Council approves Heritage Mixed-Use PUD amendment to split Parcel 7 and allow indoor-only storage conditionally

The Andover City Council on June 11 approved a preliminary planned unit development (PUD) amendment to the Heritage Mixed Use plan that splits Parcel 7 into Parcel 7, Parcel 7A and Parcel 7B, adds a landscaping reserve (Reserve C) and adjusts development standards for portions of the parcel when used for an indoor-only self-service storage facility.

Julie Boyd, interim planning and zoning administrator, explained the change: "This is an amendment to the heritage mixed use preliminary PUD. Specifically, the applicant wishes to amend Parcel 7...the applicant wants to split the larger Parcel 7 into 3 parcels, a Parcel 7, a Parcel 7 A, and a Parcel 7 B. 7 A is going to have the largest change to its provisions under this amendment." Boyd said the amendment would change maximum lot coverage, number of floors and floor area ratio, but the higher allowances apply only if the parcel is used for an "indoor only self-service storage facility."

Applicant representative Brian Lindaback of MKEC Engineering described the parcel reconfiguration and said the reserve along Founders Parkway was intended for screening and landscaping: "When we platted it, we established those right of ways...we established a sliver along the north edge and specifically for screening purposes...It won't be built on. It's only, reserved for those uses as per the final PUD."

Council members asked whether the reserve could be used for future backage roads; staff and the applicant confirmed the right of way and street network are already established and that Reserve C would remain a landscaped reserve under the owner's association. A motion to accept the planning commission recommendation to approve case ZPUD25-0007 and adopt an ordinance amending the preliminary PUD passed 5-0 (motion recorded; one member absent or recusal noted earlier). The council noted the 30-day appeal period to district court following final decision.

Why it matters: The amendment adjusts lot standards and reserves for a central development area described by the applicant and staff as part of the city's mixed-use downtown corridor. Council members raised design and visibility concerns about potential storage facility architecture; staff indicated architectural controls and site plan review will apply.

Details and next steps: the ordinance amends the preliminary PUD; if the developer proceeds with a storage facility, site-plan review and design covenants will govern building architecture and screening. The decision is subject to statutory appeal rights.