HomeMy WebLinkAboutS-0867-CCCCCCCCC Staff AnalysisITEM NO.- 1. S-867-CCCCCCCC
NAME: Chenal Valley Tract 4A, 4B and 8 Revised Preliminary Plat, located on the
Northwest corner of Rahling Road and Chenal Parkway
LOCATION: located on the Northwest corner of Rahling Road and Chenal Parkway
Planning Staff Comments:
1. Provide notification of the abutting property owners of the development including the
certified abstract list, notice form with affidavit executed and proof of mailing. The
notice must be mailed no later than August 12, 2015. The Office of Planning and
Development must receive the proof of notice no later than August 21, 2015.
2. Provide the zoning classification within the plat boundary and of abutting areas
shown.
3. Provide the proposed phasing plan for the new lots.
4. Provide a revised preliminary plat for the area.
Variance/Waivers:
Public Works Conditions:
1. The proposed public street does not meet the Master Street Plan design standards
for a commercial street. The street should be within 60 foot right-of-way and
sidewalks on both sides.
2. Due to the limited properties served, the proposed street should be private and not
public. If the street is proposed to be public, a turnaround or cul-de-sac must be
provided where the street changes from public to private.
3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-
of-way prior to occupancy.
4. Stormwater detention ordinance applies to this property.
5. Street improvement plans shall include signage and striping. Public Works must
approve completed plans prior to construction.
6. Streetlights are required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide plans
for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior to
platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineering 501.379.1813, Greg
Simmons (gsimmions@littlerock.org) for more information.
7. Damage to public and private property due to hauling operations or operation of
construction related equipment from a nearby construction site shall be repaired by
the responsible party prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
8. The driveway accessing Chenal Parkway should continue to function as a right
in/right out only and not provide a median cut for left turns movements.
9. Intersection of Chenal and Rahling carries significant amount of traffic and currently
warrants dual left -turn lanes for the eastbound movement. Proposed full -access
median opening will introduce additional conflict points in traffic flow thereby
increasing the potential for crashes.
10. Proposed driveway on the eastside of Chenal Parkway will introduce an
unsignalized intersection and may cause illegal turn movements from one drive to
the other.
11. Wide medians with inadequate sight distance also make it very difficult to see
oncoming traffic. The proposed triangular island in the median requires drivers to
turn their heads more than 90 degrees to see gaps in traffic before merging.
12. Provide a letter prepared by a registered engineer certifying the sight distance at the
intersection(s) comply with 2004 AASHTO Green Book standards. The driveway at
the proposed median cut does not have adequate sight distance to the right due to
the raised median.
Utilities and Fire Department/County Planning:
Wastewater:
Entergy: Entergy does not object to this proposal. A three phase underground power
line exists to the south of this property. Contact Entergy in advance regarding future
service requirements to the development, line extension, and future facilities locations
as this project proceeds.
CenterPoint Energy: No comment received.
AT & T: No comment received.
ntral Arkansas Water:
1. All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water
service must be met.
2. The Little Rock Fire Department needs to evaluate this site to determine whether
additional public and/or private fire hydrant(s) will be required. If additional fire
hydrant(s) are required, they will be installed at the Developer's expense.
3. Please submit plans for water facilities and/or fire protection system to Central
Arkansas Water for review. Plan revisions may be required after additional review.
Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for installation of water
facilities and/or fire service. Approval of plans by the Arkansas Department of
Health Engineering Division and the Little Rock Fire Department is required.
4. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of meter 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.
5. If there are facilities that need to be adjusted and/or relocated, contact Central
Arkansas Water. That work would be done at the expense of the developer.
6. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding the size and location of water meter.
7. Due to the nature of this facility, installation of an approved reduced pressure zone
backflow preventer assembly (RPZA) is required on the domestic water service.
This assembly must be installed prior to the first point of use. Central Arkansas
Water requires that upon installation of the RPZA, successful tests of the assembly
must be completed by a Certified Assembly Tester licensed by the State of Arkansas
and approved by Central Arkansas Water. The test results must be sent to Central
Arkansas Water's Cross Connection Section within ten days of installation and
annually thereafter. Contact the Cross Connection Section at 501.377.1226 if you
would like to discuss backflow prevention requirements for this project.
8. The facilities on -site will be private. When meters are planned off private lines,
private facilities shall be installed to Central Arkansas Water's materials and
construction specifications and installation will be inspected by an engineer, licensed
to practice in the State of Arkansas. Execution of a Customer Owned Line
Agreement is required.
9. Fire sprinkler systems which do not contain additives such as antifreeze shall be
isolated with a double detector check valve assembly. If additives area used, a
reduced pressure zone back flow preventer shall be required.
10.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: Maintain Access:
Fire Hydrants. Maintain fire apparatus access roads at fire hydrant locations as per
Appendix D of the 2012 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section D103.1 Access
road width with a hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a fire apparatus access
road, the minimum road width shall be 26 feet, exclusive of shoulders.
Commercial and Industrial Developments — 2 means of access. - Maintain fire
apparatus access roads as per Appendix D of the 2012 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code
Vol. 1
Section D104.1 Buildings exceeding three stories or 30 feet in height. Building or
facilities exceeding 30 feet or three stories in height shall have at least two means of fire
apparatus access for each structure.
Section D104.2 Building exceeding 62,000 square feet in area. Buildings or facilities
having a gross building area of more than 62,000 square feet shall be provide with two
separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.
Exception: Projects having a gross building area of up to 124,000 square feet
that have a single approved fire apparatus access road when all building are
equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems.
D104.3 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall
be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of the maximum
overall diagonal dimension of the lot or area to be served, measured in a straight line
between accesses.
30' Tall Buildings - Maintain aerial fire apparatus access roads as per Appendix D
of the 2012 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section D105.1 — D105.4
D105.1 Where Required. Where the vertical distance between the grade plane
and the highest roof surface exceed 30', approved aerial fire apparatus access roads
shall be provided. For the purposes of this section the highest roof surfaces shall be
determined by measurement to the eave of a pitched roof, the intersection of a roof to
the exterior wall, or the top of the parapet walls, whichever is greater.
D105.2 Width. Aerial fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum
unobstructed with of 26', exclusive of shoulders, in the immediate vicinity of the building
or portion thereof.
D105.3 Proximity to building. At least one of the required access routes
meeting this condition shall be located within a minimum of 15 feet and a maximum of
30 feet from the building, and shall be positioned parallel to one entire side of the
building. The side of the building on which the aerial fire apparatus access road is
positioned shall be approved by the fire code official.
D105.4 Obstructions. Overhead utility and power lines shall not be located over
the aerial fire apparatus access road or between the aerial fire apparatus road and the
building. Other obstructions shall be permitted to be places with the approval of the fire
code official.
Gates. Maintain fire apparatus access road gates as per Appendix D of the 2012
Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section D103.5 Fire apparatus access road
gates. Gates securing the fire apparatus access roads shall comply with all of the
following criteria:
1. Minimum gate width shall be 20 feet.
2. Gates shall be of swinging or sliding type.
3. Construction of gates shall be of material that allow manual operation by one
person.
4. Gate components shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times and
replaces or repaired when defective.
5. Electric gates shall be equipped with a means of opening the gate by fire
department personnel for emergency access. Emergency opening devices shall
be approved by the fire code official.
6. Manual opening gates shall not be locked with a padlock or chain and padlock
unless they are capable of being opened by means of forcible entry tools or when
a key box containing the keys to the lock is installed at the gate location.
7. Locking device specifications shall be submitted for approval \by the fire code
official
8. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL
325.
9. Gates, intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and
installed to comply with requirements of ASTM F 2200.
Fire Hydrants. Locate Fire Hydrants as per Appendix C of the 2012 Arkansas Fire
Prevention Code. Section C101 — C105, in conjunction with Central Arkansas Water
(Jason Lowder 501.377.1245) and the Little Rock Fire Marshal's Office (Captain Tony
Rhodes 501.918.3757). Number and Distribution of Fire Hydrants as per Table C105.1.
Parks and Recreation: No comment received.
County Planning: No comment.
CATA: The site is not located on a dedicated CATA Bus Route.
Building Code: Project is subject to full commercial plan review and approval prior to
issuance of a building permit. For information on submittal requirements and the review
process, contact a commercial plans examiner:
Curtis Richey at 501.371.4724; cricheyCcD_littIerock.o[g or
Mark Alderfer at 501.371.4875; malderfer@littlerock.orq.
Planning Division: No comment.
Landscape: No comment.
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, August 12, 2015.
