04-15-2019 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday,April 15,2019 6:30 o'clock p.m. The building height was a major issue at the sketch plan review. While the façade of the building measures 30 feet from the first floor to midway between the peak and the eave, due to the cutting of the building into the existing grade,the defined height is actually 24.7 feet. The perimeter is 3,648 feet,requiring 91 trees. The building footprint area is 89,012 square feet and would require 89 trees. The landscape plan combines the trees proposed for Eisinger Meadows with those proposed for this project and shows approximately 45 trees on the subject parcel. The landscaping plans should be separated as landscaping will be required for both projects. As proposed,the landscape plan is not approvable. The site plan should be adjusted to accommodate parking stall standards of nine feet wide and 20 feet deep. The drive aisle can be 24 feet wide rather than the 26 feet shown. Parking for attached family dwelling units is equal to two spaces per unit. It is assumed that the trash receptacles will be located within the garage areas, although no detail has been provided. Further detail of the trash removal system/storage will need to be provided. The plan shows two fire hydrants. The Fire Chief will need to verify the number and location of the hydrants. A requirement of the RPUD is that a development provide 10 percent of the land for private recreational space. Staff's interpretation of the private recreational space requirement is about 25,000 square feet. The proposal shows three recreational areas: one to the south side of the east building, one north of the east building, and one just west of the entrance road. Water and sewer will be extended from the Orono Preserve project to the east. A portion of the stormwater management system is within the wetland buffer. Support for this encroachment should be provided by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. The grading plan shows a new retaining wall at the south end of the site near the parking lot. Grading near the perimeter of the site,including at the retaining wall, will impact native vegetation that cannot be replaced and should be kept to a minimum. Staff recommends approval of the Interim Use Permit subject to MPCA comment on the Response Action Plan and approval of a development agreement. Staff's review of the preliminary plat,Master Development Plan, and zone change yields a number of issues that, when addressed, are likely to impact the design layout of the site, including cul-de-sac placement,number of parking spaces, storm water management, landscaping, including parking lot islands and private recreation. Staff recommends tabling the Master Site Plan approval until those comments can be addressed. If the Planning Commission is comfortable moving the project forward, Staff recommends the following conditions: 1. Submission of parking garage layouts. Page 19 of 29