HomeMy WebLinkAboutHARMONY RIDGE PUD, PHASE ONE - PRELIMINARY - 49-95A - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - VARIANCE REQUESTHARMONY RIDGE
SOLAR ORIENTED LOTS
VARIANCE REQUEST
The total number of SOLAR ORIENTATED LOTS is below the normal requested, (see
Preliminary Plan for numbers). A solar orientation variance is requested for the following reasons.
The natural topographic features of this PUD development are such that the natural occurring
drainage tributaries of the Fossil Creek drainage basin and the occupying bluffs run pretty much
north and south. The resulting contours are steep and narrow enough in a east/west cross section
to cause design limitations. To layout the streets to run in these east/west directions over these
contours would cause steep and short streets, not amenable to the elderly clientele sought after.
Winter driving could also be somewhat of a consideration. Also this would necessitate a great
deal of over lot grading, thus destroying the natural contours and aesthetic advantages of this
particular unique development. Also to lay out streets a majority of east/west street between the
natural drainage's would reduce the over all required densities to make this development
financially viable.
The majority of Townhouse units, even though they are slightly off the east/west required
alignment, are still facing south west. This with the dynamic vista of the mountains across the
Cathy Formme Prairie invite design elements of south west facing large glass expanses to take
advantage of the natural view and therefor still gain much solar imput. Accompanying this is the
fact that most of these row houses have common walls with other units. This reduces much heat
loss or heat gain which ever season is applicable.
The request is therefore asked for to make best use of this unique topographical situation without
doing any unnecessary grading and disrupting natural contours.