Agenda - Council - 07/25/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5.03: Consider Natural Resources Elements for Estates of Silver Oaks 2nd Addition Preliminary Plat City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He reported that the City has received an application for Preliminary Plat for a proposed eight lot subdivision to be known as Estates of Silver Oaks 2nd Addition. He stated that the site is located east of TH 47 and north of 162nd Lane. He stated that the site is currently zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) and thus, as proposed, a Zoning Amendment and Comprehensive Plan amendment would also be needed. He noted that the EPB reviewed certain aspects of this request at their May meeting. He provided additional details on density transitioning that would be needed, noting that most often developers choose landscaping and provided additional details on what would be needed. He asked for feedback on the impact to the oak stand and the density transitioning on the eastern portion of the plat. Chairperson Stodola asked for additional details on the impact the future connection would have on the oak stand. City Planner Anderson confirmed that further fragmentation of the natural corridor would occur if the parcel to the north develops. Board Member Hiatt stated that perhaps staff could work with the developer to add additional landscaping to the larger western lot because of the impact to the oak stand that will occur on the eastern side. City Planner Anderson stated that is a possibility that staff could request. He confirmed that the element could not be required. He stated that the developer has to work with the existing access to expand that which puts a challenge on the developer. He stated that the oak forest could not be recreated and therefore perhaps they are more specific on what would be proposed and attempt to go above and beyond that. He noted that perhaps oaks, and native trees, could be emphasized for the density transitioning. Board Member Valentine stated that it is unclear to him whether they have exhausted all possibilities of preserving that oak forest or whether there are additional options that could be reviewed to preserve more of the forest without destroying the development value of the property. City Planner Anderson replied that looking at the natural topography he is unsure that there is a lot more that could be done, short of custom grading the lots and attempting to work around trees. He noted that can be costly and sometimes setup the future home owner to have the cost of removing a tree that should've been removed to begin with, as the root system can receive damage during the construction period. He stated that staff can approach the developer in an attempt to carve out more of the trees that could be preserved. Board Member Hiatt stated that it appears unlikely that the parcel to the west would develop further in the future because of the issue of access. City Planner Anderson agreed that it would be highly unlikely that the parcel to the west could develop because of the access issues.