HomeMy WebLinkAboutWA-93-11
The Cfty of
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS APPLICATION
Wheat
Rid a Department of Planning and Development
g 7500 west 29th Ave., wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Phone (303) 237-6944
Applicant Lutheran Medical Cntr.Address 8300 w.38th Ave. Phone 985-2390
Owner same - Addres's
Phone
Location of request ee attached ro osal sxeccne5
Type of action requested (check one or more of the actions listed below
which pertain to your request.)
[CChange of zone or zone conditions
Site development plan approval
Special use permit
Conditional use permit
Temporary use/building permit
Minor subdivision
Subdivision
8 Preliminary
Final
[] ** See attached procedural guide
for specific requirements.
My commission expires
Detailed Description of request please see attached explanation
List all persons and companies who hold an interest in the described real
property, as owner, mortgagee, lessee, optionee, etc.
NAME ADDRESS PHONE
Lutheran Medical Center
I certify that the information and exhibits herewith submitted are true and
correct to the best of my knowledge and that in filing this application, i
am acting with the knowledge and consent of those persons listed above,
without whose consent the requested action cannot lawfully be accomplished.
Applicants other than owners,,~~,(~ submi~yt{~gyggwer-of-attorney-from the owner
which approved of this actiiy'%""" his bi' 7% .
Signature of Applicant -_- ~""--- _
Subscribed and sworn to me this~~ day of ~_, 19 1~3
SEAL
CITY OF WHEAT P.IDUE
7500 W 29TH AVE., P. O. BOX 638
WHEAT I~IDBE, COLOP.ADO 8003•
DATE PAID: AUG 23, 1993
F;EC:EIVED FP.OM: F'OBINSON S< SCHEUPEF
DESCF:IPTION: FILING FEE
AMOUNT C:HECk.: X50. t>0
CASH: X0.00
CHARVE: ~0. i~C_a
MONEY ORDEF?: X0.00
QPF.' ID: AMW
Variance/Waiver
Nonconforming use change
Flood plain special exception
Interpretation of code
Zone line modification
Public Improvement Exception
Street vacation
Miscellaneous plat
Solid waste landfill/
mineral extraction permit
^ Other
CHECI; NO: 1678
AMOUI~IT f~ECEZVED: ~~U. C~Cf
PE%EIPT NO: 571..^_1
F_-.
" ~ ~ EXHIBIT 'I?'
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST
Lutheran Medical Center is planning to replace and improve our identification
signage throughout the campus. This includes two replacement signs at the two "T"
intersections on 38th Avenue. Existing landscaping and off-site signage along 38th Avenue
create unique obstacles to providing sufficient visibility for the proposed signs. The
applicant requests a variance to place the two signs within the corner sight triangle, but
backed by landscape improvements. Existing traffic signals or the broad intersection design
will provide ample visibility for safety concerns.
Lutheran Medical Center provides emergency, in-patient and out-patient care
to a large portion of Jefferson County, including the mountain area. It is located in a
residential section of the City of Wheat Ridge dominated by mature trees and landscaping.
Poor visibility of hospital signage along 38th Avenue would be a concern primarily to users
of the emergency facilities and to visitors unfamiliar with the location. Sketches of the
proposed locations are attached to this application.
Installation of a sign in strict accordance with sight triangle restrictions at the
signalized intersection of Lutheran Pazkway East and 38th Avenue would require the
removal of one mature tree bordering 38th Avenue. Otherwise, the sign's visibility to
motorists traveling east would be severely blocked. The applicant proposes placing the sign
forward of the sight triangle line, overcoming the visibility problem without removal of the
tree. In addition, two new trees would be added behind the sign, while removing one of
the previously proposed new street trees.
The existing sign for Foothills Medical Center would greatly shorten the
viewing distance to eastbound traffic of a ground-level sign at Lutheran Parkway West,
artless the revs sign. vaere placed forward of t'rie sight triangle line. 1'he applicant proposes
placing the new sign at approximately the same distance from the street as the Foothills
Medical Center sign. The shrub bed behind the sign would be reconfigured, as well.
Placement of the informational signage forward of the City's sight triangle
guideline is intended to serve the convenience of hospital patrons and other motorists
without compromising safety or the aesthetic quality of 38th Avenue.
This application is brought upon the recommendation of planner Meredith
Reckert. We are anxious to work with the City prior to our hearing date, so that the
solution to the sign visibility problem is a mutual one.
EXHIBIT 'A'
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7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE - - ' -ThB Cify Of
P.0. BOX 638
WHEAT RIDGE. CO 80034-0638 (303) 234-5900 cWheat
City Admin. Fax # 234-5924 Police Dept. Fax ~ 235-2949 - ~Rldge
July 14, 1993
Mr. Al Davis
Director. of Engineering
Lutheran Medical Center
8300 West 38th Avenue
Wheat Ridge CO 80033--
Dear A1:
Please let this letter serve as a follow-up to our conversation
of July 9, 1993, regarding signage at the Lutheran Medical Center
campus.
The city will be reviewing your proposal for center
identification signage on West 38th Avenue and West 32nd Avenue
as a master sign plan/variance application: This will be a
single public hearing in front o£ Planning Commission where they
will look at design and placement of the signs in regard to the
required sight distance triangle. At the public hearing, you
need to be able to justify encroachment into the sight triangle.
