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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-17-13 CCMPPLANNING COMMISSION DATE: 12/09/13 AGENDA ITEM: 4A – PUBLIC HEARING CASE # 2013-29 ITEM: Boulder Ponds Planned Unit Development (PUD) – Concept Plan SUBMITTED BY: Nick Johnson, City Planner REVIEWED BY: Kyle Klatt, Community Development Director Jack Griffin, City Engineer Mike Bouthilet, Public Works Superintendent Greg Malmquist, Fire Chief Rick Chase, Building Official Matt Moore, South Washington Watershed District SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED: The Planning Commission is being asked to hold a public hearing for a request from Amaris Company LLC for a residential Planned Unit Development Concept Plan with 93 single family residential homes and a 64-unit multifamily dwelling to be located on approximately 58 acres immediately east of the Eagle Point Business Park and within the City’s I-94 Corridor Planning Area. Staff is recommending approval of the PUD Concept Plan with 11 conditions of approval as listed in the Staff Report. GENERAL INFORMATION Applicant: Amaris Company, LLC, P.O. Box 10811, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Property Owners: Louis Damiani Trust, c/o Security Bank & Trust Co., William C. Kuhlmann, 2202 11th Street East, Glencoe, MN 55336 Tim Montgomery, 6211 Upper 51st Street North, Oakdale, MN 55128 Location: Part of Section 34 in Lake Elmo, north of I-94 and Hudson Boulevard, south of Stonegate residential subdivision, and east of Eagle Point Business Park. PINs: 34.029.21.33.0001; 34.029.21.32.0001; 34.029.21.33.0002. Request: Application for Concept Plan approval of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) containing 93 single family homes and a 64-unit senior housing multi-family residential building to be named Boulder Ponds of Lake Elmo. Existing Land Use and Zoning: Agricultural land with one single family home (9120 Hudson Blvd. N.). Current Zoning: RT – Rural Transitional Zoning District; Proposed Zoning: LDR and MDR PUD Surrounding Land Use and Zoning: North: Residential Estates subdivision (Stonegate) – RE zoning and Park (Stonegate Park) – PF zoning; West: Offices (Eagle Point Town Office Park) – BP zoning; PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 4A – ACTION ITEM 2 South: Retail Trade (Lampert Lumber) – C zoning and Sales and Storage Lots (Cranky Ape) – C zoning; and East: future proposed Lennar urban low density residential subdivision (Savona) – current zoning: RT, future zoning: LDR. Comprehensive Plan: Urban Low Density Residential (2.5 – 4 units per acre), Urban Medium Density Residential (4.5 – 7 units per acre), and Commercial. History: Applicants are participating in the Section 34 Utility Project under a Statute 429 area- wide assessment. The utility project is expected to be completed in December of 2013. Deadline for Action: Application Complete – 11/7/13 60 Day Deadline – 1/6/14 Extension Letter Mailed – No 120 Day Deadline – 3/7/13 Applicable Regulations: Chapter 153 – Subdivision Regulations Article 10 – Urban Residential Districts (§154.450) Article 16 – Planned Unit Development (§154.800) REQUEST DETAILS The City of Lake Elmo has received an application from Amaris Company, LLC for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Concept Plan on approximately 58 acres of land located within the I-94 Corridor Planning Area. The Concept Plan includes 93 single family homes on the northern and central portion of the site, as well as a proposed 64-unit senior housing multi-family residential building. In addition, the Concept Plan includes vacant land along the Hudson Blvd that is planned for future Commercial land uses per the City’s Comprehensive Plan. It is the applicant’s intention to plat the Commercial areas as outlots until Commercial users are identified. The proposed PUD, to be called Boulder Ponds of Lake Elmo, would be located on property currently owned by the Louis Damiani Trust, currently managed by Security Bank & Trust Co., and Mr. Tim Montgomery. The Concept Plan has been developed in response to the City’s adopted Comprehensive Plan for the I-94 Corridor, which guide the applicant’s land as a mix of Urban Low Density Residential – LDR, Urban Medium Density Residential – MDR and Commercial. The plan incorporates 93 single family lots, most of which are designed with a width of approximately 65 feet. The majority (76) of the single family lots are located north of the future minor collector road, 5th Street, whereas 17 single family lots are located south of the minor collector. In addition, the 64-unit senior housing multi- family building is also located south of the minor collector road adjacent to the areas that are guided for future Commercial land uses. As opposed to following the City’s normal subdivision procedures, the applicants have determined that a planned development approach offers the best method to achieve their development vision for their property. The purpose of the City’s PUD ordinance is to provide flexibility in development and zoning standards for large parcels under unified control with the goal of achieving higher quality development. More specifically, the General Concept Plan phase of the PUD procedure allows the applicant to submit a general plan to the City demonstrating his or her basic intent of the development, including general density ranges, location of residential and nonresidential land uses, and location of streets, paths and open space. The purpose of approving the Concept Plan is to PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 4A – ACTION ITEM 3 provide the applicant with conceptual approval related to the requested flexibilities or variations from the City Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, or other City standards, before incurring substantial costs related to submitting a full Preliminary Plat application. In terms of procedure, the planned development path is similar to the normal subdivision process in that Preliminary and Final PUD Plan approvals must follow parallel track to Preliminary and Final Plat. However, one critical difference between the planned development process and standard subdivision process is that the PUD Concept Plan phase requires a public hearing and the approval of the City Council. Alternatively, the Sketch Plan review phase, the first step in the standard subdivision process, does not require a public hearing and City approval. The reason that the PUD Concept Plan requires a public hearing and City approval is due to the requested flexibility and variation from the City’s standard zoning and subdivision procedures. Regarding variation from the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan, the applicants have requested minor flexibility in a couple of areas, hence justifying the planned development approach. The requested variances or flexibilities will be further discussed and analyzed in the Planning and Zoning section of the Staff Report. The Boulder Ponds Concept Plan also includes a significant portion of the proposed 5th Street minor collector road as planned in the City’s Transportation Plan. Once completed, the minor collector road will serve as the primary access for the Boulder Ponds planned development. The segment of the minor collector road included in the Concept Plan is part of the 1st phase of the 5th Street collector road, from Inwood Avenue (CSAH 13) to Keats Avenue (CSAH 19). Eventually, the 5th Street minor collector road is planned to serve the entire I-94 Corridor from west to east (Inwood Ave. to Manning Ave.). As shown in the Concept Plan, the design of the minor collector road as part of the Boulder Ponds development is consistent with the City’s specifications for this roadway segment. The applicant