02-16-2021 Planning Commission Packet

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FILE#LA21-15 February 16,2021 Page 2 of 5 Outlot A currently includes the community garden. The drive easement and improvements will likely need to include either a surmountable curb and/or parking spaces to support users' access to the garden. The Commission should discuss whether a conforming cul de sac is appropriate at the eastern terminus of Rettinger Drive. Typically,the city does require a cul de sac at the end of a public road when connecting to a private road. Zoning The property is currently zoned RR-1B,which does not permit twin homes, duplexes, or the density prescribed by the Comprehensive Plan. There are two options available to support the goals of the Comprehensive Plan: 1. Rezone the property to an RPUD,which allows for flexibility from strict zoning rules in favor of a project that meets other city goals,or 2. Create a new zoning district. A third option, amend an existing zoning district to allow the project is not recommended as it may have unintended impacts to existing neighborhoods. Commonly,for higher density projects,the site is rezoned to RPUD. To do so for this project, several waivers will need to be supported,summarized in the table below. The purpose for the RPUD zoning district includes: Sec. 78-621. - Purpose. The purpose of the residential planned unit development (RPUD) district is to provide a district which will allow for the implementation of certain residential housing goals established in the 2000-2020 Orono Community Management Plan ("CMP" or"comprehensive plan").The RPUD district is established to accommodate the densities and types of residential development contemplated in the CMP by incorporating the principles of the planned unit development concept.The RPUD district will encourage the following: (1) Flexibility in land development and redevelopment in order to utilize new techniques of building design, construction and land development; (2) Provision of housing to meet lifecycle, and affordable and moderate cost housing needs; (3) Energy conservation through the use of more efficient building designs and sitings and the clustering of buildings and land uses; (4) Preservation of desirable site characteristics and open space and protection of sensitive environmental features, including steep slopes, poor soils and trees; (5) High quality of design and design compatible with surrounding land uses,including both existing and planned; (6) Sensitive development in transitional areas located between different land uses and along significant corridors within the city; and (7) Development which is consistent with the comprehensive plan.