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COUNTY OF PRINCE WILLIAM 5 County Complex Court, Prince William,
Virginia 22192-9201 PLANNING (703) 792-6830 Metro 631-1703, Ext.
6830 FAX (703) 792-4758 OFFICE Internet www.pwcgov.org
Christopher M. Price, AICP Director of Planning
August 26, 2011
STAFF REPORT
Public Facility Review #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog
Park (Occoquan Magisterial District)
Planning Commission Public Hearing: September 7, 2011
Staff Recommendation: Consistent I. Background:
A. Request – This is a request by the Prince William County Park
Authority (PWCPA) for a public facility review (PFR) to determine
consistency with the Comprehensive Plan to develop a new off-leash
public dog park on a ±1 acre portion of an ±8.5 acre parcel. The
property is currently owned by the Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation
Association (LRPRA) and would be leased by the PWCPA. The proposed
dog park would consist of an approximately 1-acre area surrounded
by a 6-foot high chain link fence and a 12-foot x 220-foot
stonedust path connecting the fenced area to an existing gravel
parking lot.
B. Location – The subject property is located approximately 350
feet southwest of
the intersection of Minnieville Road and Colby Drive in the Lake
Ridge Residential Planned Community (RPC). The site is addressed as
13251 Sturbridge Road and GPIN 8292-88-8374 (portion). See
Attachment A for the reference maps.
C. Comprehensive Plan – The site is designated as Residential
Planned Community
(RPC) on the Long-Range Land Use Map. It is also located within
the Development Area.
D. Zoning/Acreage – The ±1 acre portion of the ±8.5 acre
property for the proposed
dog park is zoned Residential Planned Community (RPC) with a
master zoning planned use as Medium Density Residential and
Existing Active Recreation in the Lake Ridge RPC.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
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PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park August 26, 2011
Page 2
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page A-2
E. Surrounding Uses – The subject property for the proposed dog
park is currently surrounded on the north and west sides by
existing residential development. To the east of the subject site,
there is undeveloped/vacant land and a car and truck storage
facility. More residential development lies to the south.
The following table summarizes the key evaluation elements of
the proposed dog park in the context of the Parks, Open Space and
Trails chapter and this public facility review. Parks, Open Space
and Trails Plan standard
Referenced Component Provided/Response
Provide active and passive recreation facilities that meet the
needs of County residents.
Recreation Goal – Parks, Open Space and Trails
Dog park will help fulfill a recreational activity need.
Ensure that active and passive recreation facilities meet the
established level of service (LOS) standards that are adequate to
carry out an effective park and recreation program.
Recreation Policy 2 – Parks, Open Space and Trails
Recreation Policy 2, Action Strategy 5 – Development of new
facilities that serve special interests, such as dog parks, will be
fulfilled.
Balance passive and active park provisions based on community
input, actual and projected use, and need.
County-wide survey In 2002, dog parks were ranked first among
requests for new park facilities; In 2009, 50% of respondents
indicated that none of their needs for dog parks have been
satisfied through Park Authority facilities.
Develop new facilities that serve special interests, such as dog
parks, skate parks, sportsman facilities, equestrian facilities,
and water-based recreational facilities.
Recreation Policy 2, Action Strategy 5
Dog park will directly fulfill this special interest and
recreational need.
II. Current Situation:
A. Planning Office Recommendation – The Planning Office
recommends a finding of consistency for PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake
Ridge Public Dog Park. See Attachment B for the Staff Analysis.
B. Planning Commission Public Hearing – A Planning Commission
public hearing
has been advertised for September 7, 2011.
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PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park August 26, 2011
Page 3 III. Issues:
A. Comprehensive Plan
1. Long-Range Land Use Map – Is the proposed public facility
consistent with those uses intended by the RPC designation?
2. Parks, Open Space and Trails Plan – How does the application
meet the
recommendations in the Parks, Open Space and Trails chapter of
the Comprehensive Plan?
B. Community Input – Have members of the community raised any
issues?
