HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session 12/9/08 - Avalon Dublin Station PA06-060AGENDA STATEMENT
kNNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE: December 9, 2008
SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION: PA 06-060, Avalon Dublin Station (Transit
Center Site C) for Stage 2 Development Plan and Site
Development Review submitted by Avalon Bay Communities, Inc.
Report Prepared by Mike Porto, Consulting Planner
ATTACHMENTS: 1) Applicant's Proposal/Design Package
' RECOMMENDATION: 1) Receive Staff presentation and provide direction.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The proposed project, Avalon Transit Center Site C (C1 & C2), is a mixed use project comprised of 405
apartment units, 15,115 square feet of retail space, and 684 spaces of structured parking within two
buildings on a combined 7.2-acre site located within the Transit Center Village planning area.
Background
In 2002, the 90-acre Transit Center Village was incorporated into the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan area
(PA 00-013). The area originally was part of the Camp Parks Reserve Forces Training Area (Parks
RFTA) owned by U. S. Army but was placed under the ownership of Alameda County Surplus Property
Authority (ACSPA) through a series of land exchanges. Part of the land exchanges resulted in BART
ownership of approximately 15 acres for a transit station and parking structure adjacent to I-580.
The Transit Village Planning Area generally is
located south of Dublin Boulevard (with exception of
the neighborhood park), north of Interstate 580 (I-
580), east of the Iron Horse Trail (a recreational
greenbelt along an abandoned railroad right-of-way),
and west of Arnold Road. The large contiguous area
under common ownership provided an opportunity
for development of a mixed use, high-density
residential community adjacent to a major
transportation corridor. Because of its government
ownership, most of the area at that time was
designated as Public Lands and (with exception of the
transit station) was zoned for agriculture.
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The approvals in 2002 included: Amendments to the General Plan and the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan;
Stage I Planned Development zoning; and Tentative Parcel Map No. 7892 which established a number of
development sites and areas of public use. The public use areas are: the BART Station and parking
structure, a neighborhood park, a PG&E substation, and public rights-of-way. The BART station and
parking structure have been completed and are operating.
COPIES TO: The Applicant
The Property Owner
Page 1 of 8
G: IPA #12006M-060 Dublin Transit Center Site ClStudy Session Dec 9 2008Dub-AvalonTC-Site-SS-PCSR.doc ITEM NO.
The development sites were designated as: A (Al, A2 & A3) - all residential; B (BI & 132) - both
residential with ancillary commercial on Site 132; C (C l & C2) - apartments with ground floor ancillary
commercial (the subject of this application); D (D1 & D2) - hotel and office; and E (E1 and E2). To date,
completed projects include. A2 - Camellia Place, a 112-unit affordable apartment complex; B1 - Elan, a
257-unit condominium project; and B2 - Avalon Transit Center Site B - a mixed-use project of 305
apartment units with approximately 12,750 square feet of ground floor retail space also constructed by the
Applicant for the proposed project (refer to Map 2 below).
The Dublin Transit Center Master Development Agreement between the City and the Alameda County
Surplus Property Authority was approved in May 2003 by Ordinance 05-03 for a 5-year term with an
effective date of June 13, 2003.
Location & Existing Use
Site C (C I & C2, combined) is a 5-sided site located immediately north of the BART station underpass
entry. The site is located within the loop area at the intersecting terminus of the two streets providing
access to the BART station. These streets are Iron Horse Parkway to the east and Demarcus Boulevard to
the west. Site C is comprised of two legal parcels of approximately 3.6 acres each divided by a north-
south spine or corridor shown on the plan as Hamlet Lane. C-1 is to the west and C-2 is to the east (see
Page 2, Map 3). The site currently is used as a surface parking lot of approximately 1,086 spaces for the
BART station. Eventually these spaces will be replaced in the 1,528-space BART station parking
structure. Additionally, there are 295 surface parking stalls. Once this project is constructed, there will be
1,528 parking structure spaces and 295 surface parking stalls.
