| Proposed Motion: |
Rezoning
Move City Council adopt Ordinance No. 4973 approving PLH20-0019 Commonwealth Lofts, Rezoning from Agricultural (AG-1) District to Planned Area Development (PAD) for townhomes located at 699 E. Commonwealth Avenue, subject to the conditions as recommended by Planning and Zoning Commission. |
| Background Data: |
Site is currently undeveloped and zoned for agricultural land uses.
3.0 net-acre site fronting on unimproved portion of Commonwealth Avenue
This ordinance was introduced and tentatively adopted by City Council on May 24, 2021. |
| Surrounding Land Use Data: |
| North |
Commonwealth Avenue then single-family dwellings |
South |
Single-family dwellings |
| East |
Vacant land then church |
West |
Single-family dwellings then multi-family dwellings |
|
| General Plan and Area Plan Designations: |
| |
Existing |
Proposed |
| General Plan |
Growth Area 1, Downtown Chandler |
No Change |
| Downtown South Arizona Avenue Corridor Area Plan |
Townhome, 12-14 dwelling units per acre |
No Change |
|
| Proposed Development |
| Units |
39 Townhome lots
12.8 du/ac |
| Parking |
2 garage spaces per unit
18 on-site guest parking spaces
+/- 14 new on-street public parking spaces |
| Open Space |
6.5' private patio space per unit
Turfed retention court yards
Bocce Ball court and cabana grill area |
| Building Height |
2-stories
27.5 feet tall to top of parapet |
| Building Design |
Primary materials include stucco and stone
Roof design includes concrete tile accent roofs, metal canopies, and flat parapet roofline
Patio wall to be aesthetically vented stucco with welded mesh doors. |
|
| Review and Recommendation |
Staff finds the proposed rezoning aligns with the goals of the General Plan.
The General Plan identifies the site as being located with Growth Area 1, Downtown Chandler which calls for the revitalization of vacant parcels and higher densities.
The units are organized in an easily navigated layout that results in the majority of the frontage being occupied by patio spaces and front doors that are visible from the public sidewalk instead of garages. This will help "activate" the area and provide a pleasant and safe-feeling environment for this portion of Commonwealth Avenue by creating opportunities for neighbors to interact and by increasing visibility of the street by residents. To accommodate garage parking while being sensitive to nearby single-family homes, the applicant has proposed two-story units instead of three-story units. To further consider privacy, instead of providing living room space on the second floor, two non-master bedrooms without balconies are proposed in the rear of the units.
Staff finds this proposal balances the General Plan's guidance to increase density, providing a transition between old and new development, promoting a compatible mix of housing types, and promoting civic engagement. |
| Public / Neighborhood Notification |
- This request was noticed in accordance with the requirements of the Chandler Land Use and Zoning Code.
- To comply with CDC social distancing guidelines, the applicant hosted a digital neighborhood meeting via Zoom on September 8, 2020
- Four households attended the meeting where a variety of questions were asked regarding wall height, irrigation, building height, unit cost, and landscaping. The applicant answered each question, after which there was no opposition shared.
- One resident preferred that the open space of the Commonwealth Avenue right-of-way remain. The applicant explained that a portion of the unimproved land includes right-of-way that has been reserved for the proposed roadway.
A question was asked about irrigation to adjoining properties. The applicant confirmed that irrigation will be preserved and underground as desired to adjoining properties.
- As of writing this memo, Planning staff has not received opposition from residents regarding the proposal.
|
| Planning and Zoning Commission Vote Report |
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting May 5, 2021
Motion to Approve
In Favor: 6 Opposed: 0 |
| Recommended Conditions of Approval |
Planning staff find the request is in compliance with the General Plan and Planning and Zoning Commission recommends the City Council approve the rezoning from AG-1 to PAD for Townhomes subject to the following conditions:
1. Development of the overall site shall be in substantial conformance with the Development Booklet, entitled, "Commonwealth Lofts" and kept on file in the City of Chandler Planning Division, in File No. PLH20-0008, modified by such conditions included at the time the Booklet was approved by the Chandler City Council and/or as thereafter amended, modified or supplemented by Chandler City Council.
2. Completion of the construction of all required off-site street improvements including but not limited to paving, landscaping, curb, gutter and sidewalks, median improvements and street lighting to achieve conformance with City codes, standard details, and design manuals.
3. Right-of-way dedications to achieve full half-widths, including turn lanes and deceleration lanes, per the standards of the Chandler Transportation Plan.
4. Residential dwelling units shall be permitted with a maximum density of 13 dwelling units per acre.
5.. No building façade shall be closer than 15' from the right-of-way line of Commonwealth Avenue.
6. No building façade shall be closer than 25' from the common shared property lines located on the east, west, and south of the overall site. |
