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Associate Planner Wald indicated that in R-3 District, 25' is what the Code says for townhomes. <br />Associate Planner Wald stated the setbacks in this plan vary from 16 to 23 feet. <br /> <br />Citizen Input <br /> <br />Chairperson Nixt opened the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. <br /> <br />Mr. Chris Enger stated the Urban Townhome is rear loaded, with the whole purpose being to <br />push the front door closer to the street and sidewalk, and providing an alley in the back to service <br />the garage. He indicated there will always be a street for guest parking unless built on a <br />courtyard. He noted they have built a number of this development type around the Twin Cities. <br />He stated the Heritage Condos with a garage in front have a 25-foot driveway to curb edge. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Wald indicated that as for deviating from public street setbacks, Staff is in <br />favor. She stated there is plenty of room, and for the type of pedestrian friendly units it seems <br />reasonable. She noted they do have concern with one unit. Associate Planner Wald stated it has <br />a 20-foot driveway, with a sidewalk, and Staff feels it should be 25 feet. <br /> <br />Commissioner Brauer indicated the unit on the comer would be a concern, too. He stated it is <br />one thing if it is a straight street, but if you are going to turn the unit should be further back. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Wald indicated they talked about the private street deviations, noting there are <br />some with 23-foot lengths, which is okay, but there are a few units without a street by them that <br />may need additional guest parking nodes. She stated because of the Urban units being rear <br />loading, Staff feels comfortable deviating from the 25 foot setback. <br /> <br />Commissioner Brauer stated it seems the concern with two of the units is there is not a front <br />street for guest parking. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Wald agreed, saying it is not a huge issue but Staff would like to see a little <br />more parking. She noted the third unit with this situation is a little more difficult, demonstrating <br />the closest public street, which is far enough away to be of concern. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson asked what the concem was with the middle unit. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Wald stated it is a 20 foot driveway on a public street with a sidewalk. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson asked why the driveway requirement was 25 feet. He questioned if there <br />was significance to that number. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Wald stated the longest vehicle they are aware of is 22 feet, so 25 feet gives <br />the driver a little leeway. <br /> <br />Planning Commission/March 11, 2004 <br /> Page 10 of 18 <br /> <br /> <br />