HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-6079-H Staff AnalysisMarch 27, 2008
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NAME: Little Rock Christian Academy Long -form POD
LOCATION: Located at 19010 Highway 10
DEVELOPER:
Little Rock Christian Academy
19010 Cantrell Road — P.O. Box 17450
Little Rock, AR 72223
ENGINEER:
Central Arkansas Engineering
11708 Kanis Road
Little Rock, AR 72211
ARrHITFC,T-
Lewis Architects Engineers
11225 Huron Suite 104
Little Rock, AR 72211
AREA: 52.07 acres
CURRENT ZONING
ALLOWED USES
PROPOSED ZONING
NUMBER OF LOTS: 1
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF
R-2, Single-family with a CUP for a school
Private elementary, middle and high school
PROPOSED USE: Master Plan for a private elementary, middle and high school
VARIAN CESM/AIVERS REQUESTED:
1. A deferral of the Master Street Plan requirements for the construction of
improvements to Highway 10 for five years or until adjacent development occurs.
2. A deferral of the required sidewalk or bike trail along the Divide Parkway for a period
of five years or until adjacent development occurs.
3. A variance from Section 29-187(e) (1) of the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow
advanced grading of a multi -phased development when construction is imminent on
Phase I.
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
BACKGROUND:
On December 12, 1995, the Planning Commission approved the first conditional use
permit to allow the school, then known as Walnut Valley Christian Academy, to build a
new campus on a 20 -acre site. The school was originally approved to have an
enrollment of 1,040 students with a staff of 100.
On June 26, 1997, the Commission approved a revision to the conditional use permit
allowing for expansion of the school onto an adjacent 10 -acre tract. Enrollment stayed
at 1,040 and employee numbers increased to 110.
On September 3, 1998, the Commission approved a second revision to the conditional
use permit allowing for a change in the phasing plan and an increase in enrollment to
1,100 students. Employee numbers stayed at 110.
On May 11, 2000, the Commission approved a third revision to the conditional use
permit allowing for the introduction of a new phase. The site stayed at 30± acres and
enrollment and employee numbers stayed at 1,100 and 110 respectively.
On January 9, 2003, the Commission approved a fourth revision to the conditional use
permit allowing for expansion onto an adjacent 20 -acre tract; resulting in a total of
50± acres. The revision allowed for expansion of the school and an increase in student
enrollment and employee numbers to 1,700 and 170 respectively. The plan included
the introduction of several new buildings, a track and practice field, a baseball field and
additional parking. Some of the previously approved buildings were relocated under the
new plan.
The Commission reviewed and approved a fifth revision to the school's site plan at their
February 3, 2005, public hearing. The school proposed a revision to the C.U.P.
allowing for a slight increase in student population and building square footage. The
phases for future construction were revised to accommodate the school's current and
projected needs. The student and faculty/staff numbers were proposed as 2,058 and
220 respectively. The total building square footage was proposed to increase from
264,924 square feet to 309,424 square feet. The baseball field was eliminated from the
plan and the practice field and track were relocated from the front of the site to the rear.
There was some slight modification of the driveways and parking.
A 5.19± acre parcel at the southwest corner was removed from the plan. There were no
specific plans for that parcel, although it was anticipated that some sort of office
rezoning request would be proposed at a later date. The new driveway was shown as
entering the school campus from the west. The driveway would tie into a new collector
street which was to be built west of the campus. The new street and school access
would be constructed to coincide with Phase I of the campus plan. This new street
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March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.
FILE NO.: Z -6079 -
would be signalized at its intersection with Cantrell Road. City staff, the adjacent land
owner and the school all agreed to the new plan. Due to the change in the driveway
alignment, a total of 680 parking spaces would be provided on site.
Below is a summary of the joint access basic design elements agreed to by the parties.
1. LRCA-Pfeifer shared access to a new traffic signal controlled intersection on
Highway 10 at the location Pfeifer proposed for the collector street (Northwest
Territory Parkway). This would be without affecting the location of the existing
Wal-Mart truck drive on the south side of Hwy. 10. The traffic signal operation
would utilize what is termed as "split -phasing", with the north and south legs
operating as distinct separate signal phases. This would permit dual left -turning
movements southbound to eastbound onto Hwy. 10. This would also allow left
turns from the Wal-Mart truck drive to be served by the traffic signal, but green
time would only be called for northbound to westbound left turn vehicle demand
(northbound right turns would be in available gaps with right -turn -on -red).
2. LRCA Drive would be constructed to a 4 -lane width and intersect Northwest
Territory Parkway approximately 500 feet north of Hwy. 10. As necessary, LRCA
would employ off-duty police officers to direct traffic at the intersection of
Northwest Territory Parkway and LRCA Drive.
3. Future east -west commercial drive access to Northwest Territory Parkway would
be permitted at approximately 250 feet north of Hwy. 10 (subject to working out
the Entergy ownership issue) to serve the out parcels on the south edge of the
LRCA site.
4. Northwest Territory Parkway would be constructed to a 4 -lane width north from
Hwy. 10 to some distance past the proposed Northwest Territory Court
intersection to the west. This would allow separate (side-by-side, opposite -
direction) left turn lanes to Northwest Territory Court and to LRCA Drive so no
center left turn lane use conflicted in the offset area between the two
intersections. Alternately, Northwest Territory Court could be re -aligned to
intersect Northwest Territory Parkway further north and thereby provide sufficient
distance between the offset intersections to allow bi-directional left -turn lane
usage.
5. No changes would be made to the existing LRCA Boulevard intersection with
Hwy. 10. LRCA would effect all left in and left out movements at the signal
controlled intersection (Northwest Territory Parkway intersection with Hwy. 10),
not at LRCA Boulevard and Hwy. 10 during AM arrival and PM dismissal peak
school periods. LRCA Boulevard and Hwy. 10 would not be controlled by
off-duty police officers.
6. The only access to Hwy. 10 between Northwest Territory Parkway and LRCA
Boulevard would be a single right -in -right -out access drive to the out parcels.
All issues related to Hwy. 10 access were subject to concurrence by Arkansas State
Highway and Transportation Department. The Northwest Territory Parkway (the Divide
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March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.)FILE NO.: Z -0079-H
Parkway) has been constructed but has not been accepted by the City as a Public Right
of Way. An annexation request for a 19 acre tract was approved by the Little Rock
Board of Directors at their May 17, 2005, Public Hearing.
On September 1, 2005, a request to rezone 5.19 acres of this site from R-2, Single-
family to PCD and allow the creation of a three lot plat was denied by the Little Rock
Planning Commission. The rezoning request included four acres located adjacent to
Cantrell Road for proposed development with the remainder of the site remaining zoned
R-2, Single-family and held as a tract. Little Rock Christian Academy would retain
ownership of the 1.19 acre tract, which was adjacent to the driveway entrance from
Cantrell Road. The previously approved CUP did not include the area adjacent to the
entrance driveway and the applicant indicated at the time of development Little Rock
Christian Academy would revise their CUP to allow for development of the 1.19 -acre
tract.
The remainder of the site would be developed with two lots each containing two acres.
The lots would share a driveway access from Cantrell Road and a drive was proposed
from the northern property line to a proposed roadway located to the west (Northwest
Territory Parkway). The applicant also indicated there would be no access to the lots
from the Little Rock Christian Academy campus. The development was proposed
containing C-3, General Commercial District uses.
A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
The applicant is now proposing a rezoning of the site from R-2, Single-family with
a CUP to POD. Little Rock Christian Academy has acquired a 3.6 -acre tract of
land bordering its property on the west. The academy also owns a 5 -acre tract
contiguous to the original 43.8 acres to the southwest fronting Cantrell Road and
west of the entrance drive. The current CUP (1997, revised 2005) does not
include these two smaller parcels. The school wishes to establish a master plan
for its entire property inclusive of all 52.07 acres of land in its possession and as
such is applying for a Planned Office District. The POD incorporates the same
use and student population as the current CUP only with a slightly larger area of
land. There has been a slight modification of placement of buildings and athletic
fields on the site with the baseball fields proposed within the newly added site
area located adjacent to Cantrell Road.
The school intends to gradually develop its campus to provide facilities for up to
2,058 students, K4 through High School. Improvements include additional
buildings to house classrooms, athletic and artistic venues along with supporting
infrastructure, drives and parking. Vehicular traffic reconfiguration on campus is
proposed to facilitate vehicular circulation and alleviate traffic stacking on public
roadways.
S
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 {Cont.
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
The purposes of the POD application is a portion of the structures, the visitor
bleachers, will lie within the 100 -foot building setback as established by the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District.
The applicant is seeking a five year deferral of the required street construction to
Cantrell Road and the placement of the bicycle path along the Divide Parkway.
The applicant is also seeking a variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to
allow advanced grading of the site.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
C.
The site is located in an area of mixed uses and zoning located along Cantrell
Road. The properties to the east contain a variety of uses including residential,
commercial and office. Undeveloped tracts are located directly to the west and
north. The Cantrell Road and Chenal Parkway intersection is dust west of the
site. This intersection includes a mixture of uses, including a Big Box retail store,
convenience store and mini -warehouse development. A church and a scattering
of single-family homes are located to the south.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area
resident. The Coalition of West Little Rock Neighborhoods, Aberdeen Court
Property Owners Association, all property owners located within 200 feet of the
site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300 -feet of the site
were notified of the Public Hearing.