C. Other Jurisdictional Input – Have other jurisdictions raised
any issues?
D. Legal Uses of the Property – What uses are allowed on the
property? How are
legal issues resulting from Planning Commission action to be
addressed?
E. Timing – When must the Planning Commission take action on
this application? IV. Alternatives beginning with the staff
recommendation are as follows:
A. Find the PFR consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
1. Comprehensive Plan
a) Long-Range Land Use – The requested dog park facility is
consistent with the designated RPC, Residential Planned Community,
land use designation of the property. According to the Master
Zoning Plan (MZP) for the Lake Ridge RPC, the site has a planned
use as Medium Density Residential and Existing Active Recreation.
The property has been previously used as a softball field and is
owned by the Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Association (LRPRA).
The fenced area for the dog park is being sited within the middle
of the property and will be buffered with landscaping to the north,
east, and west. As with all public facilities, a dog park is an
appropriate land use in all zoning and land use districts of the
County, subject to the public facility review process.
b) Parks, Open Space and Trails Plan – The subject site for
the
proposed dog park has been utilized for active and passive
recreation purposes in the past, and the new facility will continue
this use pattern. Also, the development of a public dog park will
fulfill a long-standing need and interest that has been identified
by County residents. Furthermore, dog parks have been
specifically
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PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park August 26, 2011
Page 4
listed in the Comprehensive Plan as facilities that can directly
serve special recreational interests. As such, this proposed dog
park will fulfill these activity needs and are consistent with this
component of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. Community Input – Notice of the application has been
transmitted to
adjacent property owners within 200 feet of the parcel for the
entire subject property. As of the date of this staff report, no
comments have been received by the Planning Office.
3. Other Jurisdiction Comments – This project is not located
near other
jurisdictions.
4. Legal Uses of the Property – The proposed public dog park
could be developed on the site with an approved PFR. Legal issues
resulting from Planning Commission action are appropriately
addressed by the County Attorney’s office.
5. Timing – A finding of consistency of this application would
meet the
requirement that the Planning Commission decide this case within
60 days of dispatch of the application package for a public
facility review, which will be on August 26, 2011. The Planning
Commission must take action on this case no later than October 25,
2011 to meet the 60-day deadline. Failure of the commission to act
within that time will be deemed a finding of consistency.
B. Find the PFR inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
1. Comprehensive Plan
a) Long-Range Land Use – The land will continue to be
designated
RPC and the current uses would remain unchanged.
b) Parks, Open Space and Trails Plan – The dog park will not be
developed on the subject property and the site will remain
unchanged. The County’s identified need and interest in
establishing public, community-based dog parks will remain
unfulfilled.
2. Community Input – Notice of the application has been
transmitted to
adjacent property owners within 200 feet of the parcel for the
entire subject property. As of the date of this staff report, no
comments have been received by the Planning Office.
3. Other Jurisdiction Comments – This project is not located
near other
jurisdictions.
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PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park August 26, 2011
Page 5
4. Legal Uses of the Property – The proposed public dog park
could not be developed on the site without an approved PFR. All
other by-right uses may continue on the property. Legal issues
resulting from Planning Commission action are appropriately
addressed by the County Attorney’s office.
5. Timing – A finding of inconsistency of this application would
meet the
requirement that the Planning Commission decide this case within
60 days of dispatch of the application package for a public
facility review, which will be on August 26, 2011. The Planning
Commission must take action on this case no later than October 25,
2011 to meet the 60-day deadline. Failure of the commission to act
within that time will be deemed a finding of consistency.
V. Recommendation is that the Planning Commission accepts
Alternative A and
determines that the location, character, and extent of the
proposed dog park facility is substantially consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan.
