pushed back further into the property to create an additional
buffer between the storage tanks and Exchange Parkway.
Ms. Mohan stated that there would be one gated point of access. This is provided for the development on
Junction Drive. A hammerhead firelane is provided adjacent to the control building/storage area. A gravel
drive continues in between the two tanks as an emergency access road.
Ms. Mohan noted that the open space provided exceeds ALDC standards
Ms. Mohan stated that the storage tank facility will be enclosed with perimeter fencing consisting of an
eight -foot masonry screening wall.
Ms. Mohan showed elevations of the buildings and storage tanks. She stated that the storage tanks will be
one story with a maximum height of 82 feet to the top of the dome. While showing the elevations of the
storage tanks, she showed that the tanks will be constructed of concrete and will be decomted with raised
concrete arched elements. She stated that the control building will be one story with a maximum height of
16 feet and will be constructed of brick with standing seam metal roofing.
Ms. Mohan summarized the development regulations and concluded by noting that the PD Amendment
request has been reviewed by the Technical Review Committee. Additionally, she said that she received
one letter of support: Charles Nies, Twin Creeks Architectural Commission.
Chairman Cocking opened the public hearing.
Chairman Cocking closed the public hearing.
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' Chairman Cocking acknowledged that the letter of support did have some concerns with deed restrictions
but that the City does not enforce deed restrictions as they are a private agreement between private parties.
Pete Smith, City Attorney, confirmed this statement.
Chairman Cocking asked if both storage tanks were to be built at the same time or if they were intended to
be phased.
Ms. Mohan stated that she was not aware of any phasing.
The applicant's representative, Travis McComb, Program Manager for the Water Distribution System for
North Texas, stated that the storage tanks would be built at the same time. He said that the site would be
developed to its full potential immediately.
Chairman Cocking pointed out that there would be a chemical storage facility and that he was unaware of
the toxicity of the chemicals that would be held there. He asked if there was a notification system for the
immediate area in the event of a leak from the chemical storage. He stated that his concern was the
adjacency to a daycare center with children frequently playing outside. He questioned what the process was
for notification to the immediate area in the case of a chemical spill.
Mr. McComb stated that there would not be a large amount of chemicals stored on the site, with a 100 -
gallon maximum or about the size of a pallet He also stated that they are liquid chemicals and are not
airborne. He stated that there is the ability to expand if needed but that there are no current plans to expand.
Chairman Cocking reiterated the proximity to the daycare center and asked what the process would be in
the event of a tank failure, as the containment pond is not big enough.
Mr. McComb stated that them are sensors on the tanks' overflow gates that will alarm the control room if
the tanks start overflowing, and they can automatically shut off the control valves that feed the tanks. He
stated that these measures would prevent the tanks from completely overflowing.
Motion: Upon a motion by Commissioner Hollingsworth, and a second by 2nd Vice -
Chair Platt, the Commission voted 4 IN FAVOR, and 0 OPPOSED
recommend approval of the request to amend the base zoning of a portion of
Planned Development "PD" 54 from Industrial Technology "IT" to
Community Facilities "CF", and adopt Development Regulations, a Concept
Plan, and Building Elevations; generally located south of Exchange Parkway
and west of Junction Drive, for Ground Storage Tanks.
The motion is carried.
7. Public Hearing — Conduct a Public Hearing and consider a request to amend the Development
Regulations and adopt a Concept Plan, Building Elevations, and Open Space Exhibit for a portion of
Planned Development "PD" 121, said portion being 10.765± acres situated in the Thomas G. Kennedy
Survey, Abstract No. 500; generally located north of Montgomery Boulevard and west of US Highway
75. (ZN-00717-0002) [Davis at Montgomery Ridge]
' Ms. Mad mri Mohan, Senior Planner, presented the item to the Commission. She stated the item is a Public
Hearing for a PD Amendment for Davis at Montgomery Ridge. The property is generally located north of
Montgomery Boulevard and west of US Highway 75. The property to the north is zoned Planned
Development PD No. 76 Single -Family Residential R-7. The properties to the west, south (across
June 20, 2017
Montgomery Boulevard), and east are zoned Planned Development PD No. 121 Single -Family Residential
R-7, Multi -Family Residential MF -18, and Corridor Commercial CC.
