Minutes - Planning Commission - 05/19/2005 - Special Meeting

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l'rcsentafion Assistant Community Development Director Frolik advised that Ramsey Town Center, LLC has submittcd a preliminary plat and preliminary site plan to develop 190 townhomes on approximately 21 acres. She stated the proposed development is located south of Bunker Lake Boulevard, north of East Ramsey Parkway, east of Town Center Drive, and west of Rhinestone St. N.W. Assistant Community Development Director Frolik stated the Town Center Development (iuidclines establish a brick enhancement threshold equal to 35% unless alternative design l'catures arc ntilizcd, and the Chateau is at 17%. She noted, however, that the Chateau does utilize all of the design alternatives recommended in lieu of brick. She indicated the Hometown does not appear to utilize the design alternatives as extensively as the Chateau, and is only at 23% brick fi'ont. She stated Staff is recommending that the Hometown exterior include additional brick or more of the alternative design features. Assistant Community Development Director Frolik stated the preliminary plat shows a combination of public and private streets. She noted all of the private streets will be 24 feet wide mid mcct City standards for length. Assistant Community Development Director Frolik advised that the maximum front yard setback fi'om thc sidewalk is 20 feet. She stated all of the buildings, with the exception of a couple of buildings that fi'ont on Rhinestone Street, meet the setback requirements. She indicated the 20 lb¢)t setback on Rhinestone is difficult to achieve as the measurement is taken from the sidewalk, and according to the master trail plan, the sidewalk will be in the right-of-way on Rhinestone Street. She indicated Staff recommends a variance in this instance. Assistant Community Development Director Frolik stated the City Code requires 20 foot driveways lbr row house townhomes, and 25 foot driveways for back-to-back units. She indicated all of the units were designed with 20 foot driveways in anticipation of the pending ordinance amendment. She noted if the City Council does not adopt the ordinance to amend all driveway lengths to 20 feet, the site plan will have to be modified to provide 25 foot driveways on thc back-to-back units. Assistant Community Development Director Frolik stated the TC-4b District requires 2 off-street lmrking spaces tbr each unit; the double garages and driveways provide 4 off-street parking spaces l'or each unit. She added that the site plan also reflects that an additional 62 overflow parking spaces are proposed. She indicated the proposed landscape plan easily exceeds the minimum planting requirements in City Code. She stated the plan is acceptable with some minor modifications, Assistant Community Development Director Frolik advised the Park Commission reviewed the sketch plan on February 10. She stated they stressed the Town Center Development guideline that encourages the use of private courtyards or Usable greenspace being provided for the residents et' the buildings. She indicated the preliminary site plan complies with the development Planning Commission/May 19, 200'5 Page 2 of 7