Staff: Scott F. Meyer, x 6876 Attachments: A. Area Maps
B. Staff Analysis C. PFR Plan D. ECA Plan/Exhibit E. Park
Authority PFR Letter of Commitment
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Attachment A – Maps VICINITY MAP
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page A-1
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Attachment A – Maps AERIAL MAP
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page A-2
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Attachment A – Maps LONG-RANGE LAND USE MAP
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page A-3
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Attachment A – Maps ZONING MAP
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park
Page A-4
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-1
I. Summary of Comprehensive Plan Consistency
Staff Recommendation: Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan
The following is a summary of staff’s analysis of this public
facility review request for determination. This analysis is based
on the relevant Comprehensive Plan goals, policies, and action
strategies. A complete analysis is provided in Part II of this
report.
Element Consistency Reasons Land Use Yes The requested dog park
facility is consistent with
the designated RPC, Residential Planned Community, land use
designation of the property. According to the Master Zoning Plan
(MZP) for the Lake Ridge RPC, the site has a planned use as Medium
Density Residential and Existing Active Recreation. The property
has been previously used as a softball field, is owned by the Lake
Ridge Parks and Recreation Association (LRPRA), and will be leased
by the Park Authority as a public dog park. As with all public
facilities, dog parks are appropriate land uses in all zoning
districts of the County, subject to the public facility review
process. In addition, a letter of commitment has been provided by
the Park Authority to provide assurance that the impacts will be
mitigated to greatest extent possible and to alleviate citizen
concerns.
Community Design Yes There will be minimal site disturbance to
the
existing trees and other vegetation on the site. The Park
Authority has committed to removing debris and improving the
quality of the planting areas. A 6-foot high chain link fence will
be installed around the perimeter of the area for the proposed dog
park. Additional perimeter landscaping buffers of 25 feet will be
installed and maintained on the northwestern border of the property
and 15 feet on the northeastern border of the property. A gravel
pathway will also be installed to create access to the existing
gravel parking area. The Park Authority is also committed to
maintenance and upkeep of the parking area, access, and other site
infrastructure.
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-2
Cultural Resources Yes The project area is an abandoned ball
field and
exhibits a low potential for finding archaeology sites. No
further cultural resource studies are recommended.
Environment Yes Minimal site disturbance is being proposed for
the
development of the fenced dog park, with minimal clearing and
grading. There will be no increase in impervious surface area and
additional landscaping is to be installed. The Park Authority has
committed to mitigate onsite planting conditions, remove debris,
and enhance landscape buffer areas.
Parks, Open Space and Trails Yes The development of a public dog
park fulfills a
citizen need and special recreational activity interest in the
County. The dog park facility is also consistent with the overall
County policy of providing a variety of recreational needs and
integrated opportunities to serve community recreational interests.
The site will also be accessible by the adjacent neighborhood and
is to be served by the planned Old Bridge/Minnieville Road Loop
Trail.
Police Yes The Park Authority has committed to develop a
working contractual agreement with the Police to maintain safety
and security of the site. Police officers and park rangers will
have coordinated patrols in the area. Also, CPTED principles will
be applied in the site design and operation whenever possible.
Transportation Yes The dog park will be accessed off of
Minnieville
Road via an existing 24-foot gravel access easement adjacent to
a stormwater management facility. The gravel parking area will be
left intact and appropriate signage will be installed. The public
dog park use is not expected to generate a significant increase in
traffic volumes onto Minnieville Road. Since the new use is
commercial/institutional, the Park Authority will need to
coordinate with County Transportation staff and VDOT to ensure all
necessary access permits are obtained.
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-3
II. Comprehensive Plan Consistency Analysis The application is a
proposal by Prince William County Park Authority for a public
facility review (PFR) to determine consistency with the
Comprehensive Plan for a new public dog park facility to be
developed on approximately 1 acre, which is located at the
eastern-central portion of an ±8.5-acre parcel. Area
Characteristics The following table summarizes the area
characteristics (see maps in Attachment A):
Direction Land Use Long Range Future Land Use Map
Designation
Zoning
North Single-family detached residential development; Lake Ridge
RPC
RPC RPC
South Single-family detached residential development; Lake Ridge
RPC
RPC RPC
East Undeveloped/vacant; Existing car and truck storage
REC (Parkway Employment Center Sector
Plan)
A-1; B-1
West Single-family detached residential development; Lake Ridge
RPC
RPC RPC
Procedural Information/Background Public facility reviews have
different standards of review than applications for rezonings or
special use permits. Virginia Code Section 15.2-2232 requires that
the Planning Commission review the general location, character, and
extent of all public facilities when the proposed facility is not
already clearly shown on the Comprehensive Plan or when an
administrative determination cannot be made. Since this dog park is
not a County public park facility identified in the Comprehensive
Plan, is not specifically shown on the Plan, and with elevated
community interest, staff was unable to make an administrative
determination. Therefore, a public hearing process is the most
appropriate format. This PFR analysis is limited to evaluation
against the Comprehensive Plan, and many of the other site layout,
design, safety/operational matters, and engineering components
still need to be resolved during the site plan process.
