The Auburn Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional-use permit for a 243-unit, 431-bed multifamily development at 1397 North Dean Road, an application presented as an iteration of a previously considered project.

Staff told commissioners the applicant revised the site plan to reflect an updated flood-plain boundary and reconfigured northern units. The project, described to the commission as a purpose-built multifamily development, will include a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units in several building types. The project totals 243 units and 431 beds under the current plan.

Why it matters: the development would add a substantial number of dwelling units and beds near East University Drive and North Dean Road, an area identified for future street extensions and major-street improvements. Commissioners asked about traffic impacts, access and the effect on Dean Road, which staff said is on the city's major streets plan and is expected to accommodate future extensions and turn-lane improvements as development proceeds.

Parking and traffic: staff reported that an updated site plan shows nine additional parking spaces are required from the previously provided calculations; the earlier parking calculation on the plan was incorrect. Staff said a new traffic study will be required given changes since the earlier 2018 study and that the project may trigger turn-lane and intersection improvements where access points are used. "There will be improvements; there's going to be turn lanes there, left turn, right turn," the city planner said.

Floodplain and site revisions: the applicant adjusted the site layout after receiving updated floodplain mapping and reconfigured units on the northern portion of the site; these changes account for an increase in beds and a small net change in unit mix as developers respond to market demand for fewer multi-bedroom units and more studios or one-bedroom units.

Decision: Commissioners voted to recommend approval of the conditional-use application KCU2025-038, noting that detailed mitigation, turn-lane requirements and any triggered infrastructure improvements will be addressed in traffic study results and subsequent development review.

Next steps: staff said a traffic study will be required to determine specific road improvements and access controls; the applicant must finalize the site plan, parking calculations and mitigation measures during the DRT and permitting phases.