11/08/2023 P & Z Combined Packet

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Natures Refuge North Concept Plan Submittal Page 1 INTRODUCTION M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul, LLC (M/I Homes) is submitting an application for a concept plan for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for land north of Natures Refuge. The proposed concept plan proposes 108 lots on an approximately 59.30-acre site. ABOUT M/I HOMES M/I Homes has been in business for over 40 years and has built over 140,000 homes in 17 markets within the United States. We entered the Twin Cities Market in 2015 by purchasing Hans Hagen Homes. Hans Hagen Homes was founded over 50 years ago and was one of the largest and oldest home builders in the Minneapolis market. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT We are requesting a PUD for this development in order to provide a variety of housing types. Our development to the south, Natures Refuge, has 80-foot-wide lots, and this proposed development will provide opportunity for those who desire smaller lots with less maintenance. The villa lots will also provide a housing option with main-level living with association-maintained yards and snow removal. The City of Lino Lakes allows for development through a PUD if it results in public benefit as outlined in the City’s PUD ordinance. We believe this proposed development provides the following public benefits: • Addressing growing demands for all styles of economic expansion, greater variety in lot size, configuration, home type, design, enhanced architectural standards, and siting of structures through the conservation and more efficient use of land in such developments. As previously mentioned, the site offers a variety of lot sizes to accommodate the different needs and desires of our customers. Additionally, the main-level villa homes that have association-maintained yards and snow removal are popular with our senior buyers who are looking for a more care-free living lifestyle. The configuration of the lots works to preserve as many wetlands as possible and avoids a gas line easement that spans the site diagonally. • Preservation and enhancement of desirable site characteristics such as wildlife habitat, unique natural resources, existing vegetation, natural topography, geologic features and reduction of negative impacts on the environment. As mentioned, the site design works to preserve as many wetlands as possible. We believe the general requirements for a PUD are met in the following ways: • Public or common open space to meet minimum requirements established in the ordinance. The site provides approximately 30 acres of open space. • If PUD includes preservation of natural habitat, those habitats shall be permanently protected through a conservation easement or other legally binding agreement. We recorded a conservation easement and WMC Buffer Declaration in Natures Refuge and are willing to record similar documents against the open space. • Homeowners Association Required. The lots will be governed by a homeowner’s association (HOA) as further explained below. SITE PLAN The proposed development has a total of 108 lots consisting of nine 80-foot-wide single-family lots; 39 65- foot-wide single-family lots; and 60 50-foot-wide villa lots. The following table compares the proposed standards to the Two Family Residential (R-2) zoning district. The site is currently zoned Rural Executive (R-X).