HomeMy WebLinkAbout20182700.tiffMEMORANDUM
TO: Michael Hall, Planning Services
DATE: June 4, 2018
FROM: Hayley Balzano, Public Works
SUBJECT: USR18-0041 Platteville 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 Small Scale
Solar Facility (2MW) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
This project is west of and adjacent to CR 31 and is north of CR 32.
Parcel number 121116000001.
Access is from CR 31.
ACCESS
An Access Permit application was submitted with the application materials. Public Works has reviewed the
application and provides a recommendation for access locations based on County code and safety criteria
in accordance with the Weld County Engineering and Construction Criteria (WCECC). The proposed
unshared access point does not comply with the code requirements outlined in code section 24-8-40.C.
Any new proposed shared access point will be required to comply with the spacing criteria and geometric
design as stated in the WCECC. Questions concerning access requirements can be directed to Public
Works access permit division.
Per Chapter 12, Article 5, Section 12-5-30, 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.
For new accesses and/or change of use of an existing access, the fee and photos are required (photo
looking left and right along roadway from the access point and looking in to and out of the access point).
These photos are used to evaluate the safety of the access location. Access permit instructions and
application can be found at https://www.weldgov.com/departments/public works/permits/. Chapter 6,
Sections 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 of the Weld County Engineering and Construction Criteria offer access design
guidance, which can be accessed at: https://www.weldgov.com/departments/public works/engineering/.
Per Chapter 12, Appendix 12A.4.1 of the Weld County Code, 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.
ROADS AND RIGHTS -OF -WAY
County Road 31 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map (Code
Ordinance 2017-01) as a(n) local road, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way. The applicant shall delineate
on the site map or plat the future and existing right-of-way and the physical location of the road. If the right-
of-way cannot be verified it shall be dedicated. Pursuant to the definition of setback in the Weld County
Code, Chapter 23, Article III, Section 23-3-50, 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 Chapter 12, Article 4, Section 12-4-30.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.weldgov. com/d epartments/publicworks/perm its/.
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
Latest ADT on CR 31 counted 150 vpd with 32% trucks.
The traffic information submitted with the application materials indicated that during construction there will
be a maximum of 25 daily roundtrips. After construction, there will be less than 1 trip per day.
TRACKING CONTROL POLICY
Tracking control will be required for the site during construction.
ROAD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
Public Works is requiring Road Maintenance Agreement including, but is not limited to, dust control and
damage repair to specified haul routes.
Improvements/Road Maintenance Agreement: An example agreement is available at:
https://www.weldgov.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server 6/File/Departments/Public%20Works/DevelopmentR
eview/sprusr.pdf. It will detail the approved haul route(s), outline when off -site improvements will be
triggered, and include a maintenance agreement for the haul routes. Possible mitigations included in the
road maintenance agreement may include but are not limited to: dust control, specified haul routes, damage
repairs, and future improvement triggers.
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 waived and a simple drainage narrative:
This site meets exception 23-12-30.F.1.a.14 for sites greater than 5 gross acres being allowed a one time
exception for the addition of up to a 2000 square foot building or equivalent imperviousness. The applicant
is proposing to add up to 188 square feet of equivalent imperviousness.
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.
Solar Facilities:
An Erosion Control Plan and a Vegetation Plan are required prior to recording the final map.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
A. A Road Maintenance Agreement 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. The applicant shall submit an Erosion Control Plan and a Vegetation Plan prior to recording the USR
Map. (Department of Public Works)
C. The plan shall be amended to delineate the following:
1. County Road 31 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 on the site plan the existing right-of-way. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge
of right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County. (Department of Public Works)
2. Show and label the approved access locations, approved access width and the appropriate turning
radii (60') on the site plan. The applicant must obtain an access permit in the approved location(s)
prior to construction. (Department of Public Works)
3. 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)
4. The applicant shall show the drainage flow arrows. (Department of Public Works)
5. 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. 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 shall control noxious weeds on the site. (Department of Public Works)
2. The access on 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 historical flow patterns and runoff amounts on the site will be maintained. (Department of Public
Works)
7. Weld County is not responsible for the maintenance of onsite drainage related features. (Department
of Public Works)
WELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
1555 North 17th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631 www.weldhealth.org
Memorandum
To: Michael Hall
From: Lauren Light, Environmental Health Services
Date: May 21, 2018
Re: USR18-0041 Platteville Solar CSG LLC
Environmental Health Services has reviewed this proposal for a Site -Specific
Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a small scale solar facility
(2MW) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
As no employees will be located at the site, permanent water and sewer is not required.
