2017.05.01 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 6 The City's discretion in approving or denying a preliminary plat is limited to whether or not the proposed plat meets the standards outlined in the subdivision regulations in the City Code. If it meets these standards, the City must approve the preliminary plat. B. Consistency with Ordinance Standards Environmental Review The developer is proposing 319 new homes on the property. The minimum threshold for a mandatory Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) per MN State Statute is 250 units, therefore, an EAW is required. The developer has been working with City staff to prepare an EAW for the development. An EAW is a document that analyzes, at a preliminary level, the effects a development has on the environment in regards to land use, geology, water resources, wildlife, air, noise, and transportation. If it is deemed by the City, due to comments and concerns about the impacts to the environment, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) can be required by the City.Council before the project can proceed. An EIS is a more in depth analysis of the property and the impacts to it. An EAW has been prepared, is complete, and has been sent out for public comment. There was 30-day comment period, which ended on March 29, 2017. The EAW was sent out to a number of Federal, State, and regional agencies as required by State Statute. Some agencies have commented on specific items that should be considered when the property develops, or whether they recommend the preparation of an EIS. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the EAW at its March 23, 2017, meeting. Staff has prepared formal responses to all of the comments received throughout the process. The EAW has identified areas where potential environmental effect exists and has incorporated the appropriate mitigation measures into the project plan. Staff analyzed the EAW and project plan as it relates to State Rules and finds the project does not have the potential for significant environmental impacts, and therefore staff does not recommend an environmental impact statement (EIS). Rezoning/Planned Unit Development The use of the PUD zoning allows the developer zoning ordinance flexibility to create a master planned development. The PUD zoning is tied to a specific PUD general plan that is proposed with this application. Excelsior Group, is requesting an approval of a PUD for the Adelaide Landing development. PUD's offer enhanced flexibility to develop a site through the relaxation of zoning district standards. The use of the PUD zoning also allows for a greater variety of uses, internal transfers of density, construction phasing and a potential for lower development costs. In exchange for this enhanced flexibility, the city has the expectation that the development plan will result in a