Pioneer Ridge - 5.5 City Council - Rezoning, Prelim Plat, Site Plan, Tree ClearingPioneer Ridge
Development Review
Planning Commission –February 18, 2025
City Council Work Session –April 28, 2025
Rezoning, Preliminary Plat, Site Plan,
& Tree Clearing Contract
Location Map
Community
Engagement
Neighborhood Meeting – January 14, 2025
Planning Commission Public Hearing
2/18/25
Proposed Development Email Notifications
4/15/25
4/3/25
3/26/25
3/3/25
2/5/25
Rezoning
Application
Rezoning
a)The proposed rezoning is/is not consistent with the City’s
Comprehensive Plan.
b)The proposed zoning will/will not be compatible with the present
and future land uses of the area.
c)The proposed zoning does/does not conform to all performance
standards contained in the Zoning Ordinance.
d)The proposed zoning will/will not tend to or actually depreciate
the area in which it is proposed.
e)The proposed zoning can/can not be accommodated with existing
and planned public services and will not overburden the city's
service capacity.
f)Traffic generation by the proposed use within the zoning district
is/is not within the capabilities of the streets serving the property.
Future Land Use Designations
Property designation:
Office / Residential Medium Density
Neighboring Zoning Designations
RLM, R -8, and PUD-R are eligible based on Medium
Density Residential designation.
R-8
RLM
Proposed Zoning Designations
RLM
R-8
A2
Rezoning
a)The proposed rezoning is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
b)The proposed zoning will be compatible with the present and future land uses of the
area.
c)The proposed zoning does conform to all performance standards contained in the
Zoning Ordinance.
d)The proposed zoning will not tend to or actually depreciate the area in which it is
proposed.
e)The proposed zoning can be accommodated with existing and planned public services
and will not overburden the city's service capacity.
f)Traffic generation by the proposed use within the zoning district is within the
capabilities of the streets serving the property.
Staff recommends approval of the proposed
rezoning based on the following findings of fact:
Preliminary Plat
Application
Subdivision Review
•The proposed subdivision is/is not consistent with the zoning ordinance.
•The proposed subdivision is/is not consistent with all applicable city, county and
regional plans including but not limited to the City's Comprehensive Plan;
•The physical characteristics of the site, including but not limited to topography,
soils, vegetation, susceptibility to erosion and siltation, susceptibility to flooding,
and stormwater drainage are/are not suitable for the proposed development;
•The proposed subdivision does/does not make adequate provision for water
supply, storm drainage, sewage disposal, streets, erosion control and all other
improvements required by the subdivision ordinance;
•The proposed subdivision will/will not cause significant environmental damage
subject to compliance with the conditions of approval;
•The proposed subdivision will/will not conflict with easements of record;
•The proposed subdivision is/is not premature.
Preliminary Plat Proposal
•14 Detached Townhomes
•40 Attached Townhomes
•Private Roads
Detached and Attached Townhomes
Detached Townhomes (RLM)
Required (Minimum)Proposed
Lot Area 5,445sf (average)7,345sf
Lot Frontage 30 feet 54 feet
Lot Depth 100 feet 109 feet
Attached Townhomes (R-8)
Required (minimum)Proposed
Lot Area 1,800 sf 2,368
Lot Frontage 30 feet 32 feet
Lot Depth 60 feet 74 feet
Landscaping & Tree Preservation
-29% Existing canopy
coverage
-9% canopy coverage retained
-If below 25% canopy
coverage, replacement is
required
-84 trees are required to be
planted
-228 trees proposed to be
planted
Landscaping & Buffering
Section 20-1176 Buffering
Intent:
-Improve the appearance of
vehicular use areas and property
abutting public rights-of-way
-To require buffering between
noncompatible land uses;
-To protect, preserve and promote
the aesthetic appeal, character
and value of the surrounding
neighborhoods;
-To promote public health and
safety through the reduction of
noise pollution, air pollution,
visual pollution and glare.
Base Buffer Plantings
-43 overstory trees
-87 understory trees
-130 shrubs
-Total: 260 plantings
Buffer Plantings Shown
-178 overstory trees
-0 understory
-70 shrubs
-Total: 248 Plantings
Evergreen and deciduous trees – 176 provided
Overstory and understory trees - 130 base
Presence of 46 additional evergreens/deciduous trees
provides greater screening than the typical additional
60 shrubs.
