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HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.apz.19931130A G E N D A ASPEN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING November 30, 1993, Tuesday 4:30 P.M. 2nd Floor Meeting Room City Hall I. COMMENTS Commissioners Planning Staff Public II. MINUTES III. NEW BUSINESS A. Moore Property Referral, Leslie Lamont B. Benedict/Stillwater Referral, Mary Lackner IV. WORK SESSION A. 210 Midland/Snyder Pond, Kim Johnson & Mary Lackner (Time Permitting) V. ADJOURN i TO: Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission FROM: Suzanne Wolff, Administrative Assistant RE: Upcoming Agendas - DATE: November 30, 1993 Regular Meeting - December 7 Hufty Conditional Use Review (KJ) Transierra Stream Margin (KJ) Gap Conditional Use - Satellite Dish (KJ) BCS Properties Change in Use (LL) Resolution - Kraut AH Subdivision (LL) Regular Meeting - December 21 Office Zone District Commercial GMQS: Cap's Auto (ML)� Stapleton (LL) Snyder Pond Worksession (KJ/ML) Regular Meeting - January 4 Billings Property Residential GMQS, Subdivision, PUD & GMQS Exemption (ML) Aspen Club Lodge Rezoning to CL/CL Text Amendments (KJ) Regular Meeting - January 18 R.O. Text Amendments (LL/CH) a.nex RESOLUTION 93- A RESOLUTION OF THE ASPEN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REQUESTING THAT THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL TO APPOINTMENT TWO NEW MEMBERS TO THE COMMISSION, ONE FULL MEMBER AND ONE ALTERNATE. WHEREAS, the Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission has been operating without a full board since July of 1993; and WHEREAS, the alternate position of the Commission has been vacant since February of 1991; and WHEREAS, although City Council recently appointed a new member, that member is unable to serve because the City Charter prevents an appointed city official from serving on more than one board at a time; and WHEREAS, the Commission supports the City Charter preventing a citizen from serving on two boards because of the time requirements necessary to adequately do the job and to relieve potential conflicts of interests; and WHEREAS, without a full Commission, several meetings have been canceled due to the lack of a quorum; and WHEREAS, the Commission have been charged by City Council to uphold Council's goals and policies in an expeditious and effective fashion. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission respectfully and urgently requests that the City Council complete the two appointments to the Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission to build a full functioning Commission for the citizens of Aspen. W. Bruce Kerr, Chairman Jan Carney, Deputy City Clerk >s ' d' l pgXEMORANDUM TO: Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission k t FROM: Cindy Houben, Long Range Planning Director Leslie Lamont, Senior Planner DATE: November 30, 1993 RE: Referral - Moore Family Subdivision, PUD, and GMQS SUMMARY: This is the first of two 'meetings scheduled for the review of the Moore Family Subdivision development proposal. This meeting will review the development's consistency with the character basis of AACP and the Action Plan sections - Growth, Housing, Commercial/Retail, and Open Space/Recreation/Environment. Transportation will be scheduled when the review has been completed. We anticipate that meeting in mid -December. APPLICANT: James E. Moore Family Partnership, as represented by Glenn Horn and Gideon Kaufman LOCATION: .Maroon Creek Road, east of the Aspen public school campus ZONING: AF-1 (1 dwelling unit/10 acres) and AF-2 PUD (1 dwelling unit/2 acres) APPLICANT'S REQUEST: The applicant seeks approval for: 40 free-market single-family detached dwelling units; 31 deed restricted single-family detached dwelling units; limited access chair lift link to Aspen Highlands; and redevelopment of the school's traffic circulation system. REVIEW PROCESS: The Commission is being asked to review this application for two reasons. First, pursuant to Section 6-3.4 B.2A of the County Land Use Code and consistent with Colorado State Statutes, any proposal within two miles of a municipality shall be referred to that jurisdiction for review. The Moore property is 1/12 contiguous with the City of Aspen boundary and the balance of the property is within 1.5 miles of downtown Aspen. Secondly, the applicant has requested City water, the water policy of 1993 requires Council approval and their review entails consideration of the project's consistency with the AACP. Recently 0 Council has relied upon the Commission's recommendation of a project's consistency with the AACP. The application that has been submitted is for general submission, subdivision and GMQS -allocation approval. The County review process divides project review for significant developments into two categories, --general submission and detailed submission. General submission is designed to flush out threshold issues and determine a project's compliance with policies and regulations of the Land Use Code. Detailed submission would include information regarding the number of sale verses rental affordable housing units, proposed floor area and building footprints. This first level of review is also intended to identify missing elements that must be included in detailed submission. This type of review