10-13-2016 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 13, 2016 neighbors. The City Planner stated that his recommendation is to table this request tonight and get the rest of the information from the applicants. The City Planner stated that a Planned Unit Development review is to determine if the overall project meets the City's development goals better than using regular zoning. He noted that due to the size of the property, it may not be possible to fit in this many units. Todd Franzen, applicant and owner of Cash for Houses, stated that the setback recommendations make sense, but this is a tight property with not much room to be moving the buildings. Alissa Kalmbacher, applicant, explained that their site plan engineer indicated that the current distance between the buildings is sufficient to comfortably have two drive lanes and still park in driveways, similar in size to a Target store parking lot. Duray stated that he thinks the 75 foot distance between the buildings is important, and was the minimum distance determined to be acceptable when the Villas was developed. He asked if the applicants will consider wrapping the better materials around the whole building. Mr. Franzen stated they would use the SmartSide siding all the way around, and look at adding brick or other materials on the other sides of the buildings. Duray stated that the Villas developer wanted more units but had to cut back to make it fit. Ms. Kalmbacher stated that they cannot reduce the project by any more units and still make it work financially. The City Planner stated they also should pay special attention to the design of the sides of the building that face Rice Street. Mr. Franzen asked how firm that 75 foot width is because the site plan is already so tight. The City Planner stated that is a staff recommendation, not a zoning requirement, but that distance has been determined to work well. Elizabeth Miller, 91 Iona Lane, stated that she is worried about storm water coming on to her property because she gets water now from the beauty parlor when it rains hard. She stated that she wants a fence and landscaping to screening her property. Duray asked the City Planner if a fence would be required. The City Planner stated the City does not typically require a fence for residential developments, but the Planning Commission or City Council can require that. Mr. Franzen explained that he is open to adding screening and they want to save as many trees as possible. He noted there will be a stormwater pond so drainage on the site will be improved. There were no other comments from the public. Davison recommended tabling the townhome Planned Unit Development request until the November Planning Commission meeting based on the City Planner's recommendations and comments at tonight's meeting. -6-