07-12-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, June 21, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 6 2. LA21-000042 MOHEGAN HANSEN ARCH O/B/O CBS MN PROPERTIES, 2060 WAYZATA BLVD WEST, SITE PLAN, ZONING CHANGE, PLAT Todd Mohegan, Applicant, was present. Staff presented a summary packet of information (Item 2 on the Agenda under Public Hearings). Barnhart stated the Applicant is requesting approval for Master Development Plan, Zone Change, and Preliminary Plat approval for a proposed 48 unit market rate apartment building. The building is three stories, plus one level of underground parking. The units themselves are a mix of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments, with balconies. The L shaped building exterior will feature brick, limestone, and cement panels on all four sides. There is private recreational space throughout the building to conform with the PUD zoning district. The project includes a rooftop deck and a patio on the northeast corner of the site. Exercise and community rooms are also proposed. The building height is proposed at 30 feet 9 inches - which is 9 inches taller than the City’s 30 foot standard - so Planning Commission is asked to comment on that. The density of the project is 18.23 units/acre which is lower than the guidance for this property; it was guided in the 2018 Comprehensive Plan at 20-25 units/acre. Staff has been directed by the City Council to initiate an amendment to the Comp Plan to lower the density. He walked the Commission through setback analysis and noted Staff recommends approval subject to the five conditions outlined in the Staff Report: 1.) Met Council approval of the Comprehensive Plan amendment that reduces the density below 20- units per acre, 2.) Watershed District approval, 3.) City Engineer approval, 4.) Fire Chief approval, 5.) Approval of the final plat and Development Agreement. Gettman asked about the height of the building and taking off 1 inch per floor rather than 4 inches per floor to get down to the 30 feet. Barnhart stated the City has the authority to approve a building taller than 30 feet that is part of the R- PUD zoning district and it is really the Planning Commission’s feedback on whether the 3 inch drop is enough of a concession to address the Council’s concerns. He noted part of the challenge is the highest adjacent grade is at the northwest corner of the building and there is underground parking at the south corner of the building so there is quite a bit of elevation change within the site. The 30 foot limit is a long- standing practice by the City and he believes it originated in trying to keep buildings below the tree canopy. Erickson asked how the height of this project compares with the senior housing project on Kelley Parkway. Barnhart believes the senior housing project on Kelley Parkway is at 30 feet and the senior housing project east of this project is higher than 30 feet. The City has only approved 2 buildings higher than 30 feet. Peterson noted a letter from one of the neighbors objecting to a change in the zoning. Barnhart learned that just before the meeting and did not receive a copy of that. He is not surprised that some may object to the rezoning as it is proposed to be rezoned to the R-PUD district which would allow higher density development. Ressler said right now it is guided for more density than is applied. He clarified every City in the area has to obey the Met Council’s demands for more density and many cities need to find ways to meet those Council Exhibit D LA21-42