could be compared to the City's conceptual verses final PUD development review. The GMQS scoring is a separate process. Scoring is based upon the general submission application. Staff believes that the most efficient way to review the proposal is to consider the application based upon it's consistency with the Aspen Area Community Plan (AACP). We did this with the Aspen Highlands referral. The AACP was adopted for the metro area and was intended to make recommendations regarding growth and 'land use issues that are metro in scope. It is also the policy document that guides our land use reviews and legislation. The Findings of the Commission will be passed onto the County Planning and Zoning Commission at their December 7, 1993 meeting. Transportation comments will be forwarded to them if they continue their review or will be passed onto the Board. In a similar fashion your Findings will be used by the City Council in determining whether to serve the property with City water. SITE DESCRIPTION: In 1952 the Moore's acquired 325 acres from the Arlian family. Over the past years the Moore family has donated land for the community pool and public schools. In 1992, Tom Moore sold 65 acres to Pitkin County for open space. Alberta Moore, James E. Moore's widow still lives on 45 acres. The subject site is 215 acres and is unimproved except for the nordic trail system which has been used with the Moore family's consent for more than 30 years. The site is located adjacent to the school. The other Moore parcel (45 acres) is across Maroon Creek Road and is not included in this application. According to the application, the site is bordered by the Meadowood Subdivision and the Aspen Water Plant to the east, Maroon Creek Road and Pitkin County open space to the north, Aspen Highlands Ski Area, several metes and bounds single-family lots,, the Aspen V0 2 Highlands Subdivision, the Church of Latter Day Saints, and the Aspen public schools to the west, and the Castle Creek Valley to the south. CONSISTENCY WITH THE AACP A. AACP Action Plan 1. Character The AACP is a character based plan. The Plan includes Development Features designed by the community. to "maintain and create places and opportunities for social interaction and lifestyle diversity". The applicant proposes to cluster the 71 residential dwelling units around the nordic trail system that winds through the large central open space on the property. This site design maintains the large open space that links to the open space in the center of the Meadowood Subdivision. The development preserves the open and recreational "character" of the property that has provided 30. years of winter enjoyment for nordic skiers. 2. Growth - The Growth Action Plan for the AACP recommends a projected peak buildout of 30,000 persons (inclusive of permanent and visitor population). The projected buildout of the individual Neighborhood Planning Areas (NPA), based upon existing zoning, were combined for the projected peak buildout for the entire metro area. The AACP did not recommend downzoning to achieve peak buildout. Instead, the AACP incorporates a combination of open space preservation and density increases for affordable housing to achieve the peak population goals. Annual growth quotas for specific types of development are utilized to achieve ultimate community balance which is a critical element of the AACP. The Meadowwood NPA indicates that approximately 150-250 dwelling units are likely to be developed in this NPA based upon existing zoning. The NPA separated the Moore property into two parcels: parcel 1 (on the northwest side of Maroon Creek Road) and parcel 2 (on the southeast side of Maroon Creek Road; the subject of this application). Parcel 1 buildout is estimated to be 50-100 units and parcel 2 buildout is estimated to be 20-50 units. Sixty-five acres in parcel 1. were sold for open space, in 1992 which eliminated 32 units from buildout on parcel 1. (The submitted subdivision application proposes development for parcel 2). The AACP recommends a significant open space purchase in this NPA. In addition, the Housing section of the AACP recommends parcel 2 of the Moore property as a great location for a "micro community", which means a strong mix of affordable dwelling units and free market units. The proposal for 71 dwelling units on parcel 2 represents an increase in the number of units that were originally expected on 3 5 this parcel. The applicant proposes to upzone some of the land area to increase the allowable density on the parcel. The open space purchase eliminated 32 units from parcel 1. Thus the increase in density on parcel 2 does not push the proposed development over the projected buildout for the entire NPA. The AACP does not "credit" the "transfer" of development off of preserved open space to other areas within the same NPA. In this case, it is coincidental that the purchase of open space and the recommended increase in density for affordable housing are occurring within the same NPA. 3. Housing - The intent of the Housing Action Plan is to create a housing environment which is dispersed, appropriately scaled to the neighborhoods, and affordable. The applicant proposes to provide 31 affordable housing units that are single-family detached structures clustered around a central useable open space. This is 100% consistent