HomeMy WebLinkAbout20203722.tiff MEMORANDUM
TO: Chris Gathman, Planning Services
1861 fr
FROM: Melissa J King, PE, Public Works
DATE: October 7, 2020
I- O U_ N r�` - SUBJECT: USR20-0029 Walters Solar
The Weld County Department of Public Works has reviewed this proposal. Staff comments made during
this phase of the application process may not be all-inclusive, as other issues may arise during the
remaining application process.
COMMENTS
GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION/LOCATION
Project description: A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Medium
Scale Solar Facility (4.0 MegaWatts (Alternating Current) and 4.826 MegaWatts (Direct Current) in the
A(Agricultural) Zone District
This project is south of and adjacent to CR 34 and is west of and adjacent to CR 29.
Parcel number 121117000017.
Access is from CR 29 and CR 34.
ACCESS
Weld County Public Works has reviewed the application materials related to access.
The parcel has the following unpermitted existing access points:
• Onto County Road 34 approximately 1,980 feet west of the intersection of CR 34 and CR 29;
• Onto County Road 34 approximately 2,183 feet west of the intersection of CR 34 and CR 29;
• Onto County Road 29 approximately 1,543 feet south of the intersection of CR 29 and CR 34; and,
• Onto County Road 29 approximately 2,614 feet south of the intersection of CR 29 and CR 34.
The applicant has proposed to use the existing access onto County Road 34 that is approximately 1,980
feet west of the intersection of CR 34 and CR 29. The applicant shall obtain an access permit for this
location as it appears to meet the Minimum Spacing Criteria as specified in Table 1 below. The applicant
shall close and reclaim the existing unpermitted access onto County Road 34 that is 2,183 feet west of the
intersection of CR 34 and CR 29 as it does not mee the Minimum Spacing Criteria as specified in Table 1
below.
The applicant shall obtain access permits for the two existing unpermitted access locations onto County
Road 29.
Table 1 - Minimum Access Spacing Criteria (Feet)
Access Element Arterial Collector Local
Distance between intersections
Signalized 2,640 N/A N/A
Unsignalized 1,320 1,320 330
Distance between accesses and intersections 660 660 330
Distance between access points 660 330 150
Distance between access points in subdivisions 660 330 75
Per Sec. 8-14-30, an Access Permit is required for access to Weld County maintained roadways. We
strongly encourage you to discuss your access with Public Works prior to laying out your site plan to ensure
the approved accesses are compatible with your layout. Per Sec. 24-8-40, when feasible, there shall be no
net increase in the number of accesses to a public road. Minimum access spacing are shown in Weld
County Code, Sec. 8-14-30 Table 1. Please refer to Chapter 8 of the Weld County Code for more
information regarding access.
ROADS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY
County Road 34 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map (Code
Ordinance 2017-01) as a local road, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way. The applicant shall delineate
and label on the site map or plat the future and existing right-of-way (along with the documents creating the
existing right-of-way) and the physical location of the road. If the right-of-way cannot be verified it shall be
dedicated or reserved per Weld County Code. Pursuant to the definition of setback in the Weld County
Code, Sec. 23-1- 90, the required setback is measured from the future right-of-way line. Be aware that
physical roadways may not be centered in the right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County.
County Road 29 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map (Code
Ordinance 2017-01) as a local road, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way. The applicant shall delineate
and label on the site map or plat the future and existing right-of-way (along with the documents creating the
existing right-of-way) and the physical location of the road. If the right-of-way cannot be verified it shall be
dedicated or reserved per Weld County Code. Pursuant to the definition of setback in the Weld County
Code, Sec. 23-1-90, the required setback is measured from the future right-of-way line. Be aware that
physical roadways may not be centered in the right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County.
Per, Sec. 8-13-30.B, a Weld County Right-of-Way Use Permit is required for any project that will be
occupying, constructing or excavating facilities within, and/or encroaching upon, any County rights-of-way
or easement. Right-of-Way Use Permit instructions and application can be found at
https://www.weldcov.com/departments/publicworks/permits/.
Weld County will not replace overlapping easements located within existing right-of-way or pay to relocate
existing utilities within the County right-of-way.
