08-17-2020 Planning Commission Packet

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To: Chair Ressler and Planning Commission Members Dustin Rief, City Administrator � 1111 (1111) , From: Jeremy Barnhart, AICP `1kESHG4`" Community Development Director Date: September 21, 2020 Subject: #LA20-000052, Mark Rausch o/b/o University of St.Thomas and David Weekley Homes, NW corner of Willow Drive and Wayzata Blvd., Concept Plan review Application Summary: The applicant is requesting comment on a proposed concept plan for a 3.69 acre/43 unit townhome development at the NW corner of Willow and Wayzata. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends the external setbacks be revised to be consistent with the Stonebay townhome development and other comments provided be addressed. Background The subject property is guided for urban high density residential (20-25 units per acre) in the 2040 comprehensive plan. In March of 2019, the City Council reviewed a concept plan (LA19- 000006)for potential 75-90 unit apartment building at the corner,to be developed under RPUD zoning. The City Council did not support that proposal. Councilmembers suggested the development on this corner should be more in line with the Stonebay townhome development on Kelley Parkway; this type of development, at lower densities, will require an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and Met Council approval. Responding to this Council direction, a new developer has prepared a concept plan for a townhome development featuring 43 townhome units over 12 buildings. The applicant has attempted to mimic the character of the Stonebay townhomes across the street. Access to the development would be via two drives off of Kelley Parkway. No access is proposed onto Willow drive or Wayzata Blvd. The project will be served by municipal water and sanitary sewer. The proposal includes a number of sidewalks linking the front doors of the units to sidewalks along Kelley and Willow. Applicable Regulations: Section 78-627 outlines the review procedure for RPUD development. The first stage is the development of a concept for review by the Planning Commission and City Council. Following non-binding guidance, a developer will make an application for master development approval, rezoning, preliminary plat, and in this case, comprehensive plan amendment. All of these applications are public hearings. After these approvals, the developer will make an application for a final site plan and building plan approval,to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. The RPUD standards are summarized in