COUNTY OF PRINCE WILLIAMeservice.pwcgov.org/planning/documents/pln2012-00046.pdfon this case no...

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

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.

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


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.


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

Attachment A – Maps VICINITY MAP


Attachment A – Maps AERIAL MAP


Attachment A – Maps LONG-RANGE LAND USE MAP


Attachment A – Maps ZONING MAP

PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park

Page A-4

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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.




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.



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.


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.


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



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.




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.




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.



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.


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.



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

Attachment C – PFR Plan


Page C-1

Attachment D – ECA Plan/Exhibit

PFR #PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park Page D-1

Attachment E – Park Authority PFR Letter of Commitment


Page E-1

Attachment E – Park Authority PFR Letter of Commitment

PFR # PLN2012-00046, Lake Ridge Public Dog Park

Page E-2

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