SR 05:258 - Laserfiche WebLink

designation for the subject site is High Density Residential (greater than eight dwelling units per gross acre). The proposed project, with six units on approximately .26 acres for a density of 23 units per acre, would be consistent with this General Plan designation. The project would also be consistent with the following General Plan policy in the Housing Element, "at a minimum, maintain the amount of high-density residential acreage currently designated on the General Plan Map." Because the site is located within the Downtown Specific Plan, the Specific Plan programs, policies, and land use designation are regarded as a more refined, detailed version of the General Plan. The land use designation for this property in the Downtown Specific Plan is "High Density Residential". The proposed use conforms to this designation. Thus, staff concludes that the proposed development plan is consistent with the City's General Plan and Downtown Specific Plan, and staff believes this finding can be made. 3. Whether the plan is compatible with previously developed properties in the vicinity and the natural, topographic features of the site: The Downtown project site is surrounded by a variety of uses: single-family residential, multi-family residential, and office uses. As conditioned, staff believes that the proposed project would be compatible with the single-family/multi-family character in the area. The height of the proposed buildings is within the height range of surrounding buildings. The site is relatively flat. Minimal grading is proposed on the site for drainage purposes. The design of the buildings is consistent with the Downtown Design Guidelines and staff believes that the plan, as conditioned, is compatible with the previously developed properties and the natural topographic features of the site, and staff believes this fmding can be made. 4. Whether the grading takes into account environmental characteristics and is designed in keeping with the best engineering practices to avoid erosion, slides, or flooding to have as minimal an effect upon the environment as possible: The subject site is flat and has a general slope of 0.5%, therefore, as conditioned, staff feels that the minimal grading required is designed in keeping with the best engineering practices and would not have an impact on the environment. Staff believes that this finding can be made. 5. Whether streets and buildings have been designed and located to complement the natural terrain and landscape: The project site is in a developed area of the City and would not involve the extension of any new public streets. As an urban infill site, there is little natural terrain in the vicinity. Development ofthe site complements the natural terrain by making only minor changes as necessary to the site's existing, relatively flat topography. Case No. PUD-37 Planning Commission Page - 23 -