has provided for a 120-foot wide right-of-way, which will provide sufficient room for the construction of a parkway with turning lanes, 10-foot bituminous trail, sidewalk, trees, lighting, and other design elements as planned by the City. It should also be noted that the applicants and other interested landowners in the area have recently met with City staff to discuss the possibility of petitioning the City for a 429 area-wide assessment project to complete the 5th Street minor collector road from Keats Ave. (CSAH 19) to the western boundary of the Boulder Pond project next year. Finally, to achieve the desired vision of development for their project, as well as address difficult grade issues on the site, the applicants are proposing to move the alignment of the minor collector road to the south. The applicants are currently working with the adjacent property owners to the east, US Homes Corp. (Lennar Homes) and DPS-Lake Elmo LLC (Dale Properties), to come to terms on an agreed alignment of the 5th Street minor collector road. The proposed alignment of the minor collector road will be further discussed in the Review and Analysis section of the Staff Report. In terms of utilities, the applicants are currently participating in the Section 34 Utility Project, which is extending sewer and water throughout Stage 1 of the I-94 Corridor Planning Area. With the improvements associated with the Section 34 project, the applicants will have access to both sewer and water from the south (Hudson Blvd.) and west (Eagle Point Business Park). Currently, sewer and water service are being provided by the City of Oakdale via a Joint Services Agreement. There is currently enough capacity in the Oakdale system to provide sewer and water service to the Boulder Ponds development. As the build-out of the Stage 1 Area of the I-94 Corridor progresses, the City will need to transition water services to the Lake Elmo municipal water system via the Inwood Ave Trunk Watermain Extension Project, as well as transition sewer flows to the Met Council W.O.N.E interceptor station along Hudson Blvd. The City will work with the applicants to plan for adequate utility infrastructure with the submission of the PUD Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat. Other major features of the proposed planned development include outlot areas that will provide for open space, trails, and storm water management throughout the development area. The development PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 4A – ACTION ITEM 4 also incorporates a buffer/greenway area along the northern boundary of the plat adjacent to an existing RE – Residential Estates subdivision as required in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. All outlots that are planned for park land or storm water use will be deeded to the City, while the future home owner’s association will retain ownership of the remaining outlots. Regarding next steps, the applicant is proposing to bring forward a Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat application upon approval of the Concept Plan. Per the PUD Ordinance, the final approval of the proposed planned unit development will result in a zoning change to a specific PUD zoning district, with specific requirements and standards that are specific to the development. If the application moves forward, the change in the base zoning (LDR, MDR, C) of the property would occur at the time of Preliminary Plan approval, and the final PUD zoning with approved flexibility that is specific to the development would be established at Final Plan approval. PLANNING AND ZONING ISSUES The Boulder Ponds site is guided for Urban Low Density Residential, Urban Medium Density Residential and Commercial land uses in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The Density Analysis sheet within the Boulder Ponds Concept Plan delineates the low density, medium density and commercial areas respectively within the proposed planned development. The realignment of the 5th Street minor collector road to the south allows the applicant to maximize the single family residential area to the north, creating a larger distinct single family neighborhood as opposed to having the parcels bisected in half by the collector road. Regarding the design of the planned development, the single family residential area to the north of the minor collector street is defined by one curvilinear residential through street that allows for ease of travel through the neighborhood. The remaining portions of the single family neighborhood are served by three cul-de-sacs, none exceeding 500 feet in length. Also, the applicants are proposing to include several landscaped medians and islands within the proposed City streets, the highlights of which are three medians in the middle of the single family neighborhood. In relation to the lots and blocks, the arrangement follow a curvilinear pattern, which allows the vast majority of the lots to back up to common open space of some form. The northern portion of the single family area north of the minor collector street also contains the 100’ greenbelt buffer between the new growth areas and the Stonegate residential estates subdivision as guided by the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The greenbelt buffer contains a trail that connects to the trail provided by the Lennar urban low density subdivision to the east and connects with the trail within the 5th Street corridor to the west. This area is also the location of a power line easement owned by Xcel Energy. On the southern half of the minor collector road, a local street connects the medium density residential commercial areas from 5th Street to Hudson Boulevard. South of the collector road, the plan include one small area of 17 single family lots, as well as a 64-unit multi-family building intended for senior housing. Regarding the commercial areas (approximately 9 acres) to the south of the medium density residential area, it is the applicant’s intention to plat these areas as outlots until prospective users are identified. For pedestrian circulation and recreation, sidewalks and trails are planned throughout the Boulder Ponds planned development. Consistent with City Design Standards, the applicants have included sidewalks to be installed on at least one side of all streets. Also, the greenbelt buffer trail included on the northern portion of the site is consistent with the guidance of the Comprehensive Plan. In addition to the internal trails and sidewalks that are proposed by the developer, the 5th Street Corridor include a 10-foot bituminous trail on the north side of the road and a six-foot sidewalk on the south PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 4A – ACTION ITEM 5 side. The internal trails and sidewalks provide good circulation to the 5th Street trail, which is intended to provide a regional transportation and recreation purpose. Regarding the single family lots within the Boulder Ponds Concept Plan, the vast majority of the lots meet the minimum size requirements for the City’s Urban Low Density Residential – LDR zoning district. The minimum lot size per the City’s LDR zoning district is 8,000 square feet, and the minimum lot width at building setback line is 60’. Of the 93 single family lots, all but five lots (Lot 59, 69, 72, 73 and 75) meet or exceed the minimum lot size of 8,000 square feet as required under LDR zoning. Overall, the average single family lot size in the planned development is approximately 10,495 square feet. In addition, the vast majority of the single family lots meet or exceed the minimum 60’ lot width. The applicants have noted that allowing for minor flexibility in lot area and width is one of the key reasons for proceeding with a planned development. Also pertaining