04-12-07 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 12, 2007 safety issue. Socha felt that the redesign to provide the east and west connections may have resulted in a 10 or 11 lot development rather than the 121ots originally proposed. Soby again stated that it was his understanding that the cul-de-sac measurement starts from the east and west road connections. The City Planner indicated that he would review the Code to clarify how the cul-de- sac length is measured in this situation. He noted that the Code requires that access to adjoining properties be provided for future development potential. Therefore, in considering the concept development proposal both issues must be dealt with - cul-de-sac length and access to adjoining properties for future development. The City Planner indicated that he understanding the issues raised by the neighbors related to cul-de-sac length, but pointed out that the project is relative low in density, that being less than 2 units per acre. The Planner noted the discussion relative to the safety issues related to a cul-de-sac over 500 feet in length, and indicated that the 500 foot limit relates to the ability to ensure property utility access can be provided to the end of the cul-de- sac. It also relates to the amount of traffic that would be generated at the intersection of the cul-de-sac with the main street. Typically there would be 20 75-foot lots on a 500 foot cul-de-sac, generating approximately 200 trips per day (10 trips per unit). This proposal is fora 161ot development, thus generating approximately 160 trips per day. The Planner noted that this was one of the reasons that the initial 41-unit townhome development was a problem, because the traffic at the intersection would have greatly exceeded safety standards. Helmeke asked where the best spot for the future road connections would be. The City Planner noted that the connection to the east is in a location recommended by the City Engineer based on slope impacts and to minimize wetland impacts. Helmeke noted that without provision for the east-west road connections, this area could only develop as a series of cul-de-sacs from LaBore Road. Roycraft felt that that was the history of the City, noting the cul-de-sacs from County Road D. Roycraft statement that it may be feasible for a stub road to access property to the east, but it was not feasible to develop the properties toward the west. Helmeke asked if development via a series of cul-de-sacs was feasible, or should there be an east-west road connection. The City Planner pointed out that the property is deep, and development via a series of 500 foot cul-de- sacs would not maximize development potential. -7-