HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 11683 (Marin Academy Library/Classroom)RESOLUTION NO. 11683
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A LOT MERGER,
ENVIRONMENTAL AND DESIGN REVIEW PERMIT, AND USE PERMIT AMENDMENT IN ORDER TO
MERGE THE PARCELS LOCATED AT 2 COTTAGE AVENUE AND 1540 FIFTH AVENUE; RENOVATE
THE EXISTING SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING LOCATED AT 2 COTTAGE AVENUE; AND
DEMOLISH THE EXISTING MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING LOCATED AT 1540 FIFTH AVENUE IN
ORDER TO CONSTRUCT A NEW TWO-STORY 16,820 -SQUARE -FOOT LIBRARY/CLASSROOM
BUILDING WITH ASSOCIATED PARKING, LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING FOR MARIN ACADEMY
(APNs: 011-161-13,011-193-04,011-195-01, and 011-195-03)
WHEREAS, on July 9, 2004, a General Plan 2000 Amendment, Zone Change, Lot Merger,
Environmental and Design Review Permit and Use Permit Amendment applications were received by the
Community Development Department requesting approval of renovations to the administration building
located at 2 Cottage Avenue and the construction of a library/classroom building at 1540 Fifth Avenue
with associated parking and landscaping improvements, and on September 30, 2004, the applications
were deemed complete for processing; and
WHEREAS, upon review of the subject applications an Initial Study/Negative Declaration was
prepared consistent with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration, and approved a General
Plan Amendment and Rezoning for the project, by a adoption of separate resolutions and an ordinance;
and
WHEREAS, on November 9, 2004, the Planning Commission held a duly -noticed public hearing
on the Environmental and Design Review Permit application for the project, accepting all oral and written
public testimony and the written report of the Community Development Department staff and on a 5-0-2
vote recommended to the City Council approval of the Lot Merger, Environmental and Design Review
Permit, and Use Permit Amendment; and
WHEREAS, on December 6, 2004, the City Council held a duly -noticed public hearing on the
proposed Lot Merger, Environmental and Design Review Permit, and Use Permit Amendment accepting
all oral and written public testimony and the written report of the Department of Community Development.
WHEREAS, the City Council makes the following findings related to the proposed project:
1. The proposed project would be consistent in principle with the General Plan 2000 and the
Purposes of Zoning Ordinance Chapters 22 (Use Permits) and 25 (Environmental and Design
Review Permits) given that the proposed project would be consistent with Land Use Policies LU -
18a (Other Land Use Categories), LU -21 (Building Heights), LU -35 (Project Design
Considerations); LU -pp (Neighborhood Meetings), Circulation Policy C-2 (Level of Service), Noise
Policy N-11 (Commercial and Industrial Projects), Natural Environment Policy NE -12 (Water
Quality), Safety Policies S-13 (Flood Protection), S-18 (Erosion Controo, S-21 (Fire Safety of New
Development) and S-23 (Safety Review of Development Projects) in that: 1) school uses are
specifically allowed in the Public/Quasi Public land use designation; 2) the proposed library
building at 1540 Fifth Avenue would be within the maximum height limit of 36 feet; 3) the Design
Review Board reviewed the proposed project and recommended approval of the project, finding
that the project design, lighting, and landscaping would be appropriate for the setting and
neighborhood; 4) a neighborhood meeting was held for the proposed project; 5) the City Traffic
Engineer has reviewed the proposed project and concluded that the proposed library/classroom
building would not generate additional PM peak trips and would not cause the LOS to exceed the
Downtown LOS E standard; 6) the project is subject to standard construction hours and is
required to submit an acoustic report for the final building design showing that the project has
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been designed to comply with City noise standards; 7) the project would implement stormwater
pollution prevention measures and best management practices (BMPs) to reduce stormwater and
erosion impacts; 8) the site is not subject to flooding, and an erosion control plan would be
required to be submitted at the time of the grading permit application; 9) the proposed project has
been reviewed and conditions of approval are recommended to incorporate fire and crime
prevention techniques by the City's Police and Fire Departments; and 10) the project would be
constructed to meet the minimum standards of the Uniform Fire Code and California Building
Code.
