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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-1995 DRB Minutes DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MINUTES - FEBRUARY 21, 1995 Members Present: Roger Cruwys John DeHaas Cliff Chisholm Mara-Gai Katz Maire O 'Neill Staff Present: Therese Berger Dale Beland Visitors Present: Doug Rand Doug Daniels Carl Solvie Project Review 1. Gran Tree Conoco Planner Beland reviewed the proposal and explained that the subject project has been reviewed by the Development Review Committee and approved with conditions . He explained that the architectural design is compatible with the Gran Tree Inn. Staff has recognized the entire site as one ownership entity irrespective of separate parcels . He reviewed the zoning ordinance in regards to pump island canopy height and explained the options of either building the canopy without the pitched roof form to stay within the 18 ' height limitation or requesting a deviation for increased canopy height . Planner Beland indicated that staff supports a recommendation for the deviation for extra height. Cliff Chisholm asked for clarification on the regulations that limit the height of the canopy. Planner Beland explained that the code has special standards regulating service stations . Planner Beland explained the unique character of the site in regards to landscaping, number of accesses and the challenge inherent in on-site traffic flow. He indicated that the applicant has revised the site plan to create a 90 degree intersection at North 7th Avenue and Baxter Lane, and noted that due to the underground utilities, landscaping in the right-of -way will be subject to Montana Department of Transportation approval . Cliff Chisholm confirmed with Planner Beland that the improvements would be installed and maintained by the developer even though they would be installed in the right-of -way. Planner Beland pointed out that the existing pylon sign will be eliminated; and the large Gran Tree Inn sign is subject to amortization. He noted the proposed signage and suggested the DRB mandate a condition to direct staff to work with the applicant on final details of the signage plan if DRB agrees with the overall sign concept. Cliff Chisholm confirmed that the building would contain retail sales , a sit-down restaurant, and a drive-thru service window. Planner Beland suggested more prominent landscaped islands to help direct traffic flow in the drive-thru area. He indicated that the applicant may be able to install a raised concrete island given the necessary truck radius; however, it may not be wide enough for landscaping. Roger Cruwys asked if the parking is adequate. Planner Beland explained that the parking for the existing and proposed uses is adequate. Mara-Gai Katz asked for clarification regarding the canopy. Doug Rand explained that a 16 ' clearance is required under the canopy and they are attempting to tie in the architecture of the sloped roof with the other buildings . Doug Rand noted the proposed signage on the two facial of the canopy to guide traffic from both directions . Cliff Chisholm remarked that the Entryway Corridor Guidelines encourage the use of a pitched roof and indicated that he is inclined to support the deviation on the height of the canopy, in light of the proposed landscaping improvements on the right-of-way. Roger Cruwys commented that the mass and the length of the canopy would be compatible with the pitched roof . Maire O'Neill suggested that the mass of the canopy possibly obscures the building elevation. Cliff Chisholm agreed that the canopy will not be as nice to look at as the recent changes made to the front of the hotel and the new convenience store. Doug Rand noted a photo display of the existing canopy as seen from the street which allowed sufficient view to the background structures . After a general discussion on the applicant ' s attempts at reorienting the structures and Conoco ' s guidelines , Doug Rand contended that orientation of the gas islands is limited by regulations and the site. Carl Solvie added that they had to meet standards which dictate the distance from the pumps to the cashier, the distance of the adjacent parking from the store, the turning radii for larger vehicles , traffic flow, and good business practices . Maire O 'Neill asked if the applicant has considered breaking up the pumps into two islands. Carl Solvie remarked that breaking up the pumps would not work if safe traffic control is a consideration. Maire O'Neill questioned whether the City of Bozeman should be forced to take on the national marketing standards of corporate businesses . Carl Solvie contended that the site is designed in the way it will work the best. Roger Cruwys remarked that he feels the landscaping is somewhat inadequate and suggested that the applicant put more trees in the islands given the amount of asphalt. He commented that he noticed that the plant list makes no reference for coniferous or evergreen materials . He suggested the possibility of more landscaped islands at the southwest portion of the site. Carl Solvie explained that the subject area will be accessed daily by trucks and they are trying not to congest the driveway. Carl Solvie commented that significant portions of the site will be landscaped and maintained, whereas currently the open space is not maintained. He said that even though the square footage of landscaping is not increasing, the quality is increasing dramatically. John DeHaas suggested the possibility of providing an outdoor picnic table. Cliff Chisholm asked if anything over a 20% deviation could be approved. Planner Beland responded that if the Board is inclined to approve the proposal as is, City Commission would need to make a determination on whether a deviation over 20% is allowable. He continued that if the proposal cannot be approved with a deviation over 20%, then the Board will have recommended a 20% deviation. Based on the fact that the Gran Tree Conoco proposal represents a significant improvement to the site, Cliff Chisholm moved, seconded by John DeHaas, to recommend approval of the project with staff conditions as well as added recommendations that City Commission grant the canopy height deviation, given the encouragement of pitched roof forms along the Entryway Corridor, and a condition that larger scale trees and coniferous trees be added to the landscaping plan as presented. The motion carried with a unanimous voice vote of the members present .