Onalaska planning panel approves PUD amendment to reduce Crestwood Estates parcel to two single-family lots

The Onalaska Planning Commission unanimously approved a planned unit development amendment on Feb. 25 to reduce the allowed density on Lot 9 of Crestwood Estates and allow two single‑family homes to be built at Crestwood Court (Tax Parcel 18-6559-0).

City planner Katie Aspenson told the commission the property owner had previously amended the Crestwood Estates PUD in 2020 and the parcel was rezoned to R‑3 in 2021 to permit higher density. At the prior Plan Commission meeting the owner sought to rezone Lot 9 back to its original R‑1 zoning to accommodate single‑family construction; the amendment before the commission reduced the PUD’s anticipated density to match that rezoning. Aspenson said a certified survey map will follow to subdivide Lot 9 into two single‑family parcels and create an outlot dedicated to the city for stormwater management.

The request removes the prior allowance of up to eight units under R‑3 for that parcel. City staff recommended approval and listed 10 conditions of approval. Aspenson said no deviations were requested for perimeter standards, building height, open space, architecture, parking, streets, utilities, drainage, traffic calming, circulation, landscaping or signage, and that lots must adhere to the lot-dimension standards in table 13.02.24-1 unless a future parcel-specific PUD amendment is sought.

Commissioner Jan asked engineering staff about hillside stability and the ponding area below the lots. Staff said the ponding area is an existing city stormwater feature; the certified survey map will dedicate that pond area to the city and staff indicated two single‑family homes would generate less runoff than a higher‑density scheme and that the pond was designed for greater runoff. Staff said the pond is already maintained by the city and that the proposed dedication will give the city full authority to maintain it. Staff also said the future lot owners would be responsible for erosion issues on their property and that the lots will still include steep slopes (about 50 feet of slope) that owners must manage.

Commissioner Mike Milke moved to approve the amendment with the 10 conditions; Tom Smith seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

The commission’s action completes the PUD amendment step required after the recent rezoning and clears the way for a certified survey map and later building permits that must follow the city’s lot-dimension standards or a parcel‑specific PUD amendment if setback deviations are sought.