2. The proposed project would be consistent in principle with the General Plan 2020 and the
Purposes of Zoning Ordinance Chapters 22 (Use Permits) and 25 (Environmental and Design
Review Permits) given that the proposed project would be consistent with Land Use Policies LU -2
(Development Timing), LU -9 (Intensity of Nonresidential Development), LU -15 (Land Use
Compatibility), LU -24 (Land Use Map and Categories), Neighborhood Policy NH -28 (Downtown
Design), Community Design Program Policies CD -le (Landscape Improvements), CD -11a
(Visual Compatibility), Circulation Policies C-5 (Traffic Level of Service Standards), Policy C-13
(School Related Traffic), Culture and Arts Program Policy CA -17a (Archaeological Resources
Ordinance); Safety Policies S-3 (Use of Hazard Maps in Development Review), Policy Program
S -7a (Seismic Safety of New Buildings), S -8a (Seismic Safety Building Reinforcement), S-21 a
(Compliance with Reginald Water Quality Control Board), Noise Policy N -4b (Nonresidential and
Mixed Use Noise Standards), Air and Water Policies AW -7 (Compliance with Water Quality
Standards), and Policy AW -8 (Reduction of Urban Runoff Pollution) in that: 1) the City's Traffic
Engineer has determined that the project would not exceed the level of service (LOS) E; 2) the
project would not require any circulation improvements; 3) the project would be served by the
Marin Municipal Water District, San Rafael Sanitation District, and other public agencies, which
have adequate capacity to serve the project; 4) the project would be within the maximum allowed
1.0 FAR; 5) the project has been recommended for approval by the Design Review Board; 6) the
library/classroom building has been designed to compliment the existing administration building
located at 2 Cottage Avenue; 7) the project site does not contain historic resources or is near a
location containing historic resources; 8) the landscape plan includes generous amounts of
landscaping to accent the proposed library/classroom building; 9) the design of the
library/classroom building would utilize appropriate colors and materials to match the design of
surrounding buildings within the Marin Academy campus; 10) the project design would be within
the maximum height of 36 feet and has been designed to incorporate sidewalk and landscaping
improvements to enhance the design and streetscape continuity; 11) the proposed project would
be consistent with the P/QP land use designation given that the proposed library/classroom
building would be used in conjunction with an existing school; 12) all mechanical equipment
would be screened from public view; 13) the project design has incorporated appropriate lighting
levels and landscape and hardscape design details to create a usable outdoor courtyard with
outdoor seating to accent the building design and create a sense of the natural environment; 14)
Marin Academy has submitted an updated parking and traffic strategy plan outlining measures to
reduce traffic and parking related impacts from the school use; 15) the project has been reviewed
in accordance with the Archeological Ordinance and found to be located in an area with low
possibilities of archeological resources and standard conditions of approval would be
incorporated into the project to protect possible archeological resources; 16) planning staff
reviewed applicable safety maps and no significant slope stability, seismic, and or flood issues
were identified; 17) the proposed project would seismically upgrade the existing administration
building located at 2 Cottage Avenue and construct a new library/classroom building at 1540 Fifth
Avenue that would meet the seismic requirements of the California Building Code; 18) The project
has been reviewed by the City's Storm Water Pollution and Prevention Program Manager and
designed to meet applicable storm water and erosion control requirements; and 19) an acoustical
report will be prepared that would demonstrate that the project would be compliant with the
adopted noise standard.
