Brentwood planning commission sends 9‑unit Madge Avenue townhome plan to site plan subcommittee

The Brentwood Planning and Zoning Commission on May 13 voted to send a revised nine‑unit townhome site plan for 8815 Madge Avenue to the commission’s site plan subcommittee for further review after questions about lighting, fencing, parking and massing.

Applicant Ashim Lamichhane introduced the project, saying the team "have reviewed the feedback and made changes," and provided updated materials to staff. Ms. Kelly, Director of Planning and Development, told the commission that elevations had been updated and lighting specifications and a photometric plan were included, though a full zoning-code verification would wait until the site plan revisions were finalized.

Andy Franke, a landscape architect on the project team, told commissioners there was a small amount of light spill to the east — which he described as "about one candle's worth" — and confirmed that an existing chain‑link fence would be removed and replaced with gray vinyl fencing at the property line. Mr. Lamichhane said the applicant was willing to remove the chain‑link fence but wanted to coordinate that with neighbors.

Commissioners pressed the team on parking and driveway use. Staff noted that the zoning code requires two parking spaces per unit; the applicant offered to stripe up to five additional visitor spaces in the shared drive, and Ms. Kelly said parking behind the units was another option. Commissioner Brian Nolan said he worried that designated spaces could be used for storage rather than parking, and landscape architect Franke said parking within the drive aisle could create safety problems for garage egress.

Fire‑safety concerns prompted a design change: Mr. Lamichhane said the fire department reviewed the plans and the team will add a fire hydrant. Mr. Lamichhane also noted a roughly 5‑foot grade change from front to back that affected building placement and elevation.

Commissioner Carl Karlen raised concerns about massing on the side facing adjacent residences and recommended adjustments to lessen the development’s impact. After discussing those points and other adjustments, Commissioner Lisa Schuering moved to send the item to the site plan subcommittee; Commissioner Jeff Moore seconded the motion and it passed with all members in favor.

Staff listed supporting documents for the file — including staff reports, revised elevations, landscape plans and lighting calculations from prior meetings — and said the site plan subcommittee would meet May 27 to work through the items identified by commissioners. The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for June 10.

The referral means the project will return to the commission after the subcommittee’s review; no final approvals were made at the May 13 meeting.