11-10-2016 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 10, 2016 north side. Schwalbach noted there is a big retaining wall already on the adjacent pawn shop property. Duray asked if sidewalk connections to Rice Street would be required. The City Planner stated typically a site plan would be reviewed to make sure all adjacent connections are made, but he does not feel it is necessary to have an internal sidewalk within this development. He noted the developer will be required to add sidewalk along the section of Rice Street in front of their project. Duray asked how the applicant achieved the additional width between the buildings. Mr. Franzen, Cash for Houses, stated they reduced the size of the buildings. Schwalbach stated he appreciates how much the applicants have done to accommodate requests and thinks this will be a good improvement to Rice Street. Buesing asked about the maintenance of the pond. The City Planner stated that the City will monitor that and review the seed mix that is used for the pond so that it can withstand the wet and dry conditions. Duray asked about the applicants plan for the requested fence. Mr. Franzen stated they would install a fence if the Commission requires that. Ms. Kalmbacher, Cash for Houses, stated that fences are a maintenance issue eventually which is why they chose the extra trees instead. The City Planner stated that in his opinion the landscaping screening is a better option. Schwalbach stated that he prefers not to install a fence if possible. The City Planner noted that the City Code requires a warranty period for the plants to establish themselves, and the project would be approved with a specific landscape plan that must always be maintained. Duray asked if there is an ability to ask the association later on to install the fence if the landscaping is not adequate. The City Planner stated it is hard to come back later and ask for something like that to be done. Schwalbach stated he feels this development would be a benefit for the neighborhood, and is not in favor of requiring the fence instead of the landscaping. Duray stated he also agrees that this will be a nice development. There were no comments from the public. Schwalbach recommended approval of the plans for the townhome Planned Unit Development at 2736 and 2744 Rice Street, subject to the recommendations and conditions in the November 4, 2016 Planner's report and November 9th landscaping plan as seen tonight, with the recommendation that landscaping be used for screening on the south side instead of fencing. Motion seconded by Buesing. Motion carried 6 — 0. -3-