Agenda - Council - 12/18/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

-182- Site Plan Review: Birch Hill Lodges Page 2 of 4 December 14, 2001 10. Setbacks: In the interpretation of the R-3 Urban Residential setback requirements, it would appear that the applicable setbacks are 42 feet around the perimeter of the subject property and 35 feet from the public road fight-of-way to the proposed townb, ome structures. The multi-family unit structures are located at a minimum of 25 feet from the proposed private streets. The State of Minnesota Building Code requires owner/occupant structures to maintain a 10-foot separation. It would appear that all of the structures meet or exceed the applicable setbacks. DensiW: The site plan shows a totaI of 84 townhouse units on 14.08 acres. This equates to a net density of 6 units per acre. The March 2001 draft comprehensive plan designates the subject property., for medium density 'residential and medium 'density has been defined as development not to ex'ceed 7 units an acre. The R-3U district also establishes 7 units an acre as a maximum density. The site plan appears to comply with the draft comprehensive plan and City Code. Access: The submitted plan shows that ali townhouse units will obtain access to Sunwood Drive from a public Street (Cobalt Street NW) which is proposed as a through street to the Lord of Life property to the south. The through street will allow traffic from the Lord of Life property to have access to State Highway #47 via a signalized intersection (Sunwood Drive).' This will also provide a benefit to the development in that a second access point is available for emergency purposes. The site plan is proposing private drives from the townhome structures to Cobalt Street. The Streets Supervisor is recommending that the proposed center median on Cobalt Street be removed due to snow plowing and maintenance issues that result with medians constructed on public streets. Gradin~ and Drainage: The grading and drainage plans will be reviewed as part of the preliminary plat of Birch Hill Lodges 'subdivision. REU Number: The City has enacted a qUarterly drainage utility charge that is applicable to the proposed development. The total, drainage utility charge for the proposed townhouse development is $808:92 per quarter. Tiffs equates to approximately a $9.63 quarterly drainage charge per unit that the owners Will be responsible for. Landscaping: The landscaping plan is generally acceptable. A few modifications may need to be made regarding tree preservation and the number of trees proposed. Screenine:: City Code requires a 15-foot buffer between the existing residential and the proposed Birch Hill Lodges development. The site plan is providing a 1.05 acre park and- associated landscaping in excess of 15-feet along the western boundary line where the existing residential development is located. Staff feels that the proposed park and associated landscaping meets screening requirements. I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I !