Commission OKs Sundance Apartments site plan for 296 units; sewer upgrade share and doorstep trash addressed

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the Sundance Apartments site plan (PLZSP23‑0024), a 296‑unit garden‑style apartment community on roughly 19.67 gross acres east of the southeast corner of Yuma and Apache roads.

Planner Jennifer Roseman presented the item on behalf of city staff and described the project as containing 116 one‑bedroom units, 146 two‑bedroom units and 32 three‑bedroom units arranged in eight three‑story and 14 two‑story buildings, for a density of about 14.94 dwelling units per acre. Roseman noted a correction from the staff report: the project includes more buildings and fewer three‑story structures than originally written in the packet.

Staff identified an existing sewer capacity constraint affecting approximately 1,211 linear feet of downstream pipe; Roseman said the developer will contribute a fair share of the cost to upgrade that section. The site provides roughly 35 percent landscaping (about 6.84 acres), parking consistent with the development code (492 spaces), and a single trash compactor area; the applicant committed to providing doorstep valet trash service twice weekly as a condition.

Several commissioners and residents raised traffic concerns at Yuma and Watson and asked about neighborhood outreach. Staff responded that the site is zoned for the proposed use and that neighborhood meetings are not required for entitled properties; staff said the city is aware of intersection capacity issues and is evaluating improvements.

After discussion the commission moved, seconded and approved the site plan subject to conditions A through LL. The motion carried by voice vote.

Staff will incorporate sewer upgrade commitments, final access and TIA conditions into civil permitting before issuing building permits.