with the policy in the Housing Action Plan that promotes a "micro community" on large acreage to accommodate permanent residents and the recommendation that future housing be family oriented. The proposal is also consistent with number 15 of the Action Plan that recommends working with the landowners to ensure that future development of property along Maroon Creek Road and near the schools emphasize a mix of free market and affordable family oriented housing and recreational uses. The Housing Action Plan land use map identifies the Moore property as a "great location for a village concept with trails and open space, "micro community" orientation with consideration for limited neighborhood commercial aspects." The AACP calls for the mitigation of affordable housing to be increased from 33% of the number of residents of non -deed restricted units to 60% of the number of residents of non -deed restricted units. For example, a subdivision of 100 free market residents must provide affordable housing for 60 employees, or 37.5% of all subdivision residents must be employees. 4. Commercial/Retail -'The intent of the commercial/retail action plan is to provide incentives for managed strategic growth by locally serving commercial and office uses and small lodges. There is no commercial/retail space proposed for this development. However, the Housing section of the AACP identifies the Moore property as an ideal location for a "micro" community inclusive of a small amount of commercial retail space. Staff is pointing this out because the possibility of developing such commercial space in the future should not be excluded. If commercial space were to be developed in the future, a thorough review would be required at that time. 4 x S. Open Space/Recreation and Environment - The intent of the OSRE action plan is to preserve and enhance the natural.beauty of the area. The action plan recommends developing a stimulating, active and supportive environment that -betters the lives of everyone, preserves our natural resources and provides opportunities for all to enjoy and to further the growth and development of outdoor recreation. The AACP maps the subject parcel as private open space. Although the area has been used for cross country skiing for years, it has been allowed only through the generosity of the owners. This proposal creates a more permanent public open space agreement. The AACP also maps a trails system from the Health and Human Services area to the schools and parks. The Moore family proposal provides a segment of that link on their property (the only remaining link is through the Meadowood Subdivision). Finally, the AACP maps the Moore property across Maroon Creek Road as open space. 65 acres of the 125 acres has been purchased by the Open Space .Board for open space purposes. The Open Space Board has expressed a desire for this property to become public open space. 6. Transportation - Transportation and annexation issues will be reviewed at the second meeting. CONSISTENCY WITH THE MAROON AND CASTLE NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING GROUP The AACP included a specific planning process with the Maroon and Castle Creek neighborhood (a separate group from the the Caucus, although caucus members did attend the neighborhood planning meetings). The Neighborhood planning group developed consensus statements on Character, Community, Housing, Open Space/ Recreation/Environment and/or Transportation. These consensus statements will be reviewed below relative to the Moore proposal (except transportation which will be discussed at a later meeting). It should be noted that the Moore family attended and participated in almost every neighborhood meeting. The Moores have done an excellent job at participating an the neighborhood planning level which is clearly reflected in their proposal. A. Character 1. Ensure design is compatible with the neighborhood. Staff Response: The proposal uses a lotting plan and open space configuration that is generally compatible with the existing neighborhood. The affordable lots are considerable smaller than those of the adjacent Meadowood and Highlands Subdivisions. However, natural landforms and new landscaping have been proposed to provide visual screening between the 5 6 B. adjacent Meadowood lots and the affordable housing lots. The upper lots on the Moore property are a bit larger than the existing Meadowood lots; the lower lots are smaller but more clustered, and offer a continuation of the open space found in the Meadowood Subdivision. The design of the proposal also attempts to correct existing problems with the schools relative to parking, traffic, and needed additional recreational spaces for basketball and ball field sports. 2. Promote neighborhood caucus review of projects for compatibility. Staff Response: The Moore family attended and listened to the neighborhood planning meetings for over a year and a half. Mr. Tommy Moore discussed his family's goals and issues with the planning group. As a result, specific consensus statements were developed relative to community, housing and recreation and open space which will be discussed further in this memo. It is the staff's opinion that the Moore family proposal accurately reflects the consensus of the neighborhood planning group. The Caucus is a formal review body approved by the BOCC. The formal Caucus statements are attached to this memo. 3. Promote pride of ownership. Staff Response: The neighborhood was concerned about the number of rental affordable housing units already located in the Castle and Maroon Creek planning area. The Moore proposal only includes free market and affordable SALE housing. 