Ms. Mohan stated that Planned Development PD No. 121 was adopted in August 2015 for Montgomery
Ridge Phase Il. She noted that the intent of this PD was to create a unique mixed-use development that
integrated diverse housing, supportive retail and commercial services, and office space within a pedestrian
oriented environment. The original PD comprised of approximately 92± acres and adopted a Concept Plan
which subdivided the property into various `character zones." She stated that the applicant is requesting to
amend the Development Regulations and adopt a Concept Plan, Building Elevations, and Open Space
Exhibit for an urban residential development for a character zone which was originally slated for multi-
story buildings with structured parking.
Ms. Mohan stated that the property is approximately 10.7651 acres. She presented the Concept Plan and
explained that it shows two buildings — Building I (on the eastern side) and Building II (on the western
side). She noted that Building I will be a 503,526 square foot building with a 203,214 square foot structured
parking garage. There are a total of 363 units within the building comprising of one, two, and three bedroom
units. The one bedroom units make up 58% of the total units (211 units). The two bedroom units make up
39% of the total units (141 units). The three bedroom units make up 3% of the total units (11 units). Building
B will be a 343,890 square foot building with a 145,895 square foot structured parking garage. There are a
total of 252 units within the building comprising of one, two, and three bedroom units. The one bedroom
units make up 60% of the total units (152 units). The two bedroom units make up 37% of the total units
(93 units). The three bedroom units make up 3% of the total units (7 units). She noted that both buildings
will be a wrapped product type with structured parking in the center similar to the Luxe and other recently
passed developments.
Ms. Mohan stated that a majority of the parking for both buildings will be provided in the structured parking
garage. She stated that for Building I, 97% of the parking for the development will be provided in the
structured parking garage. The remaining 3% of the parking will be provided as surface parking spaces.
The number of parking spaces provided equates to a parking ratio of 1.70 spaces/unit. Ms. Mohan noted
that these ratios were similar to other recently approved urban residential developments. For Building B,
99% of the parking for the development will be provided in the structured parking garage. The remaining
1% of the parking will be provided as surface parking spaces. The number of parking spaces provided
equates to a parking ratio of 1.71 spaces/unit.
Ms. Mohan stated that there are three access points into the development. All three access points are on
Montgomery Boulevard (which ultimately connects to both Bethany Drive and US Highway 75) — one
through a public right-of-way (Marian Drive) and two through a 26' Firelane, Access, Utility, and Drainage
Easement.
Ms. Mohan then presented the Open Space exhibit. She stated that for Building 1, approximately 1.70±
acres of open space are provided. For Building II, approximately 0.751 acres of open space are provided.
She explained that the Open Space Exhibit shows the open space primarily distributed around the perimeter
of the two buildings. She noted that the Open Space Exhibit also specifies five -inch caliper trees as an
enhanced buffer between this property and the property to the north. Both of the urban residential buildings
include courtyards offering several amenities such as enhanced paving, fire pits, outdoor dining, grills, and
lounge areas. Additionally, Ms. Mohan stated that both buildings include a rooftop pool with cabanas,
lounge chairs, and seating areas, decorated with raised planters. She noted that it would be the first of its
' kind in Allen to offer rooftop recreational opportunities. She stated that a trail easement is provided on the
southeastern side of the property for a potential connection to existing trails.
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' Ms. Mohan stated that the screening provided for the property is an eight -foot masonry screening wall on
top of a variable retaining wall which ranges between =to feet and eight feet. She noted that this means
that the wall could be as tall as sixteen feet in some locations, with an eight -foot retaining wall and an eight -
food screening wall. She stated that the wall will be built by the northern property along the northern
perimeter of this property. This applicant will provide enhanced landscaping along the northern property
boundary as an additional buffer.
Ms. Mohan stated that the primary building materials are stone, brick, and stucco. Accent metal and
woodtone siding is also proposed. Additionally, she noted that the building height varies between 4-5
stories. She stated that the fifth story would be a garden -level story which steps below the grade. The
maximum height of the ridge line will be 73 feet for Building I and 69 feet for Building II, and the maximum
plate height of the roof will be at 55 feet for both buildings. The maximum height of the garage for both
buildings will be 7 stories with a maximum height of 79 feet (inclusive of the roof and the cabana). She
noted that, especially inclusive of the height of these buildings, this area is well suited for an urban
residential product. She stated that it is a good continuation of the Watters Creek development and that this
area supports this density. She noted that the original Planned Development allowed the use of urban
residential through a Specific Use Permit. She stated that staff recommended the applicant go through the
Planned Development Amendment process instead so that staff could require greater standards of the
development and so that the developer was able to alter setbacks and other deviations for thew design. She
noted that the setbacks within this proposed PD are necessary to make the density on the site work, as it
supports the structure parking and the amenities. Ms. Mohan stated that early in the process, there were
conversations with the developer concerning the northern section of the property as it is relatively close to
the Angel Field East neighborhood. She stated that the developer provided an enhanced landscape buffer
along this eight -foot masonry screening wall and provided cross-sections to demonstrate the impact of the
proposed buildings' height She noted that these cross-sections made staff more comfortable with the
proposed height She then showed the cross-sections of Building I and Building B along the northern border.
