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cty or <br />Elk• <br />River <br />Elk River Planning Commission -Work session <br />To: <br />Planning Commission <br />From: Jeremy Barnhart, AICP <br />Planning Manager <br />Re uest <br />Staff requests direction regarding the West Oaks development. <br />Attachments <br />Item # 3 <br />•Staff report • Base map <br />•Submittal elevations • Post development correspondence <br />Overview <br />The Final Plat for West Oaks was approved by the City Council in September, 2003. The first phase <br />included single family homes, with phases allowing the construction of the attached family units <br />coming in the years after, (7/04 2nd phase, 11/04 Std phase, and 6/05 4th phase). Through the plan <br />review phase, one and two story buildings were presented, although no specific location information <br />was included in the formal approval. Elevations of both buildings were presented, attached. <br />Construction on the project has started, there are currently 2 single story buildings and 4 two story <br />buildings completed. The developers desire to pull building permits on several additional buildings, <br />and intend to build single story buildings on the remaining lots. The developers have noted that they <br />will build 2 story buildings when the market suggests a need. The permitted use category does not <br />designate between one and two story buildings. <br />Staff has suggested that the height of the buildings continue the pattern that had been established: <br />single story buildings located within the center area, and the two story buildings be located on the <br />outside. The developer has asked staff to reconsider. <br />In Staffs opinion, the character of all neighborhoods is driven, in part, by the effect of the <br />streetscape. Open space, landscaping, building materials, sidewalks, and lighting all work toward <br />developing the streetscape. In attached family developments, the streetscape is dominated by large <br />buildings with reduced front and side yard setbacks. Understanding this character, and the end <br />product of a proposal is part of the development review process. Staff believes an understanding of <br />the streetscape is important, and asked the developer to develop a master plan to identify the final <br />build out of the project. <br />Staff desires Planning Commission direction on the master plan. Further information will be <br />provided at the meeting. <br />Planning Department Mission: the orderly development of a livable and sustainable Elk River community. <br />