TRAFFIC
The latest Average Daily Trips (2020) on CR 34 counted 94 vpd with 51% trucks.
The traffic information submitted with the application materials indicates that during operation that there will
be approximately 2 passenger vehicles per quarter and that during the construction (i.e. 3-4 months) there
will be approximately 20 passenger vehicle daily roundtrips and a total of 8-10 delivery trucks.
Approximately 100 % of the traffic will be going to the west to access Highway 85.
No additional traffic information is required.
ROAD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
Public Works is requiring a Road Maintenance Agreement for Construction including, but not limited to,
dust control and damage repair to specified haul routes.
Improvements/Road Maintenance Agreement: An example agreement is available at:
https://www.weldcov.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server 6/File/Departments/Public%20Works/DevelopmentR
eview!U SR-SPR-Permits%201 m provements%20Aq reement%20Template.pdf.
DRAINAGE REQUIREMENTS
This area IS within a Non-Urbanizing Drainage Area: Non-Urbanizing Drainage Areas typically require
detention of runoff from the 1-hour, 100-year, storm falling on the developed site and release of the detained
water at the historic runoff rate of the 1-hour, 10-year storm falling on the undeveloped site for NON-
URBANIZING areas.
Detention Pond summarized in a Drainage Report:
The applicant has submitted a preliminary drainage report that did not acknowledge Weld County's Solar
Facilities Guidance Document.
If the project meets the detention exception criteria specified in this Document, then a letter providing these
specifics shall be submitted by a Colorado Licensed Professional Engineer
However, if the project does not meet the detention exception in the criteria specified in this Document,
then a final drainage report and detention pond design completed by a Colorado Licensed Professional
Engineer is required prior to recording the USR map. The drainage report must include a certification of
compliance stamped and signed by the PE. A Certification of Compliance form can be found on the Public
Works Development Review website. General drainage report checklist is available on the engineering
website. More complete checklists are available upon request.
Historic Flows:
The applicants will be required to maintain the historic drainage flows and run-off amounts that exist from
the property.
GRADING PERMIT
A Weld County Grading Permit will be required if disturbing more than 1 acre. Grading Permit applications
are accepted after the planning process is complete (plan recorded). An Early Release Request Form may
be entertained only after the applicant, Public Works and Planning Department have reviewed the referral
and surrounding property owner comments. The Early Release Request may or may not be granted
depending on referral comments and surrounding property owner concerns. Contact an Engineering
representative from the Public Works for more information.
A Construction Stormwater Permit is also required with the State for disturbing more than 1 acre. Contact:
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division, 303-692-3575.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
A. A Road Maintenance Agreement for Construction is required at this location. Road maintenance
includes, but is not limited to, dust control and damage repair to specified haul routes. (Department of
Public Works)
B. A Final Drainage Report and Certification of Compliance stamped and signed by a Professional
Engineer registered in the State of Colorado is required. (Department of Public Works)
C. The plan shall be amended to delineate the following:
1. County Road 34 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification
Map as a local road which requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full buildout. The applicant shall
delineate and label on the site map or plat the future and existing right-of-way (along with the
documents creating the existing right-of-way) and the physical location of the road. All setbacks
shall be measured from the edge of right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County.
(Department of Public Works)
2. County Road 29 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification
Map as a local road which requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full buildout. The applicant shall
delineate and label on the site map or plat the future and existing right-of-way (along with the
documents creating the existing right-of-way) and the physical location of the road. All setbacks
shall be measured from the edge of right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County.
(Department of Public Works)
3. Show and label the approved access locations, approved access width and the appropriate turning
radii on the site plan. The applicant must obtain an access permit in the approved location prior to
construction. (Department of Public Works)
4. Show and label the entrance gate if applicable.An access approach that is gated shall be designed
so that the longest vehicle (including trailers) using the access can completely clear the traveled
way when the gate is closed. In no event, shall the distance from the gate to the edge of the traveled
surface be less than 35 feet. (Department of Public Works)
5. Show and label the drainage flow arrows. (Department of Public Works)
6. Show and label the parking and traffic circulation flow arrows showing how the traffic moves around
the property. (Department of Public Works)
Prior to Construction:
