DRC approves Silver Creek Millwork permit with reduced driveway width and landscaping adjustments

The Development Review Committee on Aug. 12 conditionally approved the Silver Creek Millwork site plan for Lots 7 and 8, south of the previously reviewed Precision Millwork site, with several design exceptions and required redline corrections. Staff and committee members agreed to allow landscaping along two sides of the building’s trash enclosure instead of three sides because the enclosure abuts the building. Aspen (planning) said the DRC has the authority to adjust landscaping requirements in the industrial zone, and the committee included that exception in the motion. The committee also approved an exception to allow a short section of the front drive aisle to be 24 feet instead of the standard 26 feet because site constraints mean a wider aisle would require redesign; fire staff said aerial access is present on other sides and that exception is acceptable for a short segment. Committee members and the applicant discussed truck maneuverability and parking. The site provides 53 parking stalls, which meets the city’s parking requirement as stated in the meeting, but staff and public-safety reviewers noted tight turning areas for semis and large box trucks. The applicant and reviewers discussed widening the primary driveway entrance to 35 feet and narrowing landscaped peninsulas where possible to improve circulation; staff indicated widening the entrance by a few feet could be accomplished without sacrificing required landscaping. Architect Clayton England identified himself for the record and staff said final architectural elevations must be submitted to meet development-agreement requirements. Fire staff reiterated that the FDC must be within 150 feet of a hydrant and that sprinkler plans will require third-party review. The committee approved the site plan on a voice vote with the stated modifications; staff will send redline comments and require final elevations, bond tabulations and plan clarifications prior to permits.