Minutes - Planning Commission - 10/12/2017

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Presentation Community Development Director Gladhill presented the staff report stating the purpose of this case is to consider a recommendation on a Zoning Amendment for R-1 Residential (MUSA) to Planned Unit Development. The Planning Commission has reviewed this project on multiple occasions. The current proposal has been modified by the Developer in order to address comments received by the Public, Planning Commission, and City Council. Key issues at that time included, but were not limited to the following. 1. Density Transitioning 2. Reliability/Consistency of the Comprehensive Plan Community Development Director Gladhill explained the original concept has undergone Sketch Plan Review with the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission outlined a number of concerns indicated in the attached minutes from June 13. The City then held a public workshop on August 3, 2017. A follow up workshop was scheduled to be held on Thursday, October 12. Community Development Director Gladhill reported the original proposal was classified as a medium density residential development (4-7 units per acre). This area is guided as low density residential (2-4 units per acre) in the City's Comprehensive Plan. The original proposal would have required a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and a Zoning Amendment. There were subsequent revised concepts prepared and reviewed. Community Development Director Gladhill indicated the current proposal has been modified in an attempt to remain in the low density residential category. This is the fifth revised concept prepared by the Developer. The gross density is 3.69 units per acre. However, the City (and Metropolitan Council) calculate Net Density, which would subtract wetlands from the net buildable area. Staff has requested this calculation, as the net density appears to be close to the maximum density allowed within the low density residential classification. Finally, the proposal still requires a Zoning Amendment to Planned Unit Development (PUD). While the density of the current concept is within the range of the Comprehensive Plan (planning/visionary document), the actual proposed lot sizes and lot widths are deficient of the minimums required by the Zoning Code (official controls/implementation tool) for the R-1 Residential (MUSA) District. Said Zoning District does allow density up to four (4) units per acre with the use of a PUD. Community Development Director Gladhill reported the City has significant discretion in review of this project. Since the project requires a Zoning Amendment, the City is not obligated to approve and the Developer must demonstrate a compelling reason to approve the change. This results in a higher standard of review compared to projects that meet all minimum standards of their respective zoning district. Finally, since the concept has changed significantly from the original proposal when the current set of public comments were received, Staff has removed these comments from the agenda packet and is re -setting the public hearing and public comment period. Citizen Innut Planning Commission/October 12, 2017 Page 5of15