HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 06-09-2009 SpecialCITY OF PLYMOUTH
AGENDA
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
June 9. 2009) 5:30 p.m.
MEDICINE LAKE CONFERENCE ROOM
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. DISCUSSION TOPICS
A. Architectural guidelines Part I Part 11
3. SET FUTURE STUDY SESSIONS
4. ADJOURN
Special Council Meeting 1 of 1 June 9, 2009
MEMO
CITYOF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVAR-D. PLYMOUTH. WN 55447
MEETING DATE: June 9, 2009
TO: Laurie Ahrens. City Manager. through StCVC JUCtlen, C0111111WIM
Development Director
FROM: Marie Darling, Senior I'lariner 011-01.10i Barbara Scnncs" I'LiIIII1,11L,
ManaLlert7
SUBJECT- ArchitCOLIMI Standards
ATTACHMEN,rs:
1. Photos of Subdi,,isions Discussed
Proposed Code Amendments
3. Correspondence ReceiNTLI
Recently, the Citv Council referred the attached code arriendirients to a SILICIV Session to
discuss the impacts of these code changes. To that end. staffhas prepared this memo to
provide backgI-0LInd on each proposed change. Also. staff received two letters on tile
proposed code amendments and a response to the concerns raised is included below.
THE PURPOSE OF THE ANIENDMENTS
The Comprehensive Plan provides the Collowing) direction hi the Land Use Plan
implementation section (Chapter 3):
Consider amending the ordinance to address ... architCCUII-al standardsL -
for all new attached 11OUSing units."'
Staff applied this direction to standards solely related to townhouses because 1) the
concern raised regarding the "barracks -like" design of many ol'thc newest developmentsL --
and 2) the small amount of land available for developincrit of aparin-tents.
Page I
THE AMENDMEN,rs
A. Sithtl 2 M am- clei,eloinnew conlaininq 1hree oi- more principal mritcowes
II)I)I-01'ect qfier 2009, no abutih?g iownhouse or initnor home s/1-11C.1111-C.V
located tdong an aiverial or collectoi- roachrai, or cdon- ai i- sirect ablifth7g the
jmriphei-v ofthe clevelolmient shall be construciedymi-tillel to one another or to
the ror-allraY. Insuch cases, each structure shall be positioneil with a minimun? Of
ten degrees of ct ff rence in orientationfi-om both the abutting structures Wilhill
the clevelol-nnew and the (thutting roadwc v.
The intent of' this charipI _-e is to break up developments dominated by parallel strLlCtUrCS.
orientation requirement would apply Only to structures along the periphery and along
1-iigher traffic roadwaN s that are more likely to impact non-residents of the development. Z -
Local Examples (see attached photos): PIN1110LIth Crossings (SOUtIM-CSt COIAIC'T Of
Schmidt Lake Road and Northwest Boulevard) is an example ofa dcvelopment \\. ith a 10
percent difference in rotation to the roadwa\- although two of the Structures are parallel to
each other. Fields of Nanterre (northwest corner of Vicksburg Lane and NorthwestZ__
Boulevard) is an exarnple,vith structures parallel to each other and the roadway.
Application: As written. this language would apply to developments with More than two
structures.
Alternatives Explored: Initially, staffhad written the amendment to apply to all bUildings
within the development. Based on concerns repardinu the impact on density and the7 -1 -
SUbseqUClIt impact on affordabilit),. staffrevised the lanI.IUage to that sho\vIl aboVc.
Issues lZaised:
Carol Tool-lev, Lennar: Noted a concern with the impact on densliN and impervious
Surface coverage.
David Kingman. Kingman Hornes: Noted an opinion that building S built on a grid with
Parallel structures call produce altracbve developments.
