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CASE #: <br /> <br />PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE TOWN CENTER ZONING DISTRICT <br />REGARDING DRIVEWWAY LENGTHS AND FRONT YARD SETBACKS <br />By: Patrick Trudgeon, AICP, Community Development Director <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />As the Ramsey Towll Center continues to develop, the City has begun to receive several <br />proposed residential subdivisions within the development. Overall, the Ramsey Town <br />Center is expected to contain about 2,400 housing units. In reviewing sketch plans for <br />several proposed Town Center residential developments, the Planning Commission has <br />raised concerns that some of the plans will not meet the expectations of density <br />envisioned lbr the entire Ramsey Town Center. <br /> <br />Staff' has reviewed the concerns with the Ramsey Town Center LLC and reviewed some <br />of thc initial sketch plans. The sketch plans presented to the Planning Commission <br />complied with all Town Center zoning codes. In reviewing the sketch plans, Staff and the <br />developer determined that the plans showed as many units as possible given adherence to <br />all ~l'own Center Zoning codes. In reviewing possibilities, Staff determined the biggest <br />lhctors determining density were driveway length and the provision of public roads <br />throughout the development. Given the need for an efficient traffic network system and <br />public safety needs, Staff is reluctant to reduce the provision of public roads through the <br />~l'own Center. ttowever, Staff believes that a lesser driveway length in the Town Center <br />may be warranted. In taking a look at some of the sketch plans, it appears that allowing <br />driveways of 20 feet will allow for up to a 20% increase in units. At this time, Staff is <br />bringing tbrward an amendment to the Town Center Zoning code that will lower the <br />lnmimum driveway length to 20 feet. <br /> <br />Thc following item is enclosed: <br /> <br />a) Proposed Town Center Zoning District amendment <br /> <br />Notification: <br /> <br />A public hearing on these amendments was properly notified in accordance with state <br />statutes. No public comments have been received. <br /> <br />Observations: <br /> <br />Staff is proposing language to the Town Center Zoning District to change the minimum <br />driveway length to 20 feet. The Town Center Zoning District already allows for <br />driveways of 20 feet in length for certain types of units. (i.e. row house units with a <br />garage in the rear of the building). This amendment allow the driveways of 20 feet in <br />length for all residential units within the Town Center. The amendment would also have <br />a maximum driveway length of 25 feet within the Town Center. <br /> <br />In addressing the need for guest parking, Staff would like to point out that 20-foot <br />driveways will still allow for a majority of the vehicles to be parked in that space. In <br /> <br /> <br />