Minutes - Planning Commission - 11/01/1994

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1) Request for Preliminary Plat Approval of Townhouses of Rum River Hills; Case of Wilbur Dom and Thomas Anderson. Chairperson Bawden called the regular Planning Commission meeting back to order at 7:41 p.m. COMMISSION BUSINESS Case gl: Request for Preliminary Plat Approval of Townhouses of Rum River Hills; Case of Wilbur Dorn and Thomas Anderson Zoning Administrator Frolik stated that Wilbur Dorn and Thomas Anderson are requesting preliminary plat approval of "Townhouses of Rum River Hills" which is proposed to replat Lot 1, Block 2 and Outlot C, Rum River Hills into 12 townhouse lots which will be served by individual on-site septic systems and wells. Ms. Frolik explained that the City Staff review letter outlines concerns with soils and drainage in the area, and suggests that the developer be required to provide for a revised-grading and drainage plan that delineates wetlands, provides for a sedimentation basin, and an erosion control plan. She confirmed that the developer has no objections to this. She noted that Staff is also requesting that a septic system design plan be submitted for review, and depending upon the results of that septic system design report, it may be necessary to reduce the number of units proposed. The developer is also being requested to submit a landscape plan that will take into account the need to separate the development from the single family homes to the east. Ms. Frolik advised that Staff recommends preliminary plat approval for the following reasons: 1) The development of the 12 townhouse units on the property will actually be a decrease in the density originally approved at the sketch plan stage of the 1984 PUD from 1 unit per 2.6 acres to 1 unit per 4.5 acres. 2) Even with sanitary sewer and municipal water, the density of 30- 40 units originally approved at the sketch plan stage is not appropriate in this area immediately adjacent to single family homes. 3) There is the opportunity to enhance existing development and the value of neighboring single family homes by approving 12 townhomes now rather than being obligated to allow the development of 30-40 condos or apartments in the future. 4) With the development of the townhomes, the density will still be less, 1 unit per 4.5 acres, than the approved density for a similar PUD in Ramsey with a golf course, 1 unit per 4.25 acres. 5) The development of the remaining outlot and lot with 12 townhomes will exhaust the subdivision of developable land and bring final closure to the PUD. Commissioner Deemer expressed concern that the clubhouse structure encroaches onto the golf course proper. Ms. Frolik noted that an application for an administrative subdivision to correct the situation was applied for but never completed. Wilbur Dorn, applicant, advised that the clubhouse is owned by Rum River Hills, Inc. and has nothing to do with this project. He agreed that it was in their best interests to get that finished, but he did not know why it hadn't been done. Chairperson Bawden inquired if Mr. Dorn had any objections to the City Staff review letter. Mr. Dom stated he had no objections to it in principle, but there were a few minor details to work out. The Planning Commission proceeded to review the building plans which were made available by the applicant. Mr. Dorn advised that the only common wall is the garage wall, and that six units will have a common garage wall. Planning Commission/November 1, 1994 Page 3 of 7