to the single family residential lots, the applicants are requesting that the City consider reduced side yard and front yard setbacks to accommodate the unique design of the single family residential portion of the planned development. Reduced setbacks allow for greater clustering, which promotes high levels of open space. According to §154.802.E-F, planned developments may allow for reduced setbacks and reductions in area and width of individual lots. It is Staff’s understanding that the applicants are seeking to allow 5’ side yard setbacks on both sides of the principal structure. In addition, the applicants may be seeking reduced front yard setbacks. Any reductions in front yard setback must be approved with the understanding that adequate separation is provided between parking areas (driveways) and sidewalks, so that any potential obstacles, such as parked vehicles or trailers, do not encroach on residential sidewalks. Overall, reductions in all residential lot sizes and setbacks must be clearly identified, reviewed and approved at time of PUD Preliminary Plan phase. Also related to single family lots, the applicants have included five residential lots that are partially or almost entirely on a small triangular piece of property owned by Dale Properties. The applicants are proposing to acquire this land from Dale Properties in order to facilitate the platting of these five additional lots and realign the minor collector road to the south. Dale Properties has submitted a letter (Attachment #5) indicating that general agreement has been reached on the land acquisition. For the purposes of the Concept Plan, the applicants have “ghost platted” the five lots, Lots 14-18 on the PUD Lot Areas sheet, with the intention of acquiring the land prior to Preliminary Plat submission. If these lots are to be included in the PUD Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat, the applicants must submit evidence demonstrating control or consent of this area being included in the plat. If this is not possible, plans must be revised accordingly. Regarding the proposed multi-family residential building, the applicant has noted that it is likely intended for a senior living facility. Given that the application is currently at Concept Plan phase, it is not required that significant detail be provided. However, it should be noted that within the Urban Medium Density Residential – MDR zoning district, multi-family dwellings are considered a conditional use. At the time of Final Plat and PUD Final Plan approval for the phase that includes the 64-unit multi-family dwelling, the applicant will be required to apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Further review of the multi-family dwelling should occur at the time of review for the required CUP. On the topic of housing density, the applicants have submitted a density analysis worksheet to present the gross densities associated with the low density and medium density areas. Due to the fact that the minor collector road has been moved to the south, the proposed Boulder Ponds planned development would include more single family residential development than is currently planned for in the Comprehensive Plan. However, it is important to note that per the Comp Plan, the 5th Street PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 4A – ACTION ITEM 6 minor collector road serves as the boundary between low density and medium density areas in the Stage 1 Area (Inwood Ave. to Keats Ave.) of the I-94 Corridor. The gross density of the single family area to the north of the collector road, which is approximately 28.5 acres, is calculated to be 2.66 units per acre. The medium density area, which is approximately 10.1 acres, contains 81 residential units (17 single family, 64 multi-family), resulting in a gross density of 7.98 units per acre. It should be noted that this density figure is slightly higher than what is guided by the Comprehensive Plan. However, given that the proposed development is a PUD, and that the amount of land guided for medium density residential development on these parcels by the Comprehensive Plan is much greater, Staff has determined that the proposed Concept Plan meets the spirit and intent of the Comprehensive Plan. To explain Staff’s reasoning for this determination in another way, the proposed Concept Plan decreases the amount of total land guided for medium density development by over 20 acres by moving the collector road south. The slight increase in density above the allowed range per the Comp Plan is balanced by the significant reduction in the amount of land guided medium density. To put it in simple terms, by using the low end of gross density ranges in the Comp Plan, these parcels were guided to have 195 total residential units (not accounting for road right-of- way), whereas the proposed PUD Concept Plan includes 157 total units. Overall, the proposed PUD Concept Plan is consistent with the intent of the land use and density requirements as guided by the City’s Comprehensive Plan. In terms of parkland dedication requirements, the Subdivision Ordinance requires that 10% of the land in urban residential districts to be dedicated for park purposes. Alternatively, fees may be submitted to the City in lieu of land dedication at a rate equal to the market value of the land. It is at the discretion of the City Council how parkland/fees are accepted to meet this requirement. The Boulder Ponds site is approximately 58 acres in size. Therefore, under the approach of a pure land dedication, the applicants would be required to dedicate approximately 5.8 acres of land for parkland purposes. In the application narrative, the applicants note that within the proposed Plan Concept Plan, 11.8 acres are devoted as park space. However, it must be noted that to be accepted as parkland for dedication purposes, the land must be able to serve an active recreation purpose. In addition, if linear land dedications are accepted, a trail that provides effective connectivity in the community must be provided and constructed. Also, it should be noted that the City cannot accept land that is subject to private easement for public parkland dedication. This consideration relates to the location of the Xcel Energy power line easement in the greenbelt buffer area in the northern portion of the site. It is the recommendation of Staff that further discussions be had with the applicants regarding which areas are eligible for parkland dedication. Greater clarity regarding parkland dedication requirements and eligibility should be reached in advance of Preliminary Plat. Regarding available or future park facilities, the applicants are proposing to continue the greenbelt/buffer trail along the northern portion of the property. This trail provides connections to the 5th Street regional trail and Stonegate Park from the east. Given it proximity, it makes logical sense that Stonegate Park, in addition to other City parks, will serve the future residents of the Boulder Ponds planned development. It is recommended by Staff that the City works with the applicants and property owners to the west of Stonegate Park, Azure Properties, to investigate possible expansions or improvements to Stonegate Park. In addition Staff will work with the Park Commission to evaluate if any additional facilities or programs should be offered at Stonegate Park. Evaluating the facilities and programing of Stonegate Park should inform future planning or expansion efforts. REVIEW AND ANALYSIS PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 4A – ACTION ITEM 7 City Staff has reviewed the proposed Boulder Ponds PUD Concept Plan, which has gone through multiple iterations in advance of the formal application being accepted as complete by the City. During the course