3. The proposed project would be consistent with the purposes of the Zoning Ordinance in that: 1)
the project would be consistent with the purposes of the Public/Quasi Public (P/QP) District in that
the project site is adjacent to Public/Quasi Public land use designations to the north and west and
would be used in conjunction with an existing school; 2) the proposed library/classroom building
would provide improved facilities for an existing school; 3) The project site at 1540 Fifth Avenue
and 2 Cottage avenue would comply with the development standards required within the P/QP
District including height, landscaping, lot coverage, floor area ratio, and setbacks; and 4)
adequate parking and circulation would be provided by the proposed amended school use.
4. The proposed project minimizes adverse environmental impacts and would not be detrimental to
the public health, safety or welfare or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the
vicinity as documented in findings 1, 2, and 3 above and given that the recommendations from
other City departments and outside agencies have been incorporated into the conditions of
approval.
5. Based on findings 1, 2, 3, and 4, the proposed lot merger would be consistent with the General
Plan and the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. In addition, the Building and Safety Division
has reviewed the proposed lot merger and has found that it would be in conformance with the
California Building Code. Lastly, the City Engineer has reviewed the proposed lot merger and
recommended approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council approves the Lot Merger,
Environmental and Design Review Permit, and Use Permit Amendment based on the findings above and
subject to the following conditions:
Lot Merger
1. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the Lot Merger (SO4-015) shall be recorded by deed
with the County of Marin.
2. The applicant shall submit a copy of the recorded deed to both the Community Development and
Public Works Departments by December 6, 2006, reflecting recordation of the lot merger.
Environmental and Design Review Permit
Plannino Division
3. This Environmental and Design Review Permit (ED04-068) shall be valid for until December 6,
2006, unless a building permit has been issued and remains valid, or a time extension is granted.
4. The building techniques, materials, elevations and appearance of the project, as presented for
approval on plans prepared by Starkweather-Bondy, Architects, dated approved December 7,
2004, shall be the same as required for issuance of a building permit. Minor modifications or
revisions to the project shall be subject to review and approval of the Planning Division.
Modifications deemed not minor by the Community Development Director shall require review
and approval of the Design Review Board and Planning Commission.
5. All tree protection measures outlined in the September 13, 2004 letter from Bartlett Tree Experts
shall be implemented during construction activities on 1540 Fifth Avenue.
6. All exterior lighting shall be shielded down. Following the issuance of a certificate of occupancy,
all exterior lighting shall be subject to a 30 -day lighting level review by Planning Division staff to
ensure compatibility with the surrounding area.
7. All landscaping and irrigation shall be installed prior to the occupancy of the building or the
property owner shall post a bond in the amount of the estimated landscaping/irrigation cost with
the City of San Rafael. In the event that a bond is posted, all areas proposed for landscaping
must be covered with bark or a substitute material approved by the Planning Division prior to
occupancy.
8. The landscape architect shall submit a letter to the Planning Division, certifying that the
landscaping has been installed in accordance with all aspects of the approved landscape plans,
that the irrigation has been installed and been tested for timing and function, and all plants
including street trees are healthy.
9. All landscaping shall be maintained in a healthy and thriving condition, free of weeds and debris.
Prior to final occupancy, the applicants shall request an inspection from the Planning Division and
submit a two-year maintenance contract for landscaping or post a two-year maintenance bond.
10. The trash enclosure area shall be covered and plumbed to the sanitary sewer.
11. Prior to issuance of a building permit, an acoustical consultant shall review the building design
and provide a letter stating that the project will be designed to comply with City noise standards.
This letter must outline the requisite window and/or wall Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings
needed to meet the City's downtown noise standards. The project shall comply with the following
noise standards: Daytime - 65 dBa intermittent/55 dBa constant
Nighttime — 55 dBa intermittent/45 dBa constant
12. If, during the course of construction, cultural, archaeological or paleontological resources are
uncovered at the site (surface or subsurface resources) work shall be halted immediately within
50 meters (150 feet) of the find until it can be evaluated by a qualified professional archaeologist.
