Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/06/2017

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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Date: 07/06/2017 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development Information Title: Consider Appeal of Architectural Review for Single -Family Home in The COR; Case of Purmort Homes 6. 3. Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to respond to an appeal of a Staff interpretation from Purmort Homes, Inc. on an interpretation of architectural requirements in The COR. At issue is the definition of a front porch, a required element of The COR Design Framework (the Zoning Code for The COR). A reminder that these enhanced architectural requirements only exist in The COR Zoning District and not in all areas of the community. Notification: Notification is not required. Observations/Alternatives: As the first single-family homes were being reviewed in The COR in the mid-2000s (at the time, Ramsey Town Center), the intent was to not allow split -entry homes. The City has agreed to allow higher densities in The COR, and the expectation in return is that higher -quality architecture would be provided. The City has record of denying these floor plans. Enforcement of architectural standards at the time was more robust. A Master Developer/Master Association existing to aide in the enforcement of these architectural guidelines. Architectural review was a combination of City review and private restrictive covenants. Following the default of the Master Association in terms of architectural review, there was not an entity to partner in architectural review. The City discovered, after being challenged by multiple builders, that the City's Zoning Code was not written strong enough to enforce the intended architectural standards. In 2012, after responding to multiple complaints about the City not enforcing the original intent of the design requirements, the City amended its architectural requirements for The COR to bring in multiple aspects that were found in private covenants enforced by the Master Developer, that the City was not legally able to enforce. Included in that discussion was the importance of front porches as it relates to neighborhood design and active streets. There were a few homes that were approved in the interim period as the City updated its ordinances. Since only a few lots remained from the two single-family subdivisions at the time, a few models were allowed to complete per the original guidelines. Moving forward, for new subdivisions after Ramsey Town Center 8th and loth Additions, the expectation was that the new guidelines would be used. At issue this evening is the definition of a front porch. Staff believes the intent was an integral structure attached to the front of the home that brought activity to front yards and was an added architectural element. This also helped de-emphasize the dominance of garages on the front facade. The viewshed of the neighborhood is enhanced by this element. Staff also believe part of the intent was for a full room on the main level as opposed to a small stairway landing at the entryway. Again, Staff is simply looking for policy direction from the Planning Commission on how to interpret this standard. Staff does not believe the intent was to allow recessed entryways to be defined as a front porch. While these areas