Adopt Resolution #15-08-190 Approving the Site Plan Amendment for Town Center Gardens 3rd Addition (to remove the patio areas and half wall between the center units on Lots 1, 3, and 4, Block 1, Town Center Gardens 3rd Addition - 14787, 14851, 14875 Olivine St. NW; Case of Distinctive Living Rentals, LLC)

The purpose of this case is to consider a request for an amended Site Plan. The request is to eliminate an outdoor patio wall and concrete patio areas between the center units of three (3), eight-unit townhomes. Distinctive Living Rentals, LLC (the "Applicant") is currently constructing an eight (8) unit townhome building on on Lot 3, Block 1 Town Center Gardens 3rd Addition and also owns Lots 1 and 4, Block 1 Town Center Gardens 3rd Addition (together, the "Subject Property"). The Applicant is seeking this amendment of all three (3) parcels and has identified reasons for the requests as size (or lack there of for the patio areas), access, and placement of utilities.

Notification is not required when considering an amendment to a site plan.

The Applicant is seeking this amendment due to the limited size of the area, a six (6) foot by twelve (12) foot area, which will be further reduced once the A/C unit and individual gas meters are installed in this area. Gas meters were previously banked together on an end unit, but are now being placed in front of each individual unit to avoid the inefficiency of running gas lines out and around to each unit. The patio areas also have no direct ingress or egress from this space; rather, an occupant would need to walk out and around a wall to enter the patio area. The Applicant also stated that it was his opinion that that the space may also be unsuitable for using a grill, as it has a greater potential to melt the siding due to being a small space.

The Applicant is proposing to eliminate the impervious surfacing and replace it with landscaping. Proposed landscaping will need to comply with the City's landscaping standards with regard to acceptable/preferred species and size (twenty-four [24] inches in height at time of planting for shrubs).

This case was reviewed by the Planning Commission on August 6, 2015 with some discussion, but with no public input. The Planning Commission recommended approving the Site Plan amendment request under Resolution #15-08-190.

Alternatives

Option 1: Adopt Resolution #15-08-190 approving the request to amend the Site Plan. The size of each patio area is small and lacks direct ingress and egress. This area will be further reduced after the placement of the A/C unit and individual gas meters, leaving its functionality somewhat questionable. Thus, replacing this hardscape with landscaping may serve as a more desirable option to future occupants. Staff supports this option.

Option 2: Deny the request. The requested amendment is minor in nature and does appear to significantly alter the exterior aesthetic of the building(s). Additionally, the patios were not required by Zoning Code, so the request does not represent a deviation from any zoning requirement. The City would need to draft findings specifically identifying the reasoning to deny this request. Staff does not support this option.

All costs associated with this request are the responsibility of the Applicant.

The Planning Commission recommends approval of the request to amend the site plan to eliminate the patio division walls and concrete patio areas between the center units only on the Subject Property.

Motion to adopt Resolution #15-08-190 approving the request to amend the site plan by replacing the patio areas and half wall between the center units on Lots 1, 3, and 4, Block 1 Town Center Gardens 3rd Addition.