4. Encourage development in the neighborhood to be pedestrian -friendly and compatible with surrounding uses. Staff Response: The proposal includes the use of summer and winter trail systems which interact and connect with the existing pedestrian and bicycle systems. The proposal will help alleviate a safety problem at the school/Iselin Park crossing by installing a crosswalk signal. The proposal offers a ski lift connection from the school to keep children off of Maroon Creek Road when accessing the Highlands ski area. The proposed pedestrian trail system provides the access within the Moore property which was recommended by the AACP: "Obtain bike and pedestrian easements through the Meadowood Subdivision and other landowners for the purpose of creating a trail connection between the Health and Human Services property and the school campus and Iselin Park." Community 1.1 Encourage neighborhoods as places for children. C Rot Staff Response: The proposal integrates the use of the school facilities with affordable housing and the use of the open space for trails and cross country skiing. These are all recreational uses that will encourage participation by children and Yfamilies.. The children in the affordable neighborhood portion of the proposal will be able to walk or ride their bikes to school and to the park. 2. Expansions of existing public facilities, institutional or commercial uses should be reviewed by the neighborhood to ensure compatibility. No new public., institutional or commercial uses should be accomodated by the neighborhood. Staff Response: The expansion of the recreational facilities and improvements to the parking and.traff is circulation may be viewed as an expansion of the institutional uses in the neighborhood. However, it is a solution that is overdue. The schools have justified the need to the Moore family who have contributed the land area which otherwise could have been dedicated to housing. The addition of a ski club building can be viewed as an expansion of the existing school. It offers a reduction in traffic on the roadway and a common sense connection to the existing school facilities. C. Housing 1. Allow for dispersed affordable housing which is small scale and compatible with the neighborhood (i.e., no projects) . Staff Response: The largest cluster of affordable housing in the proposal includes 16 units on approximately 2.5 acres of land. No large scale,' Centennial -type development is proposed on the Moore property. 2. Encourage developers to meet with the neighborhood and the Caucus early in the planning process. Staff Response: The Moore family met with the neighborhood to develop consensus statements for the planning of the neighborhood. The applicant has continued to meet with the caucus to discuss the proposed development. 3. Develop Moore property adjacent to Meadowood at a lesser or similar density. Staff Response: Most of the proposed free-market lots are equal or greater in size than the lots in the Meadowood Subdivision. The affordable lots are significantly smaller than those in Meadowood. The overall density of the project 7 n is significantly less than that of Meadowood. The gross density of Meadowood (including open space) is approximately 1.3 acres per unit; the density of the Moore property, as proposed,* would be approximately 3 acres per unit. The affordable housing lots are clustered to,ac6ommodate more use of the open space rather than provide larger private lots. This arrangement is also done for practical economic reasons. 4. No high density multi -family housing projects, except at Aspen Highlands. Staff Response: No multi -family housing is proposed. 5. Housing shall be small in scale and dispersed throughout the neighborhood. Staff Response: The housing proposed shall be 3,500 to 6,000 square feet for the free market lots and 1, 100 to 2, 000 square feet for the affordable lots. The average house size in the existing (Highlands) neighborhood is 3,800 square feet. The housing proposed is dispersed around the 21.5 acre site in large tracts and is clustered to maximize the useable open space on the parcel complementing the existing Meadowood open space and nordic trail system. D. open Space/RecreationlEnvironment 1. Protect the natural environment. Staff Response: The upper portion of the property is not developed. This is the most visible portion of the property (approximately 75-80 acres) and contains the most mature native vegetation. 2. Explore ways to allow large landowners to maintain development rights for their heirs while maintaining open space. Staff comments: This proposal preserves the most critical useable open space on the site and provides development for the owners. 