Landscaping & Buffering
North Property Line
“Bufferyard B” Plantings Required
-16 overstory trees
-33 understory trees
-49 shrubs
98 total plantings
Plantings Shown/Conditioned
-71 evergreens (overstory)
-6 deciduous (overstory)
-0 understory
-56 shrubs
133 total plantings
West Property Line
“Bufferyard B” Plantings Required
-7 overstory trees
-14 understory trees
-21 shrubs
42 total plantings
Plantings Shown
-10 evergreens (overstory)
-5 deciduous (overstory)
-0 understory
-21 shrubs
36 total plantings
Landscaping & Buffering
South Property Line
“Bufferyard B” Plantings Required
-13 overstory trees
-26 understory trees
-39 shrubs
78 total plantings
Plantings Shown
-45 evergreens (overstory)
-20 deciduous (overstory)
-0 understory
-0 shrubs
65 total plantings
Landscaping & Buffering
East Property Line
“Bufferyard B” Plantings Required
-7 overstory trees
-14 understory trees
-21 shrubs
-42 total plantings
Plantings Shown
-14 evergreens (overstory)
-7 deciduous (overstory)
-0 understory
-0 shrubs
-21 total plantings* Maintains
natural bluff area
Landscaping & Buffering
Transportation – Access points
Bluff Creek Drive (2048 VPD, down 30.6% from 2023 due to BCB opening to Powers)
•There are sight line issues for both directions at the access point
•There are solutions for both directions
South: The updated plans show added grading which accommodates the
sight line in this direction
o North: More detail needed to review compliance with 35mph design. If
unable, then a speed limit reduction on Bluff Creek Drive would be needed.
Existing data indicates avg 85% speed of 31mph.
There have been concerns from residents about speeds on BCD,
particularly related to Pioneer Pass Park and the steep grade down to
Pioneer Trail.
Fog lines are being added this year.
Pioneer Trail
•County will only allow a RT in/RT out
A median is required and has been added to the plan
Transportation - Access
Looking South – Solution is to cut down the hill
Transportation - Access
Looking North – Solution is to post a speed zone and/or
alter driveway design
Utilities
Water
•Connecting to existing 12” mains on Bluff Creek Dr. and Pioneer Tr.
•All watermain (except bldg. services) will be publicly owned and
maintained
Sanitary Sewer
•A lift station is required
•Forcemain connection to existing MH at Bluff Creek Dr/Hemlock Way
•All sanitary sewer including the lift station will be privately owned and
maintained
Stormwater Management
•The proposed design is mimicking the existing drainage patterns
o To the NE down the slope toward Bluff Creek
o To the existing stormwater pond at NW corner
o To the Pioneer Trail storm sewer system
Runoff rates are kept below existing
Water Quality treatment is met by multiple stormwater ponds
Volume reduction credits by way of a reuse system for irrigation
•The eroded slope (defined as a Water Course) on the northeast is shown to be
stabilized
•The existing treatment pond in the NW corner will remain public, while the
new ponds and all onsite storm sewer will be privately owned and maintained
•Additional design details are required with the Final Plat documents
Pinched Drainage
•The ditch along the northern portion
of the property has a slope of ~ 2%
•Typical minimum grade used to
convey overland flow
•The ditch is competing for space with
landscaping
•Potential to cause nuisance drainage
problems
•Ponding water
•Wet and/or dead grass
•Additional maintenance
•Close proximity of trees may
impact draintile installations
which is the most common
solution
•Design is especially tight on Lot 14
where there is a pinch point
•A retaining wall is shown
•Could restrict flow, and thereby
accelerate velocity before
heading down the slope
Conditions of Approval - Drainage
1.Additional details are required to verify that the proposed
retaining wall, landscaping, and swale can all be accomplished
to avoid both onsite and offsite drainage issues at the northeast
corner without the elimination or reconfiguration of lots as
currently shown.
2.This condition, like all other conditions, must be satisfied prior to
approval of Final Plat.
Subdivision – Preliminary Plat
•The subdivision adheres to the city’s zoning ordinances
•The subdivision as proposed complies with the City’s Comprehensive Plan as well as
applicable city, county, and regional plans.