Stall' response: Staff attempted a cornproirilse between the need fo r
density/affordabilit'illitiiitiiio imper\10LIS SUrfaccs and the need to irriprove tOM1110LISe
aesthetics. In some circumstances, grids are highly desirable. but dillICUlt to achleve in a
COIIIIIIUnit. like PIVII10LIth. that has not dcveloped on a orid Lind is fill] ol'wetlands.
an(-] tree stands. The restriction inay make the maximum of the densitY raiwe diffiCUlt 10
Lachieve on some properties \\lth competing restrictions (wc1lands. existing trec stand-,.
roadways. etc.) but the regulations should not prevent deNelopments from achlevinu the
ofthe range, For example, W'\.nfield Place (northw-cst corricr of' 47 A\ enue
and Northwest Boule\ ard) is sandwiched between two wetlands and is developed to the
maxin-ium of' the density range. 11' develOpCd under the proposed regulations. this
deN elopment may have lost UlIltS or, more likcl, the developer may have consIFLICIed
niore attached units and I`cwer detached units.
Page 2
B. nbtl 3. In an - v tlevelojnnent al)I)rovetl cificr xxxx, 2009, at leastfil j- percern
qffhe townhouse or manor home riii-elling units shall inclucle a garage containin q
not less Man 480 square ftet in floor area. The remaining units ii,iihin the
clevelol,nnent shall inclucle a garage containing not less than 400 squai-e IM in
floor area.
The language was proposed to address two issues with townhouse devc1opments. The
first issue relates to a concern raised by residents III PI)AI]OL1111 Crossings that smaller
garage sizes for the affordable Units Were harming their sale and re -sale, The applicant
reduced the Size Of Underground prages for the txvo affordable units In each bUildint, toZ
minimize the requested variances and keep the cost of the units as low as possible,
Because staffwas concerned about the impact of requiring a 480 square foot i-ninill-IL1111 Oil
density and consequently affordability. staff applied the hinitaLlon to only hall'thC L111itS in
the development instead of on all units. This olves the developer some flexibility to i -nixt -
the garage size into the structure design. For example. end units may have larger garages
than interior units.
Alternatives Explored: Staff chose 480 square feet becaLlSe it is a standard t\o-car parapeL: t--
I-01.1g]-IIN f'cet by 22 feet) and 400 square feet based on the garage sizes most Lvpically
offered in newer developments. Below is a table summarizing the garap izes offered incsi
sorne ofthe recent townhouse developments.
Development Approx. Garage Area
in square feet)
The Fields of Nanterre 400-430
Timber Creek Crossing 3380-440
Le-acv Park 370-400
Bassett Creek Crossings 540
Glacier Vista (Twin Homes) 794-800
1 Plyrnouth Crossing 3340-440
1 The \Voods at Medicine Lake 400
The second issue is that most developers have stock plans for structures and requiring
sli-htiv larger garage sizes than proposed in other communities requires a Unique design
for PIVinouth. This reduces the Sense of sameness that townhouses lia\c from one
C01111111111iIN 10 tile IleXt.
Application: As \vritten, this anici-idinem wouid apply to all tOW11110LISC developments
regardless of size.
Page 3
Issues Raised:
Carol Toohey, Lerinar: Noted that garage sizes must be flexible to meet market demand.
The size should be dictated by the market.
Response, -
The recent Zoninp Ordiinancc amendments approved a MilliIII1.1111 IWO-Stall garage for all
townhOUSCS. The amendment is intended to define \6at constitutes two stalls, 13 v
reqUirino larper garages. the height of the structure or footprint ol'sonle ol'the buildings
may increase.
C. Subd 4. In ai y clevelolm7ent qI)Iwoved qflerxxxx, 2009, each folvi7house or inanor
home struclure shtill be finished with exterior nutteriaLy (Incl Colors dua
coinjilement other structures iviihin Ihe t1evelopinew, 17011'ever, ablating Structures
shall in til)peartince in lerms ofexteriormwericils and colors.
This amendment requires variety in terms of color and materials, Staff placed more
design requirements Oil the bl.lildinp Oil thC PCriplICI-N. OfthC dO'ClOpMent, M SUbd. -5. bUt
only the color and materials would have to diff-er on interior units to lessen the impact on
affordabilit\.