We are not requiring you to include the primary and secondary
directional signs in the campus interior in the review by
Planning Commission. However, a preliminary review of the
overall plan by Staff showed that there may be some problems with
sight distance where parking lot accesses intersect with Lutheran
Parkway and Lutheran Parkway West. We recommend that you
maintain an unobstructed triangular area measured 15 feet into
the property from the right-of-way line and 15 feet either side
of the driveway. If a sign is located within this area, it
should be lower than 36 inches or the bottom of the sign face
should start 84 inches above grade.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 235-2848.
I have you scheduled for public hearing in front of Planning
Commission on August 19.
Sincerely,
C ~ "~ i . 6~'L GAL
Meredith Reckert
Planner
MR:slw
cc: WA-93-11 file
.^~ ~,,,,, r..~ r„~„
M E M O R AND U M
TO: ~ lanning Commission
FROM: ;`Meredith Reckert, Planner
C
RE: LMC Sign Plan/Sight Triangle Variance
DATE: July 27, 1993
Please continue Case No. WA-93-11 until August 18th as there has
been insufficient review time for Staff. A representative from
Lutheran Medical Center has agreed to the continuance.
MR:slw
ROBINSON & SCHEURER
A Professional Corporation
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
143 Union Boulevard
Suite h75
Lakewood, Colorado 80228.1827
Telephone (303) 985-2390
William T. HudAns Faz (303) 985-3297
August 20, 1993
Ms. Meredith Reckert -
Wheat Ridge Plaluling Dept.
7500 West 29th Avenue
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 -
Re: Lutheran Medical Center - - -- -
Sign Variance Application
Dear Meredith,
Enclosed is the revised description for LMC's variance application. This summary
corrects the misstatement that both intersections on 38th Avenue are signalized. Please
let me know if anything in this statement does not conform to your understanding of
previous discussions, since I was not present at any of them.
I am always available to expedite this matter, although I am sure that Dick Scheurer
will be handling the hearing, himself.
Yours very truly,
William T. Hudgins
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing is to be held before
the City of Wheat Ridge Planning Commission on August 12, 1993 at
7:30 p.m. at 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. All
interested citizens are invited to speak at the Public Hearing or
submit written comments. The following petitions shall be heard:
1. Case No [QV-9 -8• _An application by Harold S. McCloud for
approval of right-of-way vacation for an unused portion of
Field Street extended between Field Street and Flower Street
north of West 32nd Avenue. Said property is legally
described as follows:
That part of the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of
Section 27, Township 3 South, Range 69 West of the Sixth
Principal Meridian, in the City of Wheat Ridge, Jefferson County,
Colorado, described as:
Beginning at a point on the East right-of-way line of Field
Street, the West line of Lot 24, Goodhart-Stoddard Subdivision,
lying 44.51 feet northerly along said boundary line from the
Southwest corner of said Lot 24 and on a curve concave to-the
Southwest of 45° 20' 04" central angle, 100-foot radius and
41.76-foot tangent length; running thence Northwesterly along
said curve 79.12 feet to its point of tangency; thence North 630
30' 14" West along the Northeasterly right-of-way line of the
subject Field Street 329.76 feet to its point of intersection
with the North boundary of Goodhart-Stoddard Subdivision,
identical with the South boundary of Aqua-Belle Subdivision;
thence South 890 27' 46" West along said common boundary 88.01
feet more or less to its intersection with the Southwesterly
right-of-way line of the subject Field Street on the
Northeasterly line of Lot 15, Goodhart-Stoddard Subdivision;
thence South 630 30' 14" East along said platted Southwesterly
right-of-way line of Field Street and skirting Lots 15, 16 and 23
of said subdivision 408.16 feet to the point o£ curvature of
another curve concave to the Southwest of 320 20' 09" central
angle, 60-foot radius and 17.4-foot tangent length; thence
Southeasterly along said curve 33.86 feet more or less to a point
whence the aforesaid point of beginning bears North 890 49' 46"
East 43.68 feet; thence North 890 49' 46" East 43.68 feet to said
point of beginning.
2. Case No WA 9 1~ An application by Lutheran Medical Center
for approval of a Master Sign Plan with variances to allow
signage within sight distance triangles at 8300 West 38th.Avenue.
Said property is legally described as follows:
A tract of land located in the northwest one-quarter of Section
26, Township 3 South, Range 69 West, of the 6th P.M., and the
northeast one-quarter of Section 27, Township 3 South, Range 69
West, of the 6th P.M., Jefferson County, Colorado, described as
follows: Beginning at a point on the line common to said
Sections 26 and 27 from which the north corner common to said
Sections 26 and 27 bears N0010'56"E a distance of 35.00 feet,
said point being the south line of that tract of land described
in Book 2577 at page 401 of the official records of Jefferson
County, Colorado; thence N89052'56"E parallel to the north line
of said Section 26 and along the south line of that tract of land
described in said Book 2577 at Page 401 a distance of 986.03 feet
to a point on the east line of the west one-half of the east one-
half of the northwest one-quarter of the northwest one-quarter of
said Section 26; thence 50004'52"W along the east line of the
west one-half of the east one-half of the northwest one-quarter.