D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS:
PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS:
1. Provide a traffic access and circulation plan showing morning and afternoon
traffic movements. Contact Bill Henry, Traffic Engineering, at 379-1816 with
any questions or for additional information.
2. With site development, provide the design of street conforming to the
Master Street Plan. Construct one-half street improvement to Cantrell Road
including 5 -foot sidewalks with the planned development. At time of
development, curb, gutter, and sidewalk should be installed along Cantrell
Road.
3. Sidewalk or bike trail in accordance with previously approved plans with
appropriate handicap ramps are required to be installed along the frontage
of the applicant's property adjacent to the Divide Parkway in accordance
with Section 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan.
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March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 Cont. FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
4. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the
public right-of-way prior to occupancy.
5. A grading permit in accordance with Section 29-186 (c) and (d) will be
required prior to any land clearing or grading activities at the site. Site
grading, and drainage plans will need to be submitted and approved prior to
the start of construction. A variance must be requested for grading beyond
the Phase 1 of development if construction is not imminent on future
phases.
6. Storm water detention ordinance applies to this property.
7. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES storm water
permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the
start of construction.
8. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start
of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way
from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner).
9. Obtain permits for improvements within State Highway right-of-way from
AHTD, District VI.
10. Provide a letter prepared by a registered engineer certifying the sight
distance at the northern most driveway on The Divide Parkway complies
with 2004 AASHTO Green Book standards.
E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING:
Wastewater: Sewer available to this property.
Enter : No comment received.
Center -Point Ener : No comment received.
AT & T: No comment received.
Central Arkansas Water: Contact Central Arkansas Water if larger and/or
additional meter(s) are required. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size
of connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. This fee
will apply to all connections including metered connections off the private fire
system. Additional on site fire protection and additional fire hydrant(s) will be
required. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department to obtain information regarding
the required placement of the hydrant(s) and contact Central Arkansas Water
regarding procedures for installation of the hydrant(s). This development will
have minor impact on the existing water distribution system. Proposed water
facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection.
L
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO. 14 (Cont.
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
Fire Department: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire
Department for additional information.
County Planning: No comment.
CATA: The site is located on CATA Bus Route #25 — the Highway 10 Express
Route.
F. ISS UESITECHN I CAL/DESIGN:
PlanningDivision: This request is located in the Pinnacle Planning District. The
Land Use Plan shows Public Institutional for this property. The applicant has
applied for Planned Office Development to provide the overall master plan for the
school including future building construction and ball field construction and to
incorporate additional land area into the previously approved site plans.
The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan.
Master Street Plan: Cantrell Road is shown as a Principal Arterial. The primary
function of a Principal Arterial is to serve through traffic and to connect major
traffic generators or activity centers within urbanized areas. Entrances and exits
should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on
Cantrell Road since it is a Principal Arterial. This street may require dedication of
right-of-way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the
site. The road to the west of this property is a private road and will be used for
access to the site.
Bicycle Plan: A Class II bike route is shown along Cantrell Road. A Class II
bikeway is located on the street as either a five foot (6) shoulder or six foot (6')
marked bike lane. Additional paving and right of way may be required.
Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is not a neighborhood action plan for this
area.
Landscape:
1. The site plan must comply with the City's landscape and buffer ordinance
requirements.
2. The landscape ordinance requires a minimum of eight percent (8%) of the
paved areas be landscaped with interior islands of at least 7'/2 feet in width
and 300 square feet in area. The proposed plan does not currently reflect
this minimum requirement.
FI
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
3. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a fifty foot (50') land use buffer along
the northern perimeter of the site next to the residentially zoned properties.
Seventy percent (70%) of this area is to remain undisturbed. Currently, this
minimal amount is not being met.
4. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a fifty foot (50') land use buffer along
the eastern perimeter of the site next to the residentially zoned properties.
Seventy percent (70%) of this area is to remain undisturbed. Currently, this
minimal amount is not being met.
5. The Highway 10 Overlay requires a forty foot (40') wide landscape strip
along scenic Highway 10. The addition of the bleaches on the far easterly
side appears to be encroaching into this minimal forty foot landscape area.
6. If the bleachers are allowed then the landscaping should sufficiently screen
this area to meet the intent of the Highway 10 overlay.
7. The Highway 10 requires a twenty-five foot (25') landscaped area along the
side and rear property lines. This area is to remain undisturbed since it is
next to residentially zoned properties.
8. The property to the north and the east is zoned residential, therefore, a six
(6) foot high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side
directed outward, a wall, or dense evergreen plantings, is required along
both the northern and eastern perimeters of the site.
9. An automatic irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required.
10. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, it will be necessary to provide an
approved landscape plan stamped with the seal of a Registered Landscape
Architect.
11. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing
trees as feasible on this site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance
requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or
larger.
G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT- (March 6, 2008)
The applicant was present representing the request. Staff presented an
overview of the proposed development stating there were a number of issues
related to the site plan in need of addressing prior to the Commission acting on
the request. Staff stated the site plan did not include pedestrian connectivity and
access that allowed flow through the site. Staff also stated the site plan indicated
an encroachment into the 100 -foot building setback as established by the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District. Mr. George Thompson stated the request
was being filed as a POD to allow the encroachment of the visitor bleachers into
the 100 foot setback.
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March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
There was a general discussion concerning access and circulation to the site.
Staff and the committee members noted presently parents waiting to pick up
students stacked onto Cantrell Road creating an unsafe situation. Mr. Thompson
stated the school had hired Peters and Associates to prepare a Traffic Study for
the site which did look at ways to address the stacking problem. Mr. Thompson
stated the school was willing to work with staff on suggestions to eliminate this
dangerous problem of stacking onto the State Highway.
Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated sidewalks would be
required along Cantrell Road. Mr. Thompson questioned if the sidewalk
construction could be deferred to a later phase. Staff stated they were willing to
consider a request for a deferral and the applicant should propose a deferral
plan.
The Committee members questioned the phasing plan. Mr. Thompson stated
the school construction was driven by donations. He stated if and when someone
was willing to write a check was when construction would actually occur.
Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated the eastern perimeter did
not allow an adequate land use buffer. Mr. Thompson stated the buffer was
indicated as was approved on the 1995 and 2007 CUP site plans. Staff stated if
a site plan was presently approved with the buffer as indicated then additional
buffering was not required. Staff stated screening would be required. Staff noted
existing vegetation that provided year around screening was acceptable
screening materials.
Staff noted the comments from the various other reporting departments and
agencies suggesting the applicant contact them directly for additional
information. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then
forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action.
H. ANALYSIS:
The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing most of the issues
raised at the March 6, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The revised site
plan indicates pedestrian connectivity through the site, indicates phasing plans to
eliminate stacking onto Highway 10 and indicates landscaping and buffering to
comply with the typical ordinance standards. According to the applicant the
owners will work with staff to provide gating and additional drives and stacking on
site to eliminate the stacking on Cantrell Road.
The school is proposing a rezoning of the site to POD to allow the visitor
bleachers to encroach into the 100 foot building setback as established by the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The total student population is not changing
from the approved CUP dated February 3, 2005. The phases for future
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March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.. 14 Cont. FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
construction have been revised to accommodate the school's current and
projected future needs. The student and faculty/staff numbers are proposed as
2,058 and 220 respectively. The total building square footage is proposed at
300,524 square feet. The baseball field has been located along Cantrell Road.
There is some slight modification of the driveways and parking. Access to the
west to The Divide Parkway has been constructed. There is a traffic light located
at the intersections of the Divide Parkway and Cantrell Road.
The existing building summary and proposed phased construction plan are as
follow:
EXISTING BUILDINGS Square Footage
Elementary Building
15,500
Middle School Building
39,424
Activities Building
23,000
Gym
15,200
Administration
20,000
Multi -Purpose Building
2,900
FUTURE BUILDINGS Square Footage
PHASE 1
High School Building 50,000
Central Kitchen and High School Cafeteria 6,000
Elementary Entrance Canopy
Traffic Circulation / Site Improvements
PHASE 2
Field House 7,500
Football Practice Field
Baseball Practice Field
Softball Practice Field
Extension of Football Visitor Bleachers
Elementary School Playground Expansion
PHASE 3
Baseball Field Lights and Grandstands
Softball Field Lights and Grandstands
Ball field Concessions/Toilet Buildings
1,000
Administration/Welcome Center
5,000
Maintenance/Alumni Building
5,000
PHASE 4
High School Classroom Addition
5,000
High School Arts Wing
10,000
Arts and Activities Converted to Middle School Annex
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March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 Cont. FILE NO
PHASES
Athletic Gymnasium Building 35,000
PHASE 6
Chapel/Auditorium Building 45,000
PHASE 7
Kindergarten Multi-purpose Building Infill 5,000
Elementary Building Addition 10,000
Total Campus Area 300,524
-6079-H
The site contains 218 existing parking spaces. Additional parking will be added
with the proposed phases and building construction which will result in the total
parking to be provided on the site at 717 spaces.
The proposed break -down of classroom by grades is as follows:
The school is proposing to maintain the one existing monument sign and will not
request additional ground -signs on Cantrell Road. Currently, the school does not
have building signage. If they decide to add additional signage on the buildings,
it will be limited to a single wall sign per building which complies with the sign
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March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 Cont. FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
ordinance. The applicant has indicated directional signage will be placed on
87 decorative poles with the sign area complying with the typical ordinance
standards established in Chapter 36, Article X.
