Agenda - Planning Commission - 03/05/2020

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City Planner Anderson explained that when the sketch plan came forward there was a question to the Commission on whether there could be a reduced width to the buffer area, but the question was not asked as to whether the Commission would then support a lesser requirement for landscaping to match that reduced width. He stated that as proposed the applicant is tasked with providing the landscaping required for the wider buffer and noted that staff would like direction on that item. Citizen Input Erin Carlson, applicant, stated that the goal is to provide single-family homes at an attainable price point. She stated that they have resolved all the engineering comments and is confident that they will be able to address the comments remaining. She provided details on the volumetric construction process. She believed that this would be a great addition to the community. Commissioner Anderson referenced the size of the front porch, which appears to be 6 x 8, and asked if that could be bigger. Ms. Carlson replied that she believed the front porch size to be 15 x 6. Commissioner Anderson stated that he has a concern with the transition in the back of the homes that faces R-1 and asked if there are enough trees in that area. City Planner Anderson stated that as proposed the applicant is deficient in the number of landscaping items. He stated that an updated landscaping plan has been submitted but has not yet been reviewed. Sarah Wolf, Landform, stated that the landscape plan on the screen is the second revision, which provides additional plantings. She stated that they also did a mockup using the 45-foot standards but noted that most of the trees would be unhealthy because of the spacing. She believed that the landscaping proposed would be sufficient to the live/work community. City Planner Anderson stated that he was unaware that the plan on the screen was the revised version but was unsure yet if that meets the Code requirements. Commissioner Anderson asked if the homes would be inspected by the Ramsey Building Inspector. Ms. Carlson stated that the homes are inspected at the plant by a third -party inspector. She stated that before the first home is set in Ramsey, they would plan to meet with the Ramsey Building Inspector and would invite him to the building location as well. Chairperson Bauer asked if the Wisconsin builder is comparable to Dynamic Homes in Detroit Lakes. He noted that he is very familiar with Dynamic Homes and commented that they are top quality. Planning Commission/ February 6, 2020 Page 4 of 18