With these images, she demonstrated how the grade differentiation can make the five stories appear to be
four stories. She noted that this is consistent with the original Planned Development and that it has a
minimum height of four stories. She also stated that the original Planned Development does not have any
rear yard setback requirements. She stated that this creates a situation where an office building can be built,
by right, up to fifty-five feet with no buffer. She stated that the developer, with the minimum setback of at
least forty-six feet from the property line, additional landscaping, and the step down of the four and five
stories, has addressed those potential concerns.
Ms. Mohan stated that the development regulations include the permitted use and proposed regulations for
parking, setbacks, open space, density, and building height. She highlighted:
1. The permitted use shall include "dwelling, Multi -family," in addition to all other uses currently
permitted.
2. The property shall not be developed with less than 1.70 acres of open space for Building I and no
less than 0.75 acres of open space for Building Il.
3. The parking ratio for Building I shall be 1.70 spaces per dwelling unit and for Building II shall be
1.71 spaces per dwelling unit.
Ms. Mohan noted that the PD Amendment request has been reviewed by the Technical Review Committee
and meets the standards of the ALDC.
Ms. Mohan indicated that the applicant had a presentation.
' The applicant, Gene Babb, 17304 Preston Road, Dallas, TX, stated that he had a series of pictures. He stated
that the development group had been before the Commission before on two other projects in Allen, one on
Watters Road and McDermott Drive and the other adjacent to Top Golf. He indicated that they only do
June 20, 2017
' multi -family projects, not office or commercial. He stated that they are a family-owned and operated
business that is vertically integrated. He stated that the company manages its own projects and construct
them. He showed an example of a project in Raleigh, North Carolina, including the interior, and an example
of a similar project in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Babb showed elevations from the project near Top Golf and
demonstrated how the split between four and five stories would work for this project as well. He showed
renderings of the pool on top of the parking deck for the project in Atlanta, Georgia, which would also be
implemented within this development. He also showed an example of a project in Frisco, Texas, that
demonstrated the four and five story split. He demonstrated how they work with the lay of the land, with
the five -story transitioning to four stories as the elevation increases.
Chairman Cocking opened the public hearing.
Chairman Cocking closed the public hearing.
Chairman Cocking stated that there were no written correspondences on the item.
Commissioner Hollingworth stated that he did not have questions or concerns.
2" a Vice -Chair Platt stated that the presentation was thorough and that he was satisfied with the information
provided.
Commissioner Ort stated that the applicant did a goodjob with the elevations and that he believes it will fit
the area.
' Chairman Cocking noted that there was a substantial drop in the percentage of one -bedrooms, from sixty-
five percent, where comparable projects have been at seventy-five or eighty -percent range. He asked staff
if the school district had reviewed the project for any concerns.
Ms. Mohan stated that the school district did express concerns.
Mr. Babb stated that their typical suburban, three-story, walk up projects have yielded roughly 0.2 students
reside per unit. He noted that a development like this does not lend itself to large families and yields about
0.1 students per unit.
Chairman Cocking questioned if the school district was involved in the review of this development and if
they had any concerns.
Ms. Mohan stated that while there were concerns, through the studies, staff is satisfied that the development
will not significantly increase the amount of students for the school district.
Chairman Cocking stated that when this PD first came through two years ago, he raised concerns about the
building height along the northern border adjacent to the residential development. They had determined
special heights and conditions to make it more mixed use. He stated that he applauds the development that
is happening overall in the area and that realtors in the area are stating that there will be a high-rise
development in this location. He noted how open the realtors are about the townhomes, apartments, and
high-rises to potential homebuyers. He stated that they are stepping outside the standard mixed-use with
residential adjacency. He noted the standard multi -family restriction is that anything within one hundred
' feet of a residential property is to have a two-story maximum height. He noted that this proposed
development is at forty-six feet. He stated that he has concerns which he raised with the three stories
originally proposed. This development is now a four to five story building within forty-five feet of a
residential backyard. Chairman Cocking also noted that there has been a development in Allen recently
June 20, 2017
' where no balconies or translucent windows were proposed adjacent to a residential use. He stated that he
has concerns with potential privacy issues. He asked for the applicant's perspective on the issue.