of the northwest one-quarter of-said Section 26 a distance of
1290.82 feet to the southeast corner of the west one-half of the
east one-half of the northwest one-quarter of the northwest one-
quarter of said Section 26; thence N89056'28"E along the north
line of the southwest one-quarter of the northwest one-quarter of
said Section 26 a distance of 269.43 feet to the northwest corner
of the east 60.00 feet of the southwest one-quarter of the
northwest one-quarter of said Section 26; thence SO°02'50"W along
the west line of the east 60.00 feet of the southwest one-quarter
of the northwest one-quarter of said Section 26 a distance of
878.70 feet to a point on the north line of the south 447.40 feet
of the southwest one-quarter of the northwest one-quarter of said
Section 26; thence N90°00'00"W along the north line of the south
447.40 feet of the southwest one-quarter of the northwest one-
quarter of said Section 26 a distance of 842.40 feet to a point
which lies 417.40 feet easterly of the west line of the northwest
one-quarter of said Section 26; thence SO°10'56"W parallel to the
west line of the northwest one-quarter of said Section 26 a
distance of 417.40 feet to a point 30.00 feet northerly of the
south line of the northwest one-quarter of said Section 26;
thence N90°00'00"W parallel to said south line a distance of
208.70 feet; thence N0010'56"E a distance of 417.40 feet; thence
N90000'00"W a distance of 208.70 feet to a point on the west line
of the northwest one-quarter of said Section 26; thence
50010'56"W along said west line a distance of 417.40 feet to a
point 30.00 feet northerly of the southwest comer of the
northwest one-quarter of said Section 26; thence 889°43'26"W
parallel to the south line of the northeast one-quarter of said
Section 27 a distance of 200.00 feet; thence NO°10'56"E parallel
to the east line of said northeast one-quarter a distance of
417.40 feet to a point on the north line of the south 447.40 feet
of the east one-half of the northeast one-quarter of said Section
27; thence 589043'26"W along the north line of the south 447.40
feet of the east one-half of the northeast one-quarter of said
Section 27 a distance of 607.65 feet to the southwest corner of
Lot 8, Lutheran Subdivision, a subdivision recorded in the
official records of Jefferson County, Colorado; thence NO°07'42"E
along the west line of said Lutheran Subdivision a distance of
833.55 feet to a point of curvature, said point being the
southwest corner of that vacated portion of West 35th Avenue,
thence continuing N0007'42"E along the west line of that vacated
portion of West 35th Avenue a distance of 74.91 feet to the
southwest corner of Lot 24, Longview Subdivision, a subdivision
•-'- >
recorded in the official records of Jefferson County, Colorado;
thence NO°07'42"E along the west lines of Lots 24 through 18 of
said Longview Subdivision, a distance of 700.00 feet; thence
N89o47'55"E along the north line of said Lot 18 a distance of
199.50 feet to the northeast corner of said Lot 18; thence
NO°07'42"E along the east line and its northerly extension of Lot
17 of said Longview Subdivision a distance of 123.07 feet to a
point on that agreed line described in Reception Number 86128262
of the Jefferson County records; thence easterly along said
agreed line of the following three courses and distances:
1) S80°40'23"E a distance of 33.34 feet;
2) S77o55'06"E a distance of 75.09 feet;
3) S73o19'13"E a distance of 79.81 feet to a point on
the west line of the east 426.80 feet of the northeast
quarter of said Section 27;
thence NOo10'56"E along the west line of the east 426.80 feet of
the northeast one-quarter of said Section 27 a distance of 487.00
feet to a point 30.00 feet south of the north line of said
Section 27 and 426.80 feet west of the east line of said Section
27; thence N89°52'25"E parallel to the north line of the
northeast one-quarter of said Section 27 a distance of 232.99
feet to a point on the west line of that tract of land described
in said Book 2577 at Page 401; thence SO°10'56"W parallel to-the
east line of said Section 27 a distance of 5.00 feet to the
southwest corner of that tract of land described in said Book
2577 at Page 401; thence N89o52'25"E a distance of 193.80 feet to
the point of beginning, containing 94.320 acres, more or less.
ATTEST:
Wanda Sang, City Clerk
Sandra Wiggins, etary
To be Published: July 27, 1993
Wheat Ridge Sentinel
<pc>pnwv9381msign
7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE
P.0.80X638 -
WHEAT RIDGE. CO $0034-0638
(303) 234-5900
City Admin. Fax # 234-5924
August 3, 1993
Police Dept. Fax # 235-2949
The City of
~V4Theat
Ridge
This is to inform you that Case No. WA_q~_1~ which is a
request for ~proval of a Ri (~~ljl an Wi+h <rari annoy Fnr o ^'~ment
in o night trianalPR
for property located at R3n0 WPS{' 3Rth A,TPn11P (r„+hPran MPr7iral Center)
will be heard by
the Wheat Ridge _Planning Commission in the Council Chambers
of the Municipal Complex, 7500 West 29th Avenue at 7:30 p.m. ,
on August_18, 1993
Ail owners and/or their legal counsel of the parcel under
consideration must be present at this hearing before the
Planning Commission
As an area resident or interested party, you have the right to
attend this Public Hearing and/or submit written comments. It
shall be the applicant's responsibility to notify any other
persons whose presence is desired at this meeting.
