Minutes - Council - 01/25/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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the subject property is located· next to ~singlel 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 singlc-fiunily homes and the detached t0wnhome units. During preliminary plat review a comprehensive discussion will need to occur inlorder 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 xvill 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 thc 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 lhe revision was to provide for more direct public street connection to Radium Street, whicla resulted in a different layout of residential ~tnits. Associ ate Planner Wald indicated as she stated, the Planning Commission denied the sketch plan. l-lowevcr, 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; ¢0mpliance 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 lo~v density townhome developments not exceeding four units per acre is an acceptable land use in the R-1 District. Therefore, staff recommends that the City Council direct the applicant to proceed to prclimi nary plat and begin working throUgh City Code requirements. Counci lmember Pearson inquired if Potassium Street is a private street. Associate Planner Wald replied' the City Attorney has reviewed this and deternfined that Potassium Street is a 66-foot wide public dedicated street. Mayor G amcc inquired about the :distance betWeen the private street south of the residential lots to tho existing property and the ability for buffering. City COuncil/January 25, 2005 Page 5 ~of 24