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Surrounding Uses '
Uses surrounding and adjacent to the project site are described as:
Future Office E2
a) To the north by the high density residential and mixed use projects mentioned above on Site B1
(Elan) and Site B2 (Avalon Transit Center Site B) located across from the project site by a village
green/community greenbelt, known as Campbell Green;
b) To the southeast across Iron Horse Parkway by the recently completed BART Station parking
structure and bus parking along the opposite side of Iron Horse Parkway;
Avalon at Dublin
Station 1 132
Future Hotel
Office D I /D2
Page 2 of 8
c) To the east by Site D1 planned for hotel and/or office use but currently vacant and used for
construction staging;
d) To the south across the transition from Iron Horse Parkway to Demarcus Boulevard by the BART
Station and underpass beneath the I-580 right-of-way to the BART station platform; and
e) To the west across Demarcus Boulevard by an open-air bus terminal, surface parking, and a
Pacific Gas & Electric power substation.
Proposed Project
The proposed mixed-use
project includes two
apartment buildings
totaling 405 units, with
structured parking abutting
each of the two buildings,
and approximately 14,805
square feet of ground floor
commercial space on Site
C-2. The two parcels
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combined comprise a 7.2-
acre site. The o'ect also MPROEMENTSWIT'iINI HE DEVARCJS •`\\??\\? HORSE
pr ? BOULEVARD AND IRCNHCRSERIGHT OF BART PARKING:
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includes 7,566 square feet CONCEPTUAL AND
NEEDED TO MATCH THE APPROVED
IMPROVEMENT PLANS FOR PM 7893
ground level space with
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PHOJFI.T TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN TWO
one section designated for PHASES WITH SITE. CI STARTING FIRST
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leasing office and the other
as recreation room space Man 3: Proposed Site Plan
separated between Site C1
and C2. The Stage 1 Planned Development zoning for Site C was approved for High Density Residential
use at a maximum of 405 units and 25,000 square feet of commerc al space for this site. The proposed
density for this site is 56.25 units per gross acre which is within the maximum of 70 units per acre
adopted under the master plan for the Transit Center Village.
In keeping with the urban design plan adopted for the Transit Center Village in 2002, the site is divided as
C-1 and C-2 which correspond to Parcels 2 and 3 of Parcel Mal) 7893. With the exception of the
commercial space on Site C-2, the sites are a virtual mirror image separated by a private pedestrian and
vehicular right-of-way. The project is proposed to be constructed in two phases with development of Site
C-1 as the first phase and Site C-2 as the second.
• Residential -The residential structures will be located within the northerly portion of Site C while
the parking structures are located in the southerly V-portion. The 4-level building on Site C-1
(west side adjacent to Demarcus Boulevard) includes 200 units, and the building on C-2 includes
205 units for a total of 405 units. The portion of the building; along the east side adjacent to Iron
Horse Parkway is four levels of residential uses above one leN el of ground floor commercial. The
residential uses are oriented towards both public open space area and private common open space
area. The village greenbelt identified in the Transit Center Village master plan currently is
identified as Campbell Green. This area provides public open space to the north. Campbell Green
is accessed by Campbell Lane which encompasses this open space area. Each building also is
designed around a ground level open area which would provide private common area open space
and recreational amenities for the residents of the proposed project.
• Commercial - Approximately 14,805 square feet of commercial/retail space is proposed to be
located on the ground floor of building C-2 along Iron He rse Parkway between the corner at
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Campbell Lane and the entrance to Parking Structure C-2. This retail space is directly across from
the BART Station parking structure and the hotel and/or office uses planned for Site D1. It does
not include the leasing office and recreation room space discussed below.
• Parking Structures - A parking structure abuts the south side of each of the two apartment
buildings. The parking structure on Site C-1 provides 311 spaces on 5 levels plus a portion of a
sixth level. The parking structure on Site C-2 provides 373 spaces on 6 full levels, for a total of
684 spaces. Primary vehicular access to the parking structure on Site C-1 is taken from Demarcus
Boulevard on the west near the leasing office and west of the transition with Iron Horse Parkway.
Primary access to the parking structure on Site C-2 would be taken from Iron Horse Parkway
adjacent to the commercial space.