•The applicant has prepared the necessary engineered drawings and design to
establish that the topography, soils, vegetation, susceptibility to erosion and
siltation, susceptibility to flooding, and stormwater drainage are suitable for the
proposed development.
•The Applicant has made adequate provisions for water supply, storm drainage,
sewage disposal, streets, erosion control and all other improvements.
•The proposed subdivision will not cause significant environmental damage.
•The Applicant has provided the necessary information to support that the
proposed subdivision will not conflict with easements of record.
•The proposed subdivision has adequate stormwater drainage, roads, sanitary
sewer systems, and adequate off-site public improvement and support systems.
Staff recommends approval of the proposed subdivision based on
the following findings of fact:
Site Plan
Application
Site Plan Proposal
•40 attached townhomes
•14 detached townhomes
•Private Roads
•Building pads adhere to
required setbacks
Attached Townhomes Architecture
Jasmine and Isla
Updated Architecture
Original Proposal
Attached Townhomes Architecture
Sophia and Amelia
Updated Architecture
Original Proposal
Detached Townhomes Architecture
Guest Parking – City Code Requirement
•1 space per 4 homes
•14 required for 54 homes
•21 parking spaces shown
•Intentional Landscaping
9
9
3
Land Disturbance and Tree Removal
•Northern Long-Eared Bat Protections
•Would allow some tree removals with preliminary plat
approval
•Requires cash escrow to cover city inspection costs as well
as escrow that could be used to replant trees in the event
project did not move to final plat
•City utilized the same contract/process with the Pleasant
View Pointe subdivision
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the proposed
rezoning, preliminary plat, and site plan for a
townhome development consisting of 40 attached
townhomes and 14 detached townhomes for the
Pioneer Ridge development, subject to the
conditions outlined in the staff report dated April 23,
2024, and approval of the Land Disturbance and Tree
Removal Contract.
City Council Discussion
Public Comment
Proposed Motion
Motion to approve the rezoning, preliminary plat, and
site plan for Pioneer Ridge, a townhome
development consisting of 40 attached townhomes
and 14 detached townhomes, subject to the
conditions outlined in the staff report dated April 23,
2024, and approval of the Land Disturbance and Tree
Removal Contract for Pioneer Ridge Development.
Additional Technical Slides
Wetlands
•Wetland Delineation
Completed on May 6th, 2024,
and approved by the
TEP/LGU
•Two incidental wetlands and
a watercourse identified on
site
•Wetlands were created
by TH212 Grading
•Permitting requirements
for watercourse to be
confirmed with final
design (City, ACOE,
Watershed District)
Grading and Drainage
•Site bounded by
steep slopes and
public ROW in
existing condition
•Site mass graded to
facilitate construction
of roads, homes and
utilities
•Proposed drainage
mimic existing
conditions
•Wet Pond expansion
and new reuse wet
pond proposed to
meet regulations
•Applicant to confirm
permitting with all
applicable agencies
Transportation – Speed on Bluff Creek Dr.
•35mph posted speed limit
o Appropriate for a limited access Collector street
•5 different speed studies conducted over last 7
yrs conclude there isn't a speeding issue
o Average speeds were 22-30mph
o 85th Percentile speeds were 28-33mph
•Adding fog lines is an additional strategy the City
could also implement
o Existing street is 33' wide
•If speed zone is needed for driveway,then potential
for making all of BCD 30mph
Stormwater Management
•Project is required to meet City and Riley
Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District
requirements
•Water quality
•Rate Control
•Buffers
•Proposed design includes stormwater
ponds Best Management Practice (BMP)
that promotes infiltration and stormwater
storage (reuse system and wet ponds)
•Applicant has a few items to resolve with
the final design
•Reuse Pond Outlet/Watercourse
•Rate Control
•Pond Expansion/resident concern
•Storm sewer and BMP(s) will be private and
will therefore require an Operations and
Maintenance Agreement
•Concerns have standard solutions that can
reasonably be conditioned with the final
plat
Open House Drainage Concern
•The ditch adjacent to the wet pond
appears to wet/saturated
•Potentially subsurface water
interactions
•Area is encompassed by drainage
and utility easement/ city outlot
•Development cannot make the
situation worse
•Models show a reduction of water
levels for the proposed design
• suggests an improvement
•Staff had a discussion with the
developers engineer to conduct
additional analysis and see if there
are other solutions that could be
installed with the development
•Area will be reviewed with final
design