August 27, 2015
ITEM NO.:
FILE NO.: 5-867-CCCCCCCC
NAME: Chenal Valley Tract 4A, 4B and 8 Revised Preliminary Plat
LOCATION: Located on the Northwest corner of Rahling Road and Chenal Parkway
DEVELOPER:
Deltic Timber Corporation
7 Chenal Club Drive
Little Rock, AR 72223
ENGINEER:
White-Daters and Associates
24 Rahling Circle
Little Rock, AR 72223
AREA: 16.4 acres
CURRENT ZONING
PLANNING DISTRICT
CENSUS TRACT:
VARIANCEMAIVERS:
NUMBER OF LOTS. 3 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF
C-3, General Commercial District, PD-R, Planned
Development Residential and R-2, Single-family
19 - Chenal
42.13
1. A variance from the Subdivision Ordinance and the Master Street Plan to allow
reduced right of way width for a proposed new public street.
2. A variance from the Master Street Plan to allow a reduced centerline radius for the
proposed new street.
A. PROPOSALIREQUEST/APPLICANT'S STATEMENT:
The project is located on the north side of Rahling Road, just west of Chenal
Parkway. The project includes a median cut on Chenal Parkway to provide
ingress and egress to Founders Drive. Founders Drive will be extended
westward to the common lot line between Lots 4B and 4C. The street is
proposed as a public right of way and is proposed to be dedicated to the City of
Little Rock. The street will be for the use by and open to the public. The existing
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
drive between Tracts 4A and 4B will be used only for the benefit of these two (2)
tracts, to provide ingress and egress to the two (2) tracts and access between
the two (2) tracts. This drive may be relocated or removed based on future
development plans of the two (2) lots.
There are two (2) variances proposed for the subdivision. The right of way width
is proposed with a reduced width of 36-feet, with a 10-foot wide
maintenance/utility/sidewalk easement on each side. The plat also includes a
reduced centerline radius. The area north of the proposed new street is labeled
as Tract 413-1 and is proposed as open space.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
Currently the site contains the Bank of the Ozark's Headquarters offices and the
Chenal Woods HPR, an owner occupied condominium development. Across
Rahling Road to the south is the Promenade at Chenal shopping center. To the
north are single-family homes located on Bretagne Circle. Across Chenal
Parkway to the east is vacant C-3, General Commercial District zoned property.
On the southeast corner of Rahling Road and Chenal Parkway is a vacant
property zoned PCD approved for a pharmacy.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area
property owner. All abutting property owners were notified of the public hearing.
There is not an active City of Little Rock recognized neighborhood association
located in this immediate area.
D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS:
PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS:
1. The proposed public street does not meet the Master Street Plan design
standards for a commercial street. The street should be within a 60 foot
right-of-way and sidewalks on both sides.
2. Due to the limited properties served, the proposed street should be private
and not public. If the street is proposed to be public, a turnaround or cul-de-
sac must be provided where the street changes from public to private.
3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the
public right-of-way prior to occupancy.
4. Stormwater detention ordinance applies to this property.
2
August 27, 2015
UBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
5. Street improvement plans shall include signage and striping. Public Works
must approve completed plans prior to construction.
6. Streetlights are required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide
plans for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior
to platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineering
501.379.1813, Greg Simmons 1simmons(50ittlerock_org for more
information.
7. Damage to public and private property due to hauling operations or
operation of construction related equipment from a nearby construction site
shall be repaired by the responsible party prior to issuance of a certificate of
occupancy.
8. The driveway accessing Chenal Parkway should continue to function as a
right in/right out only and not provide a median cut for left turns movements.
9. Intersection of Chenal and Rahling carries significant amount of traffic and
currently warrants dual left -turn lanes for the eastbound movement.
Proposed full -access median opening will introduce additional conflict points
in traffic flow thereby increasing the potential for crashes.
10. Proposed driveway on the eastside of Chenal Parkway will introduce an
unsignalized intersection and may cause illegal turn movements from one
drive to the other.
11. Wide medians with inadequate sight distance also make it very difficult to
see oncoming traffic. The proposed triangular island in the median requires
drivers to turn their heads more than 90 degrees to see gaps in traffic
before merging.
12. Provide a letter prepared by a registered engineer certifying the sight
distance at the intersection(s) comply with 2004 AASHTO Green Book
standards. The driveway at the proposed median cut does not have
adequate sight distance to the right due to the raised median.
E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING:
Wastewater: ewer available to this project. Sewer easement(s) must be
retained for Lot 4A-B. Contact Little Rock Wastewater for additional information.
Entergy: Entergy does not object to this proposal. A three phase underground
power line exists to the south of this property. Contact Entergy in advance
regarding future service requirements to the development, line extension, and
future facilities locations as this project proceeds.
3
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
CenterPoint Energy: No comment received.
AT & T: No comment received.
Central Arkansas Water:
1. All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for
water service must be met.
2. The Little Rock Fire Department needs to evaluate this site to determine
whether additional public and/or private fire hydrant(s) will be required. If
additional fire hydrant(s) are required, they will be installed at the
Developer's expense.
3. Please submit plans for water facilities and/or fire protection system to
Central Arkansas Water for review. Plan revisions may be required after
additional review. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures
for installation of water facilities and/or fire service. Approval of plans by the
Arkansas Department of Health Engineering Division and the Little Rock
Fire Department is required.
4. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of meter 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.
5. If there are facilities that need to be adjusted and/or relocated, contact
Central Arkansas Water. That work would be done at the expense of the
developer.
6. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding the size and location of water
meter.
7. Due to the nature of this facility, installation of an approved reduced
pressure zone backflow preventer assembly (RPZA) is required on the
domestic water service. This assembly must be installed prior to the first
point of use. Central Arkansas Water requires that upon installation of the
RPZA, successful tests of the assembly must be completed by a Certified
Assembly Tester licensed by the State of Arkansas and approved by
Central Arkansas Water. The test results must be sent to Central Arkansas
Water's Cross Connection Section within ten days of installation and
annually thereafter. Contact the Cross Connection Section at 501.377.1226
if you would like to discuss backflow prevention requirements for this
project.
51
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 Cont. FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
8. The facilities on -site will be private. When meters are planned off private
lines, private facilities shall be installed to Central Arkansas Water's
materials and construction specifications and installation will be inspected
by an engineer, licensed to practice in the State of Arkansas. Execution of
a Customer Owned Line Agreement is required.
9. Fire sprinkler systems which do not contain additives such as antifreeze
shall be isolated with a double detector check valve assembly. If additives
area used, a reduced pressure zone back flow preventer shall be required.
10. 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: Maintain Access:
Fire Hydrants. Maintain fire apparatus access roads at fire hydrant locations as
per Appendix D of the 2012 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section
D103.1 Access road width with a hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a
fire apparatus access road, the minimum road width shall be 26 feet, exclusive of
shoulders.
Commercial and Industrial Developments — 2 means of access. - Maintain
fire apparatus access roads as per Appendix D of the 2012 Arkansas Fire
Prevention Code Vol. 1
Section D104.1 Buildings exceeding three stories or 30 feet in height.
Building or facilities exceeding 30 feet or three stories in height shall have at
least two means of fire apparatus access for each structure.
Section D104.2 Building exceeding 62,000 square feet in area. Buildings or
facilities having a gross building area of more than 62,000 square feet shall be
provide with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.
Exception: Projects having a gross building area of up to 124,000 square
feet that have a single approved fire apparatus access road when all
building are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler
systems.
D104.3 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they
shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of
the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the lot or area to be served,
measured in a straight line between accesses.
5
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1
FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
30' Tall Buildings - Maintain aerial fire apparatus access roads as per
Appendix D of the 2012 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section
D105.1 — D105.4
D105.1 Where Required. Where the vertical distance between the grade
plane and the highest roof surface exceed 30', approved aerial fire apparatus
access roads shall be provided. For the purposes of this section the highest roof
surfaces shall be determined by measurement to the eave of a pitched roof, the
intersection of a roof to the exterior wall, or the top of the parapet walls,
whichever is greater.
D105.2 Width. Aerial fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum
unobstructed with of 26', exclusive of shoulders, in the immediate vicinity of the
building or portion thereof.
D105.3 Proximity to building. At least one of the required access routes
meeting this condition shall be located within a minimum of 15 feet and a
maximum of 30 feet from the building, and shall be positioned parallel to one
entire side of the building. The side of the building on which the aerial fire
apparatus access road is positioned shall be approved by the fire code official.
D105.4 Obstructions. Overhead utility and power lines shall not be
located over the aerial fire apparatus access road or between the aerial fire
apparatus road and the building. Other obstructions shall be permitted to be
places with the approval of the fire code official.
Gates. Maintain fire apparatus access road gates as per Appendix D of the
2012 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section D103.5 Fire apparatus
access road gates. Gates securing the fire apparatus access roads shall
comply with all of the following criteria:
1. Minimum gate width shall be 20 feet.
2. Gates shall be of swinging or sliding type.
3. Construction of gates shall be of material that allow manual operation by
one person.
4. Gate components shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times
and replaces or repaired when defective.
5. Electric gates shall be equipped with a means of opening the gate by fire
department personnel for emergency access. Emergency opening devices
shall be approved by the fire code official.
6. Manual opening gates shall not be locked with a padlock or chain and
padlock unless they are capable of being opened by means of forcible
entry tools or when a key box containing the keys to the lock is installed at
the gate location.