of these reviews, several of the issues and concerns that were previously raised by Staff have been addressed by the applicant with updated submission documents. However, it is important to note that there are other elements of the plan that still require additional attention in advance of a PUD Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat submittal. In general, the proposed plan will meet all applicable City requirements for PUD Concept Plan approval, and any deficiencies or additional work that is needed is noted for the purpose of inclusion in the review record. In addition there are several things happening in and around the Boulder Ponds planned development that will have an impact on the project, including the possible petition for a 429 area-wide assessment project to construct the 5th Street minor collector road, as well as the final alignment of said road. Given that some of these efforts are still underway, Staff recognizes that some minor modifications may be necessary from PUD Concept Plan phase to PUD Preliminary Plan phase. The City has received a detailed list of comments from the City Engineer, in addition to general comments by the South Washington Watershed District, all of which are attached for consideration by the Commission. In addition to the general comments that have been provided in the preceding sections of this report, Staff would like the Planning Commission to consider the issues and comments related to the following discussion areas as well: • Comprehensive Plan. The proposed subdivision is consistent with the Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan for this area and with the densities that were approved as part of this plan. The gross densities for the development generally are consistent with the ranges allowed for the urban low density and urban medium density land use categories. Other aspects of the Comprehensive Plan relate to the Boulder Ponds PUD Concept Plan as follows: o Transportation. The City’s transportation plan calls for the construction of a minor collector road that will connect the eastern and western portions of the I-94 Corridor. Staff views this road as a critical piece of the transportation infrastructure that is needed to serve the densities that have been planned for this area. The applicant has incorporated the right-of-way at the width necessary to construct the minor collector as part of its PUD Concept Plan. o Parks. The greenbelt trail provided on the northern portion of the site is consistent with the City’s Land Use Plan in the Comprehensive Plan. In addition, the City’s Park Plan in the Comprehensive Plan does not identify this area as a future location of a neighborhood park due to its proximity to Stonegate Park. o Water. Water will eventually be provided to this area via a future extension of the municipal system along Inwood Avenue. The Boulder Ponds planned development will be able to be served under the City’s current agreement with the City of Oakdale until the Inwood watermain extension is completed. o Sanitary Sewer. The Boulder Ponds planned development will be required to connect to the sewer main being constructed as part of the Section 34 area wide assessment project. In this case, all of the property owners that are planned to be served by sanitary sewer have petitioned the City to construct the required sewer and water mains to serve the area. PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 4A – ACTION ITEM 8 o Phasing. The Boulder Ponds planned development is located within the Stage 1 phasing area for the I-94 Corridor and therefore the proposed development is consistent with the City’s anticipated phasing of growth. • Zoning. The proposed base zoning for the Boulder Ponds site will be split between the Urban Low Density Residential – LDR, the Urban Medium Density Residential – MDR, and Commercial – C zoning districts. However, approval of PUD Final Plan will result in a zoning change to a specific PUD Zoning District, recording all of the permitted variations, such as minimum lot size and setbacks, from the Zoning requirements of the base zoning district. • Subdivision Requirements. The City’s Subdivision Ordinance includes a fairly lengthy list of standards that must be met by all new subdivisions, and include requirements for blocks, lots, easements, erosion and sediment control, drainage systems, monuments, sanitary sewer and water facilities, streets, and other aspects of the plans. The City will work with the applicant to ensure that all standards specified in the Subdivision Ordinance are met, or that the appropriate variation is requested through the PUD Preliminary Plan. • Concept Phasing. The applicants have also submitted a Concept Phasing Plan, indicating how they intend to proceed with construction and build-out of the proposed planned development. As proposed by the applicants, the Phasing Plan indicates that Phase I includes construction of the access road to Hudson Blvd. and the southern portion of the northern single family residential area. Phase II includes construction of the medium density residential area. Finally, Phase III includes the construction of the remaining single family area in the northern portion of the site, as well the 5th Street minor collector road. Staff is recommending that the Phasing Plan be revised so that all public infrastructure is constructed adjacent to any areas being platted. More specifically, the minor collector road should be constructed adjacent to any areas of residential homes that are being platted. It is critical that the city ensures that all public improvements needed to serve development in the I-94 Corridor are installed as growth occurs. • Infrastructure. The developer will be required to construct all streets, sewer, water, storm water ponds, and other infrastructure necessary to serve the development. Storm water facilities should be platted as outlots and deeded to the city for maintenance purposes. Adequate access to storm water facilities must be provided. • Tree Preservation and Protection. Based upon the existing tree cover of the site, it is possible that the applicant may not be required to complete a Tree Preservation Plan. If the applicant can demonstrate that significant trees on the site will not be negatively impacted by development activity, they would be allowed to submit a Woodland Evaluation Report in lieu of a Tree Preservation Plan. • Green Belt/Buffer. The Comprehensive Plan identifies an area north of the Boulder Ponds planned development and south of the Stonegate subdivision as a green belt/buffer space with a minimum width of 100 feet. In the case of the subject property, this area is also the location for a significant power line easement held by Xcel Energy. As proposed in the PUD Concept Plan, the applicant is utilizing this space for the continuation of trail corridor from the east. Design of the greenbelt trail is consistent with City planning efforts to date. Staff believes that that green belt/buffer requirements of the Comprehensive Plan have been met by the applicant. PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 4A – ACTION ITEM 9 • Streets and Transportation. The proposed street system has been designed to comply with all applicable subdivision requirements and City engineering standards, with the exception of the requested variance as noted in the City Engineer’s report. Staff does have some concerns related to the landscape medians and island in term of acceptable turning radii, emergency vehicle access, snow removal, general maintenance, and safe turning movements. More specifically, the central intersection of the northern single family area contains three large medians/island that present difficult turning movements and safety concerns related to limited