SUBJECT:     PDC00-12-126.  PLANNED DEVELOPMENT REZONING LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF FLEMING AVENUE OPPOSITE WARNER DRIVE.

 

COUNCIL DISTRICT:  5

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

The Planning Commission voted 6-0-1 (Chun Hoo, absent) to recommend that the City Council approve the proposed rezoning.

 

BACKGROUND

 

On December 12, 2001, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider a Planned Development Rezoning from A-Agriculture to A(PD) Planned Development Zoning District to allow construction of 12 single-family detached residential units on a 3.7 gross-acre site.  The Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement recommended “conditional” approval of the proposed rezoning.

 

Staff indicated that subsequent to the preparation of the staff report, the applicant had agreed to modify the project proposal so that the rear yards for proposed units would not extend beyond the 15% slopeline and into area designated as NonUrban Hillside by the General Plan.  Planning Staff had originally recommended conditional approval of the project subject to this specific project design modification.  Revised plans have been prepared and will be forwarded to the City Council prior to consideration of this item. 

 

Vince Cantore, of HMH, Inc., representing the applicant spoke in behalf of the project and confirmed the applicant’s willingness to modify the project to avoid intrusion above the 15% slopeline. 

 

Matthew Osmond, representing the operator of an adjacent clean and sober living environment facility, expressed concern that the future residents of the subject development may have concerns about living across the street from his facility.  This use has been in existence since the 1970’s.  Upon questions asked by the Planning Commission about the facility, the operator indicated that the residents have not caused any significant problems or impacts to the existing neighborhood.

 

Two other area property owner expressed concerns about existing traffic flow constraints, particularly next to two large properties to the north along Fleming Avenue that do not have fully improved, or widened street improvements.  They generally felt that the existing street next to these two properties was too narrow.  Additionally they expressed concerns about an existing ponding of storm water that occurs in front of the subject site.  Commissioner James echoed the importance of having this project address the ponding issues.

 

Staff indicated that upon the future development of these nearby under-developed properties, street improvements would be required.  In the meantime, the right-of way is of sufficient width to accommodate traffic for the 12 new units proposed as part of this project.  The developer will be required to build standard street and storm sewer improvements in front of the subject site that will widen the street and resolve the drainage and ponding issues.

 

Commissioner Godbolt wanted clarification about the proposed off-site traffic improvements that are identified on the General Development Plan and proposed as part of the project.  Staff indicated that these are necessary to address the project impacts in accordance with the Transportation Level-Of-Service (LOS) policy and the Evergreen Development Policy.  Additional traffic improvements, such as widening of Fleming Avenue, would be beyond the scope of reasonable requirements for such a small project proposal.

 

The Planning Commission then closed the public hearing. 

 

PUBLIC OUTREACH

 

Notices of the public hearing and Mitigated Negative Declaration were distributed to the owners and tenants of all properties located within 500 feet of the project site, and staff has been available to respond to any questions regarding the project.

 

COORDINATION

 

This project was coordinated with the Department of Public Works, Fire Department, Police Department, Environmental Services Department and the City Attorney.

 

 

JOSEPH HORWEDEL

Secretary, Planning Commission