Review Preliminary Plat for Residential Subdivision (PUD) for Shade Tree Cottages (Case 17-130); Case of Shade Tree Communities, LLC

The purpose of this case is to review a preliminary plat application for Shade Tree Cottages made by Shade Tree Communities, LLC (The Applicant) for a 35 home subdivision off Nowthen Boulevard and Potassium Street. The site was previously granted preliminary and final plat approval for a subdivision via Planned Unit Development (PUD) in 2005, but the final plat has since expired. Since the previous approval, City Code requirements for lot depth and wetland setbacks have changed. The PUD zoning remains on the parcel, though the underlying zoning was R-1 (MUSA).

Staff attempted to notify all Property Owners within a 700 foot radius of the Subject Property of the Public Hearing via Standard US Mail. The Public Hearing was also published in the City's official newsletter, the Anoka County Union Herald. A public hearing was held on October 4, 2018. Staff also held a public workshop on the topic on February 1, 2018.

2005 Approval
A Planned Unit Development (PUD) was approved in 2005 on the site. The approved PUD was for a mix of small-lot, single family homes and more traditional single family homes. The PUD was approved in 2005 based on:

• 50%+ private open space onsite
• Net density under 3 units per acre (fitting with the underlying zoning)
• Mix of housing styles
• Clustering of homes to protect natural features

Findings of fact in 2005 show:

• No detrimental impact to surrounding land uses or economic values
• No burden on public system
• Protection of natural features

Current Proposal and Focus of Conversation
Since 2005, standards for lot depth and wetland setbacks have changed. The net density of this project meets the current requirements and meets the requirements of the previous approval. The proposed homes would typically be located in the R-2 zoning district, though the overall density of the project meets the R-1 requirements. Current changes that the Planning Commission should focus on are:

• Lot width requirements
• Wetland setbacks
• Road widths

PUDs allow flexibility to cluster homes in order to create a better product and protect natural features. Staff does believe that this PUD generally meets the intent of the PUD district.

Please note that Staff will request that Joe Langel, City Attorney be present at the City Council meeting when this item comes forward.

Planning Commission and City Council Meetings
The Planning Commission was introduced to this topic on October 4, 2018 and tabled the topic until this meeting. October 4, 2018 draft minutes are included as an attachment to this case. The City Council met on October 23, 2018 to hear an update on the case. The City Council asked about the viewshed of the properties to the north, the protection of the wetlands, trail maintenance, and if a homeowner's association would care for the shared spaces. There will be a homeowner's association (HOA) for this project, to maintain any private spaces and the private road. The proposed homes are one story homes, some with basements (walkouts) and others without, based on the topography of the land. Public trails are typically maintained by the City of Ramsey, and there is a required 16.5 foot buffer from the wetlands that must be in place during construction.

The applicant has agreed that all internal trails will be public since the last discussion.

Staff will not bring this forward to City Council until there is a landscape plan that the EPB can review.

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

Staff Recommends Approval of Resolution 18-209 Granting Preliminary Plat for Shade Tree Cottages, contingent upon complaince with the Staff Review Letter and City Engineer Approval.

Motion to recommend City Council approve Resolution 18-209 Granting Preliminary Plat for Shade Tree Cottages, contingent upon complaince with the Staff Review Letter and CIty Engineer Approval.