The building construction materials are proposed consistent with materials on the
site. The materials will be metal siding and white masonry veneer with sloping
silver metal roofs. Future phases will use masonry veneer and less metal siding
while maintaining the use of sloping metal roofs.
The school is proposed to have 220 employees. One parking space is required
for each teacher, employee and administrator. Combining the 220 required
faculty spaces with the 338 required classroom/student spaces results in a total
parking requirement of 558 on-site parking spaces.
The school is requesting a deferral of the sidewalk construction along Cantrell
Road for five years or development of adjacent properties. The school is also
requesting and staff is supporting, deferral of the placement of sidewalks or a
bicycle path along the Divide Parkway.
The site plan indicates the placement of the visitor bleachers within the 100 foot
building setback as established by Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The
bleachers are indicated adjacent to the 40 -foot landscape buffer on the western
side and it appears a portion of the eastern bleachers encroach into the
landscape buffer. Presently a section of bleachers exists in this area and the
applicant has indicated a desire to maintain the location of the existing bleachers
and flank the existing set with a set on each side. The site plan indicates the
bleachers will be heavily landscaped to shield the bleachers from view of the
abutting roadway.
The land use buffer requirement for this site would typically be a 50 foot
landscape strip with a minimum of 75 percent of the area being maintained as
undisturbed. In addition the northern land use buffer should also be indicated at
a minimum of 50 feet with 75 percent of this area remaining undisturbed as well.
Previous approvals allowed for a reduction in the land use buffer as proposed.
The applicant is seeking a variance from Section 29-187(e) (1) of the Land
Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of a multi -phased development
when construction is imminent on Phase I. The applicant has indicated the
request is necessary to balance cut/fills for the site and to minimize construction
cost and time for the remaining phases. The areas not proposed for new building
construction will be stabilized per the typical ordinance standards.
Staff is supportive of the request. Staff feels the developers have done an
adequate job in addressing concerns and providing a master plan which allows
for development of a multi -phased school facility which limits impacts on the site
and the adjoining properties. To staff's knowledge there are no outstanding
technical issues associated with the request. Staff does not feel the minor
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March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 {Cont_
FILE NO.: Z -0079-H
encroachment of the visitor bleachers into the 100 -foot building setback as
established by the Highway 10 Design Overlay District will significantly impact
the development or the area.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the
comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda
staff report.
Staff recommends approval of the deferral request of the sidewalk construction
along Cantrell Road for five years or development of adjacent properties,
whichever occurs first.
Staff recommends approval of the request for a deferral of the placement of
sidewalks or a bicycle path along the Divide Parkway for five years or
development of adjacent properties, whichever occurs first.
Staff recommends approval of the variance request from Section 29-187(e) (1) of
the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of a multi -phased
development when construction is imminent on Phase I
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MARCH 27, 2008)
The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff
presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the request subject to
compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of
the agenda staff report. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the deferral
request of the sidewalk and street construction along Cantrell Road for five years or
development of adjacent properties, whichever occurs first, approval of the request for a
deferral of the placement of sidewalks or a bicycle path along the Divide Parkway for
five years or development of adjacent properties, whichever occurs first and the
variance request from Section 29-187(e) (1) of the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow
advanced grading of a multi -phased development when construction is imminent on
Phase I.
There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for
placement of the item on the Consent Agenda for approval. The motion carried by a
vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent.
13
FILE NO_: Z -6079-H
NAME: Little Rock Christian Academy Long -form POD
LOCATION: Located at 19010 Highway 10
DEVELOPER:
Little Rock Christian Academy
19010 Cantrell Road — P.O. Box 17450
Little Rock, AR 72223
ENGINEER:
Central Arkansas Engineering
11708 Kanis Road
Little Rock, AR 72211
ARCHITECT:
Lewis Architects Engineers
11225 Huron Suite 104
Little Rock, AR 72211
AREA: 52.07 acres
CURRENT ZONING
ALLOWED USES:
PROPOSED ZONING:
PROPOSED USE
NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF
R-2, Single-family with a CUP for a school
Private elementary, middle and high school
.M5,
Master Plan for a private elementary, middle and high school
VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED:
1. A deferral of the Master Street Plan requirements for the construction of
improvements to Highway 10 for five years or until adjacent development occurs.
2. A deferral of the required sidewalk or bike trail along the Divide Parkway for a period
of five years or until adjacent development occurs.
3. A variance from Section 29-187(e) (1) of the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow
advanced grading of a multi -phased development when construction is imminent on
Phase I.
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H (Cont.
BACKGROUND
On December 12, 1995, the Planning Commission approved the first conditional use
permit to allow the school, then known as Walnut Valley Christian Academy, to build a
new campus on a 20 -acre site. The school was originally approved to have an
enrollment of 1,040 students with a staff of 100.
On June 26, 1997, the Commission approved a revision to the conditional use permit
allowing for expansion of the school onto an adjacent 10 -acre tract. Enrollment stayed
at 1,040 and employee numbers increased to 110.
On September 3, 1998, the Commission approved a second revision to the conditional
use permit allowing for a change in the phasing plan and an increase in enrollment to
1,100 students. Employee numbers stayed at 110.
On May 11, 2000, the Commission approved a third revision to the conditional use
permit allowing for the introduction of a new phase. The site stayed at 30± acres and
enrollment and employee numbers stayed at 1,100 and 110 respectively.
On January 9, 2003, the Commission approved a fourth revision to the conditional use
permit allowing for expansion onto an adjacent 20 -acre tract; resulting in a total of
50± acres. The revision allowed for expansion of the school and an increase in student
enrollment and employee numbers to 1,700 and 170 respectively. The plan included
the introduction of several new buildings, a track and practice field, a baseball field and
additional parking. Some of the previously approved buildings were relocated under the
new plan.
The Commission reviewed and approved a fifth revision to the school's site plan at their
February 3, 2005, public hearing. The school proposed a revision to the C.U.P.
allowing for a slight increase in student population and building square footage. The
phases for future construction were revised to accommodate the school's current and
projected needs. The student and faculty/staff numbers were proposed as 2,058 and
220 respectively. The total building square footage was proposed to increase from
264,924 square feet to 309,424 square feet. The baseball field was eliminated from the
plan and the practice field and track were relocated from the front of the site to the rear.
There was some slight modification of the driveways and parking.
A 5.19± acre parcel at the southwest corner was removed from the plan. There were no
specific plans for that parcel, although it was anticipated that some sort of office
rezoning request would be proposed at a later date. The new driveway was shown as
entering the school campus from the west. The driveway would tie into a new collector
street which was to be built west of the campus. The new street and school access
would be constructed to coincide with Phase I of the campus plan. This new street
would be signalized at its intersection with Cantrell Road. City staff, the adjacent land
owner and the school all agreed to the new plan. Due to the change in the driveway
alignment, a total of 680 parking spaces would be provided on site.
2
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H (Cont.
Below is a summary of the joint access basic design elements agreed to by the parties.
1. LRCA-Pfeifer shared access to a new traffic signal controlled intersection on
Highway 10 at the location Pfeifer proposed for the collector street (Northwest
Territory Parkway). This would be without affecting the location of the existing
Wal-Mart truck drive on the south side of Hwy. 10. The traffic signal operation
would utilize what is termed as "split -phasing", with the north and south legs
operating as distinct separate signal phases. This would permit dual left -turning
movements southbound to eastbound onto Hwy. 10. This would also allow left
turns from the Wal-Mart truck drive to be served by the traffic signal, but green
time would only be called for northbound to westbound left turn vehicle demand
(northbound right turns would be in available gaps with right -turn -on -red).
2. LRCA Drive would be constructed to a 4 -lane width and intersect Northwest
Territory Parkway approximately 500 feet north of Hwy. 10. As necessary, LRCA
would employ off-duty police officers to direct traffic at the intersection of
Northwest Territory Parkway and LRCA Drive.
3. Future east -west commercial drive access to Northwest Territory Parkway would
be permitted at approximately 250 feet north of Hwy. 10 (subject to working out
the Entergy ownership issue) to serve the out parcels on the south edge of the
LRCA site.
4. Northwest Territory Parkway would be constructed to a 4 -lane width north from
Hwy, 10 to some distance past the proposed Northwest Territory Court
intersection to the west. This would allow separate (side-by-side, opposite -
direction) left turn lanes to Northwest Territory Court and to LRCA Drive so no
center left turn lane use conflicted in the offset area between the two
intersections. Alternately, Northwest Territory Court could be re -aligned to
intersect Northwest Territory Parkway further north and thereby provide sufficient
distance between the offset intersections to allow bi-directional left -turn lane
usage.
5. No changes would be made to the existing LRCA Boulevard intersection with
Hwy. 10. LRCA would effect all lett in and left out movements at the signal
controlled intersection (Northwest Territory Parkway intersection with Hwy. 10),
not at LRCA Boulevard and Hwy. 10 during AM arrival and PM dismissal peak
school periods. LRCA Boulevard and Hwy. 10 would not be controlled by
off-duty police officers.
6. The only access to Hwy. 10 between Northwest Territory Parkway and LRCA
Boulevard would be a single right -in -right -out access drive to the out parcels.
