Hearings Official Decision - Laserfiche WebLink

Finding: The proposed PUD is located in an area that is zoned and developed primarily for low- density residential use. While the proposed gross density of 2.6 to 2.9 units per acre is on the low side of the maximum allowable density and may be lower than the surrounding neighborhood, the residential use is consistent with the developed surrounding area. As a low- density residential development within a similar low density residential neighborhood, the proposed PUD will be compatible and harmonious with the adjacent residential uses. Hendricks Park is immediately adjacent to the north property boundary and the Ribbon Trail adjacent to the east property boundary are both public lands. To the extent that the proposed residential development will alter the existing vacant landscape, clustering of home sites in the mid to higher elevations limits the ground disturbance and allows for the preservation of approximately 4.41 acres of the site along the east boundary, providing a significant buffer with the existing forested area on the Ribbon Trail property. This preserved area provides a visual screen of the development for those who use the Ribbon Trail for recreation purposes and a significant wildlife habitat and corridor, helping to ensure a more harmonious environment. Several neighbors express concern that the proposed houses may not be `compatible' with the rest of the neighborhood and may not be compatible or harmonious with the adjacent public lands. As the applicant correctly recognizes, the words `compatible' and `harmonious' are not defined in the city's code. The surrounding single-family residential neighborhood is a mix of architectural styles, materials, and number of stories. The PUD criteria do not require that the PUD include the specifications of future existing homes. However, within the context of the PUD criteria, the applicant proposes to continue the developing this existing this neighborhood to include additional similar low density residential development. As each of the lots are developed by private owners, they will be required to comply with applicable residential development standards at the time of individual building permit review, that include height, setbacks, and lot coverage, as established in the Eugene Code, as well as the approved conditions of approval for the PUD. Neighbors also argue that the residential development is somehow incompatible or inharmonious with the adjacent public park and trail. However, as is evident in the existing neighborhood, residential uses are generally compatible and harmonious with natural, preserved vegetated areas. When, as in this instance, the low-density residential use retains a significant vegetative buffer between the residences and adj acent public spaces, that compatibility and harmony is enhanced. The proposed PUD satisfies this standard. EC 9.8320(13): If the tentative PUD application proposes a land division, nothing in the approval of the tentative application exempts future land divisions from compliance with state or local surveying requirements. Finding: The applicant proposes to divide the subject property into 34 residential lots and 4 tracts of common open space. As stated above, nothing in the approval of this tentative PUD Hearings Official Decision (PDT 17-1) 78