PC Packet 12.19.19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 4 3. Provide for variations to the strict application of the land use regulations in order to improve site design and operation, while at the same time incorporating design elements that exceed the City's standards to offset the effect of any variations. 4. Promote a more creative and efficient approach to land use within the City, while at the same time protecting and promoting the health, safety, comfort, aesthetics, economic viability and general welfare of the City. 5. Preserve and enhance natural features and open spaces including but not limited to the width expansion of greenway corridors, conservation of wooded areas, development of buffer areas, reduction of impervious surface, and utilization of joint facilities and utilities. 6. Maintain or improve the efficiency of public streets and utilities. 7. Ensure the establishment of appropriate transitions between differing land uses. In exchange for the proposed PUD, the applicant is proposing a more sensitive development proposal than would have been the case with the use of the standard R-3 zoning district, preservation of natural features with the trail system that meanders through the development, installation of a stormwater reuse irrigation project within the development, and incorporating architectural design guidelines for the homes in the development. Many of the homes are also positioned for scenic overlooks over the stormwater ponds and wetlands. Staff has made a few recommendations within the staff report that shall be incorporated into the development, for PUD flexibility. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan shows the land use being Low Density Residential (LD). The rezoning/PUD is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan in terms of land use and density. Staff believes that the general layout of the proposed Rice Lake Reserve PUD general plan will exceed the City's standards for residential developments, if the recommendations are incorporated into the development. The stormwater ponds also offer an ability to use stormwater for irrigation of the development, which is promoting the City's "Reduce, Reuse, Replenish" initiative. This will be further discussed later in the report. It is in staff's opinion that the Rice Lake Reserve PUD general plan, with the staff recommendations incorporated, will offer a creative and efficient method to planning the site, all which meets the intent of the PUD ordinance. The applicant has included a "ghost plat" or an example of how the other properties adjacent to the development could planned/developed in the future. The lots and the layout of the lots are not approved with this development. Staff has not evaluated this area for consistency with the comprehensive plan or City Code.