PC Packet 09-17-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(7) The maximum gross floor area for the sum of all buildings in a project shall not exceed 45 percent of the total land area in the planned unit development. For purposes of determining compliance with this provision, the first two aboveground floors of structures used exclusively for parking of vehicles shall not be included as part of the gross floor area of the development. Subject to approval of the City Council, the gross floor area may be increased for any new Planned Unit Development that is located in the area known as the Northwest Quadrant project area, as defined by the Northwest Quadrant Framework Plan approved by the City Council. It is not possible to calculate total gross floor area without knowing how many of each housing style is proposed. However, a comparison can be made with existing single family neighborhoods in New Brighton, where "structural coverage" is the standard. Structural coverage is a review of footprint-to-lot area vs. gross (the sum of all floors)floor-to-lot area. Pulte is proposing a structural coverage percentage of 48% per lot where New Brighton's existing R-1A zoning district allows 40%. There is no doubt Pulte's proposal is more dense than existing single family neighborhoods in New Brighton. But, this is the vision for the area and density is a major determining factor for what creates a City Center. One point needing clarification is whether accessory structures should be allowed (like a shed). Staff would propose allowing accessory structures consistent with the Zoning Code standards already in place under Section 4-530, with the exception that structural coverage be increased to 48% and hardcover to 55% (as proposed by the applicant). It is expected that Pulte's HOA would regulate architectural design. Overall this proposal results in a much less dense development than was previously envisioned (8) All buildings shall observe the following setbacks unless otherwise specified by the Council at the time of approval of the planned unit development: A. There shall be a minimum setback of the height of the building, or thirty feet, whichever is greater, from all property lines that form the perimeter of the entire plan of the planned unit development. Subject to approval of the City Council, building setbacks may be decreased from the perimeter setback requirement for any new Planned Unit Development if pedestrian linkages to neighboring developments for residents, employees, or shoppers are provided along with an approved streetscape plan with enhanced landscaping. Generally, a 30'perimeter setback will be met from most boundaries. There are a few areas where the side street or front of a home abuts a perimeter boundary, where a 25' setback is proposed. The most obvious exception to this requirement will be the 10' setback along Old Highway 8 NW for the townhomes. However, this is a very important design element. Staff finds this standard to be met because the development includes an extensive sidewalk system, with pedestrian nodes and linkages to the rest of the development and Long Lake Regional Park, and includes extensively landscaped outlots, medians, and open spaces. To address the landscaping concerns more specifically, the applicant has provided a boulevard tree approximately every 80'. The applicant's narrative also discusses planting a minimum of two trees per lot and perimeter foundation landscaping, rock and edging. The applicant has also proposed heavily landscaped and irrigated open space areas, especially for screening along the adjacent rail line to the west.