Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/23/2021

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contingent upon approval of the CPA. Staff recommends approval of the Preliminary Plat with the following contingencies (which have been incorporated into the draft resolution): • Approval of the Zoning Amendment to rezone R-3 Residential (High Density) to R-2 Residential (Medium Density) • Approval of the CPA • Approval of Anoka County for second access onto Armstrong Boulevard • Full compliance with density transitioning requirements • Modifications to ensure compliance with all bulk standards of the applicable zoning district(s). Chairperson Bauer asked if these should be considered as two separate actions. City Planner Anderson confirmed that he would recommend taking two separate actions. Chairperson Bauer referenced the comment from the Metropolitan Council related to livable community eligibility and asked for clarification. City Planner Anderson stated that the action of the Council did not include identification of other areas to guide as high density. Chairperson Bauer asked if the City would risk eligibility for funds if this Comprehensive Plan amendment were approved without adding additional high-density housing. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl noted that was already decided by the City Council. She stated that this conversation is related to the rezoning and preliminary plat as the Council has already acted on the Comprehensive Plan amendment and decided not to reguide additional land. Commissioner Peters asked if there is guidance on whether trees last longer on flat land or berms. He stated that in his neighborhood trees were planted on a slope and half of them are now dead. City Planner Anderson commented that there is a technique that can be used to place trees on a berm. He stated that it is not unusual for there to be some mortality with plantings, noting that regular watering is a factor when being established. He stated that it is feasible and practical to plant on a berm. Commissioner Peters stated that if there are plantings on a berm would that reduce the ability for homeowners to put features on their property. City Planner Anderson commented that backyards would terminate at the start of the transition corridor and therefore it would not have an impact on what can be done on private property. He stated that the density transitioning corridor would need to be placed in its own lot under separate ownership to avoid that situation. Commissioner VanScoy asked who would own the transition corridor. Planning Commission/August 26, 2021 Page 9 of 26