11-20-2000 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday,November 20, 2000 (#2640/2641 ORONO AMBAR,Continued) • building height in addition to minimum setbacks on the property. The plan before the Planning Commission shows 40 feet between the building and the northern property line and 30 feet where the garage entrance is located and the interior property line. Discussions have been held between Staff and the developer about the possibility of moving the building further to the south. Weinberger noted a pond has been constructed in the area which is designed to handle the water runoff from Highway 12. Weinberger noted the pond is owned and operated by Mn/DOT. Weinberger stated the other access to this site would be off of Brown Road and could be located closer to the pond should the building be relocated slightly. However,this would result in the removal of some mature trees on the site. Weinberger stated the developer is proposing one space on the interior of the building for each individual unit with the senior housing complex,with 83 outdoor spaces being shown for use by guests to the building. Weinberger stated the City Engineer would like to keep the exterior parking away from the main traveled portion of the road. Weinberger stated a portion of the parking area could be relocated closer to the building, with outdoor parking only on the north side of the road. Weinberger stated the road would be by easement and would not be platted, which would allow a lesser setback. Weinberger stated the Planning Commission should be advised that per the Highway 12 PUD provisions by which this review will occur underneath,this proposal is in a general concept stage, which is equivalent to a preliminary plat application. However,the City Council may hold a second public hearing as allowed under the PUD ordinance and would require a 3/5's vote. Weinberger stated under the PUD ordinance,there is a mandatory 60 day requirement for the • g �' Y q Planning Commission to make a recommendation, and because the Planning Commission does not meet in December, this application would go beyond the 60 day limit. Weinberger noted the developer may prefer to have a recommendation on this matter before the end of the year rather than tabling of the application. Dunbar commented he would like to address two items relating to the office building. Dunbar stated the five foot variance on the east side could be adjusted to 35 feet,which would eliminate the variance request. In an attempt to get the office building to look more like the housing in the area,the tower has been eliminated and would not result in the need for any variances. Dunbar stated their intent is to get a concept and a site plan that is acceptable to the Planning Commission, City Council, and the neighborhood. Dunbar indicated they have a tight time frame in which to get this project approved, and requested that concept approval be given as soon as possible. Dunbar stated they are willing to work with the City and the neighborhood in order to address the issues satisfactorily. Dunbar indicated two neighborhood meetings have been held with the local residents. Dunbar stated they have attempted to locate the narrowest portion of the office building next to the neighborhood and to limit it to one story, with an 80 foot setback, to limit the impact on the residential area. Dunbar stated they would like to preserve the vegetation in the front and place some additional screening along the building. Dunbar commented they have attempted to make the office building appear more residential looking to make it more appealing and to blend in • PAGE 26