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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No xx 17-3944 srItem No.: 13 Date: July 10, 2017  Item Description: 17-3944 Westwood Professional Services o/b/o Ugorets 8098, LLC, 2520 Shadywood Road, Rezoning and Master Plan  Presenter: Jeremy Barnhart, Community Development Director Agenda Section: Planning Department Report   Purpose. The purpose of this action item is to consider a rezoning and master plan for a proposed 40 unit condominium building on 3.11 acres at 2520 Shadywood Road. 15.99 Deadline July 17, 2017 Background/ Summary. The property owner is requesting rezoning and master plan approval for proposed 40 unit condominium building on 3.11 acres generally south of the Freshwater Business Center. The building is proposed to be about 48 feet high, 4 stories plus a penthouse and developed as an RPUD (Residential Planned Unit Development). The Council may recall reviewing this project as a sketch plan in March. At that time, the project was a 49 unit apartment building. The Council had noted concerns with the height of the building. In preparation for a new submittal, the applicant held a neighborhood meeting in April, and the results of that meeting are included in Exhibit A. The number of units, density, and type of project have changed from the original submittal. The building height has not changed. There are two other buildings in town higher than 30 feet defined height, Stonebay Condominiums and Orono Woods, both multi-family buildings. In the review of those projects, the Council concluded that a three story multifamily building is difficult to achieve in less than 30 feet, due to building codes. This would appear to support 3 levels, but not a fourth. The proposed use of the property is consistent with the guidance of the Comprehensive Plan. The attached PC report outlines the project in greater detail, including the waivers necessary, which are summarized in the following table: RPUD District Minimum SFR Standard Proposed Lot Standards Flexibility Required?  Minimum project size: 5 acres 2.63 acres Yes  Minimum lot size: 15,000 square feet 2.63 acres No  Minimum distance from OHW 250’ +1000 feet No  Minimum front building setback: 50 feet 35 feet Yes  Density: Developments with proposed density in excess of the densities contemplated by the comprehensive plan shall be allowed only on properties which are currently zoned and guided for commercial use. Proposed on B-4 No  Minimum side yard setback: 35 feet 37 feet No  Minimum rear yard setback: Lesser of 40’ or 20% of lot depth (30 feet) Lesser of 40’ or 20% of lot depth No  Maximum FAR: 1.0 unknown TBD   Wetland building setback: 85 feet 75 feet, to be verified TBD  Private Recreational Area: 10% of gross project area 0% proposed Yes  Building height: Maximum of 30 feet Between 36 and 48’8”, to be verified Yes  Building Roof Flat roofs prohibited Flat roof Yes  Hardcover 50% 36.1% No   Due to the “big picture” nature of the RPUD zoning district, waivers from the RPUD requirements are common. The Council should determine if the waivers requested are appropriate for the given project and site. Planning Commission vote and comment. The Planning Commission, after the public hearing on June 19, 2017, recommended denial of the project with a vote of 6-0. Their primary concerns were height, and its impact on the neighborhood. Commissioners, responding to concerns with density and traffic, commented that the traffic levels are beyond the control of the city, and that the proposed traffic demand is actually less than many other likely uses. They also commented on the need for density in the city and cautioned against ‘kicking the can down the road.” Their vote “no” was in part a response to the applicant’s request to provide a recommendation to the City Council immediately, staff had recommended tabling. Public Comment. There has been substantial public comment in the form of an online petition and individual comments attached as Exhibits G and H, respectively. Primary concerns have centered on traffic in an already congested area, size of the building, impacts to wetlands and wildlife, and the use of the property. Public comments at the meeting included concern that the waivers requested would harm the character of the neighborhood and the community at large. Staff Recommendation. It is recognized that any development will increase traffic in the area. It is also recognized that any development will address the wetland protection ordinances in place. The proposed density, assuming a reduction in units to achieve Council’s height goals, would be consistent with the comprehensive plan, as does the multifamily use of the property. Staff recommends approval of the project, subject to direction as to the height of the building. The Council should provide direction as to a response to the waivers listed, including what they feel is an appropriate height, and direct staff to prepare the resolution. COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED Direct staff to prepare a resolution approving, modifying, or denying the proposed project. Exhibits Exhibit A. Plans Exhibit B. Draft PC Minutes Exhibit C. PC Staff Report Exhibit D. Traffic comparison Exhibit E. Applicant’s Traffic analysis Exhibit F. Applicant’s narrative Exhibit G. Resident petition Exhibit H. Resident comments Exhibit I. Council minutes, March 13, 2017 Exhibit J. RPUD standards Exhibit K. Staff comment letter