Local Examples (see attached photos): The Fields of Nanterre used one color scherne per
StrLICture type, which would not meet this requirement. -1-Imber Creek Crossing (north of
Schmidt Lake Road. between Peony and Vicksburg Lanes) on the other liand, used
multiple siding colors for each row structure type.
Application: As written, this amendment would apply to all townhouse developments
regardless of'size. Z7
Issues lZalsed:
Carol Tooliev. Lerinar: Noted a concen] 111LIt ICYIIIS SLIch as -abuttInL,- and -differ inI -
appearance- are vague and subicctivic.
David Kingman, Kingnian Homes: Noted a concern that monochromatic color scheines
are sometimes desirable and the palette of vinyl siding colors is linnted.
Response:
In the proposed amendments. abUttinu means neighborint, directIN \\itlIOLli an intervcnino
public street, railroad or structi.11-C.
The I-C"LlIation is intended to break tip the sameness perceived in many large tOwnhoLISC
dc%clopinents. N -Ir. Kingman raised a point that staff conicniplated \\hile writino the
rellUlations. Smaller &N-clopments like The 'Woods at Medicine Lake (east side OI'SOUthI -
Shore Drive north of I Ith) and Bassett Creek Crossitips (cast side OfCOLInty Road 73 at
Page 4
RidgemOUnt Ave) are exan-iples of good monochrorriatic desi-n. The Council could
decide to exempt smaller developnients. for exarriple. less (hail ten Structures or less than
3 0 units.
When larger developments have monochromatic color schemes, the\, can create that
scrise of sameness that contributes to the "barracks -like" impression. Staffhas concluded
that requiring different materials and colors is important for these larger developments.
As a compromise. the Council COUld decide to loosen the regulation to state that abuttino
units would have to vary either the color or the materials rather than both. ]-his would
achieve a similar end. but would reduce the number of materials proposed \\11hin cach
development. w-hich in turn Could reduce development costs.
To implement this requirement, the City Council WOUld approve the color palette and
iriaterials as part of the overall development rcvlc\,. StaffWOUld nionlior the reLlUirerrient
when revicxvinu bUildino penrilts to ensure adherence to the plan.
D. Subd 5. ]it ai v clevelopinew containing 1hree 01' MOIT Pl'il?Cij)Ul S17-110111TS
qj)provetl ofici- x.xx., 2009, all toitwhouse or inanor hoine structures that ahw an
arterial or colleclor roculwc(l, shall be clesikned so that each fia-mle of the
builcling abulting such roaclit-cij)s shall present a ii-ell-ttesignetl upj)earance,
inchaling roof arlicillalion alit/ off els in the Wall I)h(170 0 IllillillIM17 ofeverY 30
f et, irin(loirs covei-ing a inininnini of -20 1)ercew ofthefil(iclde. 0 till . )11 . MUM of/11.0
flift'rew exterior nialel-ials. and a Inininnint oftwo tlifl rew hill harnumious and
colors.
These regulations require all sides of a building that faces higher traffic roads to be
designed Nvith features that make larger structures look less imposing. What the City
considers 'well designed is defined in the subsequent list of features. Although it is
possible that developers may construct the required design features 0111V to the periphery
units or to the sides of the building in question, they may carry the features throughout
the development in order to reduce their design Costs, Z:!
Local Examples (.-cc attached pholos): \Vith the exception of' the color and material
changes. The Vonds of Nledicine Lake and Bassett Creek Crossing Would rnect 111cse
requirements. One structure type in WN,nfield Place and the rmv toN%nhouscs in Timber
Creek Crossinv Would not mccl tile requirements, I __
Application: As written. this Ian Ua-C Would apply to developments with more than two9
structures.
Alternatives Explored: Staff considered applying these provisions to: 1) all sLrucLures in
developments, 2) facades visibile frorn arterials and collectors. and 3) facades that abut
hi -her volurne strects. Staff selected laril-ILILWe ITC11tirill" the facades abuttino roadvvays
CILIC to tile concern over the nun-iber of buildin-s affected by the regulation. As costs oo
Up- the unit price also goes Lip and affordability may be cornproinised.
