Agenda - Council - 02/22/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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with this development. Associate Planner Wald explained along the northern plat boundary line, the subject property is located next to ;single: family lots that are located outside of the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA), and therefore the plat will be subject to density transitioning. City Code allows the City Council to determine the proper buffer level for PUD developments. The sketch plan is providing 100 feet between the rear lot line of the existing single-family homes and the detached townhome units. During preliminary plat review a comprehensive discussion will need to occur in order to provide for the most effective buffer- between the existing residential neighborhood and the proposed development. Associate Planner Wald indicated there is a substantial wetland on the proposed plat that will need to be delineated and encumbered with drainage and utility easements on the preliminary and final plats. A detailed grading and drainage plan will be reviewed as part of the preliminary plat submittal. The subdivision will be subject to permitting by the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization. Associate Planner Wald explained the Planning Commission reviewed the sketch plan at their January 6, 2005 meeting. Although sketch Plans are not subject to an official public hearing, Chairperson Nixt allowed comments from residents in attendance. Several residents stated their opposition regarding the proposed development. The Planning Commission unanimously denied the sketch plan based on concerns with the Proposed density, wetland/topography challenges, and lack of compliance with the PUD guidelines. She explained as previously mentioned the sketch plan has been substantially revised since the Planning Commission reviewed it. The main factor driving the revision was to provide for mOre direct public street connection to Radium Street, which resulted in a different layout of residential units. Associate Planner Wald indicated .as she stated, the Planning Commission denied the sketch plan. However, City Code states that an applicant has the right to request that the City Council review a sketch plan. The applicant is exercising this option and is requesting inPut from the City Council. She explained the intent of sketch plans are to merely get a conceptual look at a proposed subdivision. The details related to compliance with PUD guidelines, setbacks, and . architectural standards are reviewed in great detail during preliminary plat review. Staff recognizes that the Planning Commission and area residents-have concerns related to this development and that there are details to Work through. However, with that said, it is staff's opinion that the proposed single unit townhomes and the proposed 3.5 units per acre density is an appropriate use of the subject property. Furthermore, City Code establishes that low density townhome developments not exceeding four units per acre is an acceptal~le land use in .the R-1 District. Therefore, staff recommends that the City Council direct the applicant to proceed to preliminary plat and begin workingthrough City Code requirements. Councilmember Pearson inquired if PotassiUm Street is a private street. Associate Planner Wald replied the City Attorney has reviewed this and determined that Potassium Street is a 66-foot wide public dedicated street. City Council/January Page 5 of 24 25, 2005