02-13-2001 PC MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Planning Commission Minutes February 13, 2001 Page 5 . Commissioner Ropp stated that since "leap frog" development is already happening in the City, he questioned if there was any deterrent to keep it from continuing. Commissioner Chambers felt that high quality cluster developments were possible, such as a development comprised of horse owners with a large community stable. Chair Mesich stated that a high end ($1 million dollar homes) cluster of this type was done in Chanhassen and the lots are not selling. Ms. McPherson stated that this concept could be successful and felt the developers of the Chanhassen cluster may have over-reached their market. Commissioner Schuster stated that placing restrictions on clusters in the A 1 district may lessen the number of times this concept is used, but it will not prevent leap- frogging from occurring. Chair Mesich supported the County's concept of requiring 35% of the open space to be buildable, and an extra 10 percent bonus for dedicating additional buildable open space. . Mr. Harlicker asked the Commission if they felt an architectural theme should be mandatory or if it should remain a density bonus incentive. Commissioner Pederson felt an architectural theme should be a bonus, provided certain parameters are met, such as street lighting, definition of general features and landscaping. Chair Mesich suggested a central gathering space could be included in the architectural theme. Commissioner Pederson suggested that if a developer goes above the minimum standards, an additional bonus could be offered. Chair Mesich felt that requiring more buildable open space may potentially lead to establishing a gathering space. Discussion following regarding the concept of allowing smaller lot sizes. Mr. Sanford felt that having city-size lots works against the rural setting. Ms. McPherson suggested putting a cap on the maximum lot size in the A 1 district (Le., 1 acre or Y2 acre). Chair Mesich and Commissioner Schuster supported lowering the minimum lot size to create more open space. Commissioner Ropp questioned why they would establish a maximum lot size, rather than a minimum lot size. Mr. Harlicker explained that the ordinance already requires a minimum lot size (11,000 square feet). Mr. Sanford stated that he felt a nice home could be built on a half acre lot. The Commissioners felt that by decreasing the lot size developers would be able to increase the number of lots, by taking advantage of the density bonus for dedicating additional buildable open space. Various options for cluster design were discussed by the Commission. Ms. McPherson stated that she felt it was the developer's responsibility to design a plat by using their talents and resources, and that the City would not want to arbitrarily design subdivisions for the developers. The Commissioners supported the following amendments to the open space subdivision ordinance: . Density Bonus - Allow an additional 5% density bonus for a 10% increase in buildable open space, over the required 50%.