Planning commission backs forwarding Buck Moon Villas townhouse preliminary plat to council

Ryan, a city planning staff member, presented the Buck Moon Villas preliminary site plan for a 3.24‑acre parcel in the Buck Moon Subdivision, north of Centro and east of Dubuque Street. He told the commission the property is zoned RM‑12 and that the future land‑use designation of urban medium intensity allows roughly six to 14 units per acre; the RM‑12 zoning and the proposed townhouse layout are consistent with that designation. Ryan said staff’s review found the plan met the city’s approval standards and recommended forwarding the proposal to city council with a recommendation for approval.

Ryan also flagged two technical matters for follow up: a 30‑foot easement between two proposed buildings — requiring the developer to adjust roof eaves so overhangs are outside the easement — and landscaping near a MidAmerican gas main that will require utility approval. The presentation described planned multi‑use trail connections along the subdivision and noted that townhouse driveways on public streets were acceptable in this low‑volume, internal subdivision context. The commission moved to accept staff’s finding and forward the preliminary site plan to city council; roll call recorded ayes from McIntosh, Osmundson, Bathke and Cornett and the motion carried.

"So this is request of Buck Moon Villas for a preliminary site plan, on 3.24 acres, in the Buck Moon Subdivision over by Centro," Ryan said during his presentation, summarizing the project's location and scope. The commission’s action was procedural — forwarding a recommendation to council rather than approving construction permits — and staff noted that building‑permit review will verify final setbacks and eave clearance before construction begins.