Agenda - Council - 05/24/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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that the Applicant work with the City to explore alternative system components such as drip irrigation and/or micro irrigation designs to limit or minimize watering impervious areas. These comments have been incorporated into the Staff Review Letter. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Preliminary Plat at their April7, 2016 meeting. There were no written or verbal comments received. The Planning Commission raised a concern about the density of the development. They noted that in their opinion, enough time had lapsed from when the previous two (2) phases were developed to now that this should be considered as an altogether separate development and should be limited to the maximum allowable density of fifteen (15) units per acre. The Planning Commission tabled action on the Preliminary Plat to the May meeting for additional information on the past approvals of this project as well as densities of surrounding developments. At their May 5, 2016 meeting, the Planning Commission again reviewed the request as well as the previously requested information. They were generally supportive of the project with the exception of the proposed density. The Planning Commission noted that the density should be reduced such that it did not exceed fifteen (15) units per acre. The Applicant has elected not to revise The Station preliminary plat and present it to the City Council as it was originally submitted. Alternatives Alternative 1. Adopt Resolution #16-05-100 granting Preliminary Plat approval of The Station. The proposed Preliminary Plat has been reviewed and approved twice previously by the City, albeit under a different name and with minor modifications. However, the number of overall units has remained the same (77) each time. Previously, it appears that right-of-way area was included in the density calculation. The current density calculation excludes the right-of-way area, which is why the density calculation now is slightly above the fifteen (15) unit per acre cap. However, when taking into consideration the earlier phases of the D.R. Horton project site, the cumulative per acre density over the three (3) blocks is less than fifteen (15). The proposed Preliminary Plat appears to be consistent with the intent of The COR, which is to accommodate higher densities than any other zoning district within the city, especially as development gets nearer to the heart of The COR (and the transit station). Staff supports this option. Alternative 2. Adopt Resolution #16-05-100 granting Preliminary Plat approval of The Station, contingent upon a revision to reduce the net density to no more than fifteen (15) units per acre. The previous approval of the Gables Preliminary Plat was in 2008 and has since expired. Thus, the City is not obligated to approve the currently proposed Preliminary Plat as the per acre density for this block is slightly over fifteen (15). This alternative is consistent with the Planning Commission's recommendation. Alternative 3. Do not grant Preliminary Plat approval of The Station. The Planning Commission is generally supportive of the project, with the exception of the density, as is City Staff (with revisions as outlined in the Staff Review Letter). The Developer has completed quality work in the past and the product will be similar to the townhomes that were a part of Ramsey Town Center 2nd Addition. Staff does not support this alternative. Funding Source: All costs associated with processing the Application are the responsibility of the Applicant. At this time, there is no request for public assistance. Recommendation: The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Preliminary Plat contingent upon the Applicant revising the Preliminary Plat so as to not exceed fifteen (15) units per acre. Action: