06/08/1992 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Ms. Ehrman arrived. In response to a question from Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Lowe said that the Planning Commission's assumption of 15 units per acre for high-density development would apply only to the Willakenzie planning area. He added, however, that there is a proposed action in the refinement plan that would amend the Eugene Code to establish minimum density standards citywide so that the Willakenzie area would not be unjustly singled out. He said that adopting the plan would not automatically amend the code, but that a code amendment would require a separate process. Mr. Robinette pOinted out that the assumption of 15 units per acre is still an assumption of the minimum density that may occur. Mr. Boles noted that it is highly improbable that development will be achieved at assumed levels of 15 units per acre if minimum standards are not imposed. Mr. Robinette wondered why a recent development request was denied on the basis that it may create density that is too high. Mr. Lowe was unfamiliar with the specific request, but said that it may be related to the City's 4,500 square-foot minimum lot size, or perhaps the proposed development exceeded the maximum density allowed in that zoning district. In response to a question from Mr. Boles, Mr. Lowe said that the Metro Plan targets six dwelling units per gross acre. Mr. Boles wondered which alterna- tive would most likely achieve that goal. Mr. Lowe said that all alternatives attempt to move toward that goal. He noted that it is very difficult to predict which assumption will best accomplish Metro Plan goals because there is no minimum density standard for low-density development. He added that, of the options presented, a requirement for a minimum density (Option C) would best assure achieving Metro Plan densities. Mr. Lowe said the Metro Plan assumes an average of 6 units per acre, but in reality, development has only achieved a density of 3 to 5 units per acre. Mr. Lowe said that several residents expressed concern about the effect of minimum density standards on the character of the area. The concern of staff revolved around the fact that low-density developments are occurring on land designated for medium- and high-density residential development. Mr. Lowe noted that the major concern is loss of land designated medium- and high-density residential, not the number of dwelling units. Mr. Nicholson said that the staff notes represent only the potential development that could occur. Mr. Lowe agreed, and clarified that the figures represent the assump- tions used in the Metro Plan and those accompanying the recommended minimum density standards. He added that current development patterns are highly variable, and depend largely on market demands. Mr. Nicholson wondered why there were no minimum density standards recommended for low-density residen- tial development. Mr. Gleason noted that if that were the case, the infra- structure costs would push costs beyond what the market would accept. Mr. Lowe pointed out that both the Planning Commission and the Planning Team recognized the importance of allowing the market to largely determine how low- density development would occur. In addition, the low-density development MINUTES--Eugene City Council 5:30 p.m. June 8, 1992 Page 2