Page 5
Issues Raised:
Carol Toolicy.. Lennar, Noted the following concerns: 1) that the "\vell-designed
appearance criteria would not be consistently applied over the years, 22) that the
rej.1,L11ations WOUld create a new kind of monotony rather than encouraging better design,
and 3) that the design amendments and strict architectural codes would affect
affordabillIN.
Response:
Am- regulations (buildino codes. zonin- codes. etc.) can create nionotom, and are aL7t74:1
compromise between public and private interest that each corrillittility inust inake. L.'ach
ofthe proposed list offeatures (roqfariicultit ion and offyets in the wallplane ct inininmin
qf everj) 30feet, iiindoit,s covering a nihihnnin ol'20 percent qfihefii-(Oe, a inininnun of
111,0 cl*i,ent exterior inctlerials, and a inininnun qflwo ct fflreni but harnionions and
COMI)IM7enlan, C0107 -S) are measurable, either the design meets them or it doesn't. Staff
intended to keep subjective requirements to a MillinIL1111 (i.e. harmonious colors) and did
not specify any partiCLIlar niaterials so as not to homogenize the products,
E. .Irht/ 6. 117 (117.1- tICIT101-Mleill COWUhling 1171-ee or 111ore 171-incil)(11 sirlictures
approved afierxxxx, 2009, the perijAerl, offhe cleveloInnent cihwiii,u an arterial
or collecior roathi-aY shall be lantlycal-3ell Irith it 111inhinnn ol'one ol,e)-storY 11,0e
J)er abutlincg chrelling unit. Shrubberj, (Mel (IeCOI-CItiVe jenCing S17CIII UISO be
installecl cdoiW such cirecis. The clecorativeftncing shall he tit least.1bul-ftel hi gh
cnO shall consist qfwoocl, it,rought-iron, or other qpprovetl clecorolivc klicing
inaterials (e--tclaclb q chain Ih7k tinel sit? iilcir jencing). The trees and shrubs shall
be clustered in natural groul)i . ngs )-caher ihan in roit's, and the (iecorative 1 ncing
inai, be consfruciett in sections rather than an iniinlerrulwed bortler. T17 e
I(IJ7(I.VCUj)i)7- required bi, this suhtlivision shall couni toitard the landsculn . ng
requirenients.1hr the ovei-all site. parsuow to 'eelion 21130. 03 ot this Chalwer.
The trees and 1ences are intended to reduce the mass of the structures on the adjJacent
roadway and define a sense of place that is sliphtly di 11'erent fior each de% chopment, TheIcr
trees are not proposed to be in addition to those required for landscaping or tree
preservation. The requirement for fencing is not intended to be continLIOUS or form a
physical barrier between the development and the road, The fence is an increase in cost,
althOL10h many developers install them oil their own. I -
Local Examples (see attached 1photos): The Fields of Nanterre's 1ence and Bassett Creek
Crossing's hedge would meet the requirement.
Application: As written. this requirement would apply to all developi-rients \,!itll inorc
th-,111 t\\O Structures.
Page 6
Issues Raised:
Carol Toolicy. Lennar: Noted that the cost of' fencing is prohibitive ill large
CIC\CIOPIIIellts aiid questioned \IiN tile CIIN; \WUld increase the desion standards aild thellt7
require a fence.
Response:
Fencing and landscaping are intended to break the mass of' larger Lolvi-AIOLIse
developments and enliance the periphery by giving passersby soniethino eye-catching
before they see a three-story structure. The rence is not intended to encircle the
development nor would a fOL11--foot decorative fence block views of' nc\, townhouses.
Fencing does add more cost to a development and both the developer and tile HOA
would bear those costs lono-terril. t --
The Council could choose to remove the fence as a requircinent. but in the event a
developer chose to add a fence, require theril to meet the standard proposed.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
StRIT found examples of existing developi-i-ient that rnect tile proposed reqUirenlents,
although not every development that met one requirement met the others. Since local
examples exist. staff concluded that the proposed requirements are not Undl.11) I-CStrlCll\ e.
nor are they beyond iriarket expectations.