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-4
Long-Range Land Use Plan Analysis Through wise land use
planning, the County ensures that landowners are provided a
reasonable use of their land while the County is able to
judiciously use its resources to provide the services for residents
and employers’ needs. The Long Range Land Use Plan sets out
policies and action strategies that further the County’s goal of
concentrating population, jobs, and infrastructure within vibrant,
walkable, mixed-use centers serviced by transit. In addition to
delineating land uses on the Long Range Land Use Map, the plan
includes smart growth principles that promote a countywide pattern
of land use that encourages fiscally sound development and achieves
a high-quality living environment; promotes distinct centers of
commerce and centers of community; complements and respects our
cultural and natural resources, and preserves historic landscapes
and site-specific cultural resources; provides adequate
recreational, park, open space and trail amenities that contribute
to a high quality of life for county residents; and revitalizes,
protects, and preserves existing neighborhoods. This site is
located within the Development Area of the County and is classified
as RPC, Residential Planned Community in Lake Ridge. The following
table summarizes the uses and densities intended within RPC:
Long-Range Land Use Plan Classification
Land Uses Intended
Residential Planned Community (RPC)
The Residential Planned Community classification includes areas
zoned RPC, Residential Planned Community. This classification is
intended for planned developments not less than 500 contiguous
acres under one ownership or control in those areas of the County
where provisions for sanitary sewers, sewage disposal facilities,
adequate highway access, and public water supply are assured.
Within such planned communities, the location of all residential,
commercial, industrial, and governmental uses, school sites, parks,
playgrounds, recreational areas, commuter parking areas, and other
open spaces shall be controlled in such a manner as to permit a
variety of housing accommodations and land uses in an orderly
relationship to one another.
The current proposal is to determine, via the Public Facility
Review (PFR) process, consistency with the Comprehensive Plan to
construct a public dog park facility in the middle of an existing
recreational activity field in the Lake Ridge RPC. Public facility
reviews have a different standard of review than applications for
rezonings or special use permits. Virginia Code Section 15.2-2232
requires that the Planning Commission review the general location,
character, and extent of all public facilities, including dog park
sites, when the proposed facility is not already clearly shown on
the Comprehensive Plan map. The purpose of the Planning Commission
review is to determine whether the dog park in this subject
location is substantially consistent with the adopted Comprehensive
Plan.
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-5
Proposal’s Strengths
Comprehensive Plan Consistency – Public facilities, and in this
case dog parks, are consistent and permissible in all parts of the
County, subject to the Public Facility Review (PFR) process.
Land Use Designation – The requested dog park facility is
consistent with the designated
RPC, Residential Planned Community, land use designation of the
property. According to the Master Zoning Plan (MZP) for the Lake
Ridge RPC, the site has planned uses as Medium Density Residential
and Existing Active Recreation. As with all public facilities, dog
parks are appropriate land uses in all zoning districts of the
County, subject to the public facility review process.
Proposal’s Weaknesses
None identified. On balance, for the purposes of evaluating this
proposal as a PFR, this application is found to be consistent with
the relevant components of the Land Use Plan.
