Agenda - Planning Commission - 01/02/2020

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City of Ramsey Department of Economic Development Ramsey, MN 55303 RE: Proposed Plat by DC Ramsey LLC Townhomes Dear Planning Commission, We have reviewed the sketch plat and plan for the above titled development. While we support development of the property, it must be done appropriately. We have the following comments regarding the proposed plat: 1. The boundary transition plan for the adjacent R-1 zoned property north of the proposed lots 8 thru 14: • The proposed plat does not include a transition plan for the adjacent R-1 zoned properties. • In "Review of Sketch Plan for DC Ramsey, LLC Townhomes" (Plat) it is acknowledged that the underlying zoning of the adjacent north properties are R-1 but tries to utilize the justification that the use is commercial as to why the transition plans are not required. While the use may be commercial, the underlying R-1 zoning is still controlling. Furthermore, there is no commercial zoning listed on the official zoning map; it is only Business Districts (B-1, B-2, or H-1) zoning. Therefore, a transition plan would be required by the City of Ramsey Zoning Ordinance (Zoning) Chapter 117-110(a). • Considering Chapter 117-110(e).2 for a PUD, the landscape requirement should be determined by correlating the overall density to either R-1, R-2, or R-3. Since the underlying zoning is R-1 it is reasonable to use that correlation and require landscaping to meet Level 4 requirements. This requirement should be implemented for lots 8-14. • The Plat indicated that the border between the proposed development is mostly wetland. Only lots 1-7 and Outlot B are buffered by the wetland. We agree that no transition plan is needed for the wetland area. However, lots 8-14 have little to no wetland buffer to the adjacent property therefore the reasoning that a transition plan is not needed does not reflect the reality of the property. • In addition, Chapter 117-112(e).7. should be implemented for this development. This would require a minimum of 30 feet of buffer and a 10% increase in number of plantings. • The Plat also indicated the willingness to "trade" the transition plan for additional architecture features on the front of the property. "Staff would like feedback on the density transitioning requirement. Staff is comfortable with the 20 feet of buffer, with some additional architectural features on the homes, which could include "fronts" of homes facing the public road to the south to increase visual interest and continue the trend of townhomes in the COR.