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

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Associate Planner Geisler indicated Staff has been working with the Planning Commission and the City Council on a draft cluster ordinance for the Rural Developing Area. Generally, a new subdivision under the proposed standards Would Contain the same number of lots permitted under current zoning, clustered in a pOrtion of: the Property, with a remainder parcel that could be developed when and if city sewer is available to that parcel. New lots would range from 1A-acre to 3/4-acre in size, and would be Served by a community septic system that would be located on a lot controlled by a Homeowners Association (HCA). The HCA would own, maintain, and monitor the communal system. Infrastructure required to hook up the system to City sewer would be installed at the front end to avoid Costly retrofitting down the road. The remainder of the parcel not utilized for cluster lots or the communal system would be platted as one or more outlots to allow fin'ther urban development when and if urban services are available to the site. Associate Planner Geisler advised all new subdivisions would need to meet the new standards, regardless of lot size and there would be no exception for simple lot splits. Parcels that are five acres or larger would be eligible for subdivision under the new requirements, as is the case under the current code. Park dedication and density transition requirements in City Code would apply to new subdivisions under the new code. There was discussion at the Planning Commission meeting about whether these subdivisions should be processed as PUD's. The Cormnission recommended a couple of changes to the ordinance as follows: The Homeowners Association reference the Development Agreement specifically and more clarity on the remnant parcel that is described. Those changes are included in staff's recommendation. Councihnember Strommen asked what the situation would be with the communal septic system when sewer is connected with these sites, and if there are environmental concerns. Associate Planner Geisler replied the Septic system would be the responsibility of the Homeowners Association. Counci hnc~nber Olson asked if there is a state standard regarding cluster developments and what the state law states regarding abandonment of the septic systems. Associate Planner Geisler indicated she is not aware of the state requirements regarding this, but the process for cluster developments to hook up to City sewer would be contingent on the proper abandonment of the septic system. Councihnember Elvig stated language should be brought forward regarding the septic system. Councihnember Cook stated the cluster developments are a good strategy. This ordinance needs to move forward for this building season, and they will have to add some things to this in the future. First is if hook up should be required at!the time of City sewer and water, which he thinks should be required. Also, the Homeowners Association will have to say what will be done with the land that has the septic system on it. He noted one of the things they talked about with this clustering was the ability to get more greenspace. It will also need to be addressed how the land that is not used at the present time is used in the future. This is a good start and they need something in place for this building season, but it will need to be fine tuned in the next two years. City CounCil/February 8, 2005 page 25 of 30