City of Rockville

M E M O R A N D U M

April 20, 2000

TO: Planning Commission

FROM: Jim Wasilak, Planner III

SUBJECT: Request for Waiver of Underground Installation of Electrical Transformer

1101 Wootton Parkway

Pursuant to Section 25-437(b) of the Zoning Ordinance, the developer of the above-referenced project (the Tower Building at Tower Oaks) has submitted a waiver request to allow installation of an above ground transformer to serve the subject building.  Section 25-437(b) states that, for good cause shown, the Planning Commission may allow above ground installation of transformers subject to the provision of such screening as may be reasonably required. 

The Detailed Application for the property (CPD98-001F) was approved by the Planning Commission on June 23, 1999, and authorized development of 276,600 square feet of office space in a ten-story building.  At the time of approval, it was determined that the request for an underground transformer waiver would be considered separately.  A condition of approval was approved to provide more landscaping in the vicinity of the future transformer.

The applicant has submitted plans accompanying the waiver request that show the transformers located in a vault that is built into a retaining wall near the service entrance of the building.  This location will allow the transformers to be placed below the level of the existing grade on three sides.  The entire waiver request is attached.  

/rjw

Attachments