Mr. Babb stated that he understands the concern. He noted that the enhanced landscaping of five -inch
caliper trees will eventually be over twenty to twenty-five feet tall. He also pointed out the retaining wall,
the slope of the land, and the difference of grade would prevent any major intrusion into the single-family
and vice versa.
Chairman Cocking stated that he understands, but that the sight lines demonstrate that anyone higher than
the third floor has a full view into every window of the houses behind the proposed development. He noted
that this is concerning. He stated that he tried to get an idea of what the development will be and that he
drove down Bethany Drive (westbound) to see a four-story building. He noted how overwhelming this
building feels. Chairman Cocking stated that it is a rule that the City has had that anything within one
hundred feet adjacent to a residential district needs to be two-story, and that he would like to see this
continue. He noted that there has been another urban residential project where the buildings were required
to be at two stories within the one hundred feet boundary (at Custer and 121). He noted that that is his
preference but that he is just one voice of the group.
Mr. Babb noted that he understood. He stated that the original zoning was at four stories next to residential.
Chairman Cocking stated that the original zoning was four stories but that the road continued through the
proposed buildings. He noted that the lot to the north was eighty-five to ninety feet in depth, meaning that
because of the setbacks, a building could only be about sixty feet in depth. He stated that a sixty -foot deep
building would not he built to four stories because of the structural limitations and parking requirements
' involved. He noted that while three stories is pushing the limits, that is what it could be with the way the
zoning was laid out. He stated that this PD changes that and pushes those heights right to the edge. He noted
that the original zoning did say four stories, but that was part of the concept plan provided at that time, and
the way that it was laid out prevented any future buildings from being that high.
2'" Vice -Chair Platt stated that he was paying attention to the line of sight and noted that the five -inch
caliper trees will, in a few years, block over ninety -percent of the lines of sights that will be open when the
trees are planted. He noted that Live Oaks stay full nearly year-round with the exception of a few weeks.
He noted that it may be stretching it but that this was a decent plan.
Commissioner Hollingsworth noted that the project makes sense and that people moving in know what will
be built there. He stated that while there are standards and procedures in place, his opinion is that people
have a choice to buy or not to buy property adjacent to an urban residential development. He stated that it
was a pretty cool concept.
Commissioner Orr stated that he agreed that if people buy in that area and know what will be developed,
then that is their choice. He noted that, in some cases, it may be a positive to be adjacent to a nice looking
high rise. He stated that the trees will mitigate some of the view issues. He noted that he did not have a
problem with it.
Motion: Upon a motion by 2"a Vice -Chair Platt and a second by
Commissioner Hollingsworth, the Commission voted 3 IN FAVOR, and 1
OPPOSED to recommend approval of the request to amend the Development
' Regulations and adopt a Concept Plan, Building Elevations, and Open Space
Exhibit for a portion of Planned Development "PD" 121; generally located
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north of Montgomery Boulevard and west of US Highway 75, for Davis at
Montgomery Ridge.
The motion carried.
8. Discussion of status of impact fee study, procedures relating to the update of the City's impact fee
ordinance, and related matters.
Mr. Joseph Cotton, Assistant Director of Engineering, stated that, as of the 27w of this month, the impact
fee update will be completed. He noted that state law requires City Council to take action every five years
on impact fee structure to change the fees or to determine that no revision is required. He stated that the
Planning and Zoning Commission, which serves as the advisory committee for the impact fees to the City
Council, is required to provide written comment prior to the public hearing, which is scheduled for July
25ih. He stated that the Commission should be receiving a copy of the impact fees as well as a form to
complete prior to the public hearing.
Executive Session (As Needed)
As authorized by Section 551.071(2) of the Texas Government Code, this meeting may be convened into
closed Executive Session for the purpose of seeking confidential legal advice from the City Attorney on
any agenda item listed herein.
Adjournment
' The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
These approved this ,S day of St)2017.
mg, Chairman Hayley AUgA Planne
1
June 20, 2017
' Director's Report from 6/13/2017 City Council Meeting
• There were no items taken to the June 13, 2017, City Council Meeting.