• Leasing Office and Amenity Recreation Room - Two spares are located at ground level along
the southerly end of each parking structure. A leasing office of approximately 3,831 square feet is
located on Site C-1. A recreation room or amenity area o:- approximately 3,735 square feet is
located across the ground level plaza on Site C-2 at the end cf the central spine between Sites C-1
and C-2. The total area for these two spaces is 7,566 square feet and is not considered as
commercial space or contributing to residential parking dema:ld.
The corridor or right-of-way that separates Sites C-1 and C-2 is identified as Hamlet Lane. Hamlet Lane
connects to Campbell Lane and serves as a pedestrian corridor through Site C ending in a cul-de-sac and
pedestrian plaza at street level directly across from the Dublin-Pleasanton BART Station and underpass to
the BART platform on the opposite side of Iron Horse Parkway. The building lobby for each of the two
sites and secondary access to each of the two parking structures are located off of Hamlet Lane. This
street also accommodates emergency and trash collection vehicles.
Stage 2 Development Plan
Most of the standards and requirements of a Stage 2 Development Plan required by Chapter 8.32.030 B.
of the Zoning Ordinance were addressed, approved, and adopted with the Stage 1 Planned Development
Zoning adopted by the City Council for all of Dublin Transit Cent;r in December 2002 (PA 00-013).
The Stage 1 Planned Development zoning established the permitted, conditionally permitted, and
accessory land uses; site areas and proposed densities; maximum number of residential units and non-
residential square footages; and, a Master Landscaping Plan.
For Transit Center Site C, the Stage 1 Planned Development Zoning; allows for a maximum of 405 high
density residential units and 25,000 square feet of commercial on approximately 8.58 gross acres of land.
The proposed unit total complies with the Stage 1 Planned Development standards in terms of maximum
number of units approved for this site, maximum amount of commercial space approved for this site,
building height for high density residential, building setbacks, and minimum parking standard of 1.5
spaces per unit for residential land uses. The approved development standards suggested high-density
residential development in 4-stories, or 5 stories either over podium parking or with the units "wrapped"
around the parking structures as is the case with this project and Avalan's first project.
The adopted Planned Development zoning also limits commercial use to ancillary retail and services to
ground floor frontage along Iron Horse Parkway. The development of Site C complies with the Stage 1
Planned Development Zoning for the Dublin Transit Center as it is compatible with the Dublin Transit
Center land use concept to maximize transit opportunities presented by the adjacent Dublin/Pleasanton
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Station and will contribute to an accessible and pedestrian-friendly
environment in proximity to the BART Station. The Stage 2 Develofinent Plan for Avalon Transit Center
Site C has been designed to be consistent with the Stage 1 standards stated above. The proposed Site
Development Plan is reflective of the Stage 2 standards in terms of lot area, lot dimensions, lot coverage,
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type and number of units, location and number of parking spaces, :3etbacks, architecture, and affordable
housing.
Parking
The parking standard approved with the Planned Development zoni:ig for the Transit Center Village was
established at 1.5 spaces per unit. Based on this standard, the residential parking requirement would be
608 spaces. The parking standard for commercial space is 3 spaces per 1,000 square feet which would
require 46 spaces. The space for the leasing office and recreation room has not been assigned a parking
standard. It is assumed that uses of the recreation room will be re3idents or their guests. However, an
allowance of seven parking spaces has been anticipated for the leasing office.
The project provides for 720 spaces (66 more than required) which include: 684 spaces in the two 5-level
or 6-level parking structures, and 36 spaces on private, curbside streets along Campbell Lane and Hamlet
Lane. Over all, available parking within the structures or along the perimeter of the project would satisfy
the parking requirements adopted as part of the Transit Center Villa;;e master plan. In addition, there are
40 public streetside parking spaces adjacent to the project.
A parking management analysis has been provided to control guost, service, and retail parking. The
minimum size parking stalls in each structure would be 8' 6" wide by 18' 0" deep with most larger at 9'
0" wide.
