11-08-07 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 8, 2007 Benning noted the house pad areas proposed for each of the lots, and again pointed out that there would already be a wider than minimum separation between the houses. Benning stated that he did not see the pros for lengthening the cul-de-sac. He noted that his price point for the new homes is $440,000 to $520,000, and suggested that, as a result, these houses would not be too large for the lots. Barraclough suggested that Benning would not turn away a buyer that wanted to conshuct a large house on the lot. Barraclough stated that he was leaning toward the City Planner's recommendation in order to space the houses further apart. Helmeke asked if the City can require the additional setback in return for granting a cul-de-sac length variance. The City Planner suggested that the City could limit the building pads to a maximum of 71 feet in length. Duray again asked about the easement to the ponding area and whether or not the City would be responsible for maintaining the pond. The City Planner indicated that the easement provides the City assess to the pond so that it can do the necessary maintenance to ensure it keeps operating. Fred Sager, Ontario Road, asked about the height of the proposed houses. Benning replied that houses would likely be 1 %z to 2 stories in height. Duray asked the estimated cost of making the cul-de-sac 40 to 50 feet longer. Benning replied that costs would increase for materials as well as plan drawings. He also pointed out that more trees would need to be cut and replaced. Knudsen felt that spacing the homes out further would outweigh the loss of additional ri•ees, and indicated that he supported the Variance for the cul-de- sac length as suggested by the City Planner. Duray noted that while this is a delicate area, he felt the development would improve existing drainage. Duray also supported the City Planner's recommendation for a longer cul- de-sac that would spread out the density of the proposed homes. The City Planner reviewed in detail his recommendations as outlined in his November 2, 2007 report. It was suggested that any approvals also be conditioned on compliance with the City Engineer's recommendations. Helmeke suggested that the developer be required to maintain a rear yard setback of 55 to 60 feet. The City Planner noted that the Code allows a 30 foot rear yard setback. Knudsen stated that he saw no reason to make an increased rear yard setback a requirement. Duray recommended approval of the Preliminary Plat for Whispering Pines consisting of eight single-family lots as well as a Variance for cul-de-sac length subject to the following conditions: -5-