If you have any questions or desire to review any plans, please
contact the Planning Division. Thank you.
PLANNING DIVISION
<pc>phnoticeform'
ca g.. ~, r„r r..,...
C~
Dear Adjacent Property Owner:
If you have received this notice, you reside or own property
adjacent to a property involved 'in a land use case being
processed by the City of Wheat Ridge.
This notice is intended to inform you of the process involved in
land use development applications.
Prior to application for rezoning or .special use permit, the,
developer is responsible for holding an informal neighborhood
meeting. .The purpose of the meeting is to provide the
opportunity for citizens to become aware of a proposed
development in their neighborhood and to allow the developer to
respond to citizen concerns in the design of their project.- All
residents within 600 feet are required to be notified-of the
meeting.
A staff- planner will attend the meeting to discuss City policy
and regulations and the process involved, however, the planner
will remain impartial regarding viability of the project.
Keep in mind that this is not a public hearing: Although a
synopsis of the meeting will-be entered as testimony, it is the
public hearings in .front of Planning Commission and City Council
where decisions are rendered.. If you want input in the decision-
making process, it is imperative that you attend the public
hearings.
The public hearings you will be attending are quasi-judicial in
nature. Please do not contact your Planning Commissioners or ---
Council people to discuss the merits of a case prior to the
public hearing. It could jeopardize your representatives'
ability to hear the case.
I£ you are an adjacent property, you may have the-right to file a
"legal protest" against the application. The result of this
filing is that it requires a 3/4 majority of .City Council to
approve a request:
If you have questions regarding any of the information given
above, do not hesitate to contact a planner at-the-City offices
by calling 235-2846. The Planning & Development Department is
open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.
<pc>adjpropowner ---
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
STAFF REPORT
TO: Planning Commission Date Prepared: August 25, 1993
Date of Meeting: Sept. 2, 1993 Case Manager: ~eredith Reckert
Case No. & Name: WA-93-11/Lutheran Medical Center
Action Requested: Approval of a Master Sign Plan with variances
Location of Request: 8300 West 38th Avenue
Name & Address of Applicant(s): Richard Scheurer for
Lutheran Medical Center
8300 West 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge
& Owner: Same
-------------------------------
Approximate Area: n/a
Present Zoning: Planned Hospital Development
Present Land Use: Hospital/medical offices
Surrounding Zoning: N: E: W: 1
Surrounding Land Use: ,Ni ~ E~ & W: Low-density residential
Comprehensive Plan: n/a
------------------------------------------------------------
Date Published: July 27, 1993
Date to be Posted: August 19, 1993
Date Legal Notices Sent: August 3, 1993
Agency Check List ( ) Attached (XX) Not Required
Related Correspondence (XX) Attached ( ) None
-------------------------
ENTER INTO RECORD:
( ) Comprehensive Plan
(XX) Zoning Ordinance
(XX) Exhibits
(XX) Case File & Packet_Materials
Subdivision Regulations
(XX) Other
------------------------------------------------------------------
JURISDICTION
The property is within the City of Wheat Ridge, and all
notification and posting requirements have been met, therefore
there is jurisdiction to hear this case.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Case No. WA-93-11/LMC
I. REQUEST
Page 2
The applicant requests approval of a Master Sign Plan with
variances for placement within sight triangles at Lutheran
Medical Center.
II. SIGN PLAN
Lutheran Medical Center is in the process of changing all signage
within the campus. As all roads within the interior of the
campus are private, the subject of this review by Planning
Commission is only for signs along dedicated roadways (i.e., West
32nd Avenue and West-38th Avenue). Permits have already been
issued for directional and secondary identification signs within
the campus interior.
According to the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, the intent of a master
sign plan is to "encourage well-planned and designed signage
within a larger multiple building complex which expresses
unification and integration by elements of architectural style,
size, color, placement and lighting." All signage proposed and
already erected have these characteristics in common.
The subject of this review, the three primary identification
signs; all monument signs identical in size (7' X 14') and design
with only minor changes to content. The signs, (See Exhibit 'A')
will be located at the intersections of West 38th Avenue at
Lutheran Parkway and Lutheran Parkway West and at the entrance on
West 32nd Avenue.
III.
The applicant proposes placement of the signs along West 38th
Avenue as it intersects Lutheran Parkway and Lutheran Parkway
West within the regulated sight distance triangles. There is no
encroachment by the sign at West 32nd Avenue. Section 26-
30(i)(2) of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws states: "NO fence,
divisional wall, hedge or other obstruction to view in excess of
forty-two (42) inches high, except for permitted landscaping,
signs or public utility poles, shall be established or maintained
on a corner lot within a triangular area bounded by the lot lines
and a line connecting points on each lot line either twenty-five
(25) feet from the intersection of such lot lines for local
streets or fifty-five (55) feet from the intersection of such lot
lines for collector or arterial streets .".