All issues related to Hwy. 10 access were subject to concurrence by Arkansas State
Highway and Transportation Department. The Northwest Territory Parkway (the Divide
Parkway) has been constructed but has not been accepted by the City as a Public Right
of Way. An annexation request for a 19 acre tract was approved by the Little Rock
Board of Directors at their May 17, 2005, Public Hearing.
On September 1, 2005, a request to rezone 5.19 acres of this site from R-2, Single-
family to PCD and allow the creation of a three lot plat was denied by the Little Rock
Planning Commission. The rezoning request included four acres located adjacent to
3
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H (Cont.
Cantrell Road for proposed development with the remainder of the site remaining zoned
R-2, Single-family and held as a tract. Little Rock Christian Academy would retain
ownership of the 1.19 acre tract, which was adjacent to the driveway entrance from
Cantrell Road. The previously approved CUP did not include the area adjacent to the
entrance driveway and the applicant indicated at the time of development Little Rock
Christian Academy would revise their CUP to allow for development of the 1.19 -acre
tract.
The remainder of the site would be developed with two lots each containing two acres.
The lots would share a driveway access from Cantrell Road and a drive was proposed
from the northern property line to a proposed roadway located to the west (Northwest
Territory Parkway). The applicant also indicated there would be no access to the lots
from the Little Rock Christian Academy campus. The development was proposed
containing C-3, General Commercial District uses.
A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
The applicant is now proposing a rezoning of the site from R-2, Single-family with
a CUP to POD. Little Rock Christian Academy has acquired a 3.6 -acre tract of
land bordering its property on the west. The academy also owns a 5 -acre tract
contiguous to the original 43.8 acres to the southwest fronting Cantrell Road and
west of the entrance drive. The current CUP (1997, revised 2005) does not
include these two smaller parcels. The school wishes to establish a master plan
for its entire property inclusive of all 52.07 acres of land in its possession and as
such is applying for a Planned Office District. The POD incorporates the same
use and student population as the current CUP only with a slightly larger area of
land. There has been a slight modification of placement of buildings and athletic
fields on the site with the baseball fields proposed within the newly added site
area located adjacent to Cantrell Road.
The school intends to gradually develop its campus to provide facilities for up to
2,058 students, K4 through High School. Improvements include additional
buildings to house classrooms, athletic and artistic venues along with supporting
infrastructure, drives and parking. Vehicular traffic reconfiguration on campus is
proposed to facilitate vehicular circulation and alleviate traffic stacking on public
roadways.
The purposes of the POD application is a portion of the structures, the visitor
bleachers, will lie within the 100 -foot building setback as established by the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District.
The applicant is seeking a five year deferral of the required street construction to
Cantrell Road and the placement of the bicycle path along the Divide Parkway.
The applicant is also seeking a variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to
allow advanced grading of the site.
0
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H Cont.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
The site is located in an area of mixed uses and zoning located along Cantrell
Road. The properties to the east contain a variety of uses including residential,
commercial and office. Undeveloped tracts are located directly to the west and
north. The Cantrell Road and Chenal Parkway intersection is just west of the
site. This intersection includes a mixture of uses, including a Big Box retail store,
convenience store and mini -warehouse development. A church and a scattering
of single-family homes are located to the south.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area
resident. The Coalition of West Little Rock Neighborhoods, Aberdeen Court
Property Owners Association, all property owners located within 200 feet of the
site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300 -feet of the site
were notified of the Public Hearing.
D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS:
PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS:
1. Provide a traffic access and circulation plan showing morning and afternoon
traffic movements. Contact Bill Henry, Traffic Engineering, at 379-1816 with
any questions or for additional information.
2. With site development, provide the design of street conforming to the
Master Street Plan. Construct one-half street improvement to Cantrell Road
including 5 -foot sidewalks with the planned development. At time of
development, curb, gutter, and sidewalk should be installed along Cantrell
Road.
3. Sidewalk or bike trail in accordance with previously approved plans with
appropriate handicap ramps are required to be installed along the frontage
of the applicant's property adjacent to the Divide Parkway in accordance
with Section 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan.
4. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the
public right-of-way prior to occupancy.
5. A grading permit in accordance with Section 29-186 (c) and (d) will be
required prior to any land clearing or grading activities at the site. Site
grading, and drainage plans will need to be submitted and approved prior to
the start of construction. A variance must be requested for grading beyond
the Phase 1 of development if construction is not imminent on future
phases.
6. Storm water detention ordinance applies to this property.
4�
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H (Cont.
7. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES storm water
permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the
start of construction.
8. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start
of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way
from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner).
9. Obtain permits for improvements within State Highway right-of-way from
AHTD, District VI.
10. Provide a letter prepared by a registered engineer certifying the sight
distance at the northern most driveway on The Divide Parkway complies
with 2004 AASHTO Green Book standards.
E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING:
Wastewater: Sewer available to this property.
Entergy: No comment received.
Center -Point Energy: No comment received.
AT & T: No comment received.
Central Arkansas Water: Contact Central Arkansas Water if larger and/or
additional meter(s) are required. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size
of connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. This fee
will apply to all connections including metered connections off the private fire
system. Additional on site fire protection and additional fire hydrant(s) will be
required. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department to obtain information regarding
the required placement of the hydrant(s) and contact Central Arkansas Water
regarding procedures for installation of the hydrant(s). This development will
have minor impact on the existing water distribution system. Proposed water
facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection.
Fire Department: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire
Department for additional information.
County Planning: No comment.
CATA: The site is located on CATA Bus Route #25 — the Highway 10 Express
Route.
F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN:
Planning Division: This request is located in the Pinnacle Planning District. The
Land Use Plan shows Public Institutional for this property. The applicant has
applied for Planned Office Development to provide the overall master plan for the
0
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H (Cont.
school including future building construction and ball field construction and to
incorporate additional land area into the previously approved site plans.
The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan.
Master Street Plan: Cantrell Road is shown as a Principal Arterial. The primary
function of a Principal Arterial is to serve through traffic and to connect major
traffic generators or activity centers within urbanized areas. Entrances and exits
should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on
Cantrell Road since it is a Principal Arterial. This street may require dedication of
right-of-way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the
site. The road to the west of this property is a private road and will be used for
access to the site.
Bicycle Plan: A Class II bike route is shown along Cantrell Road. A Class II
bikeway is located on the street as either a five foot (5) shoulder or six foot (6')
marked bike lane. Additional paving and right of way may be required.
Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is not a neighborhood action plan for this
area.
Landscape:
1. The site plan must comply with the City's landscape and buffer ordinance
requirements.
2. The landscape ordinance requires a minimum of eight percent (8%) of the
paved areas be landscaped with interior islands of at least 7'/2 feet in width
and 300 square feet in area. The proposed plan does not currently reflect
this minimum requirement.
3. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a fifty foot (50') land use buffer along
the northern perimeter of the site next to the residentially zoned properties.
Seventy percent (70%) of this area is to remain undisturbed. Currently, this
minimal amount is not being met.
4. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a fifty foot (50') land use buffer along
the eastern perimeter of the site next to the residentially zoned properties.
Seventy percent (70%) of this area is to remain undisturbed. Currently, this
minimal amount is not being met.
5. The Highway 10 Overlay requires a forty foot (40') wide landscape strip
along scenic Highway 10. The addition of the bleaches on the far easterly
side appears to be encroaching into this minimal forty foot landscape area.
6. If the bleachers are allowed then the landscaping should sufficiently screen
this area to meet the intent of the Highway 10 overlay.
7
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H (Cont.
7. The Highway 10 requires a twenty-five foot (25') landscaped area along the
side and rear property lines. This area is to remain undisturbed since it is
next to residentially zoned properties.
8. The property to the north and the east is zoned residential, therefore, a six
(6) foot high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side
directed outward, a wall, or dense evergreen plantings, is required along
both the northern and eastern perimeters of the site.
9. An automatic irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required.
10. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, it will be necessary to provide an
approved landscape plan stamped with the seal of a Registered Landscape
Architect.
11. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing
trees as feasible on this site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance
requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or
larger.
G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (March 6, 2008)
The applicant was present representing the request. Staff presented an
overview of the proposed development stating there were a number of issues
related to the site plan in need of addressing prior to the Commission acting on
the request. Staff stated the site plan did not include pedestrian connectivity and
access that allowed flow through the site. Staff also stated the site plan indicated
an encroachment into the 100 -foot building setback as established by the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District. Mr. George Thompson stated the request
was being filed as a POD to allow the encroachment of the visitor bleachers into
the 100 foot setback.
There was a general discussion concerning access and circulation to the site.
Staff and the committee members noted presently parents waiting to pick up
students stacked onto Cantrell Road creating an unsafe situation. Mr. Thompson
stated the school had hired Peters and Associates to prepare a Traffic Study for
the site which did look at ways to address the stacking problem. Mr. Thompson
stated the school was willing to work with staff on suggestions to eliminate this
dangerous problem of stacking onto the State Highway.
Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated sidewalks would be
required along Cantrell Road. Mr. Thompson questioned if the sidewalk
construction could be deferred to a later phase. Staff stated they were willing to
consider a request for a deferral and the applicant should propose a deferral
plan.