0
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
7. Locking device specifications shall be submitted for approval \by the fire
code official
8. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with
U L 325.
9. Gates, intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed
and installed to comply with requirements of ASTM F 2200.
Fire Hydrants. Locate Fire Hydrants as per Appendix C of the 2012
Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Section C101 — C105, in conjunction with
Central Arkansas Water (Jason Lowder 501.377.1245) and the Little Rock Fire
Marshal's Office (Captain Tony Rhodes 501.918.3757). Number and Distribution
of Fire Hydrants as per Table C105.1.
Parks and Recreation: No comment received.
County Planning: No comment.
CATA: The site is not located on a dedicated CATA Bus Route.
F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN-
G
Building Code: Project is subject to full commercial plan review and approval
prior to issuance of a building permit. For information on submittal requirements
and the review process, contact a commercial plans examiner:
Curtis Richey at 501.371.4724; crichey6aJittlerock.org or
Mark Alderfer at 501.371.4875; ma Iderfe r@ Iittlerock. or .
Planninq Division: No comment.
Landscape: No comment.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT:
(August 5, 2015)
Mr. Tim Daters of White-Daters and Associates was present representing the
request. Staff presented an overview of the item stating the applicant was
seeking a revised preliminary plat for Tract 4. Staff requested Mr. Daters provide
the zoning classification of the proposed plat area and of abutting properties.
Staff also requested the applicant provide the proposed phasing plan.
Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated the proposed public street
did not meet the typical development standards for a commercial street per the
Master Street Plan. Staff also stated any future development of the site would
7
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
require adherence to the City Stormwater Detention Ordinance. Staff stated
streetlights were required by Section 31-403. Staff stated damage to public and
private property due to hauling operations or operation of construction related
equipment from construction sites were required to repair any damaged prior to
the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Staff noted the comments from the various other agencies. There were no more
issues for discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full
Commission for final action.
H. ANALYSIS:
The applicant submitted a revised preliminary plat to staff addressing a number
of the technical issues associated with the request raised at the August 5, 2015,
Subdivision Committee meeting. The revised plat indicates the zoning
classification of the plat and the abutting properties. The applicant has indicated
the lots will be final platted in a single phase.
The project is located on the north side of Rahling Road, just west of Chenal
Parkway. The project includes a median cut on Chenal Parkway to provide
ingress and egress to Founders Drive, a proposed new public street to be
dedicated to the City. Founders Drive is the existing driveway located between
the Bank of the Ozarks and Chenal Woods Condos and is proposed to be
extended westward to the common lot line between Lots 4B and 4C.
The plat includes a variance from the master street plan to allow a reduced right
of way width. The right of way width proposed for the new street is 36-feet. The
plat indicates a 10-foot wide maintenance/utility/sidewalk easement on each side.
The plat also includes a reduced centerline radius. The area north of the
proposed new street is labeled as Tract 4B-1 and is proposed as open space.
The existing driveway between Tracts 4A and 4B will be used only for the benefit
of these two (2) tracts, to provide ingress and egress to the two (2) tracts and
access between the two (2) tracts. This existing driveway may be relocated or
removed based on future development plans of the two (2) lots.
The proposed public street does not meet the Master Street Plan design
standards for a commercial street. To comply with the minimum standards of the
Master Street Plan the street should be located within a 60 foot right-of-way.
Staff is not supportive of the variance from the Master Street Plan to allow a
36-foot right-of-way with a 10-foot sidewalk/utility easements on each side as
proposed.
0
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
Typically private streets to be dedicated as public right-of-way to the City of Little
Rock per Section 31.208 of City code includes the following:
- The street proposed to be dedicated must be located within a right-of-way of
not less than 40 feet;
- Prior to dedication, street cores must be provided on the private street in
several locations determined by staff to show the pavement thickness is
equivalent to a minimum of 6-inches of compacted, crushed stone (SB-2),
base course plus 2-inches of asphaltic concrete placed on an adequate
subgrade;
- Utility alignment and depth must meet all City policies or be judged
satisfactory. The applicant must show all existing or proposed utilities on the
dedication application;
- The Planning Commission may designate drainage, utility, or public use
easements as required to maintain the street.
If the private street is not dedicated as public right-of-way to the City of Little
Rock, an adequate turnaround must be provided at the end of the proposed
public street for sanitation and emergency vehicles both in dimension and
improvements. The use of private driveways and streets for turnaround
movements is not adequate.
Staff feels the driveway accessing Chenal Parkway should continue to function
as a right in/right out only and not provide a median cut for left turns movements
onto Chenal Parkway due to the location of the intersection of Chenal Parkway
and Rahling Road. This intersection carries a significant amount of traffic and
currently warrants dual left -turn lanes for the eastbound movement. The
proposed full -access median opening will introduce additional conflicting points in
the traffic flow thereby increasing the potential for crashes. The proposed
driveway on the eastside of Chenal Parkway will introduce an unsignalized
intersection and may cause illegal turn movements from one (1) drive to the
other. Staff feels the existing wide medians with inadequate sight distance will
make it very difficult to see oncoming traffic and the proposed triangular island in
the median requires drivers to turn their heads more than 90 degrees to see gaps
in traffic before merging. Staff feels the existing private commercial street at the
proposed median cut does not have adequate sight distance to the right due to
the raised median. The applicant has not provide a letter prepared by a
registered engineer certifying the sight distance at the intersection(s) comply with
2004 AASHTO Green Book standards.
9
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 Cont. FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
Staff is not supportive of the applicant's request. Staff has concerns with the
right of way proposed for the new street and the potential impact of providing a
median cut from the development to Chenal Parkway.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends denial of the request as filed.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (AUGUST 27, 2015)
The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented
the item stating the request was to allow preliminary plat approval for a proposed
subdivision. Staff stated the plat included variances from the Master Street Plan. Staff
also stated the request included the placement of a median cut on Chenal Parkway.
Staff stated they were supportive of the preliminary plat but not of the proposed
variances nor the proposed median cut.
Public Works staff stated the request included a number of variances. Staff stated they
did not object to the development but felt the proposed plat should meet the minimum
standards which included the placement of a 60-foot right of way for the proposed public
streets. Staff stated the concern with the horizontal radius was a safety concern. Staff
stated minimum standards for a private street to be accepted by the City was a 40-foot
right of way. Staff stated this was based on a residential street being dedicated to the
City and did not envision commercial streets being dedicated with such a reduced right
of way. Staff stated they did not feel it was an ordinance requirement to limit the
number of curb cuts on Chenal Parkway but a policy of the City to limit the number of
breaks. Staff stated their concern was the high volume and the speeds of cars traveling
the Parkway. Staff stated there was currently a public project to add an additional left
turn lane on Chenal Parkway to Rahling Road. Staff stated the volumes of traffic at this
intersection was so great the additional lane was needed. Staff stated there was a large
amount of undeveloped property in this area which would increase the number of
vehicles traveling the area on a daily basis.
Staff stated the posted speed limit of Chenal Parkway was 45 mph. Staff stated the
actual speed of 85 percentile of the traffic was 58 miles per hours. Staff stated to allow
the median cut would increase the number of unprotected left turns which would
increase the risk of accidents. Staff stated at the speeds traveled on Chenal Parkway
the crashes would not be fender benders but would most likely result in fatalities. Staff
stated they did not feel there was a need for a curb cut.
10
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 Cont. FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
Mr. Bill Spivey addressed the Commission on behalf of the applicant. He stated most of
staff's objections were engineering issues and not technical concerns. He stated a
portion of the plat area was recently reviewed and approved by the Commission for
rezoning. He stated his client, Delitc Timber Corporation had an opportunity to sell this
property to the adjacent property owner, the Bank of the Ozarks. He stated the bank
was proposing a major addition to their campus bringing 100's of new jobs to the City.
He stated the development of Chenal began in 1982 and if there was one part of town
that had evolved over that time it was the Chenal area.
Mr. Tim Daters of White-Daters and Associates addressed the Commission. He stated
the proposed development included a three (3) lot plat with three (3) large lots. He
stated the plat included variances from the minimum standards of the Master Street
Plan. He stated the design of Chenal Parkway began in 2003 and at the beginning the
street was classified as an expressway. He stated the Master Street Plan was later
amended to reduce the street classification to a principal arterial. Mr. Daters stated the
private drive was constructed to meet the minimum standards of the subdivision
ordinance. He stated in 2005 this area was not developed. He stated now in 2015 the
bank and the Chenal Woods condominiums had been constructed. He stated the
proposed median cut would be constructed in the same fashion as the median cut
located at Wal-mart. He stated the median cut would take a number of traffic
movements out of the traffic signal at Rahling Road and increase traffic flows in this
area.
