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Harstad Rezoning Report July 8, 2002 Page 4 Drainage, Parking, Landscaping, Exterior Appearance, Grading and Utilities No site plans have been submitted with this request and none are required. While very important, the issues concerning drainage, grading, parking, landscaping, building design, utilities, floor plans and other site-specific issues would be addressed during the development review stage. No building permits could be issued without going through such a process and without Rice Creek Watershed District review and approval and City Council approval of any wetland buffer or alteration permits, if any were necessary. Staff Summary The 66 lots are currently (and have always been) zoned R-1, Single Family Residential, and the owners are requesting a rezoning to R-3, Medium Density Residential. The higher density zoning would permit the construction of townhomes on lots originally platted as townhome lots in 1974. Staff believes that owner-occupied townhomes would not be an inappropriate use along County Road H2 consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and wetland zoning requirements. Staff and the Planning Commission believe that townhouse development along Greenwood Drive would NOT be appropriate as it would NOT be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and would cause undue adverse affect upon the neighborhood. Staff and the Commission also believe that no development should occur within the wetland itself and that any proposed development within the 100-foot buffer be subjected to very critical and scrutinizing review. Recommendation The Planning Commission has recommended denial of all the 66 rezoning requests. Staff is seeking direction from the City Council as to how to proceed. There are four potential options available to Council: Option 1. Direct staff to draft a resolution denying the requested rezonings (all 66 lots) for the same reasons as indicated in the Planning Commission resolution. Option 2. Direct staff to draft an ordinance to approve the 66-lot rezoning, including the common space properties and the six existing townhome lots. Option 3. Direct staff to draft a resolution to deny the rezonings of Lots 1 through 34 for reasons indicated in the Planning Commission resolution, and draft an ordinance to approve the rezoning of Lots 35 through 73 and part of Lot 74, which includes part of the common space and the existing six townhome lots (Lots 53 through 58). Option 4. Table the rezoning request if more information is needed or for any other reasonable basis.