09/22/2003 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Bruggeman page 6 Traffic generation by the proposed use is within capabilities of streets serving the property. The existing problem of a low level of service at the Birch/Hodgson intersection will be improved with this development. This report includes a full discussion of this under the "preliminary plat, streets" heading. The Birch/Hodgson intersection has been a problem for some time because of delays during peak periods. As part of the project approval, Bruggeman and the developer on the north side of Birch have agreed to cooperate in the financing of improvements to the intersection, including turn lanes and traffic signals. Ware Rd. will be realigned on the south side of Birch St. as part of the proposed development project to create a four -way intersection. These two improvements to the present situation are benefits of the project. Preliminary Plat/PUD Development Plan Under the current zoning ordinance, a Planned Unit Development (PUD) can be approved either as a conditional use permit in a residential zone or as a rezone. This is a rezone. The application includes a request for a PUD in order to allow flexibility from certain requirements. The question for the City to answer is whether the project fulfills the purposes of a PUD. That is, what is gained by the proposed flexibility? As stated in the zoning ordinance: The purpose of this section of the Zoning Ordinance is to provide for the grouping of lots or buildings for development as an integrated, coordinated unit as opposed to traditional parcel by parcel, piecemeal, or sporadic approach to development. This section is intended to introduce flexibility of site design and architecture for the conservation of land and open space through clustering of lots, buildings and activities, which promote the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan or serve another public purpose. It is further intended that planned unit developments are to be characterized by central management, integrated planning and architecture, joint and common use and maintenance of parking, open space and other similar facilities, and harmonious selection and efficient distribution of uses The PUD, by allowing deviation from the strict provisions of this Ordinance related to setbacks, heights, lot area, width and depths, yards, etc., by conditional use permit or a mixture of uses by rezoning to a PUD District, is intended to encourage: A development pattern in harmony with the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. Innovations in development that address growing demands for all styles of economic expansion, greater variety in type, design, architectural standards, and siting of structures through the conservation and more efficient use of land in such developments.