Plans for a 240-unit apartment complex passed the planning and zoning commission Wednesday night.

The Sandstone Vistas apartments are slated for 12 acres south of a Walmart shopping center and Zlaten Drive, and west of Sandstone Ranch park.

The 240 one-, two- and three-bedroom units would be spread out over 10 three-story buildings, with pocket parks, a clubhouse and other amenities, according to the plans.

Gloria Pound, apartment manager for M. Timm Development Inc., said they are aiming to price one-bedroom apartments between $980 and $1,000 per month, two-bedroom apartments at roughly $1,300 per month and three-bedroom units at roughly $1,420 per month.

M. Timm Development Inc. will own and operate Sandstone Vistas. The complex will be positioned to be similar to its other Longmont apartment project, Grandview Meadows Apartments. The proposal offers 495 parking spaces, which includes spaces for residents and visitors.

St. Vrain Valley school district officials estimated project would bring 64 extra students to either Indian Peaks Elementary, Sunset Middle or Niwot High within the next five years.

Commission Chairman Michael Shernick said the plans for added sidewalks to Zlaten Drive with the Sandstone Vistas development would improve the walkability of the area near the intersection of County Line Road and Colorado Highway 119.

“That’s a real plus for people living in the Mill Village (area) because … they can get to Sandstone Ranch, when before they would have to go up to 119,” Shernick said.

Shernick said he wished the exterior designs of the apartment buildings, done in synthetic stone and vinyl siding with decorative metal awnings, were a little more modern.

“My only criticism of this project — and I understand why it is this way with the price points you’re going for — but it would be nice to see a little more updated design,” Shernick said. “These are rather standard facades, but thanks to the city staff for pushing to make it more compatible with Walmart.”

Commissioner Josh Goldberg also said he supported the new apartment complex in the area that was zoned for high-density residential.

“It’s a high-density residential project in a high-density residential place with enough parking and more open space than we asked for,” Goldberg said.

The motion to approve the plan for Sandstone Vistas passed 6-0 with one commissioner absent.

The proposed University of Colorado Health Longs Peak Hospital is planned for land less than a half-mile north of the planned Sandstone Vistas apartments. The $160 million hospital is set to go on the northwest corner of County Line Road and Colo. 119.

The hospital passed the planning and zoning commission in September, but was appealed up to the City Council.

The City Council will consider the hospital at their Oct. 27 meeting.

Karen Antonacci: 303-684-5226, antonaccik@times-call.com or twitter.com/ktonacci