3. Enhance the residential character of the neighborhood by sensitive, flexible site planning designed to orient development areas toward open areas and to link activity centers via a system of trails and open space connectors. Staff Response: This site plan links activity areas via a system of trails for both summer and winter use. The AACP encourages an additional link through the Meadowood Subdivision, which is the key to linking the Moore Family Subdivision trails with the public park and schools. Within 8 V the site, the applicant provides a number of trails and the opportunity for future links off -site. 4. Encourage clustering where -development does occur in. order to maintain open space parcels. Staff Response: This site plan clusters development in order to maintain the existing open space parcels to the greatest extent possible. The road system could be.revised adjacent to the Meadowood'Subdivision to eliminate a roadway and provide more continuous, undisturbed open space. 5. Maintain access trails to lakes. Staff Response: This proposal maintains access to trails on the Moore property, although several trails have been realigned. 6. Create small neighborhood parks for families and children. Staff response: The proposal does not create formal park areas, but allows the public (neighborhood included) -to enjoy a network of trails and open space. 7. Maintain cross-country ski trails. Staff Response: This proposal preserves the existing cross- country ski trails of the Moore property. STAFF FINDINGS: Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission make the following findings: 1. The Moore Family general submission application is consistent with the Character orientation of the AACP because the proposed development preserves the recreational and open space nature of. this parcel as .an opportunity for social interaction and lifestyle diversity. 2. The Moore Family general submission application is consistent with the AACP Growth Action Plan because the proposed development does not exceed the projected buildout for the NPA and therefore is consistent with the projected peak buildout of 30,000 persons within the metro area. 3. 'The Moore Family general submission application is consistent with the AACP dousing Action Plan because the proposed development represents a "micro community" that has been designed for the permanent resident. The development plan provides the desired mix of .free market and affordable family oriented housing. 9 4. The Moore Family general submission application is consistent with the AACP Open Space/Recreation/Environment Action Plan because the proposed development maintains existing trail networks, provides additional public open space, and furthers the safety of the link between the trail system and Iselin Park. 5. The Moore Family proposal is generally consistent with the neighborhood planning group's concensus statements because it provides free market residential lots which are of similar size. Homes to be built in the free market portion of the development will be in scale with the surrounding neighborhoods (3,500 to 6,000 square feet). The proposal 'is also consistent with the neighborhood planning group's concensus statements because the affordable housing is dispersed and small scale. The Moore proposal's overall density (one unit per 3 acres) is significantly less than adjacent neighborhoods (one unit -per 1.3 acres). The proposal provides the type of affordable housing which is most similar in scale to the surrounding free market subdivisions. The proposal offers trail connections which link activity areas for both summer and winter. The proposal maintains valued open space parcels adjacent to existing neighboring open space parcels. RECOMMENDED MOTION: "I move to adopt the findings in Planning memo date November 30, 1993, as it pertains to the Moore Family Subdivision, and forward this finding to the County Planning and Zoning Commission." ATTACHMENTS: A. Moore Property vicinity Map B. Moore Property Site Plan C. Moore Application D. Meadowood Home Owners Association Letter E. Maroon/Castle Caucus Letter F. Open Space and Trails Board Letter 10 �ID Meadowood Home Owners Association P.O. Box 8774V Aspen, Colorado 81612 pLMING is $ONING COMMISSION EXHIBIT D , APPROVED ► — 19 BY RESOLUTION • November 59 1993 Mr, Tim Malloy City of Aspen/Pitkin County planning Department 130 South Galena Aspen, CO 81611 Dear Tim: At the monthly meeting, October 26, 19939 of the Meadowood Homeowners Association Board of Directors the Moore Family PUD was discussed. Besides the board there were a number of homeowners present. Below is a list of our immediate concerns and suggestions. CONCERNS: 1. The present and future traffic congestion at the intersection of Maroon Creek Road, Castle Creek Road and Highway 82 is not -be addressed. 2. Total density is too high as proposed. 3. Density of affordable housing Lots 17 through 31 is too high. 4. Arlian Drive is too close to Meadowood property line. 5. The PUD submission does not address wildlife concerns. 6: On going maintenance of vegetation screening between. Moore project and Meadowood subdivision. SUGGESTIONS: 1: Disperse affordable housing throughout the project; not clusteA%&s shown. 2. Arlian Drive could be relocated and/or shortened in length. 