The Committee members questioned the phasing plan. Mr. Thompson stated
the school construction was driven by donations. He stated if and when someone
was willing to write a check was when construction would actually occur.
1;1
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H (Cont.
Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated the eastern perimeter did
not allow an adequate land use buffer. Mr. Thompson stated the buffer was
indicated as was approved on the 1995 and 2007 CUP site plans. Staff stated if
a site plan was presently approved with the buffer as indicated then additional
buffering was not required. Staff stated screening would be required. Staff noted
existing vegetation that provided year around screening was acceptable
screening materials.
Staff noted the comments from the various other reporting departments and
agencies suggesting the applicant contact them directly for additional
information. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then
forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action.
H. ANALYSIS:
The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing most of the issues
raised at the March 6, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The revised site
plan indicates pedestrian connectivity through the site, indicates phasing plans to
eliminate stacking onto Highway 10 and indicates landscaping and buffering to
comply with the typical ordinance standards. According to the applicant the
owners will work with staff to provide gating and additional drives and stacking on
site to eliminate the stacking on Cantrell Road.
The school is proposing a rezoning of the site to POD to allow the visitor
bleachers to encroach into the 100 foot building setback as established by the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The total student population is not changing
from the approved CUP dated February 3, 2005. The phases for future
construction have been revised to accommodate the school's current and
projected future needs. The student and faculty/staff numbers are proposed as
2,058 and 220 respectively. The total building square footage is proposed at
300,524 square feet. The baseball field has been located along Cantrell Road.
There is some slight modification of the driveways and parking. Access to the
west to The Divide Parkway has been constructed. There is a traffic light located
at the intersections of the Divide Parkway and Cantrell Road.
The existing building summary and proposed phased construction plan are as
follow:
EXISTING BUILDINGS
Elementary Building
Middle School Building
Activities Building
Gym
Administration
Multi -Purpose Building
9
Square Footage
15,500
39,424
23,000
15,200
20,000
2,900
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H (Cont.
FUTURE BUILDINGS Square Footage
PHASE 1
High School Building 50,000
Central Kitchen and High School Cafeteria 6,000
Elementary Entrance Canopy
Traffic Circulation / Site Improvements
PHASE 2
Field House 7,500
Football Practice Field
Baseball Practice Field
Softball Practice Field
Extension of Football Visitor Bleachers
Elementary School Playground Expansion
PHASE 3
Baseball Field Lights and Grandstands
Softball Field Lights and Grandstands
Ball field Concessions/Toilet Buildings
1,000
Administration/Welcome Center
5,000
Maintenance/Alumni Building
5,000
PHASE 4
High School Classroom Addition
5,000
High School Arts Wing
10,000
Arts and Activities Converted to Middle School Annex
PHASE 5
Athletic Gymnasium Building 35,000
iwny�m all
Chapel/Auditorium Building 45,000
PHASE 7
Kindergarten Multi-purpose Building Infill 5,000
Elementary Building Addition 10,000
Total Campus Area 300,524
The site contains 218 existing parking spaces. Additional parking will be added
with the proposed phases and building construction which will result in the total
parking to be provided on the site at 717 spaces.
10
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H Cont.
The proposed break -down of classroom by grades is as follows:
The school is proposing to maintain the one existing monument sign and will not
request additional ground -signs on Cantrell Road. Currently, the school does not
have building signage. If they decide to add additional signage on the buildings,
it will be limited to a single wall sign per building which complies with the sign
ordinance. The applicant has indicated directional signage will be placed on
decorative poles with the sign area complying with the typical ordinance
standards established in Chapter 36, Article X.
The building construction materials are proposed consistent with materials on the
site. The materials will be metal siding and white masonry veneer with sloping
silver metal roofs. Future phases will use masonry veneer and less metal siding
while maintaining the use of sloping metal roofs.
The school is proposed to have 220 employees. One parking space is required
for each teacher, employee and administrator. Combining the 220 required
faculty spaces with the 338 required classroom/student spaces results in a total
parking requirement of 558 on-site parking spaces.
The school is requesting a deferral of the sidewalk construction along Cantrell
Road for five years or development of adjacent properties. The school is also
requesting and staff is supporting, deferral of the placement of sidewalks or a
bicycle path along the Divide Parkway.
The site plan indicates the placement of the visitor bleachers within the 100 foot
building setback as established by Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The
bleachers are indicated adjacent to the 40 -foot landscape buffer on the western
11
# of Classes X
Students Per Class
# of Students
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Kindergarten 4 yrs.
5X
15
75
Kindergarten 5 yrs.
7X
18
125
1 Grade
7X
20
140
ELEMENTARY
27d Grade
7X
22
154
3 Grade
7X
22
154
4't' -Grade
7X
22
154
5 Grade
7X
22
154
MIDDLE SCHOOL
_r Grade
7X
22
154
Th Grade
7X
22
154
$ Grade
7X
22
154
HIGH SCHOOL
9 Grade
8X
20
160
10 Grade
8X
20
160
11 Grade
8X
20
160
12 Grade
8X
20
160
2,058
Total Students
220
Total Faculty/Staff
The school is proposing to maintain the one existing monument sign and will not
request additional ground -signs on Cantrell Road. Currently, the school does not
have building signage. If they decide to add additional signage on the buildings,
it will be limited to a single wall sign per building which complies with the sign
ordinance. The applicant has indicated directional signage will be placed on
decorative poles with the sign area complying with the typical ordinance
standards established in Chapter 36, Article X.
The building construction materials are proposed consistent with materials on the
site. The materials will be metal siding and white masonry veneer with sloping
silver metal roofs. Future phases will use masonry veneer and less metal siding
while maintaining the use of sloping metal roofs.
The school is proposed to have 220 employees. One parking space is required
for each teacher, employee and administrator. Combining the 220 required
faculty spaces with the 338 required classroom/student spaces results in a total
parking requirement of 558 on-site parking spaces.
The school is requesting a deferral of the sidewalk construction along Cantrell
Road for five years or development of adjacent properties. The school is also
requesting and staff is supporting, deferral of the placement of sidewalks or a
bicycle path along the Divide Parkway.
The site plan indicates the placement of the visitor bleachers within the 100 foot
building setback as established by Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The
bleachers are indicated adjacent to the 40 -foot landscape buffer on the western
11
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H Cont.
side and it appears a portion of the eastern bleachers encroach into the
landscape buffer. Presently a section of bleachers exists in this area and the
applicant has indicated a desire to maintain the location of the existing bleachers
and flank the existing set with a set on each side. The site plan indicates the
bleachers will be heavily landscaped to shield the bleachers from view of the
abutting roadway.
The land use buffer requirement for this site would typically be a 50 foot
landscape strip with a minimum of 75 percent of the area being maintained as
undisturbed. In addition the northern land use buffer should also be indicated at
a minimum of 50 feet with 75 percent of this area remaining undisturbed as well.
Previous approvals allowed for a reduction in the land use buffer as proposed.
The applicant is seeking a variance from Section 29-187(e) (1) of the Land
Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of a multi -phased development
when construction is imminent on Phase I. The applicant has indicated the
request is necessary to balance cut/fills for the site and to minimize construction
cost and time for the remaining phases. The areas not proposed for new building
construction will be stabilized per the typical ordinance standards.
Staff is supportive of the request. Staff feels the developers have done an
adequate job in addressing concerns and providing a master plan which allows
for development of a multi -phased school facility which limits impacts on the site
and the adjoining properties. To staff's knowledge there are no outstanding
technical issues associated with the request. Staff does not feel the minor
encroachment of the visitor bleachers into the 100 -foot building setback as
established by the Highway 10 Design Overlay District will significantly impact
the development or the area.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the
comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda
staff report.
Staff recommends approval of the deferral request of the sidewalk construction
along Cantrell Road for five years or development of adjacent properties,
whichever occurs first.
Staff recommends approval of the request for a deferral of the placement of
sidewalks or a bicycle path along the Divide Parkway for five years or
development of adjacent properties, whichever occurs first.
Staff recommends approval of the variance request from Section 29-187(e) (1) of
the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of a multi -phased
development when construction is imminent on Phase I
12
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H (Cont.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MARCH 27, 2008)
The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff
presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the request subject to
compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of
the agenda staff report. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the deferral
request of the sidewalk and street construction along Cantrell Road for five years or
development of adjacent properties, whichever occurs first, approval of the request for a
deferral of the placement of sidewalks or a bicycle path along the Divide Parkway for
five years or development of adjacent properties, whichever occurs first and the
variance request from Section 29-187(e) (1) of the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow
advanced grading of a multi -phased development when construction is imminent on
Phase I.
There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for
placement of the item on the Consent Agenda for approval. The motion carried by a
vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent.
13
March 27, 2008
ITEM NO.: 14 FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
NAME: Little Rock Christian Academy Long -form POD
LOCATION: Located at 19010 Highway 10
DEVELOPER:
Little Rock Christian Academy
19010 Cantrell Road — P.O. Box 17450
Little Rock, AR 72223
FNC,INFFR-
Central Arkansas Engineering
11708 Kanis Road
Little Rock, AR 72211
ARCHITECT:
Lewis Architects Engineers
11225 Huron Suite 104
Little Rock, AR 72211
AREA: 52.07 acres
CURRENT ZONING
ALLOWED USES:
PROPOSED ZONING
PROPOSED USE:
NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF
R-2, Single-family with a CUP for a school
Private elementary, middle and high school
Master Plan for a private elementary, middle and high school
VARIANCESM/AIVERS REQUESTED:
1. A deferral of the Master Street Plan requirements for the construction of
improvements to Highway 10 for five years or until adjacent development occurs.