Although both Lutheran Parkway and Lutheran Parkway West are
private streets, they function as public streets. For this
reason, Staff has applied the City's sight triangle standards.
The applicant is requesting placement of the signs as designated
in Exhibits 'B' and 'C'. Justification for the. variances is
included under Exhibit 'D'.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Case No. WA-93-11/LMC
IV. CRITERIA
Page 3
Variances must be considered separately from the other cases and
requires a greater-than-majority vote based upon Wheat Ridge Code
of Laws Section 2-53(s). and Section 26-6(D)(2).
Staff has the following comments regarding the criteria used to
evaluate a variance request.
1. Can the property in question yield a reasonable return in
use, service or income if permitted to be used only under the
conditions allowed by regulation for the district in which it
is located?
The property has been used as a hospital and medical offices for
years and can yield a reasonable return in use if the signage
placement requirements are met. The applicant feels that since
the emergency services entrance has been relocated, more signage
visibility is essential.
2. Is the plight of the owner due to unique circumstances?
All .other businesses within the City of Wheat Ridge are operating
under the same constraints. The only unique circumstances are
the life safety/emergency services offered by the hospital. This
department has been recently relocated and expanded.
3. If the variation were granted, would it alter the essential
character of the locality?
Approval of the variances would not alter the character of the
area. The existing identification sign on West 38th Avenue is
also within the sight triangle.
4. Would the particular physical surrounding, shape or
topographical condition of the specific property involved
result in a particular hardship (upon the owner) as
distinguished from a mere inconvenience, if the strict letter
of the regulations were carried out?
The only physical characteristic which creates hardship is a
large cottonwood tree that will block visibility of the sign at
Lutheran Parkway for vehicles travelling eastbound on West 38th
Avenue if it is placed in conformance with the. regulations. The
applicant has indicated that if_the sign is required to be placed
behind the sign triangle, the tree will have to be removed.
5. Would the conditions upon which the petition for a variation
is based be applicable, generally, to the other property
within the same zoning classification?
Planning Commission Staff Report
Case No. WA-93-11/LMC
Page 4
There are many properties located on corner lots within the City,
therefore, a precedent could be established for similar requests.
There are no other facilities in the City offering emergency
services.
6. Is the purpose of the variation based exclusively upon a
desire to make money out of the property?
The purpose of the request is not economically motivated.
7. Has the alleged difficulty or hardship been created by any
person presently having an interest in the property?
There is no hardship other than the fact the emergency room-has
been relocated and the access point has been changed.
8. Would the granting of the variations be detrimental to the
public welfare or injurious to other property or improvements
in the neighborhood in which the property is located?
The granting of the variance will not be injurious to other
property or improvements in the neighborhood.
9. Would the proposed variation impair the adequate supply of
light and air to adjacent property or substantially increase
the congestion in the public streets or increase the danger
of fire or endanger the public safety or substantially
diminish or impair property values within the neighborhood?
The granting of the variances could endanger the public safety.
This is especially true of the sign at the Lutheran Parkway West,
since it is an unsignalized intersection. The risk is not as
significant at Lutheran Parkway as traffic patterns are primarily
controlled by the existing signal.
V. STAFF CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Staff concludes that the proposed signs meet the intent of the
sign code for integrated and unified signage. For this reason, a
recommendation of Approval is given for the design of the signs.
In regard to the sight triangle encroachments, Staff concludes
that circumstances are unique only because the emergency services
department within the hospital have been moved and there is an
existing cottonwood tree which could interfere with sign
visibility at Lutheran Parkway. However, because encroachment
into the sight triangles could endanger the public welfare, a
recommendation of Denial is given for the request for variance.
VI. RECOMMENDED MOTION
Master Sign Plan
Planning Commission Staff Report Page 5
Case. No. WA-93-11/LMC
OPTION A: "I move that the request for approval of a Master Sign
Plan for Lutheran Medical Center be Approved for the following
reasons:
1. It meets the intent of the Sign Code for integrated and
unified signage; and _-
2. Staff recommends .Approval."
OPTION B "I move that the request for approval of a Master
Sign Plan for Lutheran Medical Center be Denied for .the following
reasons:
1.
2.
3. "
Variances
OPTION A: "I move that the request for approval of a variance to
allow signage within the sight distance triangle at the
intersections of West 38th Avenue with Lutheran Parkway and
Lutheran Parkway West be Denied for the following reasons:
1. The granting of the variance could endanger the public
health, safety and welfare.
2. Staff recommends Denial."
OPTION B: I move that the request for approval of a variance to
allow signage within the sight distance triangle at the
intersections of West 38th Avenue with Lutheran Parkway and
Lutheran Parkway West be Approved for the following reasons:
1. Circumstances are unique because the emergency services
department has been relocated; and
2. An existing cottonwood would need to be removed if the
variance is not granted.
<pc>srwa9311
Planning Commission Minutes
September 2, 1993
Page 3 _
Commissioner ECKHARDT moved that the Proposed Parks and
Recreation 1994 Capital Improvement budget be forwarded to City
Council with a recommendation £or approval. Additionally, he
recommended that walkways along West 32nd Avenue between
Wadsworth Boulevard and Crown Hill Park and along the Rocky
Mountain ditch and access to the Greenbelt from the north/south
directions be considered.
