portions of CC minutes re: subdivision

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REGULAR 11EETING OF THE OR0140 COUNCIL, MARCH 13, 1979 Page 5 Dor. Alan Olson, City Planner, entered into the record SUBDIVISION the request for a subdivision of Fred Herfurth, 225 225 North Ferndale North Ferndale Road, dated February 2, 1979, which # 434 states: Fred Herfurth The Planning Commission recommended denial of this application because of neighborhood opposition to attached units and because of the density requested. The requested PRD density is 0. 836 acres/unit compared to R-lA zoning requirement of 1.0 acres/unit. The proposal is to construct three new "duplex" structures and remodel the existing house into an additional "duplex" for a total of four residential structures on 6.75 acres. Contrary to the Planning Commission recommendation, I recommend approval of the attached dwellings for these reasons: Four buildings will have less visual impact on the neighborhood than 6, 7 or 8 individual buildings; platting into 6, 7 or 8 individual lots would have less respect for the topography of the site, would likely require a longer roadway, and . . would likely require houses located much closer to the existing neighboring residences than the planned location; the neighboring lots are small with houses located very close to this property, quality "attached" condominium units will not detract fron neighborhood property values, are intended to be owner-occupied and are representative of a growing trend in quality housing. Attached condominium style housing will provide a quality housing alternative in Orono. I believe that this alternative could be approved as a variance to 34.029 limiting "duplexes" to within 200 ft. of a commercial area. A better approach would be to consider amending the ordinance to permit double attached condominium units in R-1A, R-1B, RR-3-A, RR-1B and LR-1C districts (now permitted in R-1B and LR-1C) . I recommend the latter. The density question is more difficult. I am comfortable with the proposed eight units (four buildings) . Strict code enforcement would limit the development to six units (three buildings) however, the lot size is very close to permitting seven units. Because seven units also means four buildings, I would, therefore, recommend approval of the proposed eight units as being a reasonable use of this property. As a PRD Conditional Use Permit, the Council can retain close control over the type of development. This will ensure protection of the neighbors by control over use of the open space, plantings, buffers, and the type of structures. I recommend that you retain review rights prior to issuance of building permits and that final plat approval include a landscaping plan. (Continued)