HomeMy WebLinkAboutS-0516 Staff AnalysisMarch 13, 1984
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. 2
NAME: Cedar Branch Addition
LOCATION: NW Corner of Fairview Road
(Corner of Fairview and proposed
Pleasant Ridge)
DEVELOPER: ENGINEER:
Phillips Development Corp. Edward G. Smith & Associates
1421 University, N-335 401 Victory
Little Rock, AR 72207 Little Rock, AR
Phone: 374-1666
AREA: 6.2 acres NO. OF LOTS: 18 FT. OF NEW ST.: 800
ZONING:
PROPOSED USES: Multifamily
VARIANCES REQUESTED: None.
A. Site History
None.
B. Existinq Conditions
The land involved is currently wooded with elevations
of 540' to 580'. It is bordered on the north by single
family zoning, on the west by a PUD, and on the east by
Fairview Road, and on the south by proposed Pleasant
Ridge Road (which is now under construction). The sole
structure on the property is a yellow frame house.
C. Development Proposal
This is a proposal to plat a tract of 6.2 acres into 18
lots for multifamily development. Access is to be
provided by 800' of new streets. The applicant is
planning to place 18 fourplex units on the property.
No variances have been requested.
D. Engineering Considerations
1. Improve Fairview Road to residential standards.
2. Clarify where Fairview Road is to be closed in
relation to the development.
March 13, 1984
SUBDIVISIONS
Item No. 2 - Continued
E. Analysis
Staff's concern with this project does not necessarily
involve the layout, but the approach taken. The
'IMF-12" District was not designed to accommodate
small -lot development due to the restriction against
front yard parking and the fact that the densities do
not yield an equitable return. The small lots will
penalize the developer because of the loss of density.
In this district, no more than eight functional
structures can be built on the property as proposed.
The plan also involves an excessive amount of street.
The applicant should be aware that a previous street
improvement district issue involved neighborhood
suggestions to abandon Fairview and Woodland Heights
Roads, so that through traffic from Rodney Parham would
be discouraged. It is possible that the issue has not
been resolved.
F. Staff Recommendation
Approval, subject to comments made.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE REVIEW:
The Committee reviewed the proposal. Staff explained its
view that the calculation of the right-of-way and the gross
density causes a problem as to the distribution of the units
among the lots proposed. The issue was generally described
as involving a theoretical density that doesn't lend itself
to this type of development. The applicant pointed out that
a precedent had been set for this. Staff pointed out that
it did not want to repeat this, since it causes design
constraints on individual lots, resulting in Board of
Adjustment applications for variances from builders. By
approving this proposal, the Commission would be approving a
plan, which would automatically build into the process
variance requests. Staff recommended a PUD approach or
submission of site -specific plans. It was determined that
the City Attorney should be consulted on the legality of
whether or not to include right-of-way in the calculation of
gross density.