EDA Packet 10.18.22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Oneka Commons Sketch Plan 2022 2. The mixing of land uses within a development when such mixing of land uses could not otherwise be accomplished. 3. Variations to the strict application of the land use regulations in this chapter in order to improve site design and operation, while at the same time incorporating design elements (e.g., construction materials, landscaping, lighting, open space, etc.) that exceed the City's standards to offset the effect of any variations. 4. 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. Preservation and enhancement of 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. Maintenance or improvement for the efficiency of public streets and utilities. 7. Establishment of appropriate transitions between differing land uses. It’s unclear from the sketch plans, but it seems application is proposing the mixed-use land use designation to be extended to the west, generally where the apartment complex is shown in the sketch plan. Compliance with City Code, Comprehensive Plan, and Downtown Design Guidelines The way that the properties are zoned and guided for land use in the Comprehensive Plan is intentional. Through the Comprehensive Plan process it was determined that the areas along CSAH 8 are designated for commercial and mixed-use development. The areas further to the south (south of the proposed frontage road) are designated for residential uses. The areas that are guided mixed-use are within the boundaries of the downtown plan and are subject to the downtown design guidelines. The areas that are guided mixed-use are in highly visible areas of the City and, consequently, development in these areas will be expected to provide a higher level of site design and architectural design than other areas of the City. Typically, mixed-use development includes a combination of retail, office, cultural, or entertainment uses with the ability to integrate higher density residential uses as part of an overall master planned development. Any change of the land use designations as proposed by the developer would require approval of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Any change in zoning for the property would require approval of a zoning amendment. The applicants plan does not comply with the existing land use designated for the properties, in the following ways: • The mixed-use area is proposed to be extended to the west, where the apartments are shown on the plan. • Unclear how the development would meet the Mixed- Use development policy and Downtown Design Guidelines. Staff recommends that the existing land use designations be followed when developing these properties. However, staff may be able to support allowing higher density residential, which could accommodate an apartment use, in the areas that are guided as Low Density Residential