The City of San Rafael Planning Division and a qualified archaeologist (i.e., an archaeologist
registered with the Society of Professional Archaeologists) shall be immediately contacted by the
responsible individual present on-site. When contacted, the project planner and the archaeologist
shall immediately visit the site to determine the extent of the resources and to develop proper
mitigation measures required for the discovery.
13. Plans submitted for a building permit shall include a plan sheet, which incorporates these
conditions of approval. As an alternative, the conditions of approval shall be attached as a
separate document to each set of plans.
Fire Department
14. Based on Uniform Building or Fire Code requirements, an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be
installed throughout the existing and proposed building located at 2 Cottage Avenue and the
proposed library/classroom building located at 1540 Fifth Avenue, conforming to NFPA Standard
13.
15. The alarms from fire detection systems and commercial fire sprinkler systems shall be monitored
by a UL Central Station Company approved by the San Rafael Fire Department and be issued a
UL serially numbered certificate for Central Station Fire Alarms.
16. A Fire Department approved Knox Keyway System is required to be installed conforming to Fire
Prevention Standard 202.
Building Division
17. The following requirements shall be met to the satisfaction of the Building Division:
a. An engineered site plan showing all existing and proposed site conditions shall be submitted
with the application for a building permit.
b. A level "B" soils report shall be submitted with the application for a building permit.
c. The project soils engineer shall review the project plans for compliance with the requirements
of the project's soil report.
d. The project soils engineer shall issue a completion letter based on the actual construction.
e. Grading plans shall show all proposed and existing contours.
f. An erosion control plan shall be submitted with the application for building permit. The
erosion control plan shall employ "Best Management Practices" and comply with all Storm
Water Pollution Prevention Plan requirements.
g. The improvement plans shall show all existing and proposed drainage facilities.
h. The improvement plan shall show the location of all existing and proposed sanitary sewer
facilities.
I. The improvement plan shall show all existing and proposed frontage improvements.
j. Sidewalk, curb, and gutter along Fifth Avenue, Cottage Avenue, and Mission Avenue shall be
replaced to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
k. Accessible curb cuts shall be provided at the corners of Cottage Avenue and Mission
Avenue.
I. All frontage improvements shall be constructed in accordance with "Uniform Construction
Standards for Cities and County of Marin".
m. Any unused driveway approaches shall be removed and standard curb, gutter, and sidewalk
shall be installed.
n. The project shall comply with all State mandated accessibility requirements.
o. An encroachment permit shall be required for all work in the public right of way.
18. Prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall submit evidence that the requirements of
the Marin Municipal Water District have been met.
19. All sewer connection fees shall be collected prior to the issuance of a building permit.
Public Works
20. A street light shall be installed on the corner of Mission Avenue and Cottage Avenue.
21. A final sidewalk, street tree, street light and drainage plan shall be reviewed and approved by the
Public Works Department prior to issuance of a building permit. The plan shall include the
location of proposed catch basins, storm drains, and sewer lines.
22. A five-foot drainage easement along the eastern property line of 1540 Fifth Avenue shall be
dedicated to the City.
Police Department
23. The street numbers shall be displayed in a prominent location on the street side of the property in
such a position that the number is easily visible to approaching emergency vehicles. The
numbers shall be no less than 24 inches in height and shall be of a contrasting color to the
background to which they are attached. The address numbers shall be illuminated during
darkness.
24. Exposed roof vents and ducts shall be grated or constructed of an impact -resistant material to the
satisfaction of the Police Department.
25. Perimeter walls, fences, trash storage areas, etc., shall be built to limit if not in fact prevent
access to the roof or balconies.
26. All exterior man doors shall be of solid core construction with a minimum thickness of one and
three-fourths inches (1-3/4") or with panels not less than nine -sixteenths inches (9/16") thick.
27. Metal -framed glass doors shall be set in metal door jambs and have a dead -bolt lock with a
cylinder guard and a hardened steel throw that is a minimum of one inch (1 ") long.
