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

Home

I I I I I I I I I I I I I ! I I I I Preliminary Plat Highlands at River Park 4~ Addition November 1, 2002, Revised November 22, 2002 Page 4 of 5 Density Transitioning, The proposed plat is considered low density residential and is bounded on the east and north by Highlands at River Park, a iow density single-family development. The development property abuts four lots (3 lots fully back up to the development and the fourth has 25 feet sharing a 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 ex/sting houses on these lots are located on one side of the lot, making replatting very feasible. The new density transition ordinance does not clearly state what the requkements 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. Subd. 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' if transitioning is determined to be appropriate in these instances. The noah 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 lVffUSA and are configured to be able to be replatted in the future, staff will propose that landsc,ape 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 addkional screening on Lots 4 and 7. b) The addition of new plantings on the rear of Lots 5 and 6 where the ex/sting tree cover will be removed for grading and utility purposes. ¢) The addition of new plantings on the rear of Lots 2 and 3 to supplement the existing tree cover. You have provided a revised landscaping plan to reflect this addition. 12. Trail Development: An eight foot bituminous trail along 15Yd Ave. was constructed as part of the Highlands at River Park subdivision. 13. Stormwater Management: The City has established a storm water management fee that must be paid prior to release of the final plat for recording. The 2002 rate is $375 per lot. The City will be considering a new amount as part of the 2003 fee schedule. -189-