Community Design Plan Analysis An attractive, well-designed
County will attract quality development, instill civic pride,
improve the visual character of the community and create a strong,
positive image of Prince William County. The Community Design Plan
sets out policies and action strategies that further the County’s
goals of providing quality development and a quality living
environment for residents, businesses and visitors, and creating
livable and attractive communities. The plan includes
recommendations relating to building design, site layout,
circulation, signage, access to transit, landscaping and
streetscaping, community open spaces, natural and cultural
amenities, stormwater management, and the preservation of
environmental features. Landscape buffers will be enhanced around
the perimeter of the site adjacent to the neighboring residential
development in order to provide visual screening. A gravel pathway
will also be installed to create access to the existing gravel
parking area. This site has frontage on Minnieville Road, which is
a major thoroughfare in the County. Apart from the existing gravel
driveway that would access the parking area, the frontage is
forested. No changes are being proposed to the frontage of the
site, and therefore, the scenic quality of this corridor would be
maintained. Proposal’s Strengths
Minimal Onsite Disturbance – There will be minimal site
disturbance to the existing trees and other vegetation on the site.
The only anticipated disturbance will be due to the installation of
the fence.
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-6
A 6-foot high chain link fence will be installed around the
perimeter of the area for the proposed dog park.
Buffering – Additional perimeter landscaping buffers of 25 feet
will be installed and
maintained on the northwestern border of the property and 15
feet on the northeastern border of the property. These will provide
visual screening from the surrounding residential development.
Pedestrian Connections – The dog park site will be accessible by
the existing residential
neighborhood to the west. Also, the anticipated alignment of the
proposed Old Bridge/Minnieville Road Loop Trail is planned to have
direct access to the subject site and the immediate vicinity.
The Park Authority is committed to maintaining the parking area
and access to the site,
including appropriate signage, and other site infrastructure.
Proposal’s Weaknesses
None identified. On balance, for the purposes of evaluating this
proposal as a PFR, this application is found to be consistent with
the relevant components of the Community Design Plan.
Cultural Resources Plan Analysis Residents of and visitors to
Prince William County are aware of the important links of the
County today with the rich heritage of the past because of the
preservation and enhancement of our cultural resources. The
Cultural Resources Plan sets out policies and action strategies
that further the County’s goal of identifying and protecting our
historical, archaeological, architectural and cultural resources,
including those significant to our minority community, for the
benefit of citizens and visitors. The plan includes recommendations
relating to the identification of assets, preservation through the
use of federal, state, local and private initiatives, mitigation of
negative impacts, and public education/awareness programs. Land use
applications should include appropriate records review for
prehistoric and historic resources, as well as Phase I, II, and III
level archaeological studies, as appropriate. The project area is
an abandoned ball field and exhibits a low potential for finding
archaeology sites. No cultural resource studies are recommended.
This proposal went before the Historical Commission on August 9,
2011 and final action was tabled until the next meeting on
September 13, 2011. However, it is anticipated that there will be
no further action needed.
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-7
Proposal’s Strengths
None identified. Proposal’s Weaknesses
None identified. On balance, for the purposes of evaluating this
proposal as a PFR, this application is found to be consistent with
the relevant components of the Cultural Resources Plan.
Environment Plan Analysis Prince William County has a diverse
natural environment, extending from sea level to mountain crest.
Sound environmental protection strategies will allow that natural
environment to co-exist with a vibrant, growing economy. The
Environment Plan sets out policies and action strategies that
further the County’s goal of preserving, protecting and enhancing
significant environmental resources and features. The plan includes
recommendations relating to the incorporation of environmentally
sensitive development techniques, improvement of air quality,
identification of problematic soil issues, preservation of native
vegetation, enhancement of surface and groundwater quality,
limitations on impervious surfaces, and the protection of
significant viewsheds. The subject site includes an old softball
play field and an existing gravel parking area within an existing
high voltage powerline transmission easement. Areas surrounding the
ball field are forested. No Resource Protection Area (RPA) and no
Environmental Resource (ER) features are mapped in the vicinity of
this 1.1 acre site. No blue line drainage ways are mapped on the
overall 8.5 acre site. A field investigation by staff supported
that no streams or wetlands are located on this site. Also, none of
this dog park site contains slopes greater than 15%. There are some
areas of 15% slope on the overall 8.5-acre site, but the dog park
site is relatively flat. An existing gravel parking area and
proposed gravel path to the proposed dog park site are outside of
the 1.1 acre park area.
