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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — October 21, 2019 2 Councilmember Holmes asked if the amount of square footage could be restricted by a PUD. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla responded that they would find criteria that would work across all parcels in relation to size and footprint. An analysis would be done of the buildable area. Councilmember Holmes noted that current homeowners don't want huge houses sitting next to their modest homes. Mr. Brendan O'Meara said that going to a four lot development has a natural effect of smaller homes. Three lots would require them to build larger homes to make the project economically feasible. Councilmember Holden said several neighbors are against splitting the property into four lots because of concerns of the side variances. Current homes in the neighborhood are set further than 15 feet apart. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla indicated that the proposed lots would meet all required setbacks except they are requesting a smaller font yard minimum width. Location of the homes within the lot can be adjusted and garage locations (right or left) can be changed. They would look for criteria they could apply to all lots so they weren't restricting just one lot. Mr. Barry O'Meara asked if rambler style homes would be desirable by the Council. Mayor Grant asked if there is flexibility to structure a PUD across four lots. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla responded yes, but they can put some restrictions on a PUD regarding building ramblers. Councilmember Holmes felt the builders should have as much flexibility as possible. She is fine with four lots but would like to see a square footage restriction. Councilmember Scott supports a 30 inch waiver on minimum lot size so they can put four lots on the property. Councilmember Holden would like three lots. Councilmember McClung said he felt residents had concerns with four lots and so would say no to four at this point. Mayor Grant thought the property could be put to reasonable use with four lots, it's not a large variance and with a PUD they can customize and agree on types and sizes of homes, and with varying the setbacks he would support four lots. He noted there is a 3-2 split on Councilmember opinions so staff should talk to the applicant about what that means going forward.