Mr. Ernie Peter addressed the Commission presenting a traffic analysis he had
prepared. He stated the analysis had reviewed the AM and PM peak traffic flows on
Chenal Parkway and Rahling Road. He stated the volume of Chenal Parkway was
significant but not so much on Rahling Road. He stated an analysis was prepared in
2006 and the existing traffic volumes were much less than existed today. He stated the
median cut would take movements out of the Rahling Road intersection which would
increase the level of service of the intersection. He stated if there was an adjustment to
timing of the traffic lights it would allow the traffic flows to operate more efficiently. He
stated the sight distance could be achieved by some minor modifications to the median.
He stated traffic analysis were based on the posted speeds of traffic on a street and not
the actual speeds. He stated the safety could be achieved with the plan. He stated the
median break would be fully directional and allow traffic safe movements into the flow of
traffic.
Mr. Bill Spivey addressed the Commission and stated there were no citizen before the
Commission in opposition of the request. He stated the improvements would be built to
meet the safety concerns of the City. He stated design would be fully engineered to
meet the concerns of the City.
11
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
EM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
There was a general discussion by the Commission concerning the request and the
proposed median break. A number of Commissioners weighed in on their concerns for
safety if the median break were allowed. The Commission questioned staff for their
unwillingness to support the reduced right of way when the City was implementing the
Complete Streets concept and their current activity of reducing street widths, road diets,
to slow traffic through areas. Staff stated they felt the street right of way dedication
should meet some standard of the ordinance. Staff stated they had supported various
proposal which had reduced right of way widths. Commissioner Berry stated he was
unsure as to staff's non-support of the private street since the future users of the street
were the same users as the current users. The Commission noted the various median
breaks along Chenal Parkway were safety concerns and a number of the beaks
experienced accidents on numerous occasions.
There was no further discussion of the item. The chair requested the plat and the
proposed variances and the request for the median cut all be voted on as separate
items.
A motion was made to approve the preliminary plat not including the proposed
variances. The motion carried by a vote of 11 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
A motion was made to approve the variance from the Master Street plan to allow the
construction of a commercial street with a 36 foot right of way and a 10 foot
sidewalk/maintenance/utility easements on both sides of the right of way instead of a
60 foot right of way. The motion failed by a vote of 1 aye, 10 noes and 0 absent.
A motion was made to approve the variance request from the Master Street Plan to
allow construction of a commercial street with a horizontal radius of 111 feet instead of
a street with a 275 foot or greater horizontal radius (normal crown). The motion failed
by a vote of 1 aye, 10 noes and 0 absent.
A motion was made to approve the variance request from Section 31.208(k)(1) of the
City code and acceptance of a private street as dedicated right of way with a width of
36 feet instead of a dedicated right of way width of not less than 40 feet. The motion
failed by a vote of 1 aye, 10 noes and 0 absent.
A motion was made to allow the median cut in Chenal Parkway north of Rahling Road.
The motion failed by a vote of 0 aye, 11 noes and 0 absent.
12
August 27, 2015
ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
NAME: Chenal Valley Tract 4A, 4B and 8 Revised Preliminary Plat
LOCATION: Located on the Northwest corner of Rahling Road and Chenal Parkway
DEVELOPER:
Deltic Timber Corporation
7 Chenal Club Drive
Little Rock, AR 72223
ENGINEER:
White-Daters and Associates
24 Rahling Circle
Little Rock, AR 72223
AREA: 16.4 acres
CURRENT ZONING
PLANNING DISTRICT:
NUMBER OF LOTS: 3 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF
C-3, General Commercial District, PD-R, Planned
Development Residential and R-2, Single-family
19 - Chenal
CENSUS TRACT: 42.13
VARIANCE/WAIVERS:
1. A variance from the Subdivision Ordinance and the Master Street Plan to allow
reduced right of way width for a proposed new public street.
2. A variance from the Master Street Plan to allow a reduced centerline 'radius for the
proposed new street.
A. PROPOSAUREQUESTIAPPLICANT'S STATEMENT:
The project is located on the north side of Rahling Road, just west of Chenal
Parkway. The project includes a median cut on Chenal Parkway to provide
ingress and egress to Founders Drive. Founders Drive will be extended
westward to the common lot line between Lots 4B and 4C. The street is
proposed as a public right of way and is proposed to be dedicated to the City of
Little Rock. The street will be for the use by and open to the public. The existing
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.:- S-867-CCCCCCCC
drive between Tracts 4A and 4B will be used only for the benefit of these two (2)
tracts, to provide ingress and egress to the two (2) tracts and access between
the two (2) tracts. This drive may be relocated or removed based on future
development plans of the two (2) lots.
There are two (2) variances proposed for the subdivision. The right of way width
is proposed with a reduced width of 36-feet, with a 10-foot wide
maintenance/utility/sidewalk easement on each side. The plat also includes a
reduced centerline radius. The area north of the proposed new street is labeled
as Tract 413-1 and is proposed as open space.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
Currently the site contains the Bank of the Ozark's Headquarters offices and the
Chenal Woods HPR, an owner occupied condominium development. Across
Rahling Road to the south is the Promenade at Chenal shopping center. To the
north are single-family homes located on Bretagne Circle. Across Chenal
Parkway to the east is vacant C-3, General Commercial District zoned property.
On the southeast corner of Rahling Road and Chenal Parkway is a vacant
property zoned PCD approved for a pharmacy.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area
property owner. All abutting property owners were notified of the public hearing.
There is not an active City of Little Rock recognized neighborhood association
located in this immediate area.
D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS:
PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS:
1. The proposed public street does not meet the Master Street Plan design
standards for a commercial street. The street should be within a 60 foot
right-of-way and sidewalks on both sides.
2. Due to the limited properties served, the proposed street should be private
and not public. If the street is proposed to be public, a turnaround or cul-de-
sac must be provided where the street changes from public to private.
3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the
public right-of-way prior to occupancy.
4. Stormwater detention ordinance applies to this property.
2
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
5. Street improvement plans shall include signage and striping. Public Works
must approve completed plans prior to construction.
6. Streetlights are required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide
plans for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior
to platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineering
501.379.1813, Greg Simmons csimmons littlerock.or,q for more
information.
7. Damage to public and private property due to hauling operations or
operation of construction related equipment from a nearby construction site
shall be repaired by the responsible party prior to issuance of a certificate of
occupancy.
8. The driveway accessing Chenal Parkway should continue to function as a
right in/right out only and not provide a median cut for left turns movements.
9. Intersection of Chenal and Rahling carries significant amount of traffic and
currently warrants dual left -turn lanes for the eastbound movement.
Proposed full -access median opening will introduce additional conflict points
in traffic flow thereby increasing the potential for crashes.
10. Proposed driveway on the eastside of Chenal Parkway will introduce an
unsignalized intersection and may cause illegal turn movements from one
drive to the other.
11. Wide medians with inadequate sight distance also make it very difficult to
see oncoming traffic. The proposed triangular island in the median requires
drivers to turn their heads more than 90 degrees to see gaps in traffic
before merging.
12. Provide a letter prepared by a registered engineer certifying the sight
distance at the intersection(s) comply with 2004 AASHTO Green Book
standards. The driveway at the proposed median cut does not have
adequate sight distance to the right due to the raised median.
E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING:
Wastewater: ewer available to this project. Sewer easement(s) must be
retained for Lot 4A-B. Contact Little Rock Wastewater for additional information.
Entergy: Entergy does not object to this proposal. A three phase underground
power line exists to the south of this property. Contact Entergy in advance
regarding future service requirements to the development, line extension, and
future facilities locations as this project proceeds.
3
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 Cont. FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
CenterPoint Energy: No comment received.
AT & T: No comment received.
Central Arkansas Water:
1. All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for
water service must be met.
2. The Little Rock Fire Department needs to evaluate this site to determine
whether additional public and/or private fire hydrant(s) will be required. If
additional fire hydrant(s) are required, they will be installed at the
Developer's expense.
3. Please submit plans for water facilities and/or fire protection system to
Central Arkansas Water for review. Plan revisions may be required after
additional review. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures
for installation of water facilities and/or fire service. Approval of plans by the
Arkansas Department of Health Engineering Division and the Little Rock
Fire Department is required.
4. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of meter 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.
5. If there are facilities that need to be adjusted and/or relocated, contact
Central Arkansas Water. That work would be done at the expense of the
developer.
6. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding the size and location of water
meter.
7. Due to the nature of this facility, installation of an approved reduced
pressure zone backflow preventer assembly (RPZA) is required on the
domestic water service. This assembly must be installed prior to the first
point of use. Central Arkansas Water requires that upon installation of the
RPZA, successful tests of the assembly must be completed by a Certified
Assembly Tester licensed by the State of Arkansas and approved by
Central Arkansas Water. The test results must be sent to Central Arkansas
Water's Cross Connection Section within ten days of installation and
annually thereafter. Contact the Cross Connection Section at 501.377.1226
if you would like to discuss backflow prevention requirements for this
project.
El
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
8. The facilities on -site will be private. When meters are planned off private
lines, private facilities shall be installed to Central Arkansas Water's
materials and construction specifications and installation will be inspected
by an engineer, licensed to practice in the State of Arkansas. Execution of
a Customer Owned Line Agreement is required.
