Minutes - Planning Commission - 06/07/2007

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Chairperson Nixt indicated the proposed plat includes one lot too many, but a PUD will allow improved access to CR 5. Motion by Chairperson Nixt, seconded by Commissioner Levine, to recommend that the City Council deny the preliminary plat based on the lack of ability to conform to the R-l standards. Further discussion: Chairperson Nixt noted that the approval of the PUD was contingent upon approval of the preliminary plat. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Nixt, Commissioners Levine, Brauer, Hunt, and Trites Rolle. Voting No: Commissioners Cleveland and Van Scoy. Absent: None. Case #9: Request for Site Plan Review of Terrace Hill Apartments; Case of Trident Development, LLC Associate Planner DaInes stated the City received an application from Trident Development, LLC to develop a 63-unit apartment building on the property legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, The Ponds of Ramsey, generally located on Dysprosium Street, west ofCSAH 5 and the Ramsey water tower property. The property is approximately 4.5 acres in size and is zoned R-3 High Density housing. Ms. DaInes explained within the R-3 district, a maximum of 15 units per acre is permitted, and the proposed site plan indicates on overall density of 14.9 units per acre. The site plan meets all setback, site design, lot coverage, and minimum floor area requirements. Ms. DaInes stated the building is proposed to be 3 stories and 43 feet in height. The building elevations indicate a 35% brick front fa9ade and multiple architectural features including porches, a cantilevered facade, and window treatments. The application meets City Code requirements for building height and architecture. However, the City Council has expressed concern over the massing of the building. Staff has suggested adding roof pitch variation and architectural detail in reference to the garage doors. Associate Planner DaInes stated the parking requirements for this site are 2.5 spaces per unit, one of which must be enclosed. The site plan proposes 164 stalls, of which 63 are enclosed in attached and detached parking facilities. Staff requests an effort be made to improve the aesthetics of the garage doors. Access is proposed to be gained from Dysprosium Street. Ms. DaInes stated significant changes have been made to the original concept plan for Terrace Hill Apartments. The applicant has relocated the building as to not interfere with the possible re- alignment path of TH 47. Staff has also requested that the applicant further revise the plan to minimize -the presence of any parking or pavement in the possible right-of-way area, which requires the applicant to relocate a stormwater pond, and re-route the proposed drainage from the existing pond to a future pond located in the right-of-way. Density transitioning is required when R-3 Residential development abuts R-l Residential property. The applicant is proposing to meet the density transitioning requirements through the use of ~xisting tree cover and the addition of trees on the western property line. Associate Planner DaInes stated included in the packet is a copy of the findings and recommendations from the Maxfield workforce/senior housing research conducted for the City of Planning Commission! June 7, 2007 Page 24 of31