turning radii, potential limited visibility due to plantings, and, in multiple instances, direct driveway access that intersects with this unique central intersection. The applicant will be directed to provide significant geometric detail of these areas and work with staff to ensure that all islands and medians allows for safe travel movements and efficient maintenance. Finally, further clarification must be provided regarding proposed plantings in these medians/islands, as well as the responsible party for the maintenance of these plantings. • 5th Street Alignment and Design. Staff has the following comments regarding the proposed alignment of the 5th Street minor collector road and design: o The applicants have proposed to relocate the alignment of the 5th Street minor collector road to the south in order to maximize the potential for a single family neighborhood to the north, as well as mitigate difficult grade issues that exist on the site. From meeting with the applicants on multiple occasions regarding the proposed alignment of the minor collector road, staff has found the existing grade challenges to be accurate, and the alignment proposed in the Concept Plan to work in the context of meeting Municipal State Aid (MSA) road design requirements. To make the proposed alignment feasible, the applicants are working with the property owners to the east, Lennar and Dale Properties, to negotiate realigning the road to the south. All indications that the City has received indicate that general agreement has been reached, and the realignment will move forward. Evidence of these negotiations is documented in Attachment #5, a letter from Mr. Alan Dale of Dale Properties. o In addition to the eastern alignment, the applicants have also been working with Bremer Bank regarding the alignment of the minor collector road in the northwestern portion of the site. As proposed, the 5th Street right-of-way would encroach on the Bremer Bank property, and the road would encroach ever so slightly on the very northeast corner of the Bremer property. It is the City’s understanding that discussion regarding the alignment of the collector in the northwest corner are moving forward in a positive direction. As a condition of seeking PUD Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat approval, Staff is recommending that both alignment areas, the northwestern and eastern alignments, are resolved or agreed upon by all interested parties in advance of future application submittals. o Regarding the proposed alignment of the collector road, as well as the alignment of the local access road connecting Hudson Blvd., the properties to the south and east (Cranky Ape and Lampert Lumber) of the subject property do not currently have access provided. It is Staff’s recommendation that right-of-way be platted to these adjacent parcels in a location that is acceptable to the City Engineer. o Finally, as part of the PUD Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat application submission, Staff is requesting that the plans for 5th Street include all design elements as requested by the City, including the street trees, landscaping, lighting, median plantings, and other elements as proposed by the Damon Farber design work. PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 4A – ACTION ITEM 10 • Sidewalks and Trails. As noted in the City Engineer’s report, there are several instances where sidewalks and trails are located within either private outlots or on individual residential single family lots. The Subdivision Ordinance requires that all front property lines include 10’ drainage and utility easements. The placement of sidewalks within these easements would impact the City’s ability to use these easements for utility or maintenance purposes. In addition, having the sidewalks located on private property hinders the City’s ability to maintain these public improvements. Also, it is important to maintain appropriate clear zones for all sidewalks and trails. Staff is recommending that all sidewalks and trails be located in City right-of-way. • City Engineer Review. The City Engineer has provided the Planning Department with a detailed comment letter dated November 20, 2013 as a summary of his PUD Concept Plan review. Staff has incorporated the more significant issues identified by the Engineer as part of the recommended conditions of approval, and has also included a general condition that all issues identified by the City Engineer must be addressed by the applicant prior to approval of a the PUD Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat. The Engineer does note that the proposed Concept Plan complies with the City’s standards, with one exception related to base material of City streets. • Watershed Districts. The project area lies within the South Washington Watershed District. Comments have been provided (Attachment #4) by the SWWD Engineer, Matt Moore. • Environmental Review. Based upon the proposed scope of the Concept Plan, the City does not believe that the planned development will individually trigger further environmental review. Based on the above Staff Report and analysis, Staff is recommending approval of the Boulder Ponds PUD Concept Plan with multiple conditions intended to address future considerations related to the submission of a PUD Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat application. The recommended conditions are as follows: Recommended Conditions of Approval: 1) The applicant must obtain permission and consent from the adjoining property owner, Bremer Bank, related to the right-of-way and alignment of the 5th Street minor collector road in the northwest corner of the site. The final alignment must be determined prior to the submittal of PUD Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat applications. 2) The applicant must resolve the alignment of the 5th Street minor collector road in the southeast portion of the site with adjoining property owners, specifically Lennar and Dale Properties. The final alignment must be determined prior to the submittal of PUD Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat applications. 3) Access must be provided to the adjacent parcels owned by Star River Holdings LLC (Cranky Ape) and Lampert Yards Inc (Lampert Lumber) via either the 5th Street minor collector road or the access road to Hudson Boulevard. The access location must meet the approval of the City Engineer. 4) The applicant must acquire additional land in the eastern portion of the site to plat single family residential Lots 14-18 as part of the Preliminary Plat application, or revise their plan accordingly. PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 4A – ACTION ITEM 11 5) Request for flexibilities related to lot size, width, setbacks and all other requirements per the City’s Zoning Ordinance or Design Standards must be clarified and documented as part of the PUD Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat submission. 6) The applicant must revise the Phasing Plan to accommodate the construction of all public infrastructure adjacent to any proposed areas to be platted within said phase per the City Engineer’s report dated November 20, 2013. 7) All street and median geometrics must accommodate emergency vehicle access and maintenance. Applicants must demonstrate acceptable turning radii for all uniquely shaped landscape medians and cul-de-sacs. 8) All sidewalks must be located in dedicated public right-of-way. All trails must be located within dedicated right-of-way, City parkland, or a 30-foot wide dedicated easement at a minimum. 