9. Fire sprinkler systems which do not contain additives such as antifreeze
shall be isolated with a double detector check valve assembly. If additives
area used, a reduced pressure zone back flow preventer shall be required.
10. 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: Maintain Access:
Fire Hydrants. Maintain fire apparatus access roads at fire hydrant locations as
per Appendix D of the 2012 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section
D103.1 Access road width with a hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a
fire apparatus access road, the minimum road width shall be 26 feet, exclusive of
shoulders.
Commercial and Industrial Developments — 2 means of access. - Maintain
fire apparatus access roads as per Appendix D of the 2012 Arkansas Fire
Prevention Code Vol. 1
Section D104.1 Buildings exceeding three stories or 30 feet in height.
Building or facilities exceeding 30 feet or three stories in height shall have at
least two means of fire apparatus access for each structure.
Section D104.2 Building exceeding 62,000 square feet in area. Buildings or
facilities having a gross building area of more than 62,000 square feet shall be
provide with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.
Exception: Projects having a gross building area of up to 124,000 square
feet that have a single approved fire apparatus access road when all
building are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler
systems.
D104.3 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they
shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of
the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the lot or area to be served,
measured in a straight line between accesses.
5
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 Cont. FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
30' Tall Buildings - Maintain aerial fire apparatus access roads as per
Appendix D of the 2012 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section
D105.1 — D105.4
D105.1 Where Required. Where the vertical distance between the grade
plane and the highest roof surface exceed 30', approved aerial fire apparatus
access roads shall be provided. For the purposes of this section the highest roof
surfaces shall be determined by measurement to the eave of a pitched roof, the
intersection of a roof to the exterior wall, or the top of the parapet walls,
whichever is greater.
D105.2 Width. Aerial fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum
unobstructed with of 26', exclusive of shoulders, in the immediate vicinity of the
building or portion thereof.
D105.3 Proximity to building. At least one of the required access routes
meeting this condition shall be located within a minimum of 15 feet and a
maximum of 30 feet from the building, and shall be positioned parallel to one
entire side of the building. The side of the building on which the aerial fire
apparatus access road is positioned shall be approved by the fire code official.
D105.4 Obstructions. Overhead utility and power lines shall not be
located over the aerial fire apparatus access road or between the aerial fire
apparatus road and the building. Other obstructions shall be permitted to be
places with the approval of the fire code official.
Gates. Maintain fire apparatus access road gates as per Appendix D of the
2012 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section D103.5 Fire apparatus
access road gates. Gates securing the fire apparatus access roads shall
comply with all of the following criteria:
1. Minimum gate width shall be 20 feet.
2. Gates shall be of swinging or sliding type.
3. Construction of gates shall be of material that allow manual operation by
one person.
4. Gate components shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times
and replaces or repaired when defective.
5. Electric gates shall be equipped with a means of opening the gate by fire
department personnel for emergency access. Emergency opening devices
shall be approved by the fire code official.
6. Manual opening gates shall not be locked with a padlock or chain and
padlock unless they are capable of being opened by means of forcible
entry tools or when a key box containing the keys to the lock is installed at
the gate location.
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.
F
le
FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
7. Locking device specifications shall be submitted for approval \by the fire
code official
8. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with
UL 325.
9. Gates, intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed
and installed to comply with requirements of ASTM F 2200.
Fire Hydrants. Locate Fire Hydrants as per Appendix C of the 2012
Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Section C101 — C105, in conjunction with
Central Arkansas Water (Jason Lowder 501.377.1245) and the Little Rock Fire
Marshal's Office (Captain Tony Rhodes 501.918.3757). Number and Distribution
of Fire Hydrants as per Table C105.1.
Parks and Recreation: No comment received.
Coun Planning: No comment.
CATA: The site is not located on a dedicated CATA Bus Route,
ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN:
Building Code: Project is subject to full commercial plan review and approval
prior to issuance of a building permit. For information on submittal requirements
and the review process, contact a commercial plans examiner:
Curtis Richey at 501.371.4724; crichey@littlerock.orq or
Mark Alderfer at 501.371.4875; malderfer@littlerock.org.
Planning Division: No comment.
Landscape: No comment.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT:
(August 5, 2015)
Mr. Tim Daters of White-Daters and Associates was present representing the
request. Staff presented an overview of the item stating the applicant was
seeking a revised preliminary plat for Tract 4. Staff requested Mr. Daters provide
the zoning classification of the proposed plat area and of abutting properties.
Staff also requested the applicant provide the proposed phasing plan.
Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated the proposed public street
did not meet the typical development standards for a commercial street per the
Master Street Plan. Staff also stated any future development of the site would
7
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
require adherence to the City Stormwater Detention Ordinance. Staff stated
streetlights were required by Section 31-403. Staff stated damage to public and
private property due to hauling operations or operation of construction related
equipment from construction sites were required to repair any damaged prior to
the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Staff noted the comments from the various other agencies. There were no more
issues for discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full
Commission for final action.
H. ANALYSIS:
The applicant submitted a revised preliminary plat to staff addressing a number
of the technical issues associated with the request raised at the August 5, 2015,
Subdivision Committee meeting. The revised plat indicates the zoning
classification of the plat and the abutting properties. The applicant has indicated
the lots will be final platted in a single phase.
The project is located on the north side of Rahling Road, just west of Chenal
Parkway. The project includes a median cut on Chenal Parkway to provide
ingress and egress to Founders Drive, a proposed new public street to be
dedicated to the City. Founders Drive is the existing driveway located between
the Bank of the Ozarks and Chenal Woods Condos and is proposed to be
extended westward to the common lot line between Lots 4B and 4C.
The plat includes a variance from the master street plan to allow a reduced right
of way width. The right of way width proposed for the new street is 36-feet. The
plat indicates a 10-foot wide maintenance/utility/sidewalk easement on each side.
The plat also includes a reduced centerline radius. The area north of the
proposed new street is labeled as Tract 413-1 and is proposed as open space.
The existing driveway between Tracts 4A and 4B will be used only for the benefit
of these two (2) tracts, to provide ingress and egress to the two (2) tracts and
access between the two (2) tracts. This existing driveway may be relocated or
removed based on future development plans of the two (2) lots.
The proposed public street does not meet the Master Street Plan design
standards for a commercial street. To comply with the minimum standards of the
Master Street Plan the street should be located within a 60 foot right-of-way.
Staff is not supportive of the variance from the Master Street Plan to allow a
36-foot right-of-way with a 10-foot sidewalk/utility easements on each side as
proposed.
0
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
Typically private streets to be dedicated as public right-of-way to the City of Little
Rock per Section 31.208 of City code includes the following:
- The street proposed to be dedicated must be located within a right-of-way of
not less than 40 feet;
Prior to dedication, street cores must be provided on the private street in
several locations determined by staff to show the pavement thickness is
equivalent to a minimum of 6-inches of compacted, crushed stone (SB-2),
base course plus 2-inches of asphaltic concrete placed on an adequate
subgrade;
Utility alignment and depth must meet all City policies or be judged
satisfactory. The applicant must show all existing or proposed utilities on the
dedication application;
The Planning Commission may designate drainage, utility, or public use
easements as required to maintain the street.
If the private street is not dedicated as public right-of-way to the City of Little
Rock, an adequate turnaround must be provided at the end of the proposed
public street for sanitation and emergency vehicles both in dimension and
improvements. The use of private driveways and streets for turnaround
movements is not adequate.
Staff feels the driveway accessing Chenal Parkway should continue to function
as a right in/right out only and not provide a median cut for left turns movements
onto Chenal Parkway due to the location of the intersection of Chenal Parkway
and Rahling Road. This intersection carries a significant amount of traffic and
currently warrants dual left -turn lanes for the eastbound movement. The
proposed full -access median opening will introduce additional conflicting points in
the traffic flow thereby increasing the potential for crashes. The proposed
driveway on the eastside of Chenal Parkway will introduce an unsignalized
intersection and may cause illegal turn movements from one (1) drive to the
other. Staff feels the existing wide medians with inadequate sight distance will
make it very difficult to see oncoming traffic and the proposed triangular island in
the median requires drivers to turn their heads more than 90 degrees to see gaps
in traffic before merging. Staff feels the existing private commercial street at the
proposed median cut does not have adequate sight distance to the right due to
the raised median. The applicant has not provide a letter prepared by a
registered engineer certifying the sight distance at the intersection(s) comply with
2004 AASHTO Green Book standards.
0
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 Cont. FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
Staff is not supportive of the applicant's request. Staff has concerns with the
right of way proposed for the new street and the potential impact of providing a
median cut from the development to Chenal Parkway.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends denial of the request as filed.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (AUGUST 27, 2015)
The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented
the item stating the request was to allow preliminary plat approval for a proposed
subdivision. Staff stated the plat included variances from the Master Street Plan. Staff
also stated the request included the placement of a median cut on Chenal Parkway.