Page 7
I TIMBER CREEK CROSSING I
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Page 12
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BASSETT CREEK CROSSINGS
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pe,mitted in existing or required drainage and utility easements, unless approved by the
City En inecr. (4mended by Ord No. 2002-25, 06125 02). (4n?ended b.v Ord. NO. 2008-
09, 03,25,108)
F). SECTION 21115.07 (GEN-ERAL YARD, LOT AREA AND BUILDING
REGULATIONNS—TWO FAMILY, TOWNHOUSE, MANOR HOME. MULTIPLE
FAMILY USES) IS HER-EBY AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
21 t 15.07. TWO FANIILY, TOWNHOUSE, IALkNOR HOME, NFULTIP-1-E FAMILY
USES:
Subd. I. No single townhouse or manor home structure shall contain more than
fourteen (14) dwelling units. (4meiided ky Ord. No. 2006-04, 02107106) 7
It, or more v--incipal stiucturesSubcL2. ay, containirg thzee (3)
ng tp--,- ' ouse o'- triallor hwn dare). no abutL- IM
or akonzz any stret, abuqin, the Deriol
S 21 c) n g a.i arter.
ajj be cm-I4--uctt- i?a? av, 1. uch c, o.,Ip- arjot e-- or io the road%i -
in Ot-----"
oo
oF (V)) dcarees o- sitionpc
oadrdt11 --c abutting t kya fi,-,c i L
009 (i;'Sel-t Ct - 7,::- 11Subd- 3. v do- t 9 dc te) - at
2 ur. L- _1:4 -e a gara2ew- or Manor
shal
fif (50)
ninaunjLs
11-aIn- I Yi lesy, h -ndred 6zhtV-L4- 01,
Ir 0 red
n t' nt Lall inclu& a zamlae ne- fo u. n (400) s ar
i -c devejluprri
00r area.
4. a; ed aftc,- xN-vi 2002 (T'1'?Ec;7 cicloPti i- C, Ic,' . ea
e sholl be finished vi I
n lic development. 11c),
e-vLejor als arid colcrs IiLiL
fe!- :17
a! and colocs. 0 C j P Jl
u more p, a! 5 1lcti-lres
all to-williou.sc or 1'01-.1i.' s-,"victuler thilt
I f zae bu"d :'j(7Ssoti, at ead !t m- 11
j,, - arter,1-0 or collec-1—orrOat' be de
nL, roo a.-J-culation anclr -g Such ro-advk-,-1%'s shall pre:;f,.- apuearanr--c. `--ludi T
o -L
C: Lhi!--L%- ('30) fi o-. w"dov, cOVOd"S mi li'lliltm
i the wa!! plaiie a
exTericy'. and aF - 1-1111 O -r (2) Clift rent20) 1 1 ' ,
1"
coin col -o: -S7:1c"IYUS C aulCme! I o f t-kN- 0 1
4 sl t "I Le:;
Siibd, 6. - - L n i,a ti'fCC C" -1ieiitco.i,aj.
abUtLila.! W1adon-iol? Cit.- xxx.\. the t)e [)hel7N Of the
c coliector 'na 11 be latdscaped y'-Ith a Minulnum Ct'o-IL i overstory Irce pe
C l -Im-a; atn e fcncinu :;o b 511- 1 an her dec—,
10)
Page 21
F'our (4) ftz.
i milar
ila!! beA! k -L 1-- in rwv S. anu i'le
Th eF--acted 11
A
130.0-
Subd. -27. Subdivision of Two Family or Townhouse Lots. The subdi,,'Ision of base
lots containing two family dwell' ,, inas, or townhouses, to permit individual p
i
1 1 1 nvate ownership of a
sinQle dwelling unit within such a structure may be allowed upon the approval by the Citv.
