Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
11/13/2018
Agenda Report
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Creekrise Subdivision - Variance Request for Single
Entrance - Agenda Report
INITIATED BY: Department of Engineering
Recommendation: Denial is recommended for a variance to Section 7.8.1
(F) and 7.9.3 (A) of the Unified Development Ordinance(UDO) excusing the
requirement for a second entrance for subdivisions with more than 99 lots as
was requested in order to plat and development future additions to Creekrise
Subdivision which would exceed 99 lots.
Background: Section 7.8.1.F of the UDO requires a single entrance to a
subdivision shall serve no more than 99 lots. The code does allow for the
Engineering Director to waive this requirement following sound engineering
practices. The existing subdivision currently contains 58 lots with a request
to add an additional 85 lots totaling to143 lots.
Analysis: Staff has had several meetings with developers and their
attorney requesting a variance to the UDO to exceed the 99 lots requirement for
a single entrance subdivision. The Director of Engineering denied the request
to waive the requirement because the number of lots exceeded the maximum limit
by over 40% which is outside the normal variance allowance. There is also
concern with the number of lots having a single access that crosses an earthen
dam that is subject to inundation. The Planning Department is opposed to the
variance due to concerns with the single entrance and ability to provide public
safety and public services. Public Works is committed to providing services
regardless of the number of lots. The Fire/EMS has concerns about the
expansion of Creekrise development due to the single fire apparatus access road
crossing an earthen dam between a lake and large creek. The National Fire
Codes, even though they have not been adopted by the State of Georgia or City
of Columbus, require 2 access routes for 101-600 households. Staff checked
with two former City Traffic Engineers of other communities and both agreed the
development should be required to have two access points. In checking with
other similar size cities the following was noted: Augusta/Richmond- 100 lots
require 2 entrances,Savannah- no restrictions, Sandy Springs-200 lots require 2
entrances, Montgomery, Al no restrictions and Chattanooga,Tn 200 lots require 2
entrances.
George Mize representing the owners sent in a letter of request for a
variance. The owners/developers have met with an adjoining property owner to
try and get a secondary emergency access for the proposed addition but were
unable to negotiate an agreement. According to the owners/developers the
terrain makes in difficult and economically unfeasible to provide another
entrance.
Financial Considerations: The City would accept any additional public streets
and infrastructure for maintenance.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement: The City is responsible for
maintenance of all public streets.
Legal Considerations: Council approved Ordinance 18-4 providing Council the
authority to grant variances to 7.8.3 -Design Standards.
Recommendations/ Actions: Denial is recommended for a variance to Section
7.8.1 (F) and 7.9.3 (A) of the Unified Development Ordinance(UDO) excusing the
requirement for a second entrance for subdivisions with more than 99 lots as
was requested in order to plat and development future additions to Creekrise
Subdivision which would exceed the 99 lots.
Attachments
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