Marsich Investments, Inc., the developer of Twin Pines Townhomes, is proposing to construct a townhome complex consisting of approximately 80 townhomes between Central Avenue and Bell Avenue west of Shiloh Road.  The attached plan shows that the development will be on one large parcel with multiple accesses from Bell Avenue.  The site development ordinance 6-1208(h)(5) restricts developments to two accesses from a street.  The developer is requesting a variance from this ordinance in order to allow an access to each townhome facing Bell Avenue.  The developer is proposing to construct duplex townhomes within the development.  Along Bell Avenue, there are six duplex townhomes proposed to have 12 accesses to Bell Avenue along with the two private street accesses.  This is along approximately 600 feet of frontage.  Since this is on one large parcel, the developer would typically be restricted to only two accesses per the site development ordinance.  However, since Bell Avenue is a local street, the proposed access locations and number would be allowed if the townhomes were located on their own individual parcels.  The difference between this and a subdivision with the townhomes located on their own lots is that the developer is wishing to construct on just one lot and form a condo association.  The City Council has previously approved variances for similar lots in other subdivisions, consisting of multiple single family units with multiple drive approaches.

The City Council may:

• Approve the variance; or
• Do not approve the variance. If this variance is denied, the owner will have to redesign the project to meet City Code.

There is no direct financial impact to the City.  Advertising costs for the public hearing are offset by the variance application fee.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the described variance from the site development ordinance 6-1208(h)(5) for this property.