Portable toilets, hand washing units and bottled water can be utilized during
construction.
Environmental Health Services recommends that 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.
5. The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of State and
Federal agencies and the Weld County Code.
Health Administration
Vital Records
Icic: 9/0 304 6410
Fax: 9/0-301-6112
Public Health &
Clinical Services
Icic: 9/0 304 6420
Fax: 9/0-304-6416
Environmental Health
Services
Tele: 970-304-6415.
Fax: 970-304-6411
Communication,
Education & Planning
Tele: 970-304-6470
Fax: 970-304-6452
Emergency Preparedness
& Response
Tele: 970-304-6470
Fax: 970-304-6462
Public Health
Submit by Email
Weld County Referral
May 02, 2018
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant: State of Colorado, c/o Platteville Solar CSG Case Number: USR18-0041
LLC
Please Reply By: May 30, 2018 Planner: Michael Hall
Project: A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Small Scale Solar
Facility (2MW) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
Location: NORTH OF AND ADJACENT TO CR 32; WEST OF AND ADJACENT TO CR 31
Parcel Number: 121116000001-R4856286 Legal: N2/SE4/E2SW4 SECTION 16, 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.
We have reviewed the request and find that it does / does not comply with our Comprehensive
Plan because:
We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
See attached letter.
Signature Mike Grooms Date
Agency
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
5/30/18
Weld County Planning Dept. 1555 N 17th Ave, Greeley, CO. 80631 (970) 400-6100 (970) 304-6498 fax
COLORADO
Parks and Wildlife
Department of Natural Resources
Fort Collins - Area 4
317 West Prospect Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526-2003
P 970.472.4300 I F 970.472.4458
May 29, 2018
Community Energy Solar
Attn: Tyson Taylor
1120 Pearl St. Suite 200
Boulder, CO 80302
Subject: Request for Subdivision Exemption Small -Scale Solar Facility Platteville, Colorado.
Dear Mr. Taylor,
Thank you for the opportunity for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to comment on the Community Energy Solar
project near Platteville, Colorado. We are familiar with the site, and have reviewed the proposed project documents
submitted by Community Energy Solar, dated May 2, 2018. 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 the Burrowing Owls (State
Species of Special Concern and State Threatened Species respectfully). In addition, CPW has documented two active
Red-tailed hawk nests within close proximity of the proposed site.
If the project proceeds as described in the proposed project documents, the CPW recommends that:
• Ground -breaking construction not occur between March 15 and October 31 when Burrowing owls may be
present.
• Noxious weed and re -vegetation management plans are developed and implemented in areas where there
will be ground disturbance due to construction activities.
• No surface occupancy within a 1/3 mile radius of active Red-tailed hawk nests. Establish a seasonal
restriction to human encroachment within a 1/3 mile radius of active nests from February 15 through July
15.
Burrowing owl: Burrowing owl surveys are recommended if destruction or poisoning of prairie dog burrows will
occur between March 15th and October 31st of any year. Recommended "Survey Protocol and Actions to Protect
Nesting Burrowing Owls" is available through CPW. Burrowing Owls, a species listed on the Colorado Threatened
Species List, rely on prairie dog burrows as critical nesting habitat. As a migratory species and a raptor, both the
USFWS and the CPW protect Burrowing Owls. The species is considered primarily a summer resident of Colorado and
a casual winter resident on the eastern plains of Colorado. The critical nesting period for Burrowing Owls occurs
between March 15 and October 31. During this time breeding females occupy burrows, generally in active prairie
dog towns, to nest and fledge their young. Females tend to raise one brood per year. Nesting owls will return to
the same prairie dog town to nest year after year unless the town is destroyed. If possible, construction in and
around prairie dog colonies should be sequenced to avoid critical nesting periods for Burrowing Owls. If it should be
necessary to break ground during the critical nesting periods for Burrowing owls, impacted prairie dog towns should
be surveyed for Burrowing Owls by a biologist certified for such work prior to onset of construction. If owls are
found to occupy prairie dog towns, the active burrows should be protected as specified by accepted guidelines. The
CPW recommends that burrowing owl clearance surveys are conducted beginning in March, and prior to prairie dog
control measures (see attachment: CDOWs "Recommended Survey Protocol and Actions to Protect Nesting Burrowing
Owls").