Apprw,-al of a subdivision request is contin-ent on the following requirements: I Z
a) Prior to a two family dwelling or townhouse subdivision, the base lot must meet
all the requirements of the zoning district. Z
b) The lot area calculation for individually platted unit lots shall include the
proportionate share of the surrounding base lot. (Amended ky Ord. V0, 2004-09,
07,73/04)
c) Permitted accessory uses as defined by the zoning districts are acceptable.
provided t1hey invet all the zonincr requirements.
d) A property maintenance agreement must be arrancred by the applicant and
submitted to the City Attorney for review and comment. The agreement shall ensure the
maintenanc ' e and upkeep of the structure and lots to meet minimum City standards. The
aL--reement is to be filed with the Hennepin County RecordeCs Office as a deed restriction
a-ainst the title of each unit lot.
e) Separate public utility service shall be provided to each subdivided unit and shall
be subject to the re,-iew and approval of the Zonina Administrator.
The subdivision is to be platted and recorded in conformance to the requirements
of the Subdivision Ordinance of the City.
g) Nlinii-num unit lot width for townhouses shall be not less than menty (-2 0) feet,
h) Requirements of the Nlinnesota State Building Code at the time of subdivision
shall be complied with.
S u b d. -3,2. Subdivision of apartment dwelli
in2 structures. manor homes and other- such
units:
a) - The subdivision is to be platted and recorded in conformance Nvith the
requirements ofthe Subdivision Ordinance of the City. as applicable.
Page 22
0
May 12,2009
City of Plymouth
Honorable Mayor Slavik
3400 Plymouth Blvd
Plymouth, MN 55447
Re: Townhome Code Change
Dear flonorable Mayor Slavik:
We would like to thank you for providing us with the opportunity to review and
comnient on the proposed changes to the townhome code requirements. We
reviewed the proposed revisions and compared them to our years of experience with
building toWrd-lome communities in various cities. Below arc our comments for each
of the proposed subdivisions.
Subdivision 2: ... no abutting townhome ... shall be constructedparallel to one
another or to the roadway. In such cases, each structure shall be positioned with a
inininuan o 'ten degrees of difference in orientation...
We understand and appreciate what you are trying to accomplish with this
requirement. However, there are negative consequences. The problem Nvith
requiring the 10 degree shift is that it has a significant impact on the density.
Depending on the size of the project, this orientation requirement could cause a
developer to lose one or more building. That adds up when you have 6+ units in one
building. This layout requirement would add one more hurdle in the density battle
ponding, setbacks, drainage, etc.). Another potential consequence is increased
impervious due to longer and odd shaped driveways.
Subdivision 3: _at least jO% of the townhonies shall include a gat -age containing
not less than 480 squarefeet infloor area...
Garage sizes and similar home layouts are dictated by the market place and
are constantly changing. City codes should not be directing the size of a garage.
Some market areas like small garages and some like larger garages. We adjust our
products based on market needs, feedback from homebuyer focus groups and JD
Powers Surveys. In order to survive in the homebuilding business, good or bad
market, we need to be flexible. This requirement is like having a city code that
requires all granite countertops in homes.
Subdivision 4: ...finished with exterior inaterials and colors that cottiplenlent other
structures within the developynent, however, abutting structures shall differ in
appearance in ternis of exterior Inaterials and colors...
This paragraph is very vague mid subjective. What is meant by abutting
structures? flow should the structures differ? Who decides that they are different
545 lnd an Mound E,, Wayzata, MN 55391 0 Phone: 952-473-0993 0 Fax: 952-476-0194
LEN MA R.COM
enough? We understand that you are trying to avoid communities that are all one
color. T he difficult part with requiring that abutting structures differ in appearance is
that there are only so many exterior material choices and color options.
Subdivision 5: ... eachfaqade of the building abutting such roadways shallpresent a
well-designed appearance, including roof articulation and offiets in the wallplane a
ininimum oJ'every thirtyfeet, window coverings a minitnum of twenty percent of the
Jagade, a minimum of two dififtrent exterior materials, and a minimuln of two
different but harmonious and complementary colors.
When creating architectural requirements for homes, you need to be very
careful. There are a lot of factors to keep in mind. You must also remember the
ultimate goal of these requirements, We understand that the underlying goal is that
the City wants to avoid having all the buildings took identical and you would like
some creativity.