3. Increase property line setbacks. More of a buffer zone between Meadowood lots and Moore lots. The members of the Meadowood Homeowners Association will be meeting with Tom Moore and Glen Horn on Tuesday, November 23rd at 5:30PM at the Prince of Peace Chapel to discuss our concerns and suggestions. -page 2 Will you please pass on our concerns and suggestions to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Please get in touch with me if you have any questions. I may be reached at 925-7772 Thank you for your consideration in this matter. S 1nC ly King R. Woodward Secretary Meadowood Homeowners Association \1/ Meadowood Home Owners Association P.O. Box 8774 Aspen, Colorado 81612 Following are concerns and suggestions that were discussed at the Meadowood Homeowners Association board meeting of October regarding the Moore Family PUD submission. Homeowners present: DRC and Ruth Brown, Doug Carlson, Bob and Judi Francis, Dick and Sunny Meeker, Tage Pedersen, Perry Pollock an Marius Sanger. Board members present: Becky Ayres, Chuck Frias, Paul Patterson, David Schweppe, Nat Selikson, Steve Wickes, Ring Woodward. CONCERNS/SUGGESTIONS 1. Total density too high as proposed. 2. Density of affordable housing Lots 17 to 31 is too high. 3. Dis perse erse affordable housing throughout project; not clustered as shown. 4. Affordable housing could be moved into open space. 5. Arlian Drive too close to Meadowood property line. Should be relocated and/or shortened in length. 6. Wildlife concerns. PUD does not address this matter. 7. Avalanche areas. 8. Increase property line setbacks. More of a buffer area between Meadowood lots and Moore lots. 9. Maintenance of vegetation screening between Moore project and Meadowood area. 0 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION EXHIBIT —, APPROVED �.._. 19 BY RESOLUTION /ATTCW4NFYAT1AW 106 SOUTH MILL STREET, ASPEN, COLORAD0 81611 (303) 925-6150 FAX 925-6151 November 8, 1993 Aspen/Pitkin County Planning Department Attn. Tim Malloy 130 S. Galena Street Aspen, Colorado 81611 Re: Moore development Dear Tim: 0 � � 1 1 (� j993 j' f i' The Maroon/Castle Caucus has met concerning the Moore application, and the results of our discussion are as follows: 1. Perhaps the item of greatest concern was transportation. Of course, you and the other planners have heard from the Caucus many times on the transportation concerns. Primarily, of course, we have repeatedly stressed that logic and common sense dictate that the problems surrounding the Highway 82/Maroon Creek Road intersection be solved before any further development take place in the area. Obviously, the Moore project merely compounds the problem. Thus, we would reiterate that development on the Moore parcel be postponed until such time as the intersection situation is resolved. 2. The area of next greatest concern is the clustering of employee housing in the meadow. I_have previously written to you expressing my personal position on this issue. The Caucus is in total agreement with that position. As you may know, the Meadowood Homeowner's Association has also begun reviewing the Moore proposal. I enclose herewith a memo reflecting that organization's objections to the proposal as well. You will note that the Meadowood Homeowners take the same position on the employee housing issue as the Caucus. 3. The Board also felt that Arlain Road was placed too close to the Meadowood subdivision line. The feeling was that the access to the Moore subdivision could be located along the high school and limited to the single access road which is shown on the plat. The feeling seemed to be that the meadow area should be preserved in a state as nearly akin as its present state as possible. ��l 4. The Board also concluded that the overall density of the project was excessive. 5. In general, the Caucus board felt that the Meadowood memo encompassed all of the same objections and concerns which were felt by the Caucus board. me. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sincew,,61y, Robert F a is PLANNING & EONI, -,--..:.iSSrLON :EXHIBIT , APPROVED___._______. r 19 EY RESOLUTION WIL4VT(0.11 ,VO: TIN MALLOY FROM: MARK FULLER' 1' 1 M: MOORE PROPERTY APPLICATION DATE : November 19 , 1993 The Open Space and Trails Board reviewed the Moore Family land use application with you at their regular meeting yesterday. ;The Board made the following comments on this application: 1. The Open Space and Trails Board would prefer that the proposed open apace reserves within the subdivision be put under public ownership and management, rather than remaining the private property of the subdivision. The reasons for this are as follows: The future may bring new needs for open space, trails and recreational facilities in this neighborhood which may require that the proposed uses of these properties be reconfigured. As an example of how future plans might be hampered if these properties are left under private control, the .Board cited the Meadowwood subdivision, which is blocking a critical trail -link across their open space parcel. The need for this trAil was not anticipated when the Meadowwood subdivision -was approved and there is now no mechanism, short of condemnation, to install this link. - The subdivision will be responsible for maintaining an active park, including playing fields, ski trails, nordic and pedestrian trails, a ski club facility, a ski lift, and various associated facilities. The application does not go into detail regarding how these properties will be maintained, but it is reasonable to assume that at some point the subdivision will require the active assistance of the City of Aspen, the School District, the County, or other agencies charged with parks and open space management'in order to keep these facilities operational. Given the quasi -public nature of some of these facilities, it, might make more sense to incorporate them now into the inventory of public open space, trails and parks facilities. 