01/08/2003 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board January 8, 2003 Page 29 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Smyser stated it may be correct that this is an area that merits closer attention and that is a possibility. He stated that staff would fully support re-examining areas more closely but staff does not support just throwing out the adopted rules and granting approval. Chair Schaps stated he does not support throwing out adopted rules either but thinks this may be one area that needs to be readdressed. He noted this property is high ground so he thinks it could be served by a well and septic for a very long time. Mr. Smyser stated another option is clustering and open space guarantees which is allowed under the current ordinance. He stated that to approve this request would result in abandoning the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Ordinances and he could not support that. Mr. Keefe stated there is no way sewer and water can come to his property in any way except, perhaps, from the south. He noted that there are small lots to the south but then there are acres of open land. Chair Schaps stated that he understands the concerns raised by Mr. Smyser and the need for Mr. Keefe to have this considered in a timely manner. He stated that he thinks consideration can be crafted in such a way to assure the Comprehensive Plan is not abandoned. Mr. Lyden stated you need to let go of the whole idea of running sewer and water up here and comparing this to Twilight Acres is not a fair comparison. He emphasized that this is a unique property, an island intersected by a road and bordered by wetland to the east and west. He stated he thinks there is a way to make this consideration through a PDO or some other way and that may mean “burning the midnight oil” a little longer and being helpful to this applicant. He noted that this property could be split into four lots with four houses and the City is always considering PDOs for developers that gives them more homes. He stated he would support a PDO consideration with the assurance that the additional space is available for an additional septic system, if needed. Mr. Smyser stated that if a subdivision and PDO are being considered the City will need a survey and documentation on how this will function. However, what Mr. Keefe has proposed is not feasible. Mr. Smyser stated the timing of this consideration all depends on how fast Mr. Keefe gets information to staff. Chair Schaps asked if this can happen by the February meeting. Mr. Smyser stated it can happen if the information is submitted. He noted that Mr. Keefe is not a land designer so staff will have to work with whoever is working for Mr. Keefe. Mr. Smyser stated staff will need a document that can be legally recordable. Chair Schaps asked Mr. Smyser to clarify what Mr. Keefe will need to submit so it can be considered.