In regard to surface water drainage, very limited new impervious
area is proposed with this dog park.
The area of the proposed dog park was previously used as a
softball field and no grading
will be needed. A gravel parking area also exists to the
northeast of the proposed dog park area and a new gravel pathway
(12-foot width) is proposed to connect the dog park to this
parking.
An Environmental Constraints Analysis (ECA) narrative and plan
was submitted with
this PFR. This existing 1.1-acre site is mostly grassed area
with a tree perimeter of hardwood forest. Tree cover consists of
chestnut oak, white oak, tulip poplar and sweet gum. No streams or
wetlands are present on this dog park site area.
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-8
Photos included with the ECA show a grassed park area where the
dog park is proposed. A wooded perimeter exists around the grassed
ball park area.
No impervious area is proposed with the dog park, although a
12-foot wide gravel path to
connect the existing gravel parking to the dog park is included
with this proposal. Thus, no Storm Water Management (SWM) will be
needed from this proposal.
The soils on the subject property are very deep, gently sloping
and usually found on
medium-wide to broad ridges. This soil complex contains a
combination of Neabsco soils, which have a moderately medium runoff
potential and moderate erosion hazard which are generally not
suited for building development, and Quantico soils, which are
generally well-suited for building.
Proposal’s Strengths
A 25-foot landscape buffer is being shown around the northwest
perimeter of the school site, and within the 100-foot Virginia
Power easement.
There are two additional supplemental planting areas; 25 feet
along the northwestern
border along the residential development, and 15 feet another to
the eastern border of the gravel parking area.
Minimal land disturbance is being proposed and the mjaority of
the existing trees are to
remain intact.
As specified in a Letter of Commitment offered by the Park
Authority, there is a commitment to remove onsite debris and to
improve planting conditions for existing vegetation on the
site.
Proposal’s Weaknesses
None identified. On balance, for the purposes of evaluating this
proposal as a PFR, this application is found to be consistent with
the relevant components of the Environment Plan.
Parks, Open Space and Trails Plan Analysis The quality of life
for residents of Prince William County is linked closely to the
development and management of a well-maintained system of parks,
trails, and open space. Prince William County contains a diversity
of park, open space, and trail resources. These parklands, open
spaces, and recreational facilities play a key role in shaping both
the landscape and the quality of life of Prince William County
residents through the conservation of natural and cultural
resources, protection of environmental quality, and provision of
recreational facilities. The Parks, Open Space and Trails Plan sets
out policies and action strategies that further the
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-9
County’s goal of providing park lands and recreational
facilities of a quantity, variety, and quality appropriate to meet
the needs of the current and future residents of Prince William
County. The plan includes recommendations to preserve existing
protected open space, maintain high quality open space, expand the
amount of protected open space within the County, and to plan and
implement a comprehensive countywide network of trails. The
applicant, Prince William County Park Authority, is requesting a
determination of whether the development of an off-leash fenced
public dog park at 13251 Sturbridge Road is consistent with the
adopted Comprehensive Plan. The proposal includes an approximately
one-acre public dog park to be surrounded by a 6-foot high chain
link fence and a 12-foot x 220-foot stonedust path connecting the
fenced area to an existing gravel parking lot (approximately 110
feet x 170 feet). The existing facility had a prior use as a
soft-ball field and is currently owned by the Lake Ridge Parks and
Recreation Association (LRPRA). If the development of a public dog
park is permitted, the Park Authority will lease the facility from
the LRPRA. The development of a public dog park fulfills a citizen
need and special recreational activity interest in the County. The
dog park facility is also consistent with the overall County policy
by providing a variety of recreational needs and integrated
opportunities to serve community interests. The site will also be
accessible by the adjacent neighborhood and is to be served by the
planned Old Bridge/Minnieville Road Loop Trail. Proposal’s
Strengths
Recreation goal: Parks, Open Space and Trails Plan – The dog
park will help to fulfill the goal to provide special interest
activity/recreation facilities to meet the needs of County
residents.
