Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/23/2021

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8-11 all would end up being deficient of the minimum required lot size of 0.25 acres. Lot sizes for these lots would range from 0.20 acres to 0.22 acres. It is worth noting that the proposed density transitioning corridor includes berming throughout much of it,which means that the corridor could be reduced to 35 feet(proposed as 45 feet). However,that would result in lot sizes of approximately 0.23-0.24 acres,which is just below the minimum threshold and thus,would still need a variance. As proposed, it appears that this provides more transitioning for the adjacent neighborhood,with negligible differences in lot sizes. When contemplating a variance, a three (3)factor test must be applied to determine practical difficulties: 1. Reasonableness -The project requires density transitioning and what is being proposed exceeds the minimum standard but results in multiple lots falling just shy of the minimum lot size. A slightly wider transitioning area seems like a reasonable trade-off for lot sizes that fall 0.05 to 0.03 acres short of the minimum required lot size of 0.25 acres. 2. Uniqueness -There is a large, linear wetland cutting across the southern portion of the Subject Property. As proposed,there are no impacts to this wetland. If the project is required to shift south and east to accommodate the minimum required width of the density transitioning corridor and meet the minimum lot size requirement, it would likely result in impacts to the wetland. 3. Essential Character-While the project itself will impact the essential character of the locale (converting agricultural land to housing),the reduced lot sizes should not for two primary reasons. First,there will be a 45 foot wide corridor with berming and landscaping throughout much of it, owned by the HOA(separate from the individual lot owners). Secondly,the proposed lots will still be 0.20 to 0.23 acres in size,which would not be noticeable to the general eye. Alternatives Alternative 1: Approve the requested variance to lot size. The proposal provides a slightly wider than required density transition corridor,which provides more separation for the existing, adjacent residential properties. The slightly deficient lots are not likely to be noticeable to the general eye. Staff is supportive of this alternative. Alternative 2: Do not approve the variance to lot size. This would require the reconfiguration of the preliminary plat to ensure that all lots meet the 0.25 acre threshold while still also meeting the minimum density transitioning standards along the north and west boundaries of the Subject Property. Funding Source: The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with this request. Recommendation: Staff supports the request as it helps avoid potential impacts to a wetland complex on the Subject Property, creates a wider density transitioning corridor, and the resulting reduces lot sizes are are just slightly below the minimum area requirement. Action: Motion to adopt Resolution 421-273 granting a variance to minimum lot size for Lots 3-4 and 8-11, Block 1 of the proposed Lynwood Subdivision. Attachments Site Location Map Site Plan Lot Size Exhibit Resolution 421-273: Variancec Form Review