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MINUTES <br />PLANNING COMMISSION <br />MAY 14, 1998 <br />corrections are needed on the south end of the site. Therefore, he would <br />like to keep the porch for the end townhome unit on the back, rather than <br />moving that portion to the south side of' the unit. <br />Knudsen felt that the rezoning request was reasonable. However, there <br />does not appear to be a hardship present to warrant granting a variance. <br />DeLonais pointed out that the City recently denied a similar variance <br />request. <br />The City Planner pointed out that the applicant alluded to the cost factor in <br />making soil corrections as a reason for justifying the variance. The <br />Zoning Ordinance does not allow for consideration of economic hardship <br />as a basis for the variance. <br />Olson pointed out the City Planner's comments in his report regarding <br />landscaping in front of the units. Olson pointed out that there will be <br />individual driveways for each townhome unit with 20 feet of front yard <br />between each driveway. Olson stated that he would like to have some <br />discussion with the City Planner about the landscaping of the front yards <br />given that he does not feel a densely landscaped front yard will work in <br />this situation. Olson felt an ornamental -style of landscaping would be <br />more appropriate. <br />The City Planner stated that his office was looking for a creative approach <br />to the landscaping in order to enhance the development. <br />Olson indicated that he would plan on doing foundation landscaping as <br />well as flowering -type trees, but felt some of the trees suggested by the <br />Planner would be too large. <br />Allen Porter, 202 Nature Way, expressed concern about storm water <br />drainage. Porter indicated that he is a retired civil engineer. Porter <br />described how the area currently drains and was concerned that the most <br />southerly unit would block the natural drainage flow. <br />Olson reported that he has submitted engineering plans to the Public <br />Works Director. Olson indicated that those plans call for the extension of <br />the culvert and diversion of run -off into a spillway and eventually into the <br />pond. There will be the proper easements dedicated over the drainage <br />area. Porter asked if manholes will be added, and Olson reported that <br />there would be additional manholes. <br />Keis pointed out that any recommendation to approve the proposal would <br />be subject to approval of drainage and utilities by the Public Works <br />Director and the City Engineer. <br />2 <br />Page 15 <br />