Agenda - Council - 11/26/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-172- common boundary) to the west that are also in the Metropolitan Urban Service Area and eligible for redevelopment with single family homes at urban densities. The four lots are all served by septic systems and private wells and range from 0.83 to 0.87 acres in size. The existing houses on these lots are located on one side of the lot, making replatting very feasible. The density transition ordinance does not clearly state what the requirements would be, if any, in situations where the adjacent property is in the MUSA, zoned the same, but currently consists of larger lots. Subd. 3.b.l.(a) of the ordinance would seem to indicate that no transitioning is required. Sub& 3.b.l.(b) of the ordinance could be broadly interpreted to require a Level C Vegetative Buffer (45 foot wide landscape with overstory, evergreen, and understory trees). Additionally, there is always the possibility of an 'alternative agreed upon by the Developer and the City' iftransitioning is determined to be appropriate in these instances. The north half of the property contains an extensive thicket of trees along the western property line that provides for good screening. On the southern half of the property, the trees thin out on the subject property, but there is extensive vegetation on the adjacent property owners lot line. Given the fact that the adjacent lots are in the MUSA and are configured to be able to be rePlatted in the future, staff proposes that landscape buffering be used to satisfy the density transition requirements as follows: a) Given the existing vegetation and what will remain, there is no need for additional screening on Lots 4 and 7. b) The addition of new plantings on the rear of Lots 5 and 6 where the existing tree cover will be removed for grading and utility purposes. c) The addition of new plantings on the rear of Lots 2 and 3 to supplement the existing, tree cover. The applicant has provided the City a copy of a revised landscaping plan reflecting the above changes. Recommendation: The Planning Commission recommended approval of the preliminary plat contingent on compliance with City Staff Review Letter dated November 1, 2002 and the developer working with staff to come up with an appropriate supplement to the Tree Preservation and Density Transition Plan. City Council Action: Motion to adopt Resolution #02-I 1- to approve the preliminary plat for Highlands at River Park 4th Addition subject to compliance with City Staff Review letter dated November I, 2002, Revised November 22, 2002. 'or- I' I I I I I ! I I I I I I I ! I I I