Bob D. Broscheid, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife • Parks and Wildlife Commission: Robert W. Bray • Chris Castilian, Chair • Jeanne Home, Vice -Chair
John Howard • Bill Kane • Dale Pizel • James Pribyl, Secretary • James Vigil • Dean Wingfield • Michelle Zimmerman • Alex Zipp
Weed Management. Noxious weeds reduce property value and wildlife habitat. With new construction taking place
and machinery being transported from one site to another, it is important to help prevent the spread of noxious
weeds. Equipment should be cleaned periodically to remove weed seeds even if no weeds are recognized. It is
recommended that noxious weeds are actively eradicated. A working weed management and disturbed area
reclamation plan should be developed and implemented throughout construction and until all disturbed areas are
properly re -vegetated to prevent erosion and invasions by weeds. The applicant may want to contact the Weld
County Weed Inspector to facilitate development of reclamation and weed management plans for the development.
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 michael.grooms®state.co.us should you have any questions or require
additional information.
Sincerely,
Ty Petersburg
Area Wildlife Manager- Area 4
cc: M. Grooms, M. Sherman, A. Curtis, J. George, file
Michael Hall
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Importance:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Kristine Ranslem
Friday, July 20, 2018 11:54 AM
Michael Hall
FW: SUBX18-0020 Referral
High
Follow up
Completed
Please see referral comments below. Thanks!
From: David Rodenberg - DNR <david.rodenberg@state.co.us>
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2018 11:45 AM
To: Kristine Ranslem <kranslem@weldgov.com>
Subject: Re: SUBX18-0020 Referral
Kristine,
Sorry for the late response on this. As the land owner, we issued the planning lease to Platteville Solar, so
therefore we do not have any concerns with this use and support it via the planning lease that we have with
them. However, in order for Platteville Solar to go into a production lease and after they have all of the
appropriate approvals and have supplied the required documentation to the State Land Board, it will be
presented to our Board for final approval.
Let me know if there is anything else you need.
On Mon, May 7, 2018 at 12:39 PM Leingang - DNR, Jeri <jeri.leingang@state.co.us>wrote:
Kristine, I've forwarded this email to David as well. You may contact David at (303) 866-3454 x
3328 if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Jeri
Jeri Leingang
Assistant District Manager -North Central District
P 970.454.5279 I F 970.454.5426
1
360 Oak Avenue, Suite 110, Eaton, CO 80615
j eri . I ei nganOst at e. co. us i www.colorado.gov/ trustlands
l ands
On Thu, May 3, 2018 at 11:24 AM, Kristine Ranslem <kranslem@weldgov.com>wrote:
We have received a case (SUBX18-0020) in which we ask that you review the material and send a
referral to us. Please click on the link below and select "Search Applications" under the Planning
tab. Input the record number. Please click the blue arrow next to the "Record Info" button at the
top. Select Attachments and you will find all the information including the referral form to submit
back to us. The following is a quick link to the case search:
https://accela-aca.co.weld.co.us/citizenaccess/.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at the number below. Thank you!
Planning Technician
Weld County Planning Department
1555 N. 17t°' Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970)400-3519
kranslem@weldgov.com
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only
for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or
otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify
sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any
action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient
is strictly prohibited.
2
David S Rodenberg
Right -of -Way Manager/ Towersite Manager/ Real Estate Portfolio Agent
P 303.866.3454 ext. 3328
1127 Sherman Street Suite 300, Denver, CO 80203
david.rodenberg@state.co.us I www.colorado.gov/statelandboard
3
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