2. A deferral of the required sidewalk or bike trail along the Divide Parkway for a period
of five years or until adjacent development occurs.
3. A variance from Section 29-187(e) (1) of the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow
advanced grading of a multi -phased development when construction is imminent on
Phase I.
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -6079-}t
BACKGROUN
On December 12, 1995, the P1E-I nning Commission approved the first conditional use
permit to allow the school, then known as Walnut Valley Christian Academy, to build a
new campus on a 20 -acre site- The school was originally approved to have an
enrollment of 1,040 students with a staff of 100.
On June 26, 1997, the Commission approved a revision to the conditional use permit
allowing for expansion of the school onto an adjacent 10 -acre tract. Enrollment stayed
at 1,040 and employee numbers increased to 110.
On September 3, 1998, the Connrnission approved a second revision to the conditional
use permit allowing for a change in the phasing plan and an increase in enrollment to
1,100 students. Employee numbers stayed at 110.
On May 11, 2000, the Commission approved a third revision to the conditional use
permit allowing for the introduction of a new phase. The site stayed at 30± acres and
enrollment and employee numbers stayed at 1,100 and 110 respectively.
On January 9, 2003, the Commission approved a fourth revision to the conditional use
permit allowing for expansion onto an adjacent 20 -acre tract; resulting in a total of
50± acres. The revision allowed for expansion of the school and an increase in student
enrollment and employee numbers to 1,700 and 170 respectively. The plan included
the introduction of several neve buildings, a track and practice field, a baseball field and
additional parking. Some of the previously approved buildings were relocated under the
new plan.
The Commission reviewed and approved a fifth revision to the school's site plan at their
February 3, 2005, public hearing. The school proposed a revision to the C.U.P.
allowing for a slight increase in student population and building square footage. The
phases for future construction were revised to accommodate the school's current and
projected needs. The student and faculty/staff numbers were proposed as 2,058 and
220 respectively. The total building square footage was proposed to increase from
264,924 square feet to 309,424 square feet. The baseball field was eliminated from the
plan and the practice field and track were relocated from the front of the site to the rear.
There was some slight modification of the driveways and parking.
A 5.19± acre parcel at the southwest corner was removed from the plan. There were no
specific plans for that parcel, although it was anticipated that some sort of office
rezoning request would be proposed at a later date. The new driveway was shown as
entering the school campus from the west. The driveway would tie into a new collector
street which was to be built west of the campus. The new street and school access
would be constructed to coincide with Phase I of the campus plan. This new street
2
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
would be signalized at its intersection with Cantrell Road. City staff, the adjacent land
owner and the school all agreed to the new plan. Due to the change in the driveway
alignment, a total of 680 parking spaces would be provided on site.
Below is a summary of the joint access basic design elements agreed to by the parties.
1. LRCA-Pfeifer shared access to a new traffic signal controlled intersection on
Highway 10 at the location Pfeifer proposed for the collector street (Northwest
Territory Parkway). This would be without affecting the location of the existing
Wal-Mart truck drive on the south side of Hwy. 10. The traffic signal operation
would utilize what is termed as "split -phasing", with the north and south legs
operating as distinct separate signal phases. This would permit dual left -turning
movements southbound to eastbound onto Hwy. 10. This would also allow left
turns from the Wal-Mart truck drive to be served by the traffic signal, but green
time would only be called for northbound to westbound left turn vehicle demand
(northbound right turns would be in available gaps with right -turn -on -red).
2. LRCA Drive would be constructed to a 4 -lane width and intersect Northwest
Territory Parkway approximately 500 feet north of Hwy. 10. As necessary, LRCA
would employ off-duty police officers to direct traffic at the intersection of
Northwest Territory Parkway and LRCA Drive.
3. Future east -west commercial drive access to Northwest Territory Parkway would
be permitted at approximately 250 feet north of Hwy. 10 (subject to working out
the Entergy ownership issue) to serve the out parcels on the south edge of the
LRCA site.
4. Northwest Territory Parkway would be constructed to a 4 -lane width north from
Hwy. 10 to some distance past the proposed Northwest Territory Court
intersection to the west. This would allow separate (side-by-side, opposite -
direction) left turn lanes to Northwest Territory Court and to LRCA Drive so no
center left turn lane use conflicted in the offset area between the two
intersections. Alternately, Northwest Territory Court could be re -aligned to
intersect Northwest Territory Parkway further north and thereby provide sufficient
distance between the offset intersections to allow bi-directional left -turn lane
usage.
5. No changes would be made to the existing LRCA Boulevard intersection with
Hwy. 10. LRCA would effect all left in and left out movements at the signal
controlled intersection (Northwest Territory Parkway intersection with Hwy. 10),
not at LRCA Boulevard and Hwy. 10 during AM arrival and PM dismissal peak
school periods. LRCA Boulevard and Hwy. 10 would not be controlled by
off-duty police officers.
6. The only access to Hwy. 10 between Northwest Territory Parkway and LRCA
Boulevard would be a single right -in -right -out access drive to the out parcels.
All issues related to Hwy. 10 access were subject to concurrence by Arkansas State
Highway and Transportation Department. The Northwest Territory Parkway (the Divide
3
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
Parkway) has been constructed but has not been accepted by the City as a Public Right
of Way. An annexation request for a 19 acre tract was approved by the Little Rock
Board of Directors at their May 17, 2005, Public Hearing.
On September 1, 2005, a request to rezone 5.19 acres of this site from R-2, Single-
family to PCD and allow the creation of a three lot plat was denied by the Little Rock
Planning Commission. The rezoning request included four acres located adjacent to
Cantrell Road for proposed development with the remainder of the site remaining zoned
R-2, Single-family and held as a tract. Little Rock Christian Academy would retain
ownership of the 1.19 acre tract, which was adjacent to the driveway entrance from
Cantrell Road. The previously approved CUP did not include the area adjacent to the
entrance driveway and the applicant indicated at the time of development Little Rock
Christian Academy would revise their CUP to allow for development of the 1.19 -acre
tract.
The remainder of the site would be developed with two lots each containing two acres.
The lots would share a driveway access from Cantrell Road and a drive was proposed
from the northern property line to a proposed roadway located to the west (Northwest
Territory Parkway). The applicant also indicated there would be no access to the lots
from the Little Rock Christian Academy campus. The development was proposed
containing C-3, General Commercial District uses.
A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
The applicant is now proposing a rezoning of the site from R-2, Single-family with
a CUP to POD. Little Rock Christian Academy has acquired a 3.6 -acre tract of
land bordering its property on the west. The academy also owns a 5 -acre tract
contiguous to the original 43.8 acres to the southwest fronting Cantrell Road and
west of the entrance drive. The current CUP (1997, revised 2005) does not
include these two smaller parcels. The school wishes to establish a master plan
for its entire property inclusive of all 52.07 acres of land in its possession and as
such is applying for a Planned Office District. The POD incorporates the same
use and student population as the current CUP only with a slightly larger area of
land. There has been a slight modification of placement of buildings and athletic
fields on the site with the baseball fields proposed within the newly added site
area located adjacent to Cantrell Road.
The school intends to gradually develop its campus to provide facilities for up to
2,058 students, K4 through High School. Improvements include additional
buildings to house classrooms, athletic and artistic venues along with supporting
infrastructure, drives and parking. Vehicular traffic reconfiguration on campus is
proposed to facilitate vehicular circulation and alleviate traffic stacking on public
roadways.
C!
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 Cont. FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
The purposes of the POD application is a portion of the structures, the visitor
bleachers, will lie within the 100 -foot building setback as established by the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District.
The applicant is seeking a five year deferral of the required street construction to
Cantrell Road and the placement of the bicycle path along the Divide Parkway.
The applicant is also seeking a variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to
allow advanced grading of the site.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
The site is located in an area of mixed uses and zoning located along Cantrell
Road. The properties to the east contain a variety of uses including residential,
commercial and office. Undeveloped tracts are located directly to the west and
north. The Cantrell Road and Chenal Parkway intersection is just west of the
site. This intersection includes a mixture of uses, including a Big Box retail store,
convenience store and mini -warehouse development. A church and a scattering
of single-family homes are located to the south.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area
resident. The Coalition of West Little Rock Neighborhoods, Aberdeen Court
Property Owners Association, all property owners located within 200 feet of the
site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300 -feet of the site
were notified of the Public Hearing.
D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS:
PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS:
1. Provide a traffic access and circulation plan showing morning and afternoon
traffic movements. Contact Bill Henry, Traffic Engineering, at 379-1816 with
any questions or for additional information.
2. With site development, provide the design of street conforming to the
Master Street Plan. Construct one-half street improvement to Cantrell Road
including 5 -foot sidewalks with the planned development. At time of
development, curb, gutter, and sidewalk should be installed along Cantrell
Road.
3. Sidewalk or bike trail in accordance with previously approved plans with
appropriate handicap ramps are required to be installed along the frontage
of the applicant's property adjacent to the Divide Parkway in accordance
with Section 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan.
5
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 Cont. FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
4. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the
public right-of-way prior to occupancy.
