HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-18 PC Staff Report MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN #02-18
Regents Crest
Staff Report for the Planning Commission
Prepared: March 23, 2018
Staff Contact: M. Tyler Klein, AICP, Planner
This report is prepared by the Frederick County Planning Staff to provide information to the
Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors to assist in the review of this application. It may
also be useful to others interested in this zoning matter.
Reviewed Action
Planning Commission: 04/04/18 Pending
Board of Supervisors: 05/09/18 Pending
PROPOSAL: The Applicant seeks to develop 8.88-acres of property zoned RP (Residential
Performance) District and 1.02-acres zoned B2 (General Business) District 9.9-acres total into 95
townhome units and four (4) single-family small lot (attached) units.
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Stonewall
PROPERTY ID NUMBERS: 53-7-1 through 66A
LOCATION: The properties are located generally south of Route 522 in Sunnyside south of Trafalgar
Square (Sage Circle).
PROPERTY ZONING & PRESENT USE:
Zoned: RP (Residential Performance) & B2 (General Business) Use: Vacant
ZONING & PRESENT USE OF ADJOINING PROPERTIES:
North: RP (Residential Performance) Use: Residential
B2 (General Business) Use: Commercial
South: RP (Residential Performance) Use: Open Space
East: RP (Residential Performance) Use: Residential
B2 (General Business) Use: Vacant
West: RP (Residential Performance) Use: Residential/Open Space
STAFF CONCLUSIONS FOR THE 04/04/18 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING:
The Master Development Plan for Regents Crest appears to be consistent with the requirements of
Article VIII, Master Development Plan, of the Frederick County Zoning Ordinance, and this MDP is in
a form that is administratively approvable. All of the issues brought forth by the Planning Commission
should be appropriately addressed by the Applicant.
It appears that the application meets all requirements. Following presentation of the application to
the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors, and the incorporation of your comments,
staff is prepared to proceed to approval of the application.
MDP #02-18, Regents Crest Subdivision
March 23, 2018
Page 2
REVIEW EVALUATIONS:
Virginia Department of Transportation: The master development plan for this property appears to
have a measurable impact on Route 522, the initial VDOT facility that would provide access to the
property. The application as presented appears acceptable. Please provide this office one digital copy of
the approved MDP signed by Frederick County.
See comment letter dated January 31, 2018.
Frederick County Fire Marshal: Plans approved.
See comment letter dated February 6, 2018.
Frederick County Public Works: A question has been raised about storm easements for the storm
sewer network and pond within the development. At the time of subdivision plan submission, show all
recorded easements on the plan including outfall easements to ensure that the future HOA can maintain
all proposed facilities. A comprehensive review of stormwater drainage calculations shall also be
performed. The current is under an existing VSMP permit. If there is an increase in impervious surface,
and review of compliance with regulations will be required.
See comment letter dated January 31, 2018.
Frederick County Inspections: Comments shall be made at site plan submittal.
See comment letter dated January 22, 2018.
Frederick Water: Frederick Water offers comments limited to the anticipated impact/effect upon
Frederick Water’s public water and sanitary sewer system and the demands thereon.
The project’s water and sewer infrastructure has already been designed and constructed to serve 66
residential dwellings. The revised MDP increases the total dwelling count to 103 units. The existing
infrastructure should be adequate to accommodate the water and sewer demands from the project.
Please note that each residential unit will be required to purchase connections to the water and sewer
system and maintain individual meters and account with Frederick Water. Additionally, the introduction
of 37 additional units will warrant wet taps into the existing water infrastructure.
See comment letter dated February 22, 2018.
Frederick County Public Schools: Frederick County Public Schools has reviewed the Regents Crest
master development plan application submitted to us on February 27, 2018. We offer the following
comment:
The cumulative impact of this development and other development in Frederick County will require
construction of new schools and support facilities to accommodate increased student enrollment. This
development proposal includes 99 single-family attached units. We estimate that this development will
MDP #02-18, Regents Crest Subdivision
March 23, 2018
Page 3
house 26 students: 7 high school students, 7 middle school students, and 12 elementary school students.
In order to properly serve these additional students, Frederick County Public Schools would spend an
estimated $325,000 more per year in operating costs (or $3,283 average per unit per year) and an
estimated $1,204,000 in one-time capital expenditures (or $12,162 average per unit). You will find,
attached to this letter, a more detailed assessment of the estimated impact o f Regents Crest on FCPS,
including attendance zone information.
It is noted that all streets in Regents Crest except Trafalgar Square will be private lanes. As our buses
don’t travel down private lanes, students who live on private streets will need to walk to a bus stop
located on a public street at a location designated by our Transportation Department.
See comment letter dated March 12, 2018.
Frederick County Parks and Recreation: Plan appears to meet Parks and Recreation requirements.
See comment letter dated March 5, 2018.
Planning & Zoning:
A) Master Development Plan Requirement
A Master Development Plan is required prior to development of this property. Before a MDP
can be approved, it must be reviewed by the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors and all
relevant review agencies. Approval may only be granted if the MDP conforms to all
requirements of the Frederick County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. The purpose of the
MDP is to promote orderly and planned development of the property within Frederick County
that suits the characteristics of the land, is harmonious with adjoining property and is in the best
interest of the general public.
B) Site History
These properties were not part of a rezoning or other legislative application. The original
Frederick County Zoning Map (U.S.G.S. Winchester Quadrangle) depicts the zoning for the
subject parcel as B2 (Business General) District and R3 (Residential Limited) District. No
zoning changes have been made to the portion of the property zoned B2 District. The portion of
the property zoned R3 District was changed to RP (Residential Performance) District on
September 28, 1983 when the R1, R2, R3, and R6 zoning districts were reclassified.
C) Site Suitability & Project Scope
Comprehensive Plan:
The 2035 Comprehensive Policy Plan is an official public document that serves as the
Community's guide for making decisions regarding development, preservation, public facilities
and other key components of community life. The primary goal of this Plan is to protect and
improve the living environment within Frederick County. It is in essence a composition of
policies used to plan for the future physical development of Frederick County.
Land Use Compatibility:
These properties are not part of any land-use plan. The proposed development is in the
Sunnyside neighborhood of Frederick County. A mixture of residential and commercial uses
MDP #02-18, Regents Crest Subdivision
March 23, 2018
Page 4
exists near the subject parcels. Westminster Canterbury is located to the rear of the subject
parcels and single-family detached residential dwellings exist along the northwest property line,
along the east property line, and across North Frederick Pike (Route 522 North). Commercial
properties also exist across North Frederick Pike (Route 522 North).
Site Access and Transportation:
Access, as shown on the MDP, will be provided to the site via Trafalgar Square from Route 522
North (Northwestern Pike). Internal streets (Sage Circle, Reign Way, Lance Way) will provide
circulation throughout the development. Sidewalks will also be provided on either side of
internal streets for pedestrian connectivity within the development. The Applicant will also
provide a 5’ trail along the perimeter of the property for recreation.
STAFF CONCLUSIONS FOR THE 04/04/18 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING:
The Master Development Plan for Regents Crest appears to be consistent with the requirements of
Article VIII, Master Development Plan, of the Frederick County Zoning Ordinance, and this MDP is in
a form that is administratively approvable. All of the issues brought forth by the Planning Commission
should be appropriately addressed by the Applicant.
It appears that the application meets all requirements. Following presentation of the application to
the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors, and the incorporation of your comments,
staff is prepared to proceed to approval of the application.