08-13-2014 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 4800 Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202. Golden Valley, MN 55422 Telephone: 783.231.2555 Facsimile: 783.231.2581 pfanners@nacplanning.com MEMORANDUM TO: Little Canada Planning Commission FROM: Stephen Grittman DATE: July 3, 2014 RE: Little Canada — Thomas Homes PUD Permit FILE NO: 758.09 —14.11 Background and Analysis Thomas Homes presented a proposed three -unit residential request for 66 Little Canada Road during the June planning application cycle. There were numerous issues that were raised by the application, and due to the need for more detail, staff reviewed the plan as a Concept stage PUD request. The applicants put together an alternative plan for the site that addressed staff's concern over the proposed single car garages. The updated plan shows two detached double garages in front of a twin home structure, all within the required setbacks (based on the applicant's site plan sketch). In speaking with the applicant, he indicated that they were considering how to develop more detailed site planning for the project, and then noted that they would propose to provide a "carriage house" over at least one of the garages. He defined the "carriage house" as a separate living unit that would be owned by the respective unit owner, but small in size and rented. These types of units (often called "mother-in-law units or "accessory apartments" are allowed by some communities. Although often marketed as units that permit property owners to house a relative that needs some care, it is not possible for the City to limit who may occupy the unit. Thus, there is a concem related to such units that they are rented to the general market, rather than used for a relative. This can raise issues for site parking, neighborhood density, and related concerns. Little Canada's basic zoning does not make this type of accommodation currently. Under a PUD arrangement, it Is conceivable that such a design could be considered. 24