Site Development Review
The Site Development Review includes: site plan, architectural design, landscape plan, and streetscape
improvements. The site layout and design is intended to create an irr, age consistent with an urban lifestyle
and encourage pedestrian circulation.
Site Plan
In addition to the description above of the residential, commercial, and parking areas, each residential
structure wraps around an outdoor courtyard area that provides private common area open space. The
common recreation area on Site CI includes: hard surfaces with tables, umbrellas, and chairs; outdoor
kitchen and fireplace; and small lawn areas. The space on Site C2 includes: the pool, spa, deck, and
amenities related to poolside water recreation. These areas are supplemented by the 3,784 square foot
recreation room near the southerly end of the site.
Architecture/Design Standards
The Stage 1 Planned Development zoning adopted for the Transit Center Village addressed design
standards for public areas only. The proposed architecture of the two structures is consistent with the
projects constructed to date. Building exteriors have ample exterior articulation and variable color palette
to minimize visual mass and scale.
The roof lines generally are parapet structures that are flat with a cap or cornice of metal. Other segments
are topped by short awning or mansard style structures finished with terracotta colored concrete S-tiles.
The building segments are distinguished by the exterior materials and colors. Building corners and
entries are identified by additional height and materials. The ground floor commercial fagade along Iron
Horse Parkway, building entries, and the special purpose structures, such as the leasing office and
recreation room, would be clad or finished with a contrasting material, such as manufactured stone.
Vertical mass is addressed by distinguishing between material far the ground floor and the upper
residential floors by color or finish, such as concrete scoring, reveals, stucco bands, and perforated metal
siding or lap siding on the recessed or lower residential levels. Some upper level windows are accented
by awnings, and upper level balconies are finished with stucco or protected by iron railings; some top-
level balconies may be covered by an open trellis.
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The adopted design standards state that the exteriors of buildings with above-grade parking levels will
need to be designed with materials and architectural elements that tie together parking levels with office
or residential uses on the upper stories. Substantial measures were taken with the design to integrate the
exterior of the parking structures facing Iron Horse Parkway and Demarcus Boulevard with the exterior of
the residential structures of the project in the form of similar exterior colors, finishes, and window pattern
similar to the residential structures. The design result is a well coordinated architecturally interesting and
unobtrusive garage that accents and enhances the overall design of & e project.
Floor/Unit Plans
The proposed project offers studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom floor plans in twenty-
seven (28) different floor plan configurations that vary in size and layout. All plans are single level; there
are no walk-up or townhome configurations. The units would range in size from 570 square feet for the
smallest studio apartment (Plan S1) to 1,398 square feet (Plan C6) for the largest 3-bedroom unit excluding
private decks, balconies, or patio areas.
The distribution of units by floor plan generally is shown in the following table:
Table 1: Unit Total by Floor Plan
Unit Size/# of bedrooms No. of Units % of Total _ Plans
studio 23 units 5.5% 3 Plans - S1, S2 & S3
one-bedroom 177 units 44% 6 Plans - All, A2, A3, A4, A5 & A6
two-bedroom 174 units 43% 13 Plans - B1, B2, b3, B4, 65, B6,
B7, B8, B9, B10, 1311, B12 & B13
three-bedroom 31 units 7.5% 6 Plans - C1, C2, C3, c4, C5 & C6
Total 405 units 100%
The average unit size is 934 square feet. The variety of 28 floor plans, some with only a small number of
units, reflects conformance of certain floor plans or spaces to the building exterior. Access to the units
would be from interior corridors. A total 326 units (or 80%) covering 16 of the floor plans have some
private open space in the form of decks, balconies, or patios ranging in size from 51 square feet to 77.5
square feet.
Access and Circulation
Avalon Site C is accessed by the surrounding streets which are Iron Horse Parkway to the east, Demarcus
Boulevard to the west, and Hamlet Lane, the central spine between sites C-1 & C-2. Hamlet Lane is
accessed by Campbell Lane to the north which encircles Campbell ireen. In addition to building access
from the parking structures, there are eight pedestrian access points to the buildings. Four staircases and
three elevators per building provide access to each floor.
