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Home My WebLink About2007 07 23 Public Hearing 502 Amendment to Aesthetic Review for West End Offices COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 502 Consent Informational Public Bearing X Regular July 23,2007 Meeting MGR. REQUEST: The Community Development Department- Planning Division requests the City Commission hold a Public Hearing for an amendment to the previously approved West End Offices Aesthetic Review, to include the buffer wall at the rear property line. West End Offices is under construction at 1135 E State Road 434 in the Town Center. PURPOSE: To encourage creative, effective, and flexible architectural standards and cohesive community development consistent with the intent and purpose of Article XI - Minimum Community Appearance and Aesthetic Review Standards. APPLICABLE LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY: Ordinance 2003-43, Aesthetic Review Standards, City of Winter Springs Section 9-601. Approval prerequisite for permits. Section 9-605. Submittal requirements. Section 20-469 Buffers and Walls (SR 434 New Development Overlay District) ". . . shall construct, at the developer's expense, an opaque wall of six (6) feet in height along the full length ofthe property line. . . The wall shall be constructed of concrete block, brick, or other durable material (wood not allowed) which is compatible with the surrounding area, and acceptable to the development review committee as to compatibility, design, and compliance with this section and the City Code... The wall requirements of this section shall apply along the boundary of property that also constitutes the outer perimeter of the existing area zoned Town Center." CHRONOLOGY: Feb. 27.2006- Concept Plan Approval June 26. 2006-Aesthetic Review Approval Aug. 14. 2006-Final Engineering Approval Dec. 1 L 2006-Development Agreement Approval Jan. 8.2007- Modification to Development Agreement Approval July 23, 2007 PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 502 CONSIDERA TIONS: West End Offices is located on the south side of State Road 434 at 1135 E State Road 434, immediately west of Jesup's Reserve in the Town Center. It is currently under construction and will include two matching, symmetrical office buildings, each three stories in height. West End Offices previously received Aesthetic Review Approval over a year ago, but this Approval did not include a review or approval of the rear buffer wall. City Code [so 20-469] requires an opaque buffer wall of six (6) feet in height along the boundary of property that also constitutes the outer perimeter of the existing area zoned Town Center. As a result, West End Offices is proposing a buffer wall along its rear property line. The wall will buffer residents of the Tuscawilla Trails Manufactured Homes Park from the West End Offices parking lot. The request is for Aesthetic Review approval of this required buffer wall. The wall includes the combination of both a retaining wall and a free standing, six (6) foot wall above it. The proposed wall is to be constructed out ofthe same materials as the retaining wall surrounding the stormwater pond. A thirty foot wide right-of-way extends along the southern property boundary. The Development Agreement of Dec. 11,2006 allows the property owner to construct and maintain improvements (such as the proposed buffer wall) in this ROW. The submittal requirements for aesthetic review are set forth in Section 9-605 and include the following: (a) a site plan; (b) elevations illustrating all sides of structures facing public streets or spaces; (c) illustrations of all walls, fences, and other accessory structures and the indication of height and their associated materials; (d) elevation of proposed exterior permanent signs or other constructed elements other than habitable space, if any; (e) illustrations of materials, texture, and colors to be used on all buildings, accessory structures, exterior signs; and (f) other architectural and engineering data as may be required. The procedures for review and approval are set forth in Section 9-603. The City Commission may approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove the application only after consideration of whether the following criteria have been satisfied: (1) The plans and specifications of the proposed project indicate that the setting, landscaping, proportions, materials, colors, textures, scale, unity, balance, rhythm, contrast, and simplicity are coordinated in a harmonious manner relevant to the particular proposal, surrounding area and cultural character of the community. The proposed wall is to be constructed of grey split-face concrete block and is the same material utilized around the retention pond. The buildings are also grey. (2) The plans for the proposed project are in harmony with any future development which has been formally approved by the City within the surrounding area. The proposed wall appears in harmony with existing and future development in the area. (3) The plans for the proposed project are not excessively similar or dissimilar to any other building, structure or sign which is either fully constructed, permitted but not fully constructed, or included on the same permit application, and facing upon the same or intersecting street within five hundred (500) feet of the proposed site, with respect to one or more of the following features of exterior design and appearance: (A) Front or side elevations, July 23, 2007 PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 502 (B) Size and arrangement of elevation facing the street, including reverse arrangement, (C) Other significant features of design such as, but not limited to: materials, roof line, hardscape improvements, and height or design elements. The proposed wall is approximately 400' long and will include ten 2-foot wide pilasters every 40' to help add dimension and detail. It will also include a concrete cap. (4) The plans for the proposed project are in harmony with, or significantly enhance, the established character of other buildings, structures or signs in the surrounding area with respect to architectural specifications and design features deemed significant based upon commonly accepted architectural principles of the local community. The proposed wall will help screen the neighboring Tuscawilla Trails development from the West End Offices parking lot. The wall is to be constructed of durable split-face concrete block that will require little, if any, maintenance. (5) The proposed project is consistent and compatible with the intent and purpose of this Article, the Comprehensive Plan for Winter Springs, design criteria adopted by the city (e.g. SR 434 design specifications) and other applicable federal state or local laws. The West End Office Centre buffer wall meets the requirements of the city's design criteria as specified in the Code. (6) The proposed project has incorporated significant architectural enhancements such as concrete masonry units with stucco, marble, termite-resistant wood, wrought iron, brick, columns and piers, porches, arches, fountains, planting areas, display windows, and other distinctive design detailing and promoting the character of the community. The use of split-face concrete block material and the addition of the pilasters and cap gives detailing and durability to the proposed buffer wall. FINDINGS: · The wall meets code requirements and is to be constructed of durable material. · The wall includes plasters and a cap to give it detailing and make it more attractive. The proposed wall is grey and will complement the buildings which will also be grey. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Commission grant Approval of the amendment to the West End Offices Aesthetic Review package. ATTACHMENTS: A. 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