Planning commission backs Alpine Fire Station remodel, with conditions on materials and landscaping

The Alpine City Planning Commission voted unanimously on May 5 to recommend approval of the site plan for the Alpine Fire Station addition and remodel, while placing specific conditions on exterior materials, landscaping and parking setbacks.

City planner Caden Lyon, who introduced the project, told commissioners the proposal modernizes the station, expands operational capacity and converts the existing structure to a community center while preserving the apparatus bay. “We would recommend sending a positive recommendation to the city council regarding the fire station addition and remodel subject to the condition of a landscape plan being provided before landscaping is installed,” Lyon said.

Commissioner Greg Butterfield moved the recommendation with three core conditions: that the exterior be consistent with the Main Street small-area/gateway guidance (no full faux wood and maximize brick coverage), that a landscape plan be submitted and approved before any landscaping is installed, and that the site plan be approved with an exception to setback rules for the parking area based on the ordinance’s criteria. John McKay seconded the motion. After brief discussion about black-framed doors and garage doors for visual consistency, the commission voted in favor; the moderator announced the motion carried unanimously.

The commission’s recommendation now goes to city council. Staff noted the applicant submitted under the current code; commissioners asked the council to take the planning commission’s conditions into account when reviewing the final site plan and any small-area plan adjustments.