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Villa Toscana townhome sketch plan approved; developer granted orientation variance
Summary
Commission approved a 24-unit Villa Toscana townhome sketch plan on Toscana Drive and granted a variance allowing buildings to be oriented perpendicular to the street rather than parallel, with buffer yards required; the project previously received annexation and NC 6.3 zoning from city council.
The Florence City Planning Commission approved a sketch plan for Villa Toscana townhomes on Oct. 1, a 1.47-acre project that will contain 24 townhome units, and granted a variance allowing the units to be oriented perpendicular to Toscana Drive rather than facing the street.
Staff told the commission the parcel was previously annexed and zoned NC 6.3, and city council had concurred with the commission’s earlier recommendation on zoning. The sketch plan shows four separate buildings oriented perpendicular to Toscana Drive: two buildings nearest the street with 8 units (combined) and two rear buildings with 4 units each, yielding a total of 24 townhomes. The project provides 48 parking spaces, which staff said meets the code requirement.
Staff explained the developer requested the nonstandard orientation because of parcel size and surrounding development; staff supported the request on the basis of the site constraints and noted the developer added buffer yards and would preserve an existing brick wall and street trees on the west side to soften the appearance entering Villa Toscana. Staff said city water, sewer and stormwater inspections will apply and that the project meets townhome conditions provided the orientation variance is granted.
Commissioners discussed orientation in the context of downtown and infill design; no additional formal conditions beyond the design-review requirement were placed on the approval. The design-review board will review aesthetics under the downtown overlay prior to building permits, staff said.
The commission moved, seconded and approved the sketch plan and the orientation variance by voice vote; the transcript does not specify a roll-call tally or the names of the motion maker and seconder.