9) The developer shall follow all of the rules and regulations spelled out in the Wetland Conservation Act, and shall acquire the needed permits from the appropriate watershed district prior to the commencement of any grading or development activity on the site. 10) Any land under which public trails are located will be accepted as park land provided the developer constructs said trails as part of the public improvements for the subdivision, and the land is located outside of any restrictive easements. 11) The applicant shall observe all comments and recommendations from the City Engineer documented on the Engineer’s report dated November 20, 2013. DRAFT FINDINGS Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission consider the following findings with regards to the proposed Boulder Ponds Concept Plan: 1) That the Boulder Ponds PUD Concept Plan is consistent with the Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan and the Future Land Use Map for this area. 2) That the Boulder Ponds PUD Concept Plan complies with the general intent of the City’s Urban Low Density Residential and Urban Medium Density Residential zoning districts. 3) That the Boulder Ponds PUD Concept Plan complies with the City’s Subdivision Ordinance. 4) That the Boulder Ponds PUD complies with the City’s PUD Ordinance. 5) That the Boulder Ponds PUD Concept Plan is consistent with the City’s engineering standards with one exception as noted by the City Engineer in his review comments to the City dated November 20, 2013. RECCOMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the Boulder Ponds PUD Concept Plan with the 11 conditions of approval as listed in the Staff Report. Suggested motion: “Move to recommend approval of the Boulder Ponds PUD Concept Plan with the findings of fact and conditions of approval as drafted in the Staff Report.” PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 4A – ACTION ITEM 12 ATTACHMENTS: 1. Boulder Ponds PUD Concept Plan & Attached Materials 2. Location Map 3. City Engineer’ Report 4. South Washington Watershed District Review Letter 5. 5th Street Alignment Letter, Dale Properties ORDER OF BUSINESS: - Introduction ........................................................................................ Planning Staff - Report by Staff ................................................................................... Planning Staff - Questions from the Commission ............................ Chair & Commission Members - Open the Public Hearing .................................................................................. Chair - Close the Public Hearing .................................................................................. Chair - Discussion by the Commission .............................. Chair & Commission Members - Action by the Commission ..................................... Chair & Commission Members PUBLIC HEARING ITEM 4A – ACTION ITEM PUD Planned Unit Development Stage 1 General Information a 1/3rd Owner Tim Montgomery 6211 Upper 51st St N Oakdale, MN 55128 Cell (612) 701-5616 ccnmont@yahoo.com 2/3rd Owner Louis Camani Trust c/o Security Bank & Trust Co Willam C Kuhlmann Cell (952) 239-2297 bill@securitybanks-trust.com 2202 11th Street East Glencoe, MN 55336 b The applicant's name and address if different from the landowner Amaris Company, LLC P O Box 10811 White Bear Lake, MN 55110 2593 Lake ave White Bear Township, MN 55110 Raymond Pruban rpruban@amariscompany.com Office 651-426-0584 Office Fax 651-426-0585 Cell 651-248-3631 c Rick Harrison Site Planner Rick Harrison Site Design Office 763-595-0055 rharrison@performanceplanningsystem.com Dean Robbins Civil Engineer Evolution Engineering Cell 651-303-7208 sonnyrobbins101@yahoo.com The names and addresses of all professional consultants who have contributed to the development of the PUD plan being submitted, including but not limited to attorney, land planner, engineering and surveyor The landowner's name and address and his/her interest in the subject property. PUD Development Submission Requirements Paul Brandt Soils Scientist & Wetlands Specialist Soils Company (651) 260-3783 pjbrandt1@yahoo.com Jason Rud land Surveyor E.G. Rud and Sons Land Surveying Work (651) 361-8200 jrud@egrud.com Mitchel Cookas/John Hink Hydrology & Storm Water Anatysis/Engineering Solution Blue INc Office (651)294-0038 jhink@solutionblue.com mcookas@solutionblue.com Charlie Devine Real Estate Professional Advisor Remax Specialsits Cell 612-220-0140 devinec@icloud.com 2 Present Status a The address and legal description of the property. b 1) The existing zoning classification of the subject property is low density residential, medium density residential and commerical. 2) The existing zoning classificaiton of the property to the northern boundary is "Residential Estate". 3) The existing zoning classification of the property to the western boundary is 'Business Park". 4) The existing zoning classification of the property to the southern boundary is "N/A" (Hudson Road with Intersate Hwy 94). 5) The existing zoning classification of the property to the east boundary is low density, medium and commerical. The existing zoning classification and present use of the subject property and all lands within 350' of the subject property. c d i Contours (min 5' intervals) ii Location, type and extent of tree cover. iii Slope analysis iv e f g h See PUD Plan See Sketches A written statement generally describing the proposed PUD and showing its relationship to the City Comprehensive Plan. Statement of the estimated total number of dwelling units proposed for the PUD and a tabulation of the proposed approximate allocations of land use expressed in acres and as a percent of the total project area, which shall include at least the following: Proposed design features related to proposed streets, showing right-of-way widths, typical cross-sections, and areas other than streets including but not limited to pedestrian ways, utility easements and storm water facilities. Schematic drawing of the proposed development concept, including but not limited to the general location of major circulation elements, public and common open space, residential and other land uses. The Cities Comprehensive plan shows a mixture of Low density residential, medium density residential and commercial. The initial comp plan shows a majority of the property as being medium density housing demarcated by the 5th Street collector road. Due to the grades of the site, the pipleine and the requirements of the MSA collector road (5t Street), it became obvious from an engineering standpoint that 5th Street needed to be moved to the south and west edges of the property. The PUD Plan then integrates the low density single family lots (65' wide) into one neighborhood north and east of 5th Street. The medium density area south of 5th Street then integrates the (65' wide) lots with a senior housing development. The PUD Plan is one that meets the intent of the ordiance for overall density, yet offers an upscale feeling . Discuss See Survey Site conditions: Where deemed necessary by the City, graphic reproductions of the existing site conditions at a scale of (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet shall be submitted and contain the following: A map depicting the existing development of the subject property and all land within 350' of the subject property and showing the location of existing streets, property lines, easements, water mains, and storm and sanitary sewers, with invert elevations on and within 100' of the subject property. See Survey See Survey The site is primarily cleared. There are some trees on property lines that have not yet been located by the survyor. In our understanding of steeps slopes, there are no steep slopes on the site that would require a slope analysis. Location and extent of water bodies, wetlands, streams and flood plains within 300' of the subject property. Discuss See Survey i Area devoted to residential use by building