A. The approved access shall be constructed prior to on-site construction. (Department of Public Works)
B. If more than one (1) acre is to be disturbed, a Weld County Grading Permit will be required.
(Department of Public Works)
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (NOTES ON THE SITE PLAN)
1. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for controlling noxious weeds on the site, pursuant
to Chapter 15, Article I and II, of the Weld County Code. (Department of Public Works)
2. The access to the site shall be maintained to mitigate any impacts to the public road, including damages
and/or off-site tracking. (Department of Public Works)
3. There shall be no parking or staging of vehicles on public roads. On-site parking shall be utilized.
(Department of Public Works)
4. Any work that may occupy and or encroach upon any County rights-of-way or easement shall acquire
an approved Right-of-Way Use Permit prior to commencement. (Department of Public Works)
5. The Property Owner shall comply with all requirements provided in the executed Road Maintenance
Agreement. (Department of Public Works)
6. The Road Maintenance Agreement for this site may be reviewed on an annual basis, including a site
visit and possible updates. (Department of Public Works)
7. The historical flow patterns and runoff amounts on the site will be maintained. (Department of Public
Works)
8. Weld County is not responsible for the maintenance of onsite drainage related features. (Department
of Public Works)
1Kfi1 rir
I WELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
r 1555 North 17th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631 www.weldhealth.org
Memorandum
To: Chris Gathman
From: Lauren Light, Environmental Health Services
Date: October 27, 2020
Re: USR20-0029 Heirs of John Leonard, c/o SunShare, LLC
Environmental Health Services has reviewed this Site-Specific Development
Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Medium Scale Solar Facility (4.0
MegaWatts (Alternating Current) and 4.826 Megawatts (Direct Current) in the A
(Agricultural) Zone District.
As no employees will be located at the site, permanent water and sewer is not
required. Screened portable toilets, hand washing units and bottled water can
be utilized during construction.
We recommend the following requirements are incorporated into the permit as
development standards:
1 . All liquid and solid wastes (as defined in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites
and Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S.) shall be stored and removed for
final disposal in a manner that protects against surface and groundwater
contamination.
2. No permanent disposal of wastes shall be permitted at this site. This is
not meant to include those wastes specifically excluded from the
definition of a solid waste in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and
Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S.
3. Waste materials shall be handled, stored, and disposed in a manner that
controls fugitive dust, fugitive particulate emissions, blowing debris, and
other potential nuisance conditions. The facility shall operate in
accordance with Chapter 14, Article 1 of the Weld County Code.
4. Fugitive dust should attempt to be confined on the property. Uses on the
property should comply with the Colorado Air Quality Commission's air
quality regulations.
Health Administration Public Health& Environmental Health Communication, Emergency Preparedness
Vital Records Clinical Services Services Education&Planning g Response
cic:9/0 304 6410 Icic:9/0 304 6420 Tele:970-304-6415 Tele:970-304-6470 Tele:970-304-6470
Fax: 9/0-301-641'2 Fax: 910-304-6416 Fax: 970-304-6411 Fax. 970-304-6452 Fax: 970-304-6452 Public Health
5. During construction, adequate toilet facilities and handwashing units
shall be provided. Portable toilets shall be serviced by a cleaner
licensed in Weld County, contain hand sanitizers, be screened from
public view and removed when construction is completed.
6. The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of
State and Federal agencies and the Weld County Code.
Submit by Email
44. Weld County Referral
October 7, 2020
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant: Heirs of John Leonard, c/o SunShare, LLC Case Number: USR20-0029
Please Reply By: November 4, 2020 Planner: Chris Gathman
Project:A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Medium Scale Solar
Facility(4.0 MegaWatts(Alternating Current)and 4.826 Megawatts (Direct Current) in the A
(Agricultural)Zone District.
Location: South of and adjacent to County Road 34 and west of and adjacent to County Road 29.
Parcel Number: 121117000017-R4857286 Legal: NE4 SECTION 17, T3N, R66W OF THE 6TH P.M.,
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO.
