Agenda - Council - 02/24/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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regarding the ',driveway lengths, but recognized that longer driveways conflicted with the maximum set~ack :of 20 feet contained in the Town Center Zoning District. The Planning Commission f~lt the shorter driveways may be acceptable, but wanted staff to bring back some rationale on why they should be allowed. The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve the sketch plan of Ramsey Town Center 2na addition as presented at the Planning Commission, contingent upon compliance with City staff review letter dated November 26, 2003, and :design changes discussed, including expanding green space on the eastern half. Staff presentec[ the Council with a copy of the submitted preliminary plat received on December 29, 2003. TheI developer attempted to revise the plan based on staff and Planning Commission input. The revised preliminary plat will be reviewed by the Planning Commission at their February 5, 2004 meeting. Councihnember Cook stated that if the City is going to allow for 15 units per acre they may have to give on some of the issues. One of the things he suggested is that on the public roads they reduce the width down to 28 or 30 feet. Councilmember Strommen stated that she has previously had concerns with the length of the driveways for isafety reasons if large vehicles overhang the driveway additionally she was concerned with! providing for adequate parking. Assistant Director of Public Works Trudgeon noted that a 32-foot wide public road would allow for parking on both sides. Assistant DireCtor iof Public Works Olson stated that the City has had problems in other developments ih the City with driveways less than 25 feet in length. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that he would be willing to hold to the current City standards because he wo~ild not want to sacrifice safety. If they want more density they may have to go higher with the umts. Councilmembei' Cook replied that the Town Center is an area where the City wants to see higher density so when a developer comes in with a plan at 13 units per acre they may have to look at allowing for some modifications. Councihnember Kurak stated that in a development where her mother lives the driveways are so short that the cars are not able to fit onto the driveway so people end up parking on the private road, which has~ created a real safety issue. Safety has to be the most important issue. She stated that they needed to figure how they are going to resolve the issue with the driveways for the entire development so they don't have to keep addressing the issue. Assistant Director of Public Works Olson replied that staff is trying to work it out so that it can be safe and work for everyone. Councilmember~ Kurak inquired if there was a way to move the green space to allow for longer driveways. City Council Work Session/January 6, 2004 Page 9 of 13