5. A grading permit in accordance with Section 29-186 (c) and (d) will be
required prior to any land clearing or grading activities at the site. Site
grading, and drainage plans will need to be submitted and approved prior to
the start of construction. A variance must be requested for grading beyond
the Phase 1 of development if construction is not imminent on future
phases.
6. Storm water detention ordinance applies to this property.
7. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES storm water
permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the
start of construction.
8. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start
of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way
from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner).
9. Obtain permits for improvements within State Highway right-of-way from
AHTD, District VI.
10. Provide a letter prepared by a registered engineer certifying the sight
distance at the northern most driveway on The Divide Parkway complies
with 2004 AASHTO Green Book standards.
E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING:
Wastewater: Sewer available to this property.
Entergy: No comment received.
Center -Point Energy: No comment received.
AT & T: No comment received.
Central Arkansas Water: Contact Central Arkansas Water if larger and/or
additional meter(s) are required. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size
of connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. This fee
will apply to all connections including metered connections off the private fire
system. Additional on site fire protection and additional fire hydrant(s) will be
required. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department to obtain information regarding
the required placement of the hydrant(s) and contact Central Arkansas Water
regarding procedures for installation of the hydrant(s). This development will
have minor impact on the existing water distribution system. Proposed water
facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection.
11
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
Fire Department: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire
Department for additional information.
County Planning: No comment.
CATA: The site is located on CATA Bus Route #25 — the Highway 10 Express
Route.
F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN:
Planning Division: This request is located in the Pinnacle Planning District. The
Land Use Plan shows Public Institutional for this property. The applicant has
applied for Planned Office Development to provide the overall master plan for the
school including future building construction and ball field construction and to
incorporate additional land area into the previously approved site plans.
The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan.
Master Street Plan: Cantrell Road is shown as a Principal Arterial. The primary
function of a Principal Arterial is to serve through traffic and to connect major
traffic generators or activity centers within urbanized areas. Entrances and exits
should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on
Cantrell Road since it is a Principal Arterial. This street may require dedication of
right-of-way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the
site. The road to the west of this property is a private road and will be used for
access to the site.
Bicycle Plan: A Class II bike route is shown along Cantrell Road. A Class II
bikeway is located on the street as either a five foot (5) shoulder or six foot (6')
marked bike lane. Additional paving and right of way may be required.
Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is not a neighborhood action plan for this
area.
Landscape:
1. The site plan must comply with the City's landscape and buffer ordinance
requirements.
2. The landscape ordinance requires a minimum of eight percent (8%) of the
paved areas be landscaped with interior islands of at least 7 Y2 feet in width
and 300 square feet in area. The proposed plan does not currently reflect
this minimum requirement.
7
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
3. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a fifty foot (50') land use buffer along
the northern perimeter of the site next to the residentially zoned properties.
Seventy percent (70%) of this area is to remain undisturbed. Currently, this
minimal amount is not being met.
4. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a fifty foot (50') land use buffer along
the eastern perimeter of the site next to the residentially zoned properties.
Seventy percent (70%) of this area is to remain undisturbed. Currently, this
minimal amount is not being met.
5. The Highway 10 Overlay requires a forty foot (40') wide landscape strip
along scenic Highway 10. The addition of the bleaches on the far easterly
side appears to be encroaching into this minimal forty foot landscape area.
6. If the bleachers are allowed then the landscaping should sufficiently screen
this area to meet the intent of the Highway 10 overlay.
7. The Highway 10 requires a twenty-five foot (25') landscaped area along the
side and rear property lines. This area is to remain undisturbed since it is
next to residentially zoned properties.
8. The property to the north and the east is zoned residential, therefore, a six
(6) foot high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side
directed outward, a wall, or dense evergreen plantings, is required along
both the northern and eastern perimeters of the site.
9. An automatic irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required.
10. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, it will be necessary to provide an
approved landscape plan stamped with the seal of a Registered Landscape
Architect.
11. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing
trees as feasible on this site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance
requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or
larger.
G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (March 6, 2008)
The applicant was present representing the request. Staff presented an
overview of the proposed development stating there were a number of issues
related to the site plan in need of addressing prior to the Commission acting on
the request. Staff stated the site plan did not include pedestrian connectivity and
access that allowed flow through the site. Staff also stated the site plan indicated
an encroachment into the 100 -foot building setback as established by the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District. Mr. George Thompson stated the request
was being filed as a POD to allow the encroachment of the visitor bleachers into
the 100 foot setback.
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
There was a general discussion concerning access and circulation to the site.
Staff and the committee members noted presently parents waiting to pick up
students stacked onto Cantrell Road creating an unsafe situation. Mr. Thompson
stated the school had hired Peters and Associates to prepare a Traffic Study for
the site which did look at ways to address the stacking problem. Mr. Thompson
stated the school was willing to work with staff on suggestions to eliminate this
dangerous problem of stacking onto the State Highway.
Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated sidewalks would be
required along Cantrell Road. Mr. Thompson questioned if the sidewalk
construction could be deferred to a later phase. Staff stated they were willing to
consider a request for a deferral and the applicant should propose a deferral
plan.
The Committee members questioned the phasing plan. Mr. Thompson stated
the school construction was driven by donations. He stated if and when someone
was willing to write a check was when construction would actually occur.
Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated the eastern perimeter did
not allow an adequate land use buffer. Mr. Thompson stated the buffer was
indicated as was approved on the 1995 and 2007 CUP site plans. Staff stated if
a site plan was presently approved with the buffer as indicated then additional
buffering was not required. Staff stated screening would be required. Staff noted
existing vegetation that provided year around screening was acceptable
screening materials.
Staff noted the comments from the various other reporting departments and
agencies suggesting the applicant contact them directly for additional
information. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then
forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action.
H. ANALYSIS:
The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing most of the issues
raised at the March 6, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The revised site
plan indicates pedestrian connectivity through the site, indicates phasing plans to
eliminate stacking onto Highway 10 and indicates landscaping and buffering to
comply with the typical ordinance standards. According to the applicant the
owners will work with staff to provide gating and additional drives and stacking on
site to eliminate the stacking on Cantrell Road.
The school is proposing a rezoning of the site to POD to allow the visitor
bleachers to encroach into the 100 foot building setback as established by the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The total student population is not changing
from the approved CUP dated February 3, 2005. The phases for future
F!7
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
NO.: 14 (Cont.
FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
construction have been revised to accommodate the school's current and
projected future needs. The student and faculty/staff numbers are proposed as
2,058 and 220 respectively. The total building square footage is proposed at
300,524 square feet. The baseball field has been located along Cantrell Road.
There is some slight modification of the driveways and parking. Access to the
west to The Divide Parkway has been constructed. There is a traffic light located
at the intersections of the Divide Parkway and Cantrell Road.
The existing building summary and proposed phased construction plan are as
follow:
EXISTING BUILDINGS Square Footage
Elementary Building 15,500
Middle School Building 39,424
Activities Building 23,000
Gym 15,200
Administration 20,000
Multi -Purpose Building 2,900
FUTURE BUILDINGS Square Footage
PHASE -1
High School Building 50,000
Central Kitchen and High School Cafeteria 6,000
Elementary Entrance Canopy
Traffic Circulation / Site Improvements
PHASE 2
Field House 7,500
Football Practice Field
Baseball Practice Field
Softball Practice Field
Extension of Football Visitor Bleachers
Elementary School Playground Expansion
PHASE 3
Baseball Field Lights and Grandstands
Softball Field Lights and Grandstands
Ball field Concessions/Toilet Buildings 1,000
Administration/Welcome Center 5,000
Maintenance/Alumni Building 5,000
PHASE 4
High School Classroom Addition 5,000
High School Arts Wing 10,000
Arts and Activities Converted to Middle School Annex
10
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.
PHASES
Athletic Gymnasium Building
PHASE 6
Chapel/Auditorium Building
PHASE 7
Kindergarten Multi-purpose Building Infill
Elementary Building Addition
Total Campus Area
FILE NO.: Z-60
35,000
45,000
5,000
10,000
300,524
The site contains 218 existing parking spaces. Additional parking will be added
with the proposed phases and building construction which will result in the total
parking to be provided on the site at 717 spaces.
The proposed break -down of classroom by grades is as follows:
The school is proposing to maintain the one existing monument sign and will not
request additional ground -signs on Cantrell Road. Currently, the school does not
have building signage. if they decide to add additional signage on the buildings,
it will be limited to a single wall sign per building which complies with the sign
11
# of Classes X
Students Per Class
# of Students
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Kindergarten 4 Mrs.
5X
15
75
Kindergarten 5 yrs.
7X
18
125
1 Grade
7X
20
140
ELEMENTARY
27d Grade
7X
22
154
3 Grade
7X
22
154
Th Grade
7X
22
154
5 Grade
7X
22
154
MIDDLE SCHOOL
_r Grade
7X
22
154
7 Grade
7X
22
154
8 Grade
7X
22
154
HIGH SCHOOL
9 Grade
8X
20
150
10t"Grade
8X
20
160
ffth Grade
8X
20
160
12 Grade
8X
20
160
2,058
Total Students
220
Total Faculty/Staff
The school is proposing to maintain the one existing monument sign and will not
request additional ground -signs on Cantrell Road. Currently, the school does not
have building signage. if they decide to add additional signage on the buildings,
it will be limited to a single wall sign per building which complies with the sign
11
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 Cont. FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
ordinance. The applicant has indicated directional signage will be placed on
decorative poles with the sign area complying with the typical ordinance
standards established in Chapter 36, Article X.
