Agenda - Planning Commission - 12/04/2003

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_.Setbacks: The Town Center Zoning Code has a maximum setback of 20 feet for residential units. It appears that approximately 64 of the units have a front yard setback greater than the allowable 20 feet. The plat needs to be changed to reflect the required setbacks. Driveway £en,gths: An additional concern that the City has is the length of the driveway. Typically developments such as the one being proposed require a driveway length of 25 feet in order to accommodate guests and larger vehicles. It appears that nearly all of the townhome units do not have driveways that are 25 feet in length. (Avg. length appears to be 21 feet). All of the condominium units, however, exceed the minimum driveway length. Although the Town Center Zoning Code does not specifically call out minimum driveway lengths, Section 9.20.25.11 of the Town Center Zoning District allows for the City to utilize other parts of City Code when provisions contained elsewhere are better suited to address a certain aspect of the development. City Staff finds this to be the case in regards .to driveway length. .Public/Private Streets: The development is proposed of mainly private streets. Staff has some concern with all of the private streets shown in the sketch plan, especially the width of the private streets. The City would also like to see a public road traverse through the development. Staff will be discussing these items with the applicant to review alternatives in development layout in order to make the use and width of private streets more consistent with Past practices. A detailed drainage, grading, and utility plan will be addressed during the preliminary plat process. The project is subject to the review and permitting process of the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (WMO), Recommendation: Staff will be discussing the issues raised in the Staff Review letter with the applicant prior to the Planning Commission meeting. It is hoped that many of the issues can be resolved prior to the meeting and Staff will give the Commission an update. Staff, however, does not want to slow the project down unnecessarily. As long as the issues raised by City Staff are addressed, Staff would recommend directing the developer to the preliminary plat stage. Commission Action:' Motion to approve/deny the sketch plan of Ramsey Town Center 2nd Addition contingent upon. compliance with City Staff Review Letter dated November 26, 2003. PC: 12/04/03 Review Checklist: Community Development Director Associate Planner City Engineer(s) Copies to: City Administrator Public Works Director 10