Commissioner CERVENY seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
1. Case No WA-93-11: An application by Lutheran Medical
Center for approval of a Master Sign Plan with variances
to allow signage within sight distance triangles-at 8300
West 38th Avenue.
t
Mr. Gidley presented the staff report. Entered into the record
and accepted were the Zoning Ordinance, case file, packet
materials and the Sign Code.
Commissioner QUALTER2 asked if the signs could be elevated to
provide visual clearance for traffic.
Mr. Gidley stated the signs could installed to a maximum height
of 25 .feet.
Commissioner JOHNSON asked if the City patrolled Lutheran
Parkway.
Mr. Gidley answered no, it did not.
Commission JOHNSON asked if an accident occurred on that street,
would the City cove= the accident?
Mr. Gidley answered yes, we would.
Commissioner CERVENY asked Mr. Gidley to explain the rationale
regarding past changes to the sight distance triangle?
Mr. Gidley stated the City is required to consider the specific
criteria provided by law as it relates to supporting or not
supporting a specific variance request. He explained further.
Commissioner CERVENY asked for clarification of how a motorist's
vision might be affected by the double turn lane at the entrance
to Lutheran Medical Center.
Mr. Gidley asked if he agreed that would involve a shift of ten
feet to the west and if so, the sight distance triangle would
certainly clip the corner of the proposed sign, if not go through
the center. of the sign. He explained how the rule was applied.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 4
September 2, 1993
Dick Scheurer, 143 Union Blvd., Lakewood, was sworn in. Mr.
Scheurer stated he was appearing on behalf of the applicant,
Lutheran Medical Center. Additionally, he introduced Al Davis,
Director of Engineering, John Norris, consultant Landscape
Architect and Paul Davis, consultant to Lutheran Medical Center
relative to the master sign program. Mr. Scheurer stated that in
changing the signage at LMC, the health, safety and welfare of
the public was a major concern. He added that the Outline
Development Plan had been previously approved by the City of
Wheat Ridge, which included the landscape plan and signage.
Commissioner QUALTERI asked. Mr. Scheurer if LMC would object to
elevating the sign?
Mr. Scheurer stated that such a sign exists on the LMC campus,
but that he would ask Mr. Davis to address that question.
Paul Davis, 1635 Downing St., Denver was sworn in. Mr. Davis
stated he and his firm had spent the last two years devising the
master sign plan-for Lutheran. He explained the process. He
stated his concern was that if the signs would be moved too far
from the roadway, the size of the signs would have to be
increased significantly.
( Vice Chairperson RASPLICKA asked if the posted speed along West
38th Avenue was 30 miles per hour?
Mr. Davis answered yes.
Commissioner QUALTERI asked if Mr. Davis would show the drawing
of the sign.
Commissioner QUALTERI asked if it was approximately five feet
from grade to where the copy began on the sign.
Mr. Davis answered yes, the measurement was five and one-half
feet.
Commissioner QUALTERI asked if the proposed sign was a solid-
type.
Mr. Davis answered yes, it was opaque.
Commissioner QUALTERI stated that if that solid portion was --
removed, the sign and illumination raised, would that be an
acceptable alternative?
Mr. Davis stated that if the sign was constructed in that
fashion, the ground illumination would not work and a lighted
sign would be necessary.
Commissioner QUALTERI asked if the logo was essential?
Planning Commission Minutes
September 2, 1993
Page 5
Mr. Davis answered that it was very important.
Commissioner JOHNSON asked how much larger the sign would need to
be if placed outside the sight distance triangle?
Mr. Davis answered that the sign would have to be approximately
25 percent larger, or near the maximum allowed by Code.
John Norris, was sworn in. Mr. Norris stated he would provide
further information regarding-the old and new sight distance
triangle and how signage works with traffic patterns and existing
landscaping, etc. In addition, Mr. Norris showed drawings
depicting the above information. He pointed out some problems
encountered with the grade/landscaping in the area of proposed
signage. Mr. Norris felt ,it safer if the signs were placed
closer to the street.
Commissioner QUALTERI asked at what point on-West 38th Avenue
will the. proposed sign come into view to a person driving a
vehicle westbound?
Mr. Norris answered approximately 200 to 250 feet.
Commissioner QUALTERI stated the sign would not be visible, due
to mature vegetation, to any driver travelling east on West 38th
Avenue, until that driver passed the vegetation.
Mr. Norris stated he estimated the sign would become visible at
about 150 feet.
Commissioner QUALTERI pointed out that vegetation (trees) would
prohibit viewing the sign.
Mr. Norris stated the trees Commissioner QUALTERI was referring
to would be a deciduous canopy-type trees and should not
interfere..
Commissioner QUALTERI asked if the tree branches would be 96
inches above the ground.
Mr. Norris stated a typical lowest branch height would be about
six feet. The older tree branching begins about 15 feet from the
ground he-added.
Commissioner ECKHARDT asked if LMC had plans to place directional
signs at the intersection of Lutheran Parkway and Lutheran
Parkway West to indicate the location of the entrance to the
emergency room?
Mr. Norris answered yes.