Trash staging and collection is located in two areas per building. One location would be on the ground
floor of each parking structure on both sides of the cul-de-sac at the end of Hamlet Lane. The other is
located along the northerly facade of each building near the corners for access of the trash receptacles
(dumpsters) to Campbell Lane on collection days.
Streetscape, Landscaping and Fencing
The preliminary landscape plan for Site C was prepared by The Guzzardo Partnership, Inc. in accordance
with the Dublin Zoning Ordinance and the Dublin Transit Center Stage 1 Development Plan. A variety of
decorative paving is proposed throughout the project, especially at the terminus of Hamlet Lane and
within the plaza area in front of the leasing office and recreation room. The project is proposed to have
perimeter landscaping and streetscape plantings on all four sides of the project, as well as, along the
Hamlet Lane corridor and within the two internal common space areas. The streetscape along Iron Horse
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Parkway and Demarcus Boulevard would be a continuation of the hardscape improvements and plant
theme materials as those adjacent to Sites B1 and B2 to the north.
Campbell Green - The proposed project is located immediately to the south of an area that has been
developed as a 1-acre village greenbelt area with passive recreation amenities now known as Campbell
Green. This 1-acre area located between Sites B and C was developed with Avalon Transit Center Site B-
1 and 2 abutting the northerly side of the green. Campbell Green presents a park-like setting which
includes ample lawn areas and a plaza with seating beneath wood trellises. It is a supplement to the
common area open space and recreation amenities on site.
Vesting Tentative Tract Map 7929
Although the project is proposed for occupancy as apartments, a Vesting Tentative Tract Map is being
processed along with the Site Development Review and Stage 2 Planned Development to provide for
condominium development. The project will be constructed to condominium standards.
Sound Attenuation
A mitigation measure contained in the Environmental Impact Report for the Dublin Transit Center
requires site specific acoustic reports to be prepared by qualified acoustical consultants. The report must
include detailed identification of noise exposure levels on the individual project site and a listing of
specific measures to reduce both interior and exterior noise levels to normally acceptable levels including
but not limited to glazing and ventilation systems, construction of r_oise barriers and use of buildings to
shield noise.
Affordable Housing
The affordable units provided would be in conformance with requirements of the Inclusionary Zoning
Ordinance, as well as the terms of the Master Development Agreement as it pertains to the provision of
moderate income units within the Dublin Transit Center. In accordance with the Master Development
Agreement, the Applicant would provide 10% of the 405 units proposed as affordable.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
The Project is within the scope of the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Dublin Transit Center
General Plan Amendment, Eastern Dublin Specific Plan Amendment, Stage 1 Planned Development
Zoning, Tentative Parcel Map, and Development Agreement (SCH 2001120395) which was certified by
City Council Resolution No. 215-02 dated November 19, 2002. Pursuant to the California Environmental
Quality Act, the proposed project may be found to be exempt from CEQA pursuant to Government Code
section 65457 for residential projects that are consistent with a Specific Plan. No further environmental
review is required as the proposed project was included in previous environmental assessments and would
not result in additional environmental impacts beyond those previous y addressed.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Planning Commission receive Staff presentation and provide direction.
Page 7 of 8
GENERAL INFORMATION:
PROPERTY OWNER:
APPLICANT:
LOCATION:
EXISTING ZONING:
GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION &
EASTERN DUBLIN SPECIFIC PLAN:
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION:
Avalon Bay Communities, Inc.
400 Race Street, Suite 2)0
San Jose, CA 95126
Avalon Bay Communities, Inc.
400 Race Street, Suite 2)0
San Jose, CA 95126
Northeast of Demarcus Boulevard, northwest of Iron Horse
Parkway, and south of Gimpbell Green (village greenbelt) and
the extension of Campbell Lane [the extension of Martinelli
Way]
APN: 986-0034-005-02
Parcels 2 & 3 of Parcel Map 7893
PD-High Density Residential
High Density Residential
In accordance with State law, a public notice was mailed to all property owners and occupants within 300
feet of the proposed project to advertise the project and the upcoming public hearing. A public notice was
also published in the Tri-Valley Herald and posted at several locations throughout the City.
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