28. Exterior jambs for doors shall be so constructed or protected to prevent violation of the function of
the strike plate from outside. The strike plate shall be secured to the jamb by a minimum of two
screws which must penetrate into the solid backing beyond the jamb.
29. Exterior doors that swing outward shall have non -removable hinge pins.
30. In -swinging exterior doors shall have rabbeted jambs.
31. Glass on exterior doors or within 40 inches of an exterior door shall be break -resistant or glass-
like materials to the satisfaction of the Police Department.
32. All windows within 12 feet of the ground level shall have a secondary lock mounted to the frame
of the window. The secondary lock shall be a bolt lock and shall be no less than one-eighth inch
(1/8") in thickness. The lock shall have a hardened steel throw of one-half inch (1/2") minimum
length.
33. Any window in or within 40 inches of an exterior door shall be stationary and non -removable.
34. Landscaping shall not block or obstruct the view of any door, window, or lighting fixture.
35. Any alternative materials or methods of construction shall be reviewed with the Crime Prevention
Officer before installation.
36. The Crime Prevention Officer shall be allowed to inspect and approve the construction prior to
occupancy.
37. Permanently fixed ladders leading to roof areas shall be fully enclosed with sheet metal to a
height of ten (10) feet. This covering shall be locked against the ladder with casehardened hasp
secured with non -removable screws or bolts. If a padlock is used, it shall have a hardened steel
shackle, locking at both heel and toe, and have a minimum of 5 -pin tumbler operation.
38. Signs shall be posted and driveways/curbs/parking areas shall be painted red which have
emergency access lanes.
39. All exterior lighting shall be sufficient to establish a sense of well-being to the pedestrian and one
that is sufficient to facilitate recognition of persons at a reasonable distance. Type and placement
of lighting shall be to the satisfaction of the Police Department.
40. All exterior lighting shall be vandal -resistant.
41. All exterior lighting shall be on a master photoelectric cell set to operate during hours of darkness.
42. A minimum of one -foot candle at ground level overlap shall be provided in all exterior doorways,
walkways, and vehicle parking areas.
Use Permit Amendment
43. This Use Permit Amendment (UP04-035) allows the library/classroom building located at 1540
Fifth Avenue and the parking lot at 1513 Fifth Avenue to be used in conjunction with Marin
Academy. This Use Permit shall supercede all previous Use Permits.
44. The maximum on-site enrollment of Marin Academy shall be limited to 400 students. Any change
to this maximum number shall be subject to the review and approval of the Planning Commission.
45. Operations of a catering company and an internet provider located on campus shall be allowed
as long as these businesses continue to serve the school. No additional commercial operations
shall be allowed on the campus.
46. The swimming pool may be made available to outside groups from the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00
a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Weekends from 7:00 a.m. until
12:00 p.m.
47. This Use Permit allows theater groups to use the 135 -seat theater for rehearsal and
performances. These performances by community theater groups may be held no more than 25
weekends per year.
48. Consistent with General Plan Policies encouraging schools to provide recreational and cultural
activities to the community as well as educational opportunities, the school may provide
gymnasium, athletic field, and library meeting space to other schools, programs, community and
neighborhood groups as long as these activities remain ancillary to the school use. Any rental of
the facilities for amplified music and/or any rental for use after midnight shall require a special use
permit.
49. This Use Permit (UP04-035) shall be valid for the life of the school. Any changes in operations of
Marin Academy shall require an amendment to this Use Permit.
50. Marin Academy shall maintain a parking program in order to limit impact of student and faculty
parking on the surrounding residential streets. Except as modified herein, the Marin Academy
Parking and Traffic Plan, shall be implemented pursuant to the Marin Academy Use Permit
(UP04-035) approval.
51. Any modifications to the Marin Academy Parking and Traffic Plan shall require approval of the
Marin Academy Parking and Traffic Committee and the Community Development Director.
5
I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the forgoing resolution was
duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held Monday, the 6`h of
December, 2004, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips, & Mayor Boro
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers: None
A NE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk