HomeMy WebLinkAbout861-OB
DATE: September 21, 2015
TO: Planning Commission and City Council
FROM: Chris Boone, Director of Planning and Community Development
SUBJECT: Consider a request for a waiver to the sidewalk requirement along Calder Avenue.
FILE: 861-OB
STAFF REPORT
Planning staff recommends denial.
Lloyd McWilliams, on behalf of Buckner Retirement Services, is requesting a waiver to
the requirements for a sidewalk. The sidewalk would be required as part of their proposed
expansion of the facility that would include approximately eight new buildings. The
development is being constructed at 8070 Calder Avenue.
Reasons stated for the waiver request include lack of adequate right-of-way, due to a
drainage swale, due to the curve and 30 mph speed limit, a sidewalk would be dangerous,
several accidents have occurred in this area, sidewalks at the far west end of the property
would end at a DD6 ditch, requiring pedestrians to navigate the bridge.
With regard to the waiver, the ordinance states:
(3) The planning and zoning commission may grant a waiver to the sidewalk requirement
if the applicant can prove that there is an engineering reason for not installing a
sidewalk. (Chapter 26, Section 26.03.004 (3))
Although a letter has been submitted from an engineer, City Engineering has reviewed
the request and states, "According to AASHTO Geometric Design of Highways and
Streets Chapter 4.17, Border (space between roadway and property line) width varies
considerably, but 8 feet is considered an appropriate minimum width. In this case, there
is an average of 20' wide border and there is enough room to install a 4' wide sidewalk."
Also, with regard to the right-of-way, while a gentle swale does exist on part of the
right-of-way between the site’s fence and curb, we have seen recent examples on Major
Drive where a sidewalk was waived because of a similar swale, but sidewalks were able
to be installed, thereafter.
Given the proximity of this and other residential uses to nearby shops and restaurants,
staff feels that every attempt should be made to provide the sidewalk.
Exhibits are attached.