There was no one present in the audience who had signed the
roster, or came forward to speak.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 2, 1993
Page 6
Mr. Scheurer summarized the. presentation made and stated he was
available to answer any questions.
Commissioner QUALTERI asked Mr. Gidley if two motions were
appropriate for this case?
Mr. Gidley stated that this would be appropriate.
Commissioner QUALTERI moved that Case No. WA-93-i1, an
application by Lutheran Medical Center for approval of a Master
Sign Plan be approved for the following reasons:
Master Sign Plan
1. It meets the intent of, the Sign Code for integrated and
unified signage; and
2. Staff recommends approval.
Commissioner QUALTERI m~
application by Lutheran
to allow signage within
38th Avenue be split so
denied; and approve the
following reasons:
~ved that Case No. WA-93-11, an
Medical Center for approval of variances
sight distance triangles at 8300 West
that Lutheran Parkway West request be
Lutheran northeast proposal for the
Chairperson RASPLICKA requested that Commissioner Q[7ALTERI'S
first motion be voted on at this time.
Commissioner JOHNSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Commissioner QUALTERI offered to reword his motion regarding the
request for variances.
Commissioner QUALTERI designated the variance requested at the
northeast area of LMC be referred to as riance recuest 'A'; and
the request for variance at the northwest area of LMC be referred
to as variance recuest 'B'. __... ,
Commissioner QUALTERI moved that regarding Case No. WA-93-11, a
request for variances to allow signage within sight distance
triangles, for variance request 'A' (the northeast entrance) be
Approved. He further moved that the variance request 'B' (the
northwest entrance) be denied for the following reasons:
1. Granting of the variance could endanger the public health,
safety and welfare at the northwest entrance; and
2. Staff recommends denial.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 7
September 2, 1993
Commissioner JOHNSON recommended that the requested variances be
voted on separately.
Commissioner RASPLICKA called for a vote on variance request 'A'
(northeast entrance).
Commissioner QUALTERI accepted this as a friendly amendment.
Commissioner ECKHARDT seconded the motion.
Mr. Gidley suggested that the following be added to the motion to
approve request for variance 'A': "The criteria used to justify a
variance for this sign support approval of the variance."
Commissioner QUALTERI agreed to this friendly amendment.
Motion to approve request for variance 'A' carried 6-O.
Commissioner QUALTERI reiterated that his motion was for denial
of variance request 'B'.
Mr. Gidley requested that in this particular case, Commission
should point out specific criteria that are important in the
recommendation for denial. He further suggested that the
criteria referred to were: 1) request is not unique; and 2) there
has been no proven hardship, only a matter of convenience. These
should be added to justify Commission's position.
Commissioner QUALTERI added further that no unique condition
exists which would 3ustify approval.
After three queries, motion died for lack of a second.
Commissioner ECKHARDT stated his concern that the request before
Commission is for the primary entrance to LMC Emergency and he
thought special consideration should be given it.
Commissioner ECKHARDT moved that Case No. WA-93-11, a request for
a sign variance into the sight distance triangle at the corner of
Lutheran Parkway West and West 38th Avenue be approved for the
following reasons:
1. Unique circumstances exist including topography and
landscaping;
2. Will not alter the essential character of the locality; and
3. Will not have a detrimental affect on the health, safety and
welfare of the citizens of Wheat Ridge.
Commissioner JOHNSON seconded the motion. He requested an
addition to the motion that the signs had been previously
approved by the City.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 2, 1993
Page 8
Mr. Gidley stated that the signs were not previously approved by
the City. The location of_the signs were to be negotiated at the
time of permit application.
Commissioner JOHNSON asked when the ordinance for sight triangle
regulations was passed.
Mr. Gidley answered 1972.
Motion carried 5-1, with Commissioner QUALTERI voting no.
Mr. Scheurer noted that a landscape plan had been submitted with
the ODP originally. The signs-were drawn in on that plan,
although not in the exact position being requested. Mr. Scheurer
noted that these plans had been reviewed by City staff at that
time.
Mr. Gidley reiterated that the sight distance triangle had not
changed.
Vice Chairperson called a short recess at 9:03 p.m.. Meeting
reconvened at 9:10 p.m.
2, Case No. CUP-93-2:_ An application by Jefferson County
Public Schools for approval of a Conditional Use Permit
to allow reconstruction of Stevens Elementary and Wheat
Ridge Middle Schools. The properties are located at
4001 Reed Street and 7101 West 38th Avenue and are
bounded generally by West 38th Avenue on the south,
Upham Street on the west, Reed Street on the east and
West 42nd Avenue on the north.
Mr. Gidley presented the staff report. Entered and accepted into
the record were the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, case
file, packet materials and exhibits. Also entered into the
record were two letters previously provided to Commission.
Commissioner QUALTERI asked why the parking lot shown on the
overhead projection was not consistent with L1.0 plan.
Mr. Gidley stated the applicant might be more able to answer that
question. He noted other concerns with the plan.
Delbert Racland, 809 Quail St., Building 4, Lakewood, was sworn
in. Mr. Ragland stated he was an employee o£ the Jefferson
County School District. He stated that plan L1.0 was the current
plan and supersedes any prior plan. Mr. Ragland briefly
summarized the plan before Commission.
