Agenda - 02-25-2008-c1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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15 The rationale for the request is that these concepts are easier to understand and represent, in both graphic and statistical form, and are recognized as a universal tool by developers and planners to gauge development intensity. The applicant is proposing a maximum floor area ratio of point thirty (.30) and a maximum building height of six (6) stories. Staff Comment: Staff had originally requested that the applicant supply a detailed breakdown on the various composite ratios outlined within Section 2.3 of the Design Manual to justify modifying the standard. As part of this analysis, staff has requested that the applicant demonstrate how the proposed new standards will achieve a more desirable result for this project. This information has not yet been provided. Staff recommends that the applicant be required to include in its Waiver Two (2) request the necessary documentation showing the project's Impervious Surface Ration (ISR); Building Volume Ratio (BVR), and Landscape Volume Ratio (LVR) and showing how the proposed new standards will represent a more desirable solution. While staff concedes that the proposed new standard is a more universally accepted method for determining the intensity of a particular development, staff does not have sufficient information to make the determination that the new standard will yield a more desirable result as required under Section 7.5.4 and 7.21.1 of the Ordinance. 3. Waiver Three (3) as outlined on page twenty-three (23) of the application reading as follows: `The applicant requests a waiver from Section 2.4 Environmental Factors - Grading and Erosion Control -Planting Area Slopes of the EDD Design Manual ' The applicant is requesting the ability to utilize a maximum slope factor of 2:1 rather than the listed maximum slope of 3:1. Within the request the applicant indicates that the existing grade of the property would require `unnecessary grading and increase the total footprint of disturbance' if the maximum 3:l slope ratio was adhered to. The applicant is requesting the ability to use a slope ratio of 2:1 or flatter in an effort to avoid unnecessary disturbance on the property and make use of the natural shape of the land with minimal grading. Staff Comment: Staff supports the design solution in principle from the standpoint that it will allow for the developer to utilize the existing natural slope of the property and . require the minimal grading of the property. Staff does not support granting ~ a blanket `waiver' and believes the proposed design solution should be considered in the context of asite-specific development plan showing grading limits and stormwater data. Staff recommends that the Board(s) consider allowing for modifications to the grading and erosion control standards outlined within Section 2.4 of the EDD Design Manual only when the applicant can demonstrate on asite-specific development plan the need to, and benefits of, the proposed design solution.