Recreation policy 2, action strategy 5: Parks, Open Space and
Trails Plan – The dog park
will directly satisfy the policy for the development of new
facilities that serve special recreational interests, such as dog
parks.
Recreation policy 4, action strategy 1: Parks, Open Space and
Trails Plan – This
proposed dog park directly fulfills the expressed demand in the
countywide recreation demand survey. In 2002, dog parks were ranked
first among requests for new park facilities. In 2009, 50% of
respondents indicated that none of their needs for dog parks have
been satisfied through Park Authority facilities.
Letter of Commitment – To address the concerns of County
residents and anticipated
impacts to the community, the Park Authority is offering a
Letter of Commitment. This document is serving as a written
acknowledgement and commitment of the Park Authority to ensure that
all impacts of the dog park facility are addressed and mitigated to
the greatest extent possible. The components highlighted in the
letter include the following: visual impacts; landscaping; buffers;
safety; access; usage patterns; facility operation; noise; light;
partnership between park rangers and police officers; site
maintenance; and willingness to work with the surrounding
community.
Proposal’s Weaknesses
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-10
None identified.
On balance, this application is found to be consistent with the
relevant components of the Parks, Open Space and Trails Plan.
Police Plan Analysis Residents and businesses expect a high
level of police service for their community. This service increases
the sense of safety and protects community investments. The Police
Plan is designed to promote Prince William County’s public safety
strategic goal to continue to be a safe community, reduce criminal
activity, and prevent personal injury and loss of life and
property, as well as to ensure effective and timely responses
throughout the County. In order to maintain low response times and
minimize the amount of crime, this chapter encourages funding and
locating future police facilities to maximize public accessibility
and police visibility as well as to permit effective, timely
response to citizen needs and concerns. The chapter recommends
educational initiatives, such as Neighborhood and Business Watch,
and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), which
encourages new development to be designed in a way that enhances
crime prevention and effective. The chapter also encourages
reliable public safety communications linking emergency responders
in the field with the Public Safety Communications Center and
ultimately to the public. Parks, trails and open spaces provide a
number of design challenges for personal safety, as they are
typically large and used by a variety of people. Direct observation
is not always possible or even desired in natural settings. Often,
there is a conflict between safety principles and preserving the
naturalness of the resource. Designing for safety in these areas
should be focused on pathways, parking areas and other areas of
concentrated activity. After consultation with the Supervisor of
the Animal Control Bureau (Animal Shelter), the Police Department
does not believe this application will create a significant impact
on calls for service. Proposal’s Strengths
Through a Letter of Commitment, the Park Authority has committed
to working closely with its park rangers and police officers to
provide and ensure a safe environment. Like all public parks, there
will be routine patrols by park rangers in close contact with
police officers.
Open Gate Policy – Park access gates will be left open during
non-user hours in order to
maintain full access and flexibility to patrol and observe parks
at night. By leaving gates unlocked, full access will be maintained
to the park without creating any obstructions.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) elements
for site layout, in
terms of landscaping and other site enhancements, will be
applied to the overall site design and will be evaluated during the
site plan review process.
Proposal’s Weaknesses
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-11
None identified.
On balance, for the purposes of evaluating this proposal as a
PFR, this application is found to be consistent with the relevant
components of the Police Plan.