2. The Board :asked that the applicant consider the potential advantages of providing a gift of some or all of the open space parcels. There might be financial advantages to the applicant in donating these parcels to the public and the Open Space and Trails Program would be happy to assist in taking that determination or facilitating such a transaction. 3.'he Board expressed the concern that the all --purpose trail between lots 9/10/11/3 and lots 6/7/8/4 goes directly uphill. While this may work as a ski -in access from Highlands, it will probably not work very well for other purposes. we would recommend that the year-round trail be.realigned in this area to follow contours. 1� • . i TO: Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission FROM: Mary Lackner, Planner RE: County Referral Benedict Stillwater Ranch GMQS. DATE: November 30, 1993 SUMMARY: This meeting will review the proposed development's consistency with the specific elements of the Aspen Area Community Plan (AACP). The AACP was adopted for the metro area and was intended to make recommendations regarding growth and land use issues. It is also the policy document that guides local land use review and legislation. Staff anticipates this referral to be completed in tonight's meeting. APPLICANT: Mrs. Fabienne.Benedict, as represented by Sunny Vann, Vann Associates. LOCATION: The property is located immediately adjacent to the City of Aspen's northeastern boundary next to the Aspen Club. ZONING: The 51.8 acre site is zoned as follows: 3.3 acres R-15 (1 dwelling unit/15,000 sq.ft) 8.3 acres AF-1 (1 dwelling unit/10 acres) 40.2 acres AF-2 (1 dwelling unit/2 acres) APPLICANT'S REQUEST: The applicant is requesting approval for: o Four new free-market single family detached dwellings. o Four low income one bedroom affordable housing units. REVIEW PROCESS: The Commission is reviewing this request for two reasons. First, pursuant to Section 6-3.4(b)(2)(A) of the Pitkin County Land Use Code and with Colorado State Statutes, any proposal within two miles of a municipality shall be referred to that jurisdiction for review. The Benedict property is about 25% contiguous with the City of Aspen boundary. Secondly, the applicant has requested to tap onto an existing City water main. The water policy of 1993.requires City Council to approve water taps to parcels located outside of the City limits. According to the City Attorney, that in exchange for utilizing City water within the development the applicant shall agree to be annexed into the City of Aspen, if requested by City Council. The application that has been submitted is a general submission for subdivision and GMQS allocation. The County review process, divides project review for significant developments into two categories, general submission and detailed submission. General submission is designed to flush out threshold issues. Detailed submission would include information regarding the number of sale versus rental affordable housing units, proposed floor area and building footprints. This first level of review is also intended to identify missing elements that must be included in detailed submission. General submission review can be compared to the City's conceptual development review. The GMQS scoring is a separate process. Scoring is based upon the general submission application. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The 51.8 acre parcel contains one single family residence which is occupied by the applicant. CONSISTENCY WITH THE AACP 1. Character- The development features of the character based plan are recommended to "maintain and create places and opportunities for social interaction and lifestyle diversity." The applicant proposes,a total of eight residential dwelling units to be located around an open space parcel. The open space parcel preserves the on -site riparian, floodplain and meadow areas. In an earlier development approval, the applicant dedicated two trail easements to the County. 2. Growth- The Growth Action Plan for the AACP recommends a projected peak buildout of 30,000 persons (inclusive of permanent and visitor population). The intent of the Growth Action Plan is to encourage land uses, businesses and events which serve both the local community and tourist base. The AACP has identified the Benedict parcel as an underbuilt parcel with a projected development of 10 dwelling units. Existing zoning of the property permits 30 free market residential dwelling units. The applicant's proposal meets the recommendations of the AACP Growth Element, as development is proposed significantly below allowed density. Should the applicant's parcel be annexed and rezoned to AH, staff would anticipate a much greater density from an AH project than.whatis currently proposed. Such rezoning may cause conflicts with environmental constraints on the property. 