The building construction materials are proposed consistent with materials on the
site. The materials will be metal siding and white masonry veneer with sloping
silver metal roofs. Future phases will use masonry veneer and less metal siding
while maintaining the use of sloping metal roofs.
The school is proposed to have 220 employees. One parking space is required
for each teacher, employee and administrator. Combining the 220 required
faculty spaces with the 338 required classroom/student spaces results in a total
parking requirement of 558 on-site parking spaces.
The school is requesting a deferral of the sidewalk construction along Cantrell
Road for five years or development of adjacent properties. The school is also
requesting and staff is supporting, deferral of the placement of sidewalks or a
bicycle path along the Divide Parkway.
The site plan indicates the placement of the visitor bleachers within the 100 foot
building setback as established by Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The
bleachers are indicated adjacent to the 40 -foot landscape buffer on the western
side and it appears a portion of the eastern bleachers encroach into the
landscape buffer. Presently a section of bleachers exists in this area and the
applicant has indicated a desire to maintain the location of the existing bleachers
and flank the existing set with a set on each side. The site plan indicates the
bleachers will be heavily landscaped to shield the bleachers from view of the
abutting roadway.
The land use buffer requirement for this site would typically be a 50 foot
landscape strip with a minimum of 75 percent of the area being maintained as
undisturbed. In addition the northern land use buffer should also be indicated at
a minimum of 50 feet with 75 percent of this area remaining undisturbed as well.
Previous approvals allowed for a reduction in the land use buffer as proposed.
The applicant is seeking a variance from Section 29-187(e) (1) of the Land
Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of a multi -phased development
when construction is imminent on Phase 1. The applicant has indicated the
request is necessary to balance cutlfills for the site and to minimize construction
cost and time for the remaining phases. The areas not proposed for new building
construction will be stabilized per the typical ordinance standards.
Staff is supportive of the request. Staff feels the developers have done an
adequate job in addressing concerns and providing a master plan which allows
for development of a multi -phased school facility which limits impacts on the site
and the adjoining properties. To staffs knowledge there are no outstanding
technical issues associated with the request. Staff does not feel the minor
12
March 27, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -6079-H
encroachment of the visitor bleachers into the 100 -foot building setback as
established by the Highway 10 Design Overlay District will significantly impact
the development or the area.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the
comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda
staff report.
Staff recommends approval of the deferral request of the sidewalk construction
along Cantrell Road for five years or development of adjacent properties,
whichever occurs first.
Staff recommends approval of the request for a deferral of the placement of
sidewalks or a bicycle path along the Divide Parkway for five years or
development of adjacent properties, whichever occurs first.
Staff recommends approval of the variance request from Section 29-187(e) (1) of
the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of a multi -phased
development when construction is imminent on Phase I
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MARCH 27, 2008)
The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff
presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the request subject to
compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of
the agenda staff report. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the deferral
request of the sidewalk and street construction along Cantrell Road for five years or
development of adjacent properties, whichever occurs first, approval of the request for a
deferral of the placement of sidewalks or a bicycle path along the Divide Parkway for
five years or development of adjacent properties, whichever occurs first and the
variance request from Section 29-187(e) (1) of the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow
advanced grading of a multi -phased development when construction is imminent on
Phase I.
There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for
placement of the item on the Consent Agenda for approval. The motion carried by a
vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent.
13
ITEM NO.: 14, Z -6079-H
NAME: Little Rock Christian Academy Long -form POD
LOCATION: located at 19010 Highway 10
Planning Staff Comments:
1. Notification has been provided.
2. Indicate how pedestrian connectivity and access will flow through the site.
3. Will directional signage be used? If so provide a note indicating directional signage
will comply with the typical ordinance standards.
4. Provide the location of the existing development sign. Will additional signage be
requested? If so provide the location along with a note indicating the total height
and total area.
5. Provide the location of any proposed or existing fencing along with a note indicating
the fence material and height.
6. The visitor bleachers are indicated within the 100 -foot building setback as
established in the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. This will require a variation
from the Highway 10 Design Overlay District typical standards.
Neighborhood Associations Notified —
Coalition of West Little Rock Neighborhoods, Aberdeen Court Property Owners
Association
Variance/Waivers: None requested.
Public Works Conditions:
1. Provide a traffic access and circulation plan showing morning and afternoon traffic
movements. Contact Bill Henry, Traffic Engineering, at 379-1816 with any questions
or for additional information.
2. With site development, provide the design of street conforming to the Master Street
Plan. Construct one-half street improvement to Cantrell Road including 5 -foot
sidewalks with the planned development. At time of development, curb, gutter, and
sidewalk should be installed along Cantrell Road.
3. Sidewalk or bike trail in accordance with previously approved plans with appropriate
handicap ramps are required to be installed along the frontage of the applicant's
property adjacent to the Divide Parkway in accordance with Section 31-175 of the
Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan.
4. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-
of-way prior to occupancy.
5. A grading permit in accordance with Section 29-186 (c) and (d) will be required prior
Item # 14.
to any land clearing or grading activities at the site. Site grading, and drainage plans
will need to be submitted and approved prior to the start of construction. A variance
must be requested for grading beyond the Phase 1 of development if construction is
not imminent on future phases.
6. Storm water detention ordinance applies to this property.
7. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES storm water permit from
the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the start of construction.
8. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work.
Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic
Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner).
9. Obtain permits for improvements within State Highway right-of-way from AHTD,
District VI.
10. Provide a letter prepared by a registered engineer certifying the sight distance at the
northern most driveway on The Divide Parkway complies with 2004 AASHTO Green
Book standards.
Utilities and Fire Department/County Planning:
Wastewater: Sewer available to this property.
Entergy: No comment received.
Center -Point Ener : No comment received.
AT & T: No comment received.
Central Arkansas Water: Contact Central Arkansas Water if larger and/or additional
meter(s) are required. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of connection(s)
will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. This fee will apply to all
connections including metered connections off the private fire system. Additional on site
fire protection and additional fire hydrant(s) will be required. Contact the Little Rock Fire
Department to obtain information regarding the required placement of the hydrant(s)
and contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for installation of the
hydrant(s). This development will have minor impact on the existing water distribution
system. Proposed water facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire
protection.
Fire Dem: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire
Department for additional information.
County Planning: No comment.
CATA: The site is located on CATA Bus Route #25 — the Highway 10 Express
Route.
Planning Division: This request is located
Use Plan shows Public Institutional for thl
Planned Office Development to provide the
i the Pinnacle Planning District. The Land
property. The applicant has applied for
overall master plan for the school including
Item # 14.
future building construction and ball field construction and to incorporate additional land
area into the previously approved site plans.
The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan.
Master Street Plan: Cantrell Road is shown as a Principal Arterial. The primary
function of a Principal Arterial is to serve through traffic and to connect major traffic
generators or activity centers within urbanized areas. Entrances and exits should be
limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on Cantrell Road since it is
a Principal Arterial. This street may require dedication of right-of-way and may require
street improvements for entrances and exits to the site. The road to the west of this
property is a private road and will be used for access to the site.
Bicycle Plan: A Class II bike route is shown along Cantrell Road. A Class II bikeway is
located on the street as either a five foot (6) shoulder or six foot (6') marked bike lane.
Additional paving and right of way may be required.
Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is not a neighborhood action plan for this area.
Landscape:
1. The site plan must comply with the City's landscape and buffer ordinance
requirements.
2. The landscape ordinance requires a minimum of eight percent (8%) of the paved
areas be landscaped with interior islands of at least 7 Y2 feet in width and 300 square
feet in area. The proposed plan does not currently reflect this minimum requirment.
3. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a fifty foot (50) land use buffer along the
northern perimeter of the site next to the residentially zoned properties. Seventy
percent (70%) of this area is to remain undisturbed. Currently, this minimal amount
is not being met.
4. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a fifty foot (50') land use buffer along the
eastern perimeter of the site next to the residentially zoned properties. Seventy
percent (70%) of this area is to remain undisturbed. Currently, this minimal amount
is not being met.
5. The Highway 10 Overlay requires a forty foot (40') wide landscape strip along scenic
Highway 10. The addition of the bleaches on the far easterly side appears to be
encroaching into this minimal forty foot landscape area.
6. If the bleachers are allowed then the landscaping should sufficiently screen this area
to meet the intent of the Highway 10 overlay.
7. The Highway 10 requires a twenty-five foot (25') landscaped area along the side and
rear property lines. This area is to remain undisturbed since it is next to residentially
zoned properties.
8. The property to the north and the east is zoned residential, therefore, a six (6) foot
high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side directed outward, a
wall, or dense evergreen plantings, is required along both the northern and eastern
perimeters of the site.
9. An automatic irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required.
10. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, it will be necessary to provide an approved
landscape plan stamped with the seal of a Registered Landscape Architect.
Item # 14.
11. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing trees as
feasible on this site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance requirements can
be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or larger.
Revised plat/plan: Submit four (4) copies of a revised preliminary plat/plan (to include
the additional information as noted above) to staff on Wednesday, March 12, 2008.
Item # 14.