Agenda - Council - 06/25/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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environmental impacts. The current proposal is showing a stormwater pond and some cutting of the trees in this area. Staff has worked with the Applicant to rearrange the site to ensure this area remains as untouched as possible and conforms to the DNR regulations. Staff sent the proposal to the DNR and has been working with the DNR to ensure the project meets all required regulations. The Environmental Policy Board (EPB) reviewed this aspect of the project and recommended full compliance with the MRCCA standards related to vegetation management. Staff does believe that the current proposal, which cuts a few trees in the MRCCA, does meet the intent of the overlay. Additionally, the DNR Shoreland Rules require a fifty (50) foot setback from the ordinary high water line (OHWL) of the Mississippi River off the oxbow, and a 100 foot setback from the ordinary high water line of the Mississippi River off the main channel There is also a required 30 foot setback from any bluffline. Using the City's definition of bluffline, one proposed house pad (Lot 5, Block 3) was —25 feet from the bluffline; the Planning Commission passed a variance allowing this house to be built closer to the bluff line than typically allowed, with the understanding that the variance is now on record for the property and no further expansion could take place behind the home (including sheds). Landscaping The site requires density transitioning for the adjacent properties to the west, which are located in the R-1 Residential District (MUSA). The EPB and Planning Commission reviewed this aspect of the project as well and recommended full compliance with the density transitioning standards as well as enhanced landscaping along the northern boundary to buffer the proposed lots from existing industrial uses. The Applicant has included enhanced landscaping along the northern border along with a six (6) foot tall privacy fence. The Applicant has also added full density transitioning on the west side of the property. Rezoning/Future Land Use The Subject Property is located in the E-1 Employment District, with a small portion in the R-1 Residential (MUSA) District (Single Family Detached Homes). The site is currently two separate parcels and includes right-of-way for Rivlyn Ave. The Applicant is proposing to rezone the entire property to R-2 Residential District (Detached Villas) and is proposing 50 foot wide lots with detached single family villas. The 2030 Comprehensive Plan guided the entire site as business park. As Staff works on finishing the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update and Future Land Use Map, Staff is supportive of re -guiding this property as medium density residential. The Planning Commission held a public hearing for this change, as previous drafts of the 2040 Plan did not show this area guided as such. Staff has included this in the attached resolution, contingent upon final plat approval. Preliminary Plat The Subject Property is located in the E-1 Employment District, with a small portion in the R-1 Residential (MUSA) District (Single Family Detached Homes). The site is currently two separate parcels and includes right-of-way for Rivlyn Ave. The Applicant is proposing to rezone the entire property to R-2 Residential District (Detached Villas) and is proposing 50 foot wide lots with detached single family homes. This is the best opportunity for residents and the City Council to weigh in on the project and request any edits or additional information. After preliminary plat is approved, the project does have more authority. Engagement Summary As noted above, Staff held a public workshop on April 25, 2019 and a public hearing on June 6, 2019. The main concerns from residents were: • Number of lots • Size of lots • Density transitioning • Increased traffic on short cul-de-sac • Removal of trees • Protection of Mississippi River The minutes from the Planning Commission meeting are attached for reference. Residents who attended the meeting noted that the proposal would double the number of homes on their short block, with lots that are significantly smaller than those on the block currently. The neighbors stated that they were not concerned about the removal of the debris onsite, because it had been there for some time, and that they didn't feel the City should fund