5.1. PCSR 07-10-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Case File: CU 07-17 Well House Twin Lakes Estates Page 4 Elk River Municipal Utilities Landscaping: The applicant has prepared a landscaping plan that attempts to screen the building as much as practical from the adjacent residential dwellings. A mix of maple, birch, and evergreen trees provide a mix of all year screening effects. Additional shrubbery and grasses could be introduced to screen the lower levels of the development, until the trees take over. It is suggested that a condition be added that additional sumac and grasses be added to the landscape plan, to be approved by Community Development Staff. Building: The building will be 12 x 24 feet, single story, and will have electricity service for the pumps and other machinery. Noise is not expected to be a concern. The applicant has prepared three options for building design. In reviewing potential buildings designs, its cohesiveness with the adjacent dwelling units, its visual impact from the adjacent dwellings, its long term weathering characteristics should all be considered. Of the three options presented by the applicant, Staff would support option 1, with a couple minor modifications: Lower the roof line as much as possible. The applicant had indicated that the interior needs 8 foot ceilings. Lowering the roof two feet (from 10) reduces the visual impact of the blank wall. Increase the roof pitch to one more consistent with the adjacent structures, likely 8/12. This will introduce a residential character to the buildings, being in the immediate rear yards of the adjacent homes. Introduce `windows' on the walls facing the residential units. These need not be made of glass, but framing and alternative wood patterns would reinforce the residential character of the improvements. Natural Resources Trees -The proposal has a fairly significant impact on the tree line, moving it south away from the residential dwellings on the Smith 8-20 feet. There is no ordinance in place that requires the protection of trees, staff has encouraged the applicant to develop a plan that minimizes this impact. Wetlands -There are three wetlands in the immediate area. Their location and setback defines a limited area of potential sites for the well and well house structure. Additional wetland concerns are addressed in the attached City Engineer's memo dated June 27, 2007 Utilities The attached City Engineers memo dated June 27, 2007 addresses the utilities, and their impact on the streets and wetlands. Recommendation Staff supports a Planning Commission recommendation for approval, subject to the conditions outlined above. Respectfully Submitted Jeremy Barnhart Planning Manager S\PL.ANNING\Case Files\CUP\CU 07-17 ER Municiple Utilities Twi Lakes F tares Well\Municiple Utilities F r PC 7-10-07.doc