Minutes - Council - 01/09/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Urban Residential, which allows up to seven units per acre. The draft Comprehensive Plan targets this area for high density residential uses and high density has been established at a maximum density of seven units per acre. The developer is proposing 42 units, which equates to a gross density of 4.2 units per acre and a net density of 4.4 units per acre (excluding outlot A). The project area abuts two single family rural residential lots on the extreme east and a single- family urban residential neighborhood on the southeast and south boundaries. To the north of the subject property is an existing business development (Bill's Superette, Ramsey Clinic and Pharmacy). Barium and Cobalt Streets are proposed to be extended from the south into the plat; Barium Street will turn to the west and become 152''d Lane and then "T" into Cobalt Street; and Cobalt Street will extend north to 153~d Avenue NW. The plat indicates that Cobalt will be connected to an existing north/south private driveway on the Bill's Superette site. Dedication of the private street as a public roadway will be required. No access is proposed from St. Francis Boulevard NW. The pedestrian/bike path is proposed to be continued along the east side of T.H. #47. City Code standards for required lot area in the R-3 district are outdated and difficult to apply to the current development trends. Applying the intent of the R-3 district standards; the proposed development would be required to have a minimum of 197,500 square feet of lot area. The proposed plat area, excluding Outlot A, is 411,737 square feet. Staff feels that the proposed plat exceeds the lot area requirement established in the R-3 zoning district. The grading plan is generally acceptable; specific details of the proposed drainage and grading plan will be addressed during site plan review. The City will be requiring a ten foot drainage and utility easement along the frontage of Barium Street, 152',d Lane, and Cobalt Street. The developer is proposing a plat that follows the current requirements and standards established in the R-3 Urban Residential district. The R-3 district requires a 15-foot screening buffer from proposed and existing residential developments. The proposed density transition ordinance that was recently reviewed by the City Council, proposed to exempt this pre-existing multi-family property from the transitioning requirements set forth in the City Charter. The townhomes will also be subject to site plan approval for the purpose of reviewing architectural standards, parking, landscaping, drainage, etc. The Park Commission is recommending that the City receive a cash payment in the amount of $54,600 ($1,300 x 42 units) to satisfy park dedication requirements. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed preliminary plat on December 5, 2000. During the public hearing a few neighbors expressed concern over the possible traffic increase to the existing Willow Ridge neighborhood located to the south and southeast of the project area. Subsequent to the Planning Commission meeting, Hakanson Anderson Associates completed the required Traffic Generation Analysis study on the proposed development. It is the opinion of Mr. Johnson, Transportation Engineer, that the traffic impact on local streets from the proposed Orchard Hills Subdivision will be minimal and should have no significant impact on the quality of life to the abutting existing residential neighborhoods. The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council grant preliminary plat approval contingent upon compliance with City staff review letter dated December 1, 2000. Steve Slettner, Tech Design Engineer, stated that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the preliminary plat and that both residents adjoining the property to the south as well as four or five residents on the west side of Barium Street have expressed support of the City Council/January 9, 2001 Page 21 of 35