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Approved 11/01/2017 <br /> <br />4 <br />exacerbated. The Transportation Improvement Assessment (TIA) is designed to identify internal and external <br />roadway improvements required. Typically, these are only required once certain thresholds are met, but the <br />developer suggested that TIAs be mandatory for every site plan review. These reviews ensure that the data that the <br />developer submitted as part of the master plan application is viable as conditions change over time, and can <br />implemented to reach individual site plan approval. Mr. Harvey pointed the Board to the existing TIA included in the <br />proposal that gives a broad picture of what traffic improvements will be required for this project. The additional <br />submittals of TIAs with site plan review provides Staff with any information on changes, that improvements are <br />necessary and consistent, and that the TIA is approved in concert with the site plan so that it is installed by the same <br />developer. <br /> <br />Tony Blake asked when the Department of Transportation (NCDOT) gets involved. <br /> <br />Michael Harvey said that NCDOT has been reviewing the existing TIA since March 2017. While Staff has not heard <br />back from them with feedback, he hopes to hear from them soon. Since NCDOT is on an advisory committee that <br />reviews site plans, they will be reviewing all documents along the way. Applicants are also required to document <br />everyday water and sewer needs for a cumulative track record. The Town of Hillsborough will provide courtesy <br />review on this project and will benefit from data on utility needs as well. Landscape plans will detail how vegetation <br />will be cared for. <br /> <br />Lydia Wegman asked for a review of the impervious surface area requirements. <br /> <br />Michael Harvey said that the developer is required to document existing and proposed impervious surface area as <br />well as building-to-open-space ratios. Since there are mandatory restrictions on total building area for each district <br />and requirements for percentage of open space (based on the building to open space balance), the developer will <br />continue to update Staff on where they are in meeting those thresholds. He noted land use buffers for the project. <br />District 1 will maintain a 100 foot land use buffer along the western and southern property lines, roughly up to the <br />economic development zoning line. There is a 50 foot buffer proposed along Old NC 86. There is a request to allow <br />for thinning in this area to accommodate potential access, parking and stormwater features, along with replanting <br />requirements. As proposed, Staff does not have an issue with the thinning of vegetation within the 50 foot buffer. The <br />Major Transportation Overlay (MTO) will also be maintained along the interstate and has a required 100 foot buffer. <br />The applicant is also proposing for thinning in this buffer, which Staff also finds reasonable since the UDO allows for <br />breaks in the buffer to create visibility, especially since the developer is providing a replanting plan and describes in <br />detail how the area would be disturbed, setting-up reviews in the site plan approval process. The developer provided <br />illustrations of buffers for proposed parking lots in front of buildings (see narrative section). Standards for allowable <br />architectural materials have been met. Transportation impact plans comply with the regulations outlined in 6.10 of the <br />UDO. Specifically, external roadway improvements will meet NCDOT requirements; internal roadways will be public; <br />sidewalks and bicycle lanes will be developed; and 4 bus pullouts and transit shelters will be constructed to serve the <br />project. By design as outlined in the developer’s conditions, no structure or building erected will be outside the <br />recommended distance to a transit stops to ensure accessibility. Staff is very supportive of this. <br /> <br />Tony Blake asked if building heights and setbacks are included in the plans. He asked if they are following a form- <br />based code. <br /> <br />Michael Harvey replied that setbacks and building heights are included and said that the project is not being <br />proposed within a fully-functioning form-based code. <br /> <br />Paul Guthrie asked if there is consideration of the expansion of Interstate 40, especially in relation to planning going <br />on adjacent to the right-of-way. <br /> <br />Michael Harvey answered that even though Interstate 40 will be expanded in the future, Staff can only plan in the <br />now as Interstate 40 exists. If NCDOT secures additional right-of-way, the buffers, setbacks and other details will be <br />affected, but until this time, people cannot be denied reasonable development opportunities on their property. Mr. <br />Harvey said he is unsure of the time horizon on the expansion and NCDOT is still working out the details. <br />14