The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or
recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the
above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not
received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning
Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the Planner
associated with the request. Please note that new information may be added to applications
under review during the review process. If you desire to examine or obtain this additional
information, please call the Department of Planning Services.
riWe have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive
Plan because:
i We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
Q See attached letter.
10/08/2020
Signature GP _�� Date
Agency eville-GiiIcrest Fire Protection District
Weld County Planning Dept. 1555 N 17th Ave,Greeley,CO.80631 (970)400-6100 (970)304-6498 fax
S4IRFPRO
` . rF` . Platteville-Gilcrest Fire Protection District
PGFPD ° P.O. Box 407
303 Main Street
Platteville, CO 80651
Sic sco.195/ 970.785.2232 • FAX 970.785.0139
October 8, 2020
Chris Gathman
Weld County Planner
Weld County Department of Planning Services
Concerning USR20-0029
SunShare, LLC Solar Farm
To Whom It May Concern,
Thank you for the opportunity to review the USR210-0029 application and site map material. The
Platteville-Gilcrest Fire Protection District has some minor comments and concerns that probably
can be addressed after the approval of the USR. However, we find it helpful to the applicants to
let them know of these items as early as possible, so we may cut off misunderstandings later in
the process.
Items for which we have comments or concerns.
1. Site access will require a Knoxbox for a master key of the site. This can be in the form
of an electronic key box for electronic gate, Knoxbox padlock or stand-alone Knoxbox
key box.
2. All fire access gates, and roads are required to be a minimum of 20' wide with an
overhead clearance of 13'6". The fire access roads will be constructed of approved
material capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 75,000
pounds. Thank you for the hammerhead turn around.
3. Fire access roads can be no steeper than ten percent grade.
We look forward to working with you all in this process and if you have questions or concerns
please contact me when ever needed.
Respectfully,
eff Cogburn
Fire Inspector CFI-I, CFPE
Platteville-Gilcrest Fire Protection District
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,0-0' 4COLORADO
`` ` ' Parks and Wildlife
-,M i Ifni"
Department of Natural Resources
317 W . Prospect Rd
Fort Collins, CO 80526
P 970.472 . 4300 I F 970 .472 .4458
October 12 , 2020
Kristine Ranslem
Weld County Planning Department
1555 North 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
970 . 400 . 3519
kranslemweldgov . com
Re . SunShare Community Solar, Project Name : Vasquez V, Case No . USR20-0029 , at or near
the NE4, Sections 17 , Township 3N , Range 66W , 6th Principle Meridian , in Weld County .
Ms . Ranslem,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the SunShare Community Solar project .
The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW ) is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of
the state , to provide a quality state parks system , and to provide enjoyable and sustainable
outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to
serve as active stewards of Colorado ' s natural. resources . Our goal in responding to land use
proposals such as this is to provide complete , consistent, and timely information to all
entities who request comment on matters within our statutory authority .
CPW is in receipt of the above referenced review proposal and is familiar with the site . After
reviewing the proposed project documents, we see that the proposed solar site is located in
an area which could have a potential impact on an active Red - tailed hawk nest within close
proximity of the proposed site ( see nest location on page 2 ) . If the project proceeds as
described in the proposed documents , the CPW recommends that :
• No surface occupancy ( beyond that which historically occurred in the area ) within 1 / 3
mite radius of active Red - tailed hawk nests . Establish a seasonal restriction to human
encroachment within a 1 / 3 mite radius of active nests from February 15 through July
15 .
We appreciate being given the opportunity to comment. Please feel free to contact District
Wildlife Manager Mike Grooms at 970 . 692 . 4028 or via email at michaet . grooms®state . co . us
should you have any questions or require additional information .
r-ofscioto-N
Dan Prenzlow, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife • Parks and Wildlife Commission: Marvin McDaniel, Chair • Carne Besnette Hauser, Vice-Chair firES-a," .r - -
Marie Haskett, Secretary • Taishya Adams • Betsy Blecha • Charles Garcia • Dallas May • Duke Phillips, IV • Luke B. Schafer • Jay Tutchton • Eden Vardy � * -it4 a-ppp
Sincerely ,
P.19 P
Jason Surface
Area Wildlife Manager : Area 4 - Fort Collins
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