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Mr. Dolan presented a slide listing the FARs, ranging from 49% to 89%, on several nearby PUDs. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked whether these comply with guidelines for development in the downtown. <br /> Mr. Dolan explained that while a higher density is encouraged in the downtown, the community has <br /> ultimately been more comfortable with small lot single family homes than attached units. Single family <br /> homes keep with the character of the surrounding neighborhood but typically require a compromise in <br /> terms of FAR. He concluded his presentation, stating that staff recommends approval of Option 1. <br /> Mayor Thorne expressed concern that someone could purchase Lot 13 and still do nothing to improve <br /> the home. <br /> Mr. Dolan explained that the city's ability to influence what happens there depends largely on timing. If <br /> sold immediately, there is a certain risk that the new owner may leave the home as is. If, however, the <br /> applicant pulls their permits prior to a sale then they would be required to make the investment already <br /> described. While this is not a guarantee that additional improvements will be made, the aesthetic <br /> improvements, Ponderosa's own project and the alternative land uses certainly make it more a <br /> marketable site. <br /> Mayor Thorne asked and Mr. Dolan clarified that the applicant is responsible for $30,000 worth of <br /> improvements to the home, equal to the Bernal Park Fee, and not any more or less. <br /> Councilmember Narum said she read Condition No. 4 a bit differently, in that they must invest a <br /> minimum of$30,000 and address the areas of roofing, exterior paint and landscaping. She asked what <br /> staff's intent is if this were insufficient to address three items. <br /> Mr. Dolan explained that it is both a minimum and maximum, with the funds to be devoted to the three <br /> areas identified in whatever manner will yield the greatest benefit. <br /> Councilmember Pentin asked if allowing a limited commercial use would require the home to be <br /> brought up to current code and ADA requirements. <br /> Mr. Dolan said there are likely several deficiencies that should be corrected regardless of the use. <br /> Mayor Thorne asked and Mr. Dolan confirmed that staff believes that the illegal second story was <br /> constructed sometime in the 1960s, and that this is likely partly responsible for the integrity concerns <br /> identified in the historical analysis. <br /> Councilmember Pentin asked and Mr. Dolan confirmed that the City could require the second story to <br /> be removed as part of the reroofing process, provided it was not permitted and lacks structural integrity. <br /> Mr. Fialho stated that staff met with the applicant to develop a plan for the existing home and identified <br /> two options — demolition or incentivizing the preservation of the home by providing a fee credit of <br /> $30,000. Staff's intent was that they use these funds to spruce up the property so that it does not <br /> appear neglected, particularly adjacent to a multimillion dollar development, and not that they do any <br /> improvements to the interior of the home. He noted that the minutiae of this is really no longer relevant <br /> because there is an active sale associated with the property, which is why staff has recommended <br /> additional language to Condition No. 4 redirecting the incentive back to Bernal Park if the lot is sold. <br /> Mayor Thorne opened the public hearing. <br /> Pam Hardy, Ponderosa Homes, said she agreed with staff that it would be advantageous to present <br /> both options to the Council and noted that the existing home seems to have generated the greatest <br /> amount of attention regarding this application. She stated that Ponderosa first entered into an option <br /> City Council Minutes Page 5 of 10 August 20,2013 <br />