Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Senior Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission advances draft senior‑citizen PUD; council backs further review and public hearing
Summary
The River Heights Planning Commission presented a draft planned unit development ordinance for senior housing (55+). Councilmembers expressed support for finishing the ordinance, which sets lot sizes, setbacks, open‑space requirements and prefers public streets; the commission aims for a public hearing this fall.
The River Heights Planning Commission presented a draft planned unit development (PUD) ordinance on Sept. 2 intended to allow senior‑citizen housing developments (residents 55 and older plus up to two dependents). Planning Commission Chair Noel Cooley said the draft was prepared to give the city a ready code framework should a developer propose such a project.
The draft sets a preferred gross site size around 4.6 acres, aims for single‑story appearances, and recommends minimum detached‑lot sizes of 6,000 square feet and a maximum 10,000 square feet for attached or duplex designs. The commission proposed a 20 percent open-space requirement, front setbacks of 20 feet, rear setbacks of 15 feet, and typical side setbacks of 7.5 feet (15 feet on corner side yards). The draft also recommends public dedicated streets rather than private lanes and limits amenities that would typically attract families (for example, playgrounds).
Cooley said the commission reviewed comparable developments in the region and consulted a land‑use ombudsman, who advised that a PUD provides the most negotiable framework for balancing developer proposals and city expectations. The draft also envisions a site‑plan review process in which a developer would present a conceptual plan to the planning commission for approval before seeking rezoning or final approvals.
Council members and staff repeatedly said the city should proceed with finishing legal review and hold a public hearing. Planning staff tentatively said the last meeting in September or an October meeting could be targeted for a formal public hearing after the city attorney and engineer finish their review.
No rezoning was requested at the meeting; the draft would be a code option available for property owners or developers who later request a PUD. Council members said the ordinance is intended to expand housing choices for seniors who want to “downsize” without leaving River Heights.
The council did not take a formal vote to adopt code; instead, members instructed staff to continue the review process and schedule public notice and hearing once legal and engineering comments are incorporated.