Transportation Plan Analysis By providing a multi-modal approach
to traffic circulation Prince William County promotes the safe and
efficient movement of goods and people throughout the County and
surrounding jurisdictions. The Transportation Plan sets out
policies and action strategies that further the County’s goal of
creating and sustaining an environmentally friendly, multi-modal
transportation system that meets the demands for intra- and
inter-county trips, is integrated with existing and planned
development, and provides a network of safe, efficient, and
accessible modes of travel. The plan includes recommendations
addressing safety, minimizing conflicts with environmental and
cultural resources, maximizing cost effectiveness, increasing
accessibility of all travel modes, minimizing projected trip
demand, and providing sufficient network capacity. Projects should
include strategies that result in a level of service (LOS) of “D”
or better on all roadway corridors and intersections, reduce
traffic demand through transportation demand management strategies,
dedicate planned rights-of-way, provide and/or fund transit
infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle pathways, and improved and
coordinated access to transit facilities. The site gains access via
an existing curb cut (used for a storm water management pond and
existing softball field facility) on the west side of Minnieville
Road. The following table provides information concerning the most
current weekday daily traffic volumes and levels of services of
roadways important to this development:
Roadway Name Number of Lanes 2009 VDOT Count 2005 Daily LOS
Minnieville Road 4 21,000 vpd B
Colby Drive 2 2,400 vpd B Sturbridge Road 2 1,200 vpd N/A
The proposed use is not expected to deteriorate LOS on the above
mentioned roadways below the acceptable level. Proposal’s
Strengths
There is an existing 24-foot gravel access easement adjacent to
a stormwater management facility, which will be utilized as the
access off Minnieville Road.
The existing gravel parking area will be left intact and
appropriate signage will be
installed. A new gravel walkway will be installed to connect the
parking area to the dog park area.
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-12
The public dog park use is not expected to generate a
significant increase in traffic volumes onto Minnieville Road, and
will not deteriorate existing LOS levels.
The Park Authority has committed to coordinate with County
Transportation staff and
VDOT to ensure all necessary access permits are obtained and
that all other impacts are mitigated.
Proposal’s Weaknesses
None identified. On balance, for the purposes of evaluating this
proposal as a PFR, this application is found to be consistent with
the relevant components of the Transportation Plan.
Materially Relevant Issues This section of the report is
intended to identify issues raised during the review of the
proposal, which are not directly related to the policies, goals, or
action strategies of the Comprehensive Plan, but which are
materially relevant to the County’s responsibilities in considering
land use issues. The materially relevant issues in this case are as
follows: As previously stated, since this is a Public Facility
Review, the analysis is limited based on
location, character, and extent. Therefore, staff’s review and
analysis is limited to the relevant parameters of this PFR request.
Design and site layout matters will be addressed at the time of
site plan review.
To mitigate some of the layout, design, and outstanding issues,
the Park Authority is offering
a Letter of Commitment, dated August 15, 2011, which is provided
at the end of this report. This is serving as the Park Authority’s
voluntary documentation to acknowledge and provide assurances of
their intentions to address and mitigate community concerns during
the planning, site plan review, and development processes.
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Attachment B – Staff Analysis
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page B-13
Minimum Design Criteria
Staff and other agencies that have reviewed the proposal noted
the following minimum design criteria. The development proposal
will be reviewed for compliance with all minimum standards at the
time that the applicant submits detailed site development
information prior to the issuance of construction permits. The
listing of these issues is provided to ensure that these concerns
are a part of the review record. Such issues are more appropriately
addressed during site plan review. DCSM and Zoning Ordinance
requirements will pertain and must be satisfied. As previously
mentioned, many of the transportation comments relate to DCSM
standards, site plan layout, and design issues, which are not
relevant to the this particular PFR process.
All site plan requirements will pertain, where
engineering/design details are to be addressed.
Agency Comments
The following agencies have reviewed the proposal and their
comments have been summarized in relevant Comprehensive Plan
chapters of this report. Individual comments are in the case file
in the Office of Planning: County Archaeologist Historical
Commission Public Works – Watershed/Environmental Services Planning
Office, Case Manager / Zoning Administration Police, Crime
Prevention PWC Transportation VDOT
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Attachment C – PFR Plan
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park
Page C-1
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Attachment D – ECA Plan/Exhibit
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page D-1
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Attachment E – Park Authority PFR Letter of Commitment
PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park
Page E-1
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Attachment E – Park Authority PFR Letter of Commitment
PFR # PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park
Page E-2