Staff stated they were supportive of the preliminary plat but not of the proposed
variances nor the proposed median cut.
Public Works staff stated the request included a number of variances. Staff stated they
did not object to the development but felt the proposed plat should meet the minimum
standards which included the placement of a 60-foot right of way for the proposed public
streets. Staff stated the concern with the horizontal radius was a safety concern. Staff
stated minimum standards for a private street to be accepted by the City was a 40-foot
right of way. Staff stated this was based on a residential street being dedicated to the
City and did not envision commercial streets being dedicated with such a reduced right
of way. Staff stated they did not feel it was an ordinance requirement to limit the
number of curb cuts on Chenal Parkway but a policy of the City to limit the number of
breaks. Staff stated their concern was the high volume and the speeds of cars traveling
the Parkway. Staff stated there was currently a public project to add an additional left
turn lane on Chenal Parkway to Rahling Road. Staff stated the volumes of traffic at this
intersection was so great the additional lane was needed. Staff stated there was a large
amount of undeveloped property in this area which would increase the number of
vehicles traveling the area on a daily basis.
Staff stated the posted speed limit of Chenal Parkway was 45 mph. Staff stated the
actual speed of 85 percentile of the traffic was 58 miles per hours. Staff stated to allow
the median cut would increase the number of unprotected left turns which would
increase the risk of accidents. Staff stated at the speeds traveled on Chenal Parkway
the crashes would not be fender benders but would most likely result in fatalities. Staff
stated they did not feel there was a need for a curb cut.
10
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
Mr. Bill Spivey addressed the Commission on behalf of the applicant. He stated most of
staff's objections were engineering issues and not technical concerns. He stated a
portion of the plat area was recently reviewed and approved by the Commission for
rezoning. He stated his client, Delitc Timber Corporation had an opportunity to sell this
property to the adjacent property owner, the Bank of the Ozarks. He stated the bank
was proposing a major addition to their campus bringing 100's of new jobs to the City.
He stated the development of Chenal began in 1982 and if there was one part of town
that had evolved over that time it was the Chenal area.
Mr. Tim Daters of White-Daters and Associates addressed the Commission. He stated
the proposed development included a three (3) lot plat with three (3) large lots. He
stated the plat included variances from the minimum standards of the Master Street
Plan. He stated the design of Chenal Parkway began in 2003 and at the beginning the
street was classified as an expressway. He stated the Master Street Plan was later
amended to reduce the street classification to a principal arterial. Mr. Daters stated the
private drive was constructed to meet the minimum standards of the subdivision
ordinance. He stated in 2005 this area was not developed. He stated now in 2015 the
bank and the Chenal Woods condominiums had been constructed. He stated the
proposed median cut would be constructed in the same fashion as the median cut
located at Wal-mart. He stated the median cut would take a number of traffic
movements out of the traffic signal at Rahling Road and increase traffic flows in this
area.
Mr. Ernie Peter addressed the Commission presenting a traffic analysis he had
prepared. He stated the analysis had reviewed the AM and PM peak traffic flows on
Chenal Parkway and Rahling Road. He stated the volume of Chenal Parkway was
significant but not so much on Rahling Road. He stated an analysis was prepared in
2006 and the existing traffic volumes were much less than existed today. He stated the
median cut would take movements out of the Rahling Road intersection which would
increase the level of service of the intersection. He stated if there was an adjustment to
timing of the traffic lights it would allow the traffic flows to operate more efficiently. He
stated the sight distance could be achieved by some minor modifications to the median.
He stated traffic analysis were based on the posted speeds of traffic on a street and not
the actual speeds. He stated the safety could be achieved with the plan. He stated the
median break would be fully directional and allow traffic safe movements into the flow of
traffic.
Mr. Bill Spivey addressed the Commission and stated there were no citizen before the
Commission in opposition of the request. He stated the improvements would be built to
meet the safety concerns of the City. He stated design would be fully engineered to
meet the concerns of the City.
11
August 27, 2015
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
There was a general discussion by the Commission concerning the request and the
proposed median break. A number of Commissioners weighed in on their concerns for
safety if the median break were allowed. The Commission questioned staff for their
unwillingness to support the reduced right of way when the City was implementing the
Complete Streets concept and their current activity of reducing street widths, road diets,
to slow traffic through areas. Staff stated they felt the street right of way dedication
should meet some standard of the ordinance. Staff stated they had supported various
proposal which had reduced right of way widths. Commissioner Berry stated he was
unsure as to staff's non-support of the private street since the future users of the street
were the same users as the current users. The Commission noted the various median
breaks along Chenal Parkway were safety concerns and a number of the beaks
experienced accidents on numerous occasions.
There was no further discussion of the item. The chair requested the plat and the
proposed variances and the request for the median cut all be voted on as separate
items.
A motion was made to approve the preliminary plat not including the proposed
variances. The motion carried by a vote of 11 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
A motion was made to approve the variance from the Master Street plan to allow the
construction of a commercial street with a 36 foot right of way and a 10 foot
sidewalk/maintenance/utility easements on both sides of the right of way instead of a
60 foot right of way. The motion failed by a vote of 1 aye, 10 noes and 0 absent.
A motion was made to approve the variance request from the Master Street Plan to
allow construction of a commercial street with a horizontal radius of 111 feet instead of
a street with a 275 foot or greater horizontal radius (normal crown). The motion failed
by a vote of 1 aye, 10 noes and 0 absent.
A motion was made to approve the variance request from Section 31.208(k)(1) of the
City code and acceptance of a private street as dedicated right of way with a width of
36 feet instead of a dedicated right of way width of not less than 40 feet. The motion
failed by a vote of 1 aye, 10 noes and 0 absent.
A motion was made to allow the median cut in Chenal Parkway north of Rahling Road.
The motion failed by a vote of 0 aye, 11 noes and 0 absent.
12
FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCC
NAME: Chenal Valley Tract 4A, 4B and 8 Revised Preliminary Plat
LOCATION: Located on the Northwest corner of Rahling Road and Chenal Parkway
DEVELOPER:
Deltic Timber Corporation
7 Chenal Club Drive
Little Rock, AR 72223
ENGINEER:
White-Daters and Associates
24 Rahling Circle
Little Rock, AR 72223
AREA: 16.4 acres
CURRENT ZONING:
PLANNING DISTRICT:
NUMBER OF LOTS: 3 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF
C-3, General Commercial District, PD-R, Planned
Development Residential and R-2, Single-family
19 - Chenal
CENSUS TRACT: 42.13
VARIANCE/WAIVERS:
1. A variance from the Subdivision Ordinance and the Master Street Plan to allow
reduced right of way width for a proposed new public street.
2. A variance from the Master Street Plan to allow a reduced centerline radius for the
proposed new street.
A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST/APPLICANT'S STATEMENT:
The project is located on the north side of Rahling Road, just west of Chenal
Parkway. The project includes a median cut on Chenal Parkway to provide
ingress and egress to Founders Drive. Founders Drive will be extended
westward to the common lot line between Lots 4B and 4C. The street is
proposed as a public right of way and is proposed to be dedicated to the City of
Little Rock. The street will be for the use by and open to the public. The existing
FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC (Cont.
drive between Tracts 4A and 4B will be used only for the benefit of these two (2)
tracts, to provide ingress and egress to the two (2) tracts and access between
the two (2) tracts. This drive may be relocated or removed based on future
development plans of the two (2) lots.
There are two (2) variances proposed for the subdivision. The right of way width
is proposed with a reduced width of 36-feet, with a 10-foot wide
maintenance/utility/sidewalk easement on each side. The plat also includes a
reduced centerline radius. The area north of the proposed new street is labeled
as Tract 413-1 and is proposed as open space.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
Currently the site contains the Bank of the Ozark's Headquarters offices and the
Chenal Woods HPR, an owner occupied condominium development. Across
Rahling Road to the south is the Promenade at Chenal shopping center. To the
north are single-family homes located on Bretagne Circle. Across Chenal
Parkway to the east is vacant C-3, General Commercial District zoned property.
On the southeast corner of Rahling Road and Chenal Parkway is a vacant
property zoned PCD approved for a pharmacy.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area
property owner. All abutting property owners were notified of the public hearing.
There is not an active City of Little Rock recognized neighborhood association
located in this immediate area.
D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS:
PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS:
1. The proposed public street does not meet the Master Street Plan design
standards for a commercial street. The street should be within a 60 foot
right-of-way and sidewalks on both sides.
2. Due to the limited properties served, the proposed street should be private
and not public. If the street is proposed to be public, a turnaround or cul-de-
sac must be provided where the street changes from public to private.
3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the
public right-of-way prior to occupancy.
4. Stormwater detention ordinance applies to this property.
5. Street improvement plans shall include signage and striping. Public Works
must approve completed plans prior to construction.
2
FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC
6. Streetlights are required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide
plans for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior
to platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineering
501.379.1813, Greg Simmons asimmons@littlerock.oM for more
information.
