Erie Planning Commission Meeting – April 15, 2020

The Erie Planning Commission held a virtual meeting via Zoom on April 15, 2020, from 6:32 PM to 7:19 PM. The main agenda item was a public hearing on Resolution P20-10, recommending approval of the Parkdale P.U.D. Overlay Map Amendment No. 2 (Village 8). The Commission unanimously recommended approval to the Board of Trustees with conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Zuniga, seconded by Commissioner Hedahl. Unanimous roll call vote (7‑0).
• Approval of Minutes (March 18, 2020): Motion by Commissioner Ames, seconded by Commissioner Hedahl. Unanimous roll call vote (7‑0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the meeting. One email comment was received from Tom Doyle (1579 Hayes Court, Erie) regarding a solar installation proposal; staff noted the comment is more appropriate for the future preliminary plat stage and encouraged Mr. Doyle to share his idea with the applicant directly.

Discussion Items

• Parkdale P.U.D. Overlay Map, Amendment No. 2 (Resolution P20-10):
  • Senior Planner Audem Gonzales presented the staff report, describing the proposal to add Village 8 (approximately 203 units) to the existing Parkdale PUD. Village 8 consists of alley‑loaded single‑family detached homes and duplexes, with enhanced architectural standards for all elevations facing public streets, private streets, trails, open space, or public amenities. Dimensional standards include reduced minimum lot size (1,800 sq ft), lot width (25 ft), and setbacks (front: 11 ft, side street: 10 ft, rear: 1 ft). The amendment also creates a pocket park planning area and includes cleanup items (e.g., requiring enhanced architecture for duplexes in Village 6).
  • Applicant John Prestwich (PCS Group) presented illustrative renderings, emphasizing the green court configuration, rear‑loaded garages, and the pedestrian‑friendly design. He noted that the PUD is necessary because the current UDC does not adequately address alley‑loaded products.
  • Commissioner questions and comments covered:
    • Consistency with Town Center zoning (staff clarified it is separate).
    • Approval of alley‑loaded and duplex product as a welcome housing variety.
    • Setback rationale (1‑ft rear setback to allow architectural overhangs without encroaching the alley).
    • Tom Doyle’s solar proposal (deferred to preliminary plat).
    • Number of units (203 total, roughly 50‑50 split between single‑family and duplex).
    • Collector road connection to 119th Street (single connection).
    • Recent code amendments to accommodate alley‑loaded products (staff noted ongoing discussions to update the UDC to reduce reliance on PUDs).
    • Phasing: Village 8 infrastructure will be built all at once, with initial focus on the spine road.
    • Enhanced architecture requirements: nearly all Village 8 homes will have enhanced architecture (additional windows, material changes, plane changes).
    • Traffic circle alignment (offset due to 400‑ft intersection spacing from arterial).
    • Access to the spine trail and future commercial area.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Approve Resolution P20-10: Vice Chairman Harrison moved, seconded by Commissioner Zuniga. Roll call vote: all 7 commissioners voted yes. The resolution recommends approval of the Parkdale PUD Overlay Map Amendment No. 2 to the Board of Trustees, subject to the standard condition of technical corrections prior to recordation.
• Next Steps: The application will go to the Board of Trustees for final decision, followed by a preliminary plat public hearing before both Planning Commission and Board of Trustees, and then final plat.

Staff Reports

• Planning Manager Deborah Bachelder announced that the Town is seeking new Planning Commission members (application deadline April 30, 2020) and acknowledged the outgoing commissioners: Commissioner Tim Hedahl (2 years), Commissioner Kelly Zuniga (4 years, seeking reappointment), Vice Chairman Ari Harrison (leaving to join the Board of Trustees), and Chairman Eric Bottenhorn (12 years). Staff expressed gratitude for their service.

Commissioner Reports & Discussion Items

• Vice Chairman Harrison thanked the Commission and staff, noting he will carry his experience into his new role as Trustee.
• Commissioner Hedahl thanked staff and the Commission Secretary.
• Chairman Bottenhorn thanked the Commission and staff for their collaborative work.