Minutes - Planning Commission - 09/28/2023

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Mr. Metzer replied that the interior lots are fairly deep because of the layout of the streets and to accommodate ponding. He commented that their lots are deeper than the minimum requirement in order to accommodate this type of home. He provided some of the lot depths. Senior Planner Anderson commented that originally the plan had the pond as a separate outlot, but because of concerns with previous developments the City did not want to ultimately be in the position of maintaining that or receiving it through tax forfeiture and therefore worked with the applicant to adjust the lot lines to include the ponding area. Councilmember Olson asked whether the home product would be different if the plan were for 80- foot lots. Mr. Metzer replied that the homes probably would be different, but was unsure that the product that would fit that lot size would make sense financially. He noted that the 80-foot lot design would equate to 2.3 units per acre for density. Tamara Bjornrud, 16850 Zirconium Street, asked if a barrier would be anticipated for the end of the driveway/road, which abuts her property. She was also concerned with headlights coming into her home, as most of her windows are western facing. She asked if they would be allowed to construct a taller fence on their property to block that and keep people off of their land. Senior Planner Anderson commented that City Code would allow up to an eight foot tall fence, with a building permit. He stated that he did not believe there would be an intention to have bollards in terms of a barrier. Planning Manager Larson commented that the standard for a street that ends would be the three - board mechanism that is commonly used. Councilmember Olson read the letter aloud that was received prior to the meeting from the property owner at 16735 Nowthen Boulevard. Commissioner Anderson commented that this property is designated R-1 MUSA-80 and the City Council has not yet approved the changes to Section 117 of City Code. He stated that he cannot see how they could talk about changing the lot size to anything other than 80 feet under those circumstances. He stated that he also has concern that staff has been discussing these changes with the developer related to lot size without input from the Commission and/or City Council. He referenced lots 51-53, which abutt against wetlands and stated that he has a difficult time understanding how homes could be built on those lots and still meet the buffer and floodplain requirements. He also expressed concern about the wetland and drainage easement in those areas. Mr. Metzer commented that from the front yard setback to the closest wetland edge, the shallowest of the lots still had 180 feet, which is more than enough room for a home and useable yard before reaching the 16.5-foot wetland buffer edge. Planning Commission/ September 28, 2023 Page 9 of 14