7. Damage to public and private property due to hauling operations or
operation of construction related equipment from a nearby construction site
shall be repaired by the responsible party prior to issuance of a certificate of
occupancy.
8. The driveway accessing Chenal Parkway should continue to function as a
right in/right out only and not provide a median cut for left turns movements.
9. Intersection of Chenal and Rahling carries significant amount of traffic and
currently warrants dual left -turn lanes for the eastbound movement.
Proposed full -access median opening will introduce additional conflict points
in traffic flow thereby increasing the potential for crashes.
10. Proposed driveway on the eastside of Chenal Parkway will introduce an
unsignalized intersection and may cause illegal turn movements from one
drive to the other.
11. Wide medians with inadequate sight distance also make it very difficult to
see oncoming traffic. The proposed triangular island in the median requires
drivers to turn their heads more than 90 degrees to see gaps in traffic
before merging.
12. Provide a letter prepared by a registered engineer certifying the sight
distance at the intersection(s) comply with 2004 AASHTO Green Book
standards. The driveway at the proposed median cut does not have
adequate sight distance to the right due to the raised median.
E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING:
Wastewater: ewer available to this project. Sewer easement(s) must be
retained for Lot 4A-B. Contact Little Rock Wastewater for additional information.
Entergy: Entergy does not object to this proposal. A three phase underground
power line exists to the south of this property. Contact Entergy in advance
regarding future service requirements to the development, line extension, and
future facilities locations as this project proceeds.
CenterPoint Energy: No comment received.
AT & T: No comment received-
3
FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC (Cont.
Central Arkansas Water:
1. All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for
water service must be met.
2. The Little Rock Fire Department needs to evaluate this site to determine
whether additional public and/or private fire hydrant(s) will be required. If
additional fire hydrant(s) are required, they will be installed at the
Developer's expense.
3. Please submit plans for water facilities and/or fire protection system to
Central Arkansas Water for review. Plan revisions may be required after
additional review. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures
for installation of water facilities and/or fire service. Approval of plans by the
Arkansas Department of Health Engineering Division and the Little Rock
Fire Department is required.
4. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of meter 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.
5. If there are facilities that need to be adjusted and/or relocated, contact
Central Arkansas Water. That work would be done at the expense of the
developer.
6. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding the size and location of water
meter.
7. Due to the nature of this facility, installation of an approved reduced
pressure zone backflow preventer assembly (RPZA) is required on the
domestic water service. This assembly must be installed prior to the first
point of use. Central Arkansas Water requires that upon installation of the
RPZA, successful tests of the assembly must be completed by a Certified
Assembly Tester licensed by the State of Arkansas and approved by
Central Arkansas Water. The test results must be sent to Central Arkansas
Water's Cross Connection Section within ten days of installation and
annually thereafter. Contact the Cross Connection Section at 501.377.1226
if you would like to discuss backflow prevention requirements for this
project.
8. The facilities on -site will be private. When meters are planned off private
lines, private facilities shall be installed to Central Arkansas Water's
materials and construction specifications and installation will be inspected
by an engineer, licensed to practice in the State of Arkansas. Execution of
a Customer Owned Line Agreement is required.
9. Fire sprinkler systems which do not contain additives such as antifreeze
shall be isolated with a double detector check valve assembly. If additives
area used, a reduced pressure zone back flow preventer shall be required.
4
FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC Cont.)
10. 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: Maintain Access:
Fire Hydrants. Maintain fire apparatus access roads at fire hydrant locations as
per Appendix D of the 2012 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section
D103.1 Access road width with a hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a
fire apparatus access road, the minimum road width shall be 26 feet, exclusive of
shoulders.
Commercial and Industrial Developments — 2 means of access. - Maintain
fire apparatus access roads as per Appendix D of the 2012 Arkansas Fire
Prevention Code Vol. 1
Section D104.1 Buildings exceeding three stories or 30 feet in height.
Building or facilities exceeding 30 feet or three stories in height shall have at
least two means of fire apparatus access for each structure.
Section D104.2 Building exceeding 62,000 square feet in area. Buildings or
facilities having a gross building area of more than 62,000 square feet shall be
provide with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.
Exception: Projects having a gross building area of up to 124,000 square
feet that have a single approved fire apparatus access road when all
building are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler
systems.
D104.3 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they
shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of
the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the lot or area to be served,
measured in a straight line between accesses.
30' Tall Buildings - Maintain aerial fire apparatus access roads as per
Appendix D of the 2012 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section
D105.1 — D105.4
D105.1 Where Required. Where the vertical distance between the grade
plane and the highest roof surface exceed 30', approved aerial fire apparatus
access roads shall be provided. For the purposes of this section the highest roof
surfaces shall be determined by measurement to the eave of a pitched roof, the
intersection of a roof to the exterior wall, or the top of the parapet walls,
whichever is greater.
D105.2 Width. Aerial fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum
unobstructed with of 26', exclusive of shoulders, in the immediate vicinity of the
building or portion thereof.
5
FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC (Co
D105.3 Proximity to building. At least one of the required access routes
meeting this condition shall be located within a minimum of 15 feet and a
maximum of 30 feet from the building, and shall be positioned parallel to one
entire side of the building. The side of the building on which the aerial fire
apparatus access road is positioned shall be approved by the fire code official.
D105.4 Obstructions. Overhead utility and power lines shall not be
located over the aerial fire apparatus access road or between the aerial fire
apparatus road and the building. Other obstructions shall be permitted to be
places with the approval of the fire code official.
Gates. Maintain fire apparatus access road gates as per Appendix D of the
2012 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol. 1 Section D103.5 Fire apparatus
access road gates. Gates securing the fire apparatus access roads shall
comply with all of the following criteria:
1. Minimum gate width shall be 20 feet.
2. Gates shall be of swinging or sliding type.
3. Construction of gates shall be of material that allow manual operation by
one person.
4. Gate components shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times
and replaces or repaired when defective.
5. Electric gates shall be equipped with a means of opening the gate by fire
department personnel for emergency access. Emergency opening devices
shall be approved by the fire code official.
6. Manual opening gates shall not be locked with a padlock or chain and
padlock unless they are capable of being opened by means of forcible
entry tools or when a key box containing the keys to the lock is installed at
the gate location.
7. Locking device specifications shall be submitted for approval \by the fire
code official
8. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with
UL 325.
9. Gates, intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed
and installed to comply with requirements of ASTM F 2200.
Fire Hydrants. Locate Fire Hydrants as per Appendix C of the 2012
Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Section C101 — C105, in conjunction with
Central Arkansas Water (Jason Lowder 501.377.1245) and the Little Rock Fire
Marshal's Office (Captain Tony Rhodes 501.918.3757). Number and Distribution
of Fire Hydrants as per Table C105.1.
Parks and Recreation: No comment received.
County Planning: No comment.
FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC Cont.
CATA: The site is not located on a dedicated CATA Bus Route.
F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN:
Building Code: Project is subject to full commercial plan review and approval
prior to issuance of a building permit. For information on submittal requirements
and the review process, contact a commercial plans examiner:
Curtis Richey at 501.371.4724; crichey .Iittlerock.org or
Mark Alderfer at 501.371.4875; malderferQ,Iittlerock. org.
Planning Division: No comment.
Landscape: No comment.
G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (August 5, 2015)
Mr. Tim Daters of White-Daters and Associates was present representing the
request. Staff presented an overview of the item stating the applicant was
seeking a revised preliminary plat for Tract 4. Staff requested Mr. Daters provide
the zoning classification of the proposed plat area and of abutting properties.
Staff also requested the applicant provide the proposed phasing plan.
Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated the proposed public street
did not meet the typical development standards for a commercial street per the
Master Street Plan. Staff also stated any future development of the site would
require adherence to the City Stormwater Detention Ordinance. Staff stated
streetlights were required by Section 31-403. Staff stated damage to public and
private property due to hauling operations or operation of construction related
equipment from construction sites were required to repair any damaged prior to
the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Staff noted the comments from the various other agencies. There were no more
issues for discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full
Commission for final action.
H. ANALYSIS:
The applicant submitted a revised preliminary plat to staff addressing a number
of the technical issues associated with the request raised at the August 5, 2015,
Subdivision Committee meeting. The revised plat indicates the zoning
classification of the plat and the abutting properties. The applicant has indicated
the lots will be final platted in a single phase.
The project is located on the north side of Rahling Road, just west of Chenal
Parkway. The project includes a median cut on Chenal Parkway to provide
ingress and egress to Founders Drive, a proposed new public street to be
7
FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCC
dedicated to the City. Founders Drive is the existing driveway located between
the Bank of the Ozarks and Chenal Woods Condos and is proposed to be
extended westward to the common lot line between Lots 4B and 4C.
The plat includes a variance from the master street plan to allow a reduced right
of way width. The right of way width proposed for the new street is 36-feet. The
plat indicates a 10-foot wide maintenance/utility/sidewalk easement on each side.
