Minutes - Planning Commission - 11/07/2002

Home

of the townhome units in Ramsey and the maximum number of units in each building. Principal Planner Trudgeon noted that the Planning Commission, at their August 29, 2002 meeting, instructed staff to draft an ordinance that would allow for multi-family structures to contain up to 16 dwelling units in the R-2 Zoning District as long as the development meets certain design standards. On October 10, 2002, the Planning Commission reviewed a draft ordinance allowing up to 16 units per building in R-2 Zoning Districts through a Conditional Use Permit process that required certain design standards. He reviewed the green space considerations, noting the requirement has been increased. In response to the October 10, 2002 Planning Commission, staff has revised the draft ordinance. The highlights of the revised ordinance were noted as follows: Each multi-unit structure provides at least two underground parking stalls for each unit. The use of surface parking for residents is prohibited. On-street guest parking is permitted. · Each multi-unit structure shall contain elevators. · Each multi-unit structure shall be comprised of high-quality maintenance free exterior materials (not aluminum or vinyl siding); all exteriors shall be comprised of at least 25% brick, stone, or stucco materials; and have varied and unique architectural features. · No multi-tenant structure shall exceed the height limitation as prescribed in the R-2 Zoning District · Each unit within a multi-unit structure shall have at least one direct entrance from outside. · Required landscaping shall be planted in close proximity to the multi-unit structure in order to lend an orderly transition from the multi-unit structures and adjacent property uses. · No multi-tenant structure shall exceed 16 units per structure. , When multi-unit structures exceeding 10 units per structure abut areas of less density or structure size, the applicant will be required to provide a screening buffer of at least 20 feet in depth. Such screening plan shall be approved by the City Council. · At least 50% of the development area must be retained as open or common space for enjoyment of the residents. Of the required open or common space required, at least 25% of that space shall be identified as a common area for use by residents of the development. This common area must include identifiable gathering spaces that may contain or consist of buildings. Commissioner Reeve asked what the height requirement is currently. Principal Planner Trudgeon stated it is currently 35 feet and in the higher density it would be 45 feet or more. Commissioner Reeve stated he would not want it to be four or five stories in height and would prefer a set height level. Principal Planner Trudgeon suggested the ordinance include "not to exceed" language. Commissioner Reeve stated his agreement to assure they do not end up looking like apartments. He noted the language indicating "high quality maintenance free exterior" and asked if there is rationale for excluding certain materials. Planning Commission/November 7, 2002 Page 13 of 16