4 - Laserfiche WebLink

Site Design Staff finds the site design is appropriate and complements the development pattern of Rose Avenue. The front unit is equal in height to the two-story apartments adjacent to the subject site (north) and there is minimal visibility of the new rear unit from the Rose Avenue. Due to the siting of the new units, the perceived massing is similar to what already exists in the neighborhood and existing landscaping on adjacent lots and new landscaping on the subject site would additionally soften and screen the new structures. As proposed, the project is consistent with the development standards of the subject zoning districts. The proposal includes site improvements such as a new paved driveway, walkways, and landscaping. The site design includes minor adjustments to the existing site plan to accommodate the units (i.e., removing three trees). Staff finds the minor adjustments to the site suitable to accommodate the units and a new tree and landscaping are proposed in areas where there is currently none. The site improvements and proposed private spaces relate well to the neighborhood and are sensitive to the site's natural features. Building Design and Massing The proposed buildings' design and architecture includes materials, detailing, and colors of high quality that are aesthetically pleasing, and are harmonious with and complement the existing home and the overall character of the neighborhood. The applicant has provided well-designed structures through various roof forms, the use of horizontal siding, and recessed window treatments on all building elevations which are appropriate for Downtown and provide sufficient visual interest. The proposed colors complement the existing home and neighborhood. As proposed, the new structures would measure approximately 23 feet and 9 inches and 22 feet and 5 inches in height (measured from grade to the'highest point of the structure) and would be compatible with the one- and two-story homes in the area. Overall, staff finds the architectural style of the buildings to be attractive and appropriate for Downtown. Additional details of the proposed architecture and materials can be further reviewed in the attached Project Plans, Exhibit B. The Downtown Design Guidelines recommend the use of traditional materials, finishes, colors, and detailing. Specific Downtown Design Guidelines that pertain to the proposed project include: • Duplex or triplex units behind single-family homes are to match the materials, elements, and architectural style of the front home; • Transition from multi-story, multi-family housing to adjacent single story single-family homes can be made with stepping down of building forms. Dormers, articulated chimneys and stairways, landscaping, architectural molding, and window bays that reduce the mass of the building wall can also be helpful; • Multiple Family housing complexes should be designed to follow the rhythm and scale of the surrounding homes; • Duplexes or triplexes located behind single-family homes are preferred over large-scale structures to maintain the small-town character of Downtown neighborhoods and to retain the single-family residential streetscape; P19-0410, 715 Rose Avenue Planning Commission 8of11 y, especially for residential. She requested more data on the expenditure of funding and what percentage was directed at adding more housing versus the other programs, because HCD was looking at the number of built units. She stated it was worth exploring a housing overlay zone but the ordinance should align with State law for short term. Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 7 February 9, 2022 a business person would be equal with building a unit and paying an IZO. Ms. Clark explained the basis for the inclusionary zoning requirement, and the amount of the low-income housing fee were different and therefore, there was a disjuncture between the two fees (i.e. the in-lieu fee does not cover 100 % of the cost of constructing an affordable unit). Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 7 February 9, 2022