The plat also includes a reduced centerline radius. The area north of the
proposed new street is labeled as Tract 413-1 and is proposed as open space.
The existing driveway between Tracts 4A and 4B will be used only for the benefit
of these two (2) tracts, to provide ingress and egress to the two (2) tracts and
access between the two (2) tracts. This existing driveway may be relocated or
removed based on future development plans of the two (2) lots.
The proposed public street does not meet the Master Street Plan design
standards for a commercial street. To comply with the minimum standards of the
Master Street Plan the street should be located within a 60 foot right-of-
way. Staff is not supportive of the variance from the Master Street Plan to allow
a
36-foot right-of-way with a 10-foot sidewalk/utility easements on each side as
proposed.
Typically private streets to be dedicated as public right-of-way to the City of Little
Rock per Section 31.208 of City code includes the following:
- The street proposed to be dedicated must be located within a right-of-way of
not less than 40 feet;
Prior to dedication, street cores must be provided on the private street in
several locations determined by staff to show the pavement thickness is
equivalent to a minimum of 6-inches of compacted, crushed stone (SB-2),
base course plus 2-inches of asphaltic concrete placed on an adequate
subgrade;
Utility alignment and depth must meet all City policies or be judged
satisfactory. The applicant must show all existing or proposed utilities on the
dedication application;
The Planning Commission may designate drainage, utility, or public use
easements as required to maintain the street.
If the private street is not dedicated as public right-of-way to the City of Little
Rock, an adequate turnaround must be provided at the end of the proposed
public street for sanitation and emergency vehicles both in dimension and
improvements. The use of private driveways and streets for turnaround
movements is not adequate.
FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC (Cont.
Staff feels the driveway accessing Chenal Parkway should continue to function
as a right in/right out only and not provide a median cut for left turns movements
onto Chenal Parkway due to the location of the intersection of Chenal Parkway
and Rahling Road. This intersection carries a significant amount of traffic and
currently warrants dual left -turn lanes for the eastbound movement. The
proposed full -access median opening will introduce additional conflicting points in
the traffic flow thereby increasing the potential for crashes. The proposed
driveway on the eastside of Chenal Parkway will introduce an unsignalized
intersection and may cause illegal turn movements from one (1) drive to the
other. Staff feels the existing wide medians with inadequate sight distance will
make it very difficult to see oncoming traffic and the proposed triangular island in
the median requires drivers to turn their heads more than 90 degrees to see gaps
in traffic before merging. Staff feels the existing private commercial street at the
proposed median cut does not have adequate sight distance to the right due to
the raised median. The applicant has not provide a letter prepared by a
registered engineer certifying the sight distance at the intersection(s) comply with
2004 AASHTO Green Book standards.
Staff is not supportive of the applicant's request. Staff has concerns with the
right of way proposed for the new street and the potential impact of providing a
median cut from the development to Chenal Parkway.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends denial of the request as filed.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (AUGUST 27, 2015)
The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented
the item stating the request was to allow preliminary plat approval for a proposed
subdivision. Staff stated the plat included variances from the Master Street Plan. Staff
also stated the request included the placement of a median cut on Chenal Parkway.
Staff stated they were supportive of the preliminary plat but not of the proposed
variances nor the proposed median cut.
Public Works staff stated the request included a number of variances. Staff stated they
did not object to the development but felt the proposed plat should meet the minimum
standards which included the placement of a 60-foot right of way for the proposed public
streets. Staff stated the concern with the horizontal radius was a safety concern. Staff
stated minimum standards for a private street to be accepted by the City was a 40-foot
right of way. Staff stated this was based on a residential street being dedicated to the
City and did not envision commercial streets being dedicated with such a reduced right
of way. Staff stated they did not feel it was an ordinance requirement to limit the
number of curb cuts on Chenal Parkway but a policy of the City to limit the number of
breaks. Staff stated their concern was the high volume and the speeds of cars traveling
the Parkway. Staff stated there was currently a public project to add an additional left
0
FILE NO.: S-867-CCCCCCCC (Cont.
turn lane on Chenal Parkway to Rahling Road. Staff stated the volumes of traffic at this
intersection was so great the additional lane was needed. Staff stated there was a large
amount of undeveloped property in this area which would increase the number of
vehicles traveling the area on a daily basis.
Staff stated the posted speed limit of Chenal Parkway was 45 mph. Staff stated the
actual speed of 85 percentile of the traffic was 58 miles per hours. Staff stated to allow
the median cut would increase the number of unprotected left turns which would
increase the risk of accidents. Staff stated at the speeds traveled on Chenal Parkway
the crashes would not be fender benders but would most likely result in fatalities. Staff
stated they did not feel there was a need for a curb cut.
Mr. Bill Spivey addressed the Commission on behalf of the applicant. He stated most of
staff's objections were engineering issues and not technical concerns. He stated a
portion of the plat area was recently reviewed and approved by the Commission for
rezoning. He stated his client, Delitc Timber Corporation had an opportunity to sell this
property to the adjacent property owner, the Bank of the Ozarks. He stated the bank
was proposing a major addition to their campus bringing 100's of new jobs to the City.
He stated the development of Chenal began in 1982 and if there was one part of town
that had evolved over that time it was the Chenal area.
Mr. Tim Daters of White-Daters and Associates addressed the Commission. He stated
the proposed development included a three (3) lot plat with three (3) large lots. He
stated the plat included variances from the minimum standards of the Master Street
Plan. He stated the design of Chenal Parkway began in 2003 and at the beginning the
street was classified as an expressway. He stated the Master Street Plan was later
amended to reduce the street classification to a principal arterial. Mr. Daters stated the
private drive was constructed to meet the minimum standards of the subdivision
ordinance. He stated in 2005 this area was not developed. He stated now in 2015 the
bank and the Chenal Woods condominiums had been constructed. He stated the
proposed median cut would be constructed in the same fashion as the median cut
located at Wal-mart. He stated the median cut would take a number of traffic
movements out of the traffic signal at Rahling Road and increase traffic flows in this
area.
Mr. Ernie Peter addressed the Commission presenting a traffic analysis he had
prepared. He stated the analysis had reviewed the AM and PM peak traffic flows on
Chenal Parkway and Rahling Road. He stated the volume of Chenal Parkway was
significant but not so much on Rahling Road. He stated an analysis was prepared in
2006 and the existing traffic volumes were much less than existed today. He stated the
median cut would take movements out of the Rahling Road intersection which would
increase the level of service of the intersection. He stated if there was an adjustment to
timing of the traffic lights it would allow the traffic flows to operate more efficiently. He
stated the sight distance could be achieved by some minor modifications to the median.
He stated traffic analysis were based on the posted speeds of traffic on a street and not
the actual speeds. He stated the safety could be achieved with the plan. He stated the
median break would be fully directional and allow traffic safe movements into the flow
of traffic.
10
FILE NO.: 5-867-CCCCCCCC (Cont.)
Mr. Bill Spivey addressed the Commission and stated there were no citizen before the
Commission in opposition of the request. He stated the improvements would be built to
meet the safety concerns of the City. He stated design would be fully engineered to
meet the concerns of the City.
There was a general discussion by the Commission concerning the request and the
proposed median break. A number of Commissioners weighed in on their concerns for
safety if the median break were allowed. The Commission questioned staff for their
unwillingness to support the reduced right of way when the City was implementing the
Complete Streets concept and their current activity of reducing street widths, road diets,
to slow traffic through areas. Staff stated they felt the street right of way dedication
should meet some standard of the ordinance. Staff stated they had supported various
proposal which had reduced right of way widths. Commissioner Berry stated he was
unsure as to staff's non-support of the private street since the future users of the street
were the same users as the current users. The Commission noted the various median
breaks along Chenal Parkway were safety concerns and a number of the beaks
experienced accidents on numerous occasions.
There was no further discussion of the item. The chair requested the plat and the
proposed variances and the request for the median cut all be voted on as separate
items.
A motion was made to approve the preliminary plat not including the proposed
variances. The motion carried by a vote of 11 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
A motion was made to approve the variance from the Master Street plan to allow the
construction of a commercial street with a 36 foot right of way and a 10 foot
sidewalk/maintenance/utility easements on both sides of the right of way instead of a
60 foot right of way. The motion failed by a vote of 1 aye, 10 noes and 0 absent.
A motion was made to approve the variance request from the Master Street Plan to
allow construction of a commercial street with a horizontal radius of 111 feet instead of
a street with a 275 foot or greater horizontal radius (normal crown). The motion failed
by a vote of 1 aye, 10 noes and 0 absent.
A motion was made to approve the variance request from Section 31.208(k)(1) of the
City code and acceptance of a private street as dedicated right of way with a width of
36 feet instead of a dedicated right of way width of not less than 40 feet. The motion
failed by a vote of 1 aye, 10 noes and 0 absent.
A motion was made to allow the median cut in Chenal Parkway north of Rahling Road.
The motion failed by a vote of 0 aye, 11 noes and 0 absent.
11