There are problems with creating codes that require certain materials, or
exact percentages of particular architectural features. One is subjectivity, Who
decides what is "'well designed" or what is an appropriate "window covering" or
4 wall plane offset"? What happens when there is a change in staff, thus a change in
interpretation? We have seen these vague references used in many cities and have
encountered issues with application of the requirements. There have even been
arguments within a City Council in regards to what the various requirements mean
and if the applicant meets them,
Another issue is that these requirements are just creating another kind of
monotony. If you require all of the townhomes to have wall plane offsets every
thirty feet, all of the homes with have this exact feature at these exact dimensions. If
you require certain exterior materials, each home will have those in those exact
proportions. Now you have an all new monotony issue. These requirements could
also prevent a developer from presenting a unique and "'well designed" home
because it does not have a certain feature every such and such feet.
The last issue is affordability. This market is a perfect example of why we
should not be creating stringent requirements on homes. Each requirement that is
added to home, adds to the cost of building that home. Townhomes are meant to be
affordable. We would like to stress that affordable is does not mean cheap. Creating
or requiring homes that are too expensive for the market is not good business.
Builders will suffer due to no/low sales and cities through reduced building permits.
When a builder is given flexibility, they are able to create an affordable, not cheap,
home that is visually pleasing. Strict codes do not provide that flexibility,
Subdivision 6: ... abutting an arterial or collector rowhway shall be landscaped with
a Ininitnum oJ'one oversimy tree per abutting divelling unit, Shrubbery and
decorative Jencing shall also be installed along such areas ... shall consist of wood,
wrought -iron, or other approved decorativefencing materials...
This is a very cost prohibited requirement, Asking for reasonable
landscaping is okay. The fencing requirement is quite excessive. Can you imagine
how much it would have cost to install a fence around'Faryn Hills along Vicksburg
and County Road 47? That is also an extra cost onto the Homeowner's association
Page 24
HOA). There is currently a higher delinquency rate in HOA due to the current
economy. Adding more responsibility and costs to HOAs is not a good idea. Also,
if the HOA is unable to properly maintain the fence, it looks really bad from the
road, For example, the fence along north side Rockford Road cast of Northwest
Blvd was just replaced last year. Prior to that, the fence looked very old, was uneven
with parts of it fallen down. I believe that this would be worse to look at than some
townhome. Also, if you are requiring all of this screening, why is the builder
spending money on the architecture and wasting space with the 10 degree orientation
requirement?
We understand what you are trying to accomplish with these codes. However, you
must not forget the overall goal, Now is the perfect time to take a step back and look
at the big picture, Let today's market dictate your decisions as a council today.
Homebuyers needs and wants have changed from 5 years ago, Their priorities in a
home design have adjusted in this current market, Builders have adjusted how they
do business to provide beautiftil and quality products at a good value. Please don't
make the mistake of implementing requirements that cannot be met in today's or
future markets.
Sincerely,
LENNAR CORPORATION
C6arol)Toohe
Land Development Manager
Cc: Shawn Drill, Senior Planner
Page 25
Marie Darling
From: d kingman [dkingman5@gmail,coml
Sent: Friday, May 08, 2009 11:47 AM
To: Marie Darling
Subject: Re'. townhouse design standards
Marie - I I -lave read over the draft for nc\v design standards flor toiviihornes and I have a few comments. I
understand that some pro jects can took very unattractive because they have very little variation in color and
aligni-rient, However, I do not think that is true in all cases. Many of the very attreactive townhoine
developments ar0LIiid this area are "monochromatic". They have enough architCCtUral design interest to make
them very appealinIj. If you are building less expensive housin with vinyl siding, tisino several of the relativelyL
111LItcd vinyl colors is not necessarily going to be more attractive th,111 using one color schcrrie.
I also think that there are mariv developments built on a grid with buildings parallel to each other that are very
attractive. In general, I do not thlilk- that making color and alignment variation a requirement N\ ill make
developments more attractive.
