Minutes - Planning Commission - 09/04/2003

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notice of the site plan was sent to property owners within 350 feet of the site due to its adjacency to a residential area. She indicated there will be a 50 foot buffer zone, with additional plantings required. Associate Planner Geisler reviewed that the applicants are proposing to construct a 1 O-unit office building on the corner of Alpaca Street and Riverdale Drive. The subject property is zoned B-2; office buildings ~are a permitted use in this district. She indicated the lot in question is approximately 1.5. aeres, and the proposed site plan meets the required front, rear, and side yard setbacks. She stated additional trees and shrubs will be required to fully meet City Code landscaping requirements. She noted the proposed addition appears to meet architectural standards for finish materials. She stated the proposed grading plan is acceptable. Commissioner Johnson asked if the applicant has any concerns with the Staff Review Letter. Mr. Hokanson stated they are asking for a lot of trees and shrubs, and the City is recommending a pond in the back, which they have done. He does not know where they would put all those trees. Associate Planner Geisler stated they have discussed species of plantings that would be conducive with the pond, and staff feels they can accommodate plantings and the pond. Chairperson Nixt asked if the buffer between the residential and commercial was the pond. He indicated it shows :trees on the landscaping plan, but now he is hearing it will really be a pond. Mr. Hokanson indicated there were trees around the pond. City Engineer Jankowski clarified that all of the 50 foot buffer was covered by the pond or side slope. Chairperson Nixt asked if it would be a generally dry pond. City Engineer Jankowski stated he believes it would be. He indicated it has an emergency outlet to the ditch along Alpaca Street, which goes to 137th and out to the river. Chairperson Nixt stated he is concerned about the pond; a pond in a residential area with no real outlet is an issue. Commissioner Bra~er asked if the City did not have fencing requirements when they have a pond in a residential area and if Staff felt there were any safety issues. City Engineer Jankowski indicated they only require fence in incredibly steep slope situations, and this is not a steep slope. Mr. Lund, 14332 Alpaca Street, indicated he is right across the street from this, and will look at the pond. He stated he has grandchildren that come out a lot, and there are young couples in the neighborhood so there will be more children soon. He is concemed and wants a fence put up. Planning Commission/September 4, 2003 Page 15 of 20