type. Lot Type SQ FT Acres % 65' Single Family (N of 5th)1,241,454 28.500 48.90% 65' Single Family (S of 5th)311,048 7.141 12.25% Senior Housing 130,960 3.006 5.16% Commercial Propety 390,141 8.956 15.37% ii Area devoted to common open space. Description SQ FT Acres Park Space 514,367 11.808 20.26% Ponds Outside Commercial 66,993 1.538 2.64% Wetlands 16,912 0.388 0.67% 5th Street ROW 178,873 4.106 7.05% Internal ROW 187,844 4.312 7.40% ROW South of Collector 124,453 2.857 4.90% iii Area devoted to public open space and public amenities. Description SQ FT Acres Regional Ope/Park Space 402,737 9.246 15.86% 6' Wide Trails 22,292 0.512 Counted In Parks 5' Wide Meandering Walks 26,729 0.614 Counted In Parks iv Lot Type Driveway Units Per Unit Single Family Driveways 57,603 93 619.39 Senior Parking 26,329 64 411.39 Each dwelling unit offers a minimum of two car garges (and some three) and a minimum of two cars to park outside in the driveways. The residential streets are all 28' curb to curb allowing for on street parking along the interior local roads. The commercial parking will provided as part of the site plan submited when purchased and built by a commercial developer. At tis time, the PUD Plan does not antcipate any variances with regards to commercial parking requirements. Approximate area devoted to, and number of, off-street parking and loading spaces and related access. v Approximate area, and floor area, devoted to commercial uses. vi None i j k The commerical area is being platted as outlots at this time. The total of the outlots is 8.988 acres. When the outlots are eventually sold the commercial developer will provide a site plan at that time for consideration and appoval. ??The City may require the submission of any additional information or documentation which it may find necessary or appropriate to full consideration of the proposed PUD. The City may excuse an applicant from submitting any specific item of information or document required in this stage which it finds to be unnecessary to the consideration of the specific proposal. ?? When the PUD is to be constructed in stages during a period of time extending beyond a single construction season, a preliminary schedule for the development of such stages or units shall be submitted stating the approximate beginning and completion date for each such stage and overall chronology of development to be followed from stage to stage. Approximate area, and floor area, devoted to industrial or office use. See Phasing Plan Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping,Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Data Scource: Washington County, MN12-4-2013 Location Map: Boulder Ponds PUD K STONEGATEPARK STONEGATE EAGLE POINT BUSINESS PARK BREMERBANK EAGLE POINT BLVD. H U D S O N B L V D . 0 500 1,000250 Feet 1"=500' Boulder Ponds Site   PAGE 1 of 4  MEMORANDUM         Date: November 20, 2013      To: Kyle Klatt, Planning Director Re: Bolder Ponds  Cc: Nick Johnson, City Planner  Concept Plat Review         From: Jack Griffin, P.E., City Engineer        We have reviewed the above referenced Concept Plan submittal that we received on November 18, 2013  consisting of the following documentation prepared by Evolution Engineering:     Concept PUD Plans dated November 7, 2013.   5th Street Alignment Bremer Parking Impacts dated November 7, 2013.      STATUS/FINDINGS:  No specific approvals are intended from this review. The comments below have been  provided for the purpose to facilitate direction and guidance for both City staff and the applicant; as well as  highlight potential issues and concerns as the applicant prepares for preliminary plat submittal.       VARIANCE REQUEST:   The applicant is requesting a variance from the city street pavement section to ONLY require a 12‐inch  select granular subbase in areas with unsuitable in‐situ materials. It is strongly recommended that all new  city streets be constructed in strict accordance with the minimum engineering design standards manual to  ensure that the city streets provide the intended useful service life of the asset. The purpose of the  standard section requirements is to keep the asset from premature failure and avoid the cost burden that  would fall upon the general tax payer of Lake Elmo.   Side yard setback of 5 feet. Any allowance to deviate from the side yard setback should be conditioned  upon proof of an acceptable drainage plan, with drainage NOT passing along that side of the structure.   Front yard setback of 20 feet. Any allowance to deviate from the front yard setback should be conditioned  upon ensuring a minimum distance of 25 feet between the garage door and any sidewalk or trail along the  street to keep vehicles parked in the driveway from obstructing the pedestrian throughway.     STREET SECTIONS:   The applicant is proposing a roadway configuration that is generally acceptable and in accordance with  city standard requirements.    Primary and secondary access appears adequate for the site. The proposed access along Hudson  Boulevard will require further review to determine access spacing and sight lines.   Detailed grades and sight lines will require further review to ensure the intersection design and  configuration of 5th Street North and the new “STREET A” meet acceptable MSA standards.   Typical sections for each road will be reviewed in further detail as part of the preliminary plat. Issues for  staff to consider in greater detail include:   Sidewalk and trail placement and requirements. Sidewalks and trails must remain within the R/W.  FOCUS ENGINEERING, inc.  Cara Geheren, P.E.  651.300.4261 Jack Griffin, P.E.               651.300.4264  Ryan Stempski, P.E. 651.300.4267  Chad Isakson, P.E. 651.300.4285    PAGE 2 of 4   Street geometrics varying from the city standard will require significant geometric detail from the  applicant, as part of the preliminary plat, to verify acceptable use for maintenance and emergency  services. This includes intersection and cul‐de‐sac details.    CONCEPT PHASING:   The concept phasing must be revised to accommodate the construction of all public infrastructures  adjacent to any proposed areas to be platted within said phase. For example, the northeast segment of 5th  Street connecting to the Lennar development must be constructed together with the lots platted adjacent  and to the north of this street. The segment of 5th Street along the southeast side of the Bremer bank  property should also be constructed at the same time that the lots adjacent to the segment are platted  (also Phase 1 according to this plan).    5TH STREET ALIGNMENT: 5th Street seeks to become the backbone of future development along the I94  corridor, essentially becoming the primary access in and out of the future neighborhoods. The street is  required for the sole purpose to support the growth and development within the corridor. The quality of the  street and its connections are critically important. The purpose of the proposed street standards are to 1)  improve the function and appearance of the street, 2) encourage pedestrian and bicycle use, and 3) reduce the  potential for speeding.   The plan indicates a minimum 120 foot R/W as required.   The proposed  2‐lane collector parkway street (5th Street) design and geometrics must meet all Municipal  State Aid design standards for urban streets (8820.9936) for ADT > 10,000; 40 mph design speed; and  must be consistent with the detailed parkway cross section installed throughout the remaining corridor  segments.    The proposed alignment appears to be consistent with this design intent. However, the proposed plan  indicates impacts to adjacent properties. Permission to impose these impacts will be required as needed.   