3. Transportation- The intent of the Transportation Action Plan is to provide a balanced, integrated transportation system for residents, visitors and commuters that reduces congestion and pollution. The development is anticipated to generated approximately 48 additional traffic trips per day. However, potential road impacts may be less due to the close proximity of a RFTA Mountain Valley Kd rd'o The applicant's- past dedication for a portion of they Highway 82 trail corridor contributes to improving non -vehicular transit in the -eastern area of Aspen. Staff believes that the application meets the recommendations of the transportation element of the AACP . 6. Housing- The intent of the Housing Action Plan is to create a housing environment which is affordable, dispersed, appropriately scaled to the neighborhood. The Plan also seeks to require new residential subdivisions to provide a minimum of 60% affordable housing. The AACP Housing map identifies the Benedict parcel as a "great" location for low density, single family or duplex housing. The applicant's proposal achieves a 50/50 mix of units and an 83% free market/17% deed restricted bedroom count. The proposal does not meet the 60% affordable housing recommendation of.the Housing Action Plan. However, the applicant's proposal exceeds the minimum requirements for meeting the affordable housing requirements for competition in Pitkin County's metro -area GMQS competition. For this application to meet the recommendations of the AACP, staff suggests that the applicant increase the bedroom mix of the affordable housing units to reach the 60% deed restricted bedroom and 40% free market bedroom split. S. Commercial/Retail, Office and Lodging -'The intent of the Commercial/Retail office and Lodging Action Plan is to provide incentives for managed strategic growth by locally serving commercial and office uses and small lodges. This development does not propose any commercial' or retail development, and the AACP does not identify this site for such uses. 6. Open Space/Recreation and Environment- The intent of the Open Space/Recreation and Environment Action Plan is to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area. The Action Plan recommends developing a stimulating, active and supportive environment that betters the lives. of everyone, preserves. our, natural resources and provides opportunities for all to enjoy and to further the growth and development of outdoor recreation. In a previous land use application, the applicant dedicated two trail easements to Pitkin County. A year-round trail was dedicated to extend the existing Highway 82 trail corridor towards the Northstar nature preserve and a winter trail from Ute Avenue to an existing trail easement within the Preserve subdivision. 3 The applicant has created a 12.5 acre open space parcel to preserve sensitive riparian areas, the floodplain of the Roaring Fork River and open meadows. P6rtions of the applicant's property are encumbered by avalanche hazard, proximity to a primary wildlife migration corridor, 100-year f loodplain, riparian habitat and steep slopes. The applicant has sited the proposed building envelopes to avoid these sensitive areas. The application meets the goals of the open space, recreation/environment element of the AACP. SUMMARY: The findings of the Planning Commission will be passed onto the County Planning and Zoning Commission at their December 71 1993 meeting. To assist the Aspen Planning Commission in making these findings staff offers the following: 1. The Benedict Stillwater Ranch application is consistent with the Character orientation of the AACP because the proposed development preserves sensitive open space and provides some opportunity for social interaction and lifestyle diversity. 2. The Benedict Stillwater Ranch application is consistent with the Growth Action Plan because the proposed development does not exceed the projected buildout for the neighborhood planning area and in fact is significantly below density permitted under the existing zoning. 3. The Benedict Stillwater Ranch application is consistent with the Transportation Action Plan because the applicant had dedicated the Highway 82 trail corridor as it crosses the property in a previous application and due to the close proximity to an existing RFTA bus stop. 4. The Benedict Stillwater Ranch application is not consistent with the Housing Action Plan because this site was identified to be used for the development of affordable low density single family or duplex housing. The applicant's bedroom mix is inconsistent with the AACP because the bedroom count is proposed at 83% free market and 17% deed restricted, whereby the Housing Action Plan recommends a mix -of 60% affordable and 40% free market bedrooms. 5. The Benedict Stillwater Ranch application is consistent with the Open Space /Recreation and Environment Action Plan because the development has preserved sensitive areas as open space and that the applicant had dedicated a winter trail connection and a year-round trail connection to the County. RECOMMENDED MOTION: "I move to adopt the findings in the Planning Office memorandum dated November 30, 1993, as it pertains to the Benedict Stillwater Ranch subdivision, and forward these findings to the County Planning and Zoning Commission." 4 I,\ �r...� �"Inuit c, ra*m'y, ♦ } ._ -r ... �_, nv .s �. i�{e.- �_: .rye .__�.... x�i�'Yf.4r'G43G1� - ax..�r_,r. �.___.....��.___ ... _ ,- ATTACHMENTS: 1: :Benedict property vicinity map 2: Benedict property site plan h i f / V) �OM¢R 44* �Y�M' �Fyy�K � :-Attachment 2 _11