Project Description:  The Subdivision would be located east of Hunter Street, southeast of the intersection of Hunter Park Court and Hunter Street, approximately 220’ south of the intersection of East Park Street and Hunter Street. The plans propose to reconfigure three existing lots, containing 0.93 acre, into four lots. Each lot would contain 10,133 square feet and would support a single-family dwelling. Lots one and two would each contain a one-story dwelling, while lots three and four would each contain a two-story dwelling. The plans also propose to reduce the required minimum lot width from 67.5’ to 52.5’, and to reduce the minimum front setback for Lot 4 from 21’ to 18’. The property is zoned Downtown Residential (DR), and is in the Core Neighborhood Overlay District and inside Cary’s town limits.

Zoning Compliance:  Excluding the proposal to reduce the required minimum lot width from 67.5’ to 52.5’, and to reduce the minimum front setback for Lot # 4 from 21’ to 18’, the plan complies with all zoning requirements. The Core Neighborhood Overlay District grants authority to the Town Council to vary the design standards and setback requirements for development that is located in the Overlay District if it is determined that the proposed project is not detrimental to the public welfare. Although the plans propose to reduce the minimum lot width, actual dwelling separation will be at least 20’ (only one side yard is required, however both side yards must total 18’ minimum), and the proposed lot size of 10,133 square feet exceeds the minimum lot size allowed of 5,000 square feet. Therefore, the proposed dwelling spacing will be similar to existing dwellings located in the general vicinity of the proposed subdivision.

Staff evaluated the plan and proposed reductions in relation to existing surrounding properties to ensure that the proposed subdivision would be appropriate for the site and surrounding neighborhood. Staff feels that the subdivision would maintain the character and integrity of the neighborhood, and that the proposed lot width reductions and the front yard setback reduction proposed for lot 4 would not adversely affect surrounding properties or be detrimental to the public welfare. Therefore, staff supports the proposed reduction in lot width and front yard setback reduction as proposed.

Transportation:  The plan includes the dedication of five feet of additional right-of-way along Hunter Street and the installation of sidewalk for the length of the property frontage. Each lot includes a sidewalk connecting the dwelling to the proposed sidewalk along Hunter Street. Each lot would also be accessed by an individual drive connecting to Hunter Street.

Landscape:  The subdivision plan includes street scaping along Hunter Street, a foundation planting plan, and the preservation of a natural forest area located in the eastern half of each lot.

Building Elevations:  The proposed dwellings would be constructed using typical wood frame construction with exteriors finished in hardiplank or vinyl siding and asphalt shingled roofing in traditional residential colors. The dwellings would be of a similar size and design as the existing dwellings located in the general area of the proposed subdivision.