Agenda - Planning Commission - 10/05/1999

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Monarch Homes Page 2 of 3 September 28, 1999 clusters of three on the south side of the lot. Staff recommends substituting an 8-foot tall, wooden privacy fence rather than the proposed chain link fence with slats (the proposed height is not specified on the plans). This type of fencing will be more attractive and compatible w/th the surrounding residential neighborhood. The gate for the entrance to the side and rear yard storage area may remain as chain link. Landscaping: Section 9.I1.09 of City Code requires a 20-foot wide landscaped area along all streets. The site plan proposes a 20-foot wide green space along Riverdale Drive. The landscape plan proposes to establish 20 trees, 8 Honey Locust trees along the parking area to the north and 12 Blue Spruce in clusters of three along the south. Staff recommends substituting a combination of White or Norway Spruce for the proposed Blue Spruce, because these varieties are native to Ramsey. Blue spruce trees have genetically smaller root systems and are therefore more susceptible to being uprooted in strong winds. Architectural Standards: City Code restricts structure heights to 35 feet and exterior wall fmishes must be brick, natural stone or pre-cast concrete, or fabricated panels of these materials. The Elevations provided indicate that the building will be 29 feet in height, and the building exterior will be aluminum siding, with decorative brick or stone in the front on the lower four feet of the building. The plan proposes to have a sloped roof with asphalt shingles and raised panel garage door on the east side. This is a deviation from City Code, however, staff supports the deviation because it will blend in very well with the residential construction to the south. Waste Storage: City Code requires that all solid waste and refuse receptacles shall be stored within a completely screened structure or container. In accordance with City Code, the site plan identifies the location of the waste receptacle within the fenced storage area behind the building. Off-Street Parking - Design: The plan proposes to pave all driveways, off-street parking areas, and maneuvering areas and display areas with bituminous pavement and finished with B-612 concrete curbing. Off-Street Parking - Spaces Required: City Code requires 1 customer parking space for every 200 square feet of office floor space. Nine spaces are required for the proposed building and nine stalls are provided. Lighting: The exterior lighting plan meets City Code requirements. Drainage and Grading: The general drainage of this fiat subdivision is minimally developed. Drainage from Riverdale Drive flows westward across Alpaca Street for a distance of 200 feet before it drains southward along a property line drainage easement.