Commission reauthorizes planned-residential overlay for Center Avenue site with buffer and emergency-gate conditions

The Planning and Zoning Commission on March 3 voted to reauthorize a previously adopted site-specific ordinance establishing a planned residential development overlay (PZ28-21) for a parcel on Center Avenue that would allow 11 new single-family dwellings plus the existing home (12 units total).

Why it matters: the reapproval permits a clustered town-center-style development within the overlay and carries design and infrastructure conditions intended to reduce impacts on adjacent neighborhoods and the city trail system.

Staff told the commission the earlier approval lapsed because required site-development time frames were not met; the commission voted in February to retain the underlying R-3 (10,000-square-foot) residential district and to reauthorize the planned-residential overlay, and staff presented a final letter of recommendation for the commission’s action.

As recommended by the commission and included in the proposed conditions, the development must provide a landscape buffer along the southern property line to screen rear yards from the Wildwood trail and adjacent lots; staff described this as a buffer yard D implemented within the 20-foot width available and to be planted sufficiently to be effective. The commission also endorsed removal of a T turnaround and installation of an emergency gate; the homeowners association will be responsible for the gate’s maintenance and Metro West Fire Protection District must review and approve the gate design for emergency access compatibility.

Commissioner Helfry moved to approve; Commissioner Rubis seconded. The roll-call vote was recorded as yes by Commissioners Cone, Clayton, Deppler, Jackson, Rubis, Boren, Humphrey, Chair Beatty, Council member Brost and Mayor Gaetano. The motion carried.

Staff said the proposal includes street improvements, common ground and required public-space areas and that the overlay’s development standards require materials and design compatible with Town Center standards; staff noted elevations were provided to the commission for review and that most new houses are expected to have side-entry garages to limit garage-door visibility.