Access spacing to 5th Street is allowed at 1/8 mile intervals for non‐continuous local streets, at ¼ mile  intervals for continuous local streets and collector streets, and at ½ mile intervals for streets with higher  classification.   Additional streetscape amenities are required along 5th Street consistent with the remaining corridor  segments and the preliminary design that was provided to the city by Damon Farber. 5th Street Amenities   include:   North side off‐road bituminous trail, minimum 10 foot width with 5 foot clear zone.   South side concrete sidewalk, minimum 6 foot width with 2 foot clear zone.   Landscaping elements including: Center landscape median [combination perennial/shrub beds + sod  + median trees]. Center median lined with 2 ft. wide concrete ribbon curb. Boulevard trees  [boulevard trees, deciduous trees at 2.5" caliper in. minimum + ornamental trees at 1.5" caliper in.  minimum. Tree spacing at 75 feet on both sides. Special concrete in median [pavers or color concrete  at end caps of median]. Landscape Berms, 3 to 5 feet in height, between residential property and  street R/W.  Site Irrigation.   Theming Elements including: Street Lights ‐25 ft. poles at 250 ft. spacing [Xcel Energy ‐ 'Evans' Lamp].  Ornamental Street Lights – 15 ft. poles at intersections [Xcel Energy ‐ 'Acorn' Lamp]. Banner Poles at  primary gateway intersections.  White post & rail fencing along important arterial streets.    RESIDENTIAL STREETS   The plan indicates all residential streets being constructed to a 28 foot width from back of curb to back of  curb. Surmountable concrete curb and gutter shall be installed in single family residential areas and B618  curb in commercial and multi‐family areas.    The plan indicates a minimum 60 foot R/W as required.   Ten (10) utility easements are required on either side of the right‐of‐way.   Five (5) foot sidewalks must be provided along all continuous residential streets and along other streets as  may be required for connectivity.     PAGE 3 of 4   All street intersections must be at 90 degrees and maintain 100 feet of tangent with maximum slopes of  2% for first 100 feet.   Residential maximum longitudinal grade is 8% with no sidewalks, 6% where there are sidewalks.   The plan indicates minimum diameter cul‐de‐sac’s at 90 feet with minimum 120 foot right‐of‐ways.    Landscape median geometrics must accommodate maintenance and emergency vehicle access.  Applicants must demonstrate acceptable turning radii for all unique shaped center landscape medians at  cul‐de‐sacs.      MUNICIPAL WATER AND SANITARY SEWER SERVICE   The applicant is responsible to extend the municipal water and sanitary sewer service into the  development site at developers cost. The city’s practice has been to reimburse the developer for oversize  costs for pipe sizes over 8‐inch diameter. Both municipal water supply and sanitary sewer service will be  available along Hudson Blvd.   The subject property is a participant in the SECTION 34 Water and Sewer Utility Improvement project.  Water and sewer are being extended to the property through a city led project with the costs to be  assessed against the property. Water and sewer service will be available to the site in December 2013.   A connecting trunk watermain is identified in the city comp plan along the northern part of the property,  extending from the Lennar development to the east, across the subject property and connecting to the  Eagle Point Business Park or Azur property. Details may be determined as part of the preliminary plat  submittal.   WATERMAIN DETAILS FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT   Watermain distribution lines will need to be looped wherever reasonably possible. Maximum  length of for a watermain dead end is 600 feet.   Hydrant and valve placement will be made per city standards and as laid out by city staff.    Curb stops to be placed to edge of right‐of‐way.   Location of watermain in street [North or West side].   SANITARY SEWER DETAILS FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT    Manhole and appurtenances shall be installed per city standards.   Location of sewer main in street [Centerline].    STORMWATER MANAGEMENT   The proposed development resides within the South Washington Watershed District (SWWD). City staff  recommends early planning/coordination meetings with the watershed district to clearly understand  development requirements, including rate and volume control.   The design of the storm water management systems must be compliant with the requirements of the  applicable watershed district and the City of Lake Elmo. The City of Lake Elmo maintains engineering  design standards intended to ensure an efficient and cost effective stormwater management system for  both operation and maintenance purposes.   The storm water facilities must be platted as Outlots and deeded to the city for maintenance purposes.   Maintenance access roads must be provided for the storm water facilities including easements.   Location of storm sewer main in street [South or East side].     EXISTING CONDITIONS DATA:   Existing conditions of the proposed site was not fully provided as part of the submittal. Some information  is apparent from the aerial drawings and contour mapping, however, the applicant should be required to  identify all exiting utilities, utility owners, pipe material and sizes, pipe invert data, easements and right‐ of‐ways clearly identified, and identifying the normal and high water levels for existing low areas including  wetland and floodplain boundaries.   The plans do not show the existence of a Lot within the proposed plat boundaries [PID 3402921330002].  Removal and remediation of this site will need to be addressed as a condition of preliminary plat.      PAGE 4 of 4  GENERAL PLAN AND SPECIFICATION PREPARATION COMMENTS:  • When preparing preliminary plat, final plat and construction plans, the applicant should reference the  engineering design standards manual and strictly follow the plan preparation and design requirements.  Plan sheets, plan scales, line types and legends, sections, details, profiles, existing conditions and  proposed improvements shall all be prepared consistent with these requirements. Line types cannot be  repeated.  • Plan details shall be inserted on the details page as provided by the city with no edits, unless specifically  allowed by the city engineer.  • Plan notes shall be placed on the appropriate plan sheet as provided by the city with no edits, unless  specifically allowed by the city engineer.  • City standard specifications shall be inserted within the specification manual unedited. Specification edits  shall be called out on separate specification sections as special provisions.        From:Moore, Matt To:Nick Johnson Cc:Loomis, John Subject:RE: December Land Use Review Date:Tuesday, December 03, 2013 12:17:51 PM Nick: A quick comment, they will have to apply for a watershed district permit for stromwater design and they have submitted a Wetland Conservation Act delineation, however the application was deemed incomplete and will need to be re-submitted in the spring. Let us know if you have any questions. Thank you. Matt Moore Administrator South Washington Watershed District 2302 Tower Drive Woodbury, MN 55125 Phone: 651-714-3729 Fax: 651-714-3721 Cell: 651-249-7096 mmoore@ci.woodbury.mn.us <BLOCKED::mailto:mmoore@ci.woodbury.mn.us> www.swwdmn.org <BLOCKED::http://www.swwdmn.org> From: Nick Johnson [mailto:NJohnson@lakeelmo.org] Sent: Friday, November 29, 2013 11:32 AM To: Moore, Matt; 'Jack Griffin'; Mike Bouthilet; Greg Malmquist Cc: Kyle Klatt; 'Ann Pung-Terwedo'; Dean Zuleger Subject: December Land Use Review Please find attached a Land Use Review for the December 9th Lake Elmo Planning Commission. Hard copies will be mailed today. Let me know if you have any questions.