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Planning Commission Minutes April 23, 2002 Page 7 e Ms. McPherson explained the underlying land use of the subject property is MR, Medium Density residential, which allows up to 8 units per acre. She noted that the net density of this proposed development is 5.7 units per acre. Ms. McPherson stated that the Planning Commission and City Council has voiced a concern in recent months regarding the number of townhomes that have been approved. Ms. McPherson stated that the applicant is proposing 29 four-unit buildings (116 units total), row units, with both a front and back yard for each unit. She noted that the proposed street is 28' back-to-back, and needs to be revised to 28' face-to-face. Ms. McPherson reviewed lot sizes, setbacks, open space, density, unit and garage sizes, vertical and horizontal fa~ade changes, building materials, and landscaping. She stated that staff will work with the applicant to meet the building material standards and changes in elevation requirements. Commissioner Baker asked if the decks will be considered a change in elevation. Ms. McPherson stated that the Commission previously approved the deck railings as a change in elevation. Chair Pederson opened the public hearing. e Horst Graser, GSS Properties, applicant, eXplained that the Commission reviewed a concept plan for the townhomes several months ago and that changes were made to the plat, accordingly. He stated that the density for the entire site is 2.74 acres, not including the outlot. He stated that he feels townhomes are an appropriate use of the property, given its location at the intersection of two major roads. He did not feel there would be a problem in meeting the building standards and requirement for changes in elevation. Mr. Graser noted that the townhomes will be in the $170,000-$175,000 price range. He eXplained that he plans to start grading this year and that 45-50 units will be constructed, initially. There being no further public comment, Chair Pederson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Baker stated that even though the rezoning meets the Comprehensive Plan, he was not in favor of rezoning, given the large number of townhomes already in this area. Commissioner Franz stated that he felt that the townhome component was clearly shown in the original proposal, but was held up pending approval of the townhome ordinance. He felt that the applicant has made every effort to comply with the ordinance and he supports the request. Commissioner Ropp asked for clarification of condition number 2 in the findings for denial. Ms. McPherson eXplained that the Planning Commission and City Council have both previously stated that they felt townhomes should be closer to services, such as medical clinics, etc. which are found in the core area of the city. Commissioner Baker stated he did see a compelling reason to rezone the property. Commissioner Anderson asked if the zoning remained Rle, how many units could be constructed on the property. Ms. McPherson stated that approximately 69 single family units could be constructed. e Commissioner Jenson asked if the property was designated for townhome development during the plat review of Kliever Lake Fields. Chair Pederson stated yes, and that the property was platted as an outlot because of the townhome moratorium.