Dave Kingman
OnThu. Apr 30, 2009 at 3:09 PM, Marie Darling <M Darl i ng,(f-vc i. pi ymouth. Ill 11. LIS> wrote:
Attached is the draft language that I mentioned. Let me know if you have any comments or concerns. The
Council will be discussing the standards at a Nvorksession on May 12. Please for\vard your comments to me by
May I I ill.
Thanks for taking the thne to look these over.
NI-trie Darling, AICP I Senior Planner
CiIN of 111 111mith
I, J
PIN niouth, Nfinnesola i Nlonc\ Aia-nizine's fil Best Iliace to Live
David E. Kinginan
Kingman Building Company
P.O. Box 684
Wayzata, MN 55391
6 12 -1-8 2 -3 53) 5
763-208-3406 (fax)
Nvk.kinginanbui ILI illl,.Wrll
Page 26
rp)City of
Plymouth
IMINEEMEM-
Adding Quality to Life
REGULAR
COUNCIL MEETING
June 9, 2009
Agenda
Number:
To: Mayor and City Council
Prepared by: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager"'PJ
Item: Set Future Study Sessions
1. ACTION REQUESTED:
Review the pending study session topics list and set study sessions or amend the topics list if desired.
Attached is the list of pending study session topics, as well as calendars to assist in scheduling.
The Council may wish to schedule budget study sessions. Possible dates: August 18, August 25,
Sept. 1. The Council adopts the preliminary levy and budget on Sept, 8.
Page I
Pending Study Session Topics
at least 3 Council members have approved the following study items on the list)
e Joint meeting with Environmental Quality Committee (fall)
Other requests for study session topics:
Update with the City Manager (fall)
Meet with prosecutor for update (fall) (TB)
Consider incentives to encourage tree preservation
Budget study sessions
Page 2
a City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
June 2009
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Page 3
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Cancelled
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Discuss Architectural COMMITTEE MISSION (PRAC)
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irp)City of
Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
July 2009
Modified on 06105109
Page 4
5:00 PM,
MUSIC IN
PLYMOUTH
Hilde Performance INDEPENDENCE INDEPENDENCE
Center DAY DAY
OBSERVED
CITY OFFICES
CLOSED
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PPT Tour
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Update with Parkers Lake Room
City Manager
7:00 PM
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COUNCIL MEETING
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COMMISSION HRA MEETING
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Medicine Lake
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r0 City of9) Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
August 2009
JJWU U11 U01 UJI U7
Page 5
2 3 4 5 6 7 82:30-5:00 PM, 7:00 PM
National Night PLANNING
Out Kick -Off COMMISSION
Station HI MEETING
Council Chambers
6:30-9:30 PM
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NIGHT OUT
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK Et REC
MEETING QUALITY ADVISORY COM-
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EQC) MEETING MEETING
Council Chambers Council Chambers
16 17 18 19 20 21 227:00 PM
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CIL MEETING ADVISORY Medicine Lake RoomZ3X3CouncilChambersCOMMITTEEON
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r0 City of9) Plymouth
Adding Quality to Life
September 2009
Modified on 06/05/09
Page 6
1 2 3 4 57:00 PM 7:00 PM
PLANNING HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION COMMISSION
MEETING MEETING
8
Council Chambers Parkers Lake Room
6 7 jjjj 9 10 11 127:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Autumn
REGULAR COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL PARK It REC ADVI- Art Fair
MEETING QUALITY SORY COMMISSION Parkers Lake
LABOR DAY Council. Chambers COMMITTEE PRAC) MEETING
Council. Chambers
EQC) MEETING
CITY OFFICES Council Chambers
CLOSED
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION
MEETING
Council, Chambers
ROSH HASHANAH
Begins at Sunset
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM -3:30 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL PLYMOUTH HIRA MEETING SPECIAL
MEETING ADVISORY Medicine Lake Room RECYCLING DROP
Council Chambers COMMITTEE ON OFFIEVENT
TRANSIT (PACT) Plymouth
MEETING Maintenance Facitity
Medicine Lake 1:00 PM
Room A Plymouth On
Parade Celebration
i y Center Area
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YOM KIPPUR
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