2004.09.23 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes — September 23, 2004 Chair Schumann opened the public hearing. Janice Kohler, 12413 Ethan Avenue North, asked if staff had driven through the development and pointed out that most of the homes were less than an acre and the accessory buildings would be too big. Dwight Harvey, 12471 Ethan Avenue North, said he felt the PUD process was a tradeoff to have less than one acre lots, and the developer was able to get two extra lots in exchange for hooking up to City Sewer. Mr. Harvey said he was not in favor of the application. David Hurry, 12357 Ethan Avenue North, said he was also opposed to the request and that the developers were asking for larger garages sizes to better market the properties. Commissioner Hoffbeck clarified that the homeowners would not be required to build the maximum size garage but would be given the option if the request was granted. It was unlikely that all of the properties would have the maximum size accessory buildings constructed on them. Hoffbeck also noted the price of the lots, and said she felt this was an indication that aesthetics would be important to the developer and homeowners when constructing the houses and accessory buildings. Chair Schumann noted that the City had received an email from Tom and Robin Nardini, owners of property along Ethan Avenue, explaining that they were in favor of the PUD amendment. There were no other comments and Schumann closed the public hearing. Commissioner Bailly said that putting it into perspective of her home and neighborhood, it was not a lot of building, and the requirements in the resolution would ensure it was architecturally designed to match the house. Commissioner Malaski indicated that she was in favor if they were nice structures and would be landscaped and not visibly obstructive. Commissioner Kleissler said she felt buyers should know what they are buying and what they could do on the property. She suggested that each request for a larger accessory building be considered as a separate variance since not all owners may want the larger accessory buildings. She indicated that she would approve if there were more restrictions regarding screening, buffering, lighting, driveway access, and colors. Commissioner Hoffbeck considered the possibility that items would be stored outside and questioned if there were covenants that governed the development. The Community Development Director said there were covenants and architect guidelines with structure standards.