Commissioner QUALTERI asked Mr. Ragland where the two additional
pods would be located should expansion of the middle school be
necessary?
CERTIFICATION OF RESOLUTION
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
CASE NO: WA-93-l1b LOCATION: 8300 West 38th Avenue
APPLICANT(S) NAME: Lutheran Medical Center
OWNER(S) NAME: .Same
REQUEST: Approval of a Master Sign Plan with variances to
allow signage within sight distance triangles
APPROXIMATE AREA: n/a
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge Planning Division has submitted a
list of factors to be considered with the above request, and said list
of factors is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference,
and made a part hereof; and
WHEREAS, there was testimony received at a public hearing heard by the
Planning Commission and such testimony provided additional facts.
NOW, THEREFORE, based upon the facts presented and conclusions --
reached, it was moved by Commissioner QUALTERI, seconded by
Commissioner ECKHARDT, that Case No. WA-93-11 be forwarded to City
Council with a recommendation for APPROVAL of The variance request
located at the northeast entrance of Lutheran Medical Center be
forwarded to City Council with a recommendation of Approval for the
following reason:
1. The criteria used to 3ustify a variance for this sign support
approval of the variance; and
2. Staff recommends approval.
VOTE: YES: Eckhardt, Qualteri, Rasplicka, Cerveny, Crumpton
and Johnson
NO: None
I, Sandra Wiggins, Secretary to the City of Wheat Ridge Planning
Commission, do hereby and herewith certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly adopted by a 6-O vote of the members present at
their regular meeting held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal
Bui~l~di~ng, Wheat Ridge, Colorado, on the 2nd day of Se tember, 1993.
Jay Rasplicka, ice. Chairperson Sandra Wiggins, Se r ry
WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION WHEAT RIDGE PLANNI OMMISSION
<pc>resowa9311a
CERTIFICATION OF RESOLUTION
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
CASE NO: WA-93-l1a LOCATION: 8300 West 38th Avenue
APPLICANT(S) NAME: Lutheran Medical Center
OWNER(S) NAME: Same
REQUEST: Approval of a Master Sign Plan with variances to
allow signage within sight distance triangles
APPROXIMATE AREA: n/a
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge Planning Division has submitted a
list of factors to be considered with the above requests and said list
of factors is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference,
and made a part hereof; and
WHEREAS, there was testimony received at a public hearing heard by the
Planning Commission and such testimony provided additional facts.
NOW, THEREFORE, based upon the facts presented and conclusions
reached, it was moved by Commissioner QUALTERI, seconded by
C Commissioner JOHNSON, that Case No. WA-93-11 be forwarded to City
Council with a recommendation for APPROVAL of the Master Sign Plan for
the following reasons:
1. It meets the intent of the Sign Code for integrated and unified
signage; and
2. Staff recommends approval.
VOTE: YES: Eckhardt, Qualteri, Rasplicka, Cerveny, Crumpton
• and Johnson
NO: None
I, Sandra Wiggins, Secretary to the City of Wheat Ridge Planning
Commission, do hereby and herewith certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly adopted by a .~-0 vote of the members present at
their regular meeting held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal
Building, .Wheat Ridge~~ Colorado, on the 2nd day of September, 1993.
Jay asplicka, Vice Chairperson Sandra Wiggins cretax~y
WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION WHEAT RIDGE P NG COMMISSION
<pc>resowa9311a
( CERTIFICATION OF RESOLUTION
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
CASE NO: WA-93-l1c LOCATION: 8300 West 38th Avenue
APPLICANT(S) NAME: Lutheran Medical Center
OWNER(S) NAME: Same
REQUEST: Approval of a Master Sign Plan with variances to
allow signage within sight distance triangles
APPROXIMATE AREA: n/a
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge Planning Division has submitted a
list of factors to be considered with the above request, and said list
of factors is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference,
and made a part hereof; and
WHEREAS, there was testimony received at a public hearing heard by the
Planning Commission and such testimony provided additional facts.
NOW, THEREFORE, based upon the facts presented and conclusions
reached, it was moved by Commissioner ECKHARDT, seconded by
Commissioner JOHNSON, that Case No. WA-93-11 be forwarded to City
Council with a recommendation for APPROVAL of the variance request
i located at the corner of Lutheran Parkway West and West 38th Avenue
for the following reason:
1. Unique circumstances exist including topography and landscaping;
2. Granting of this variance will not alter the essential character
of the locality; and
3. It will not have a detrimental affect on the health, safety and
welfare of the citizens of Wheat Ridge.
VOTE: YES: Eckhardt, Rasplicka, Cerveny, Crumpton and Johnson
NO: Qualteri
I, Sandra Wiggins, Secretary to the City of Wheat Ridge Planning
Commission, do hereby and herewith certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly adopted by a 5-1 vote of the members present at
their regular meeting held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal
Building, Wheat Ridge, Colorado, on the 2nd day of eptember, 1993.
Jay Ras licks, ice Chairperson Sandra Wiggins, S tary
WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION. WHEAT RIDGE PLANN COMMISSION
~,_ <pc>resowa9311a