06-26-2001 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes/Elk River Station June 26, 2001 Page 8 . 4. A WALL SHALL BE PROVIDED TO SCREEN THE LOADING DOCK FROM JACKSON. 5. LANDSCAPING SHALL BE PROVIDED TO FURTHER SCREEN THE LOADING DOCK. CHAIR PEDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Commissioner Franz opposed. 5.4. Request by Powell Development Co. for Conditional Use Permit for Townhomes (Mississippi Ridge). Public Hearing - Case No. CU 01-22 Staff report by Michele McPherson. The applicant requests that a conditional use permit be approved for site plan approval of 22 townhomes in Mississippi Ridge. The site is located west of Highway 10 between 171 st and 173rd Avenues and adjacent to the Mississippi River bluff line. Ms. McPherson reviewed the building design, elevations and materials of the proposed townhomes. She noted that the applicant has requested that vinyl siding be allowed in the areas originally proposed to be stucco. Ms. McPherson reviewed the requirements of the Shoreland and Wild & Scenic River Ordinances including setbacks, grading, tree protection, use of earth tone colors, glare and lighting. Staff recommends that more native plan species be used. Ms. McPherson then reviewed the 8 conditions of approval recommended by staff in the staff report to the Commission dated June 26,2001. Tony Powell, 13696 Island View Drive, representing the applicant, displayed samples of the building materials. . Chair Pederson asked where the utility boxes would be located. Mr. Powell explained that the boxes would be placed on the sides of the townhomes, near the rear. Commissioner Mesich asked if a 15 foot driveway was adequate. Ms. McPherson stated that they would be required to provide at least a 20 foot long driveway. Chair Pederson asked if there would be off street parking. Ms. McPherson stated that there would be no parking on the private entry drive, but off street parking would be allowed on both sides of Yale Street. Commissioner Mesich asked what the outcome was regarding wetland mitigation. Ms. McPherson stated that the City Council approved the purchase of banked wetland credits. Commissioner Mesich asked what the height limits would be for the townhomes. Mr. Powell stated that the buildings would be single story, higher-bracket "retirement" homes. He stated that the floor plans will be identical, but that the buildings will be staggered and some will have large single garage doors and some will have double doors. Commissioner Mesich stated that he felt more could be done to break up the "sameness" ofthe buildings. He felt that stucco should be required, rather than vinyl siding. Chair Pederson concurred. . Commissioner Schuster stated that he did not oppose using vinyl siding on the backs and sides of the buildings, but felt the stucco would be appropriate. Commissioner Mesich stated that during the Commission's mobile tour of townhomes, he did not find the vinyl siding to be attractive. Commissioner Ropp stated he would rather see all vinyl than a mixture of vinyl and stucco.