8. Public Notice for hearing comments on the Highway 5 Corridor Study1
' FROM:
' DATE:
SUBJ:
CITY OF S
CHANHASSEN
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739 Action W Cy Ad m1 ffW "
6ido ✓ (�W�
Modife
Rejecte
Don Ashworth, City Manager nat
Date Submitted to Commit"
Kate Aanenson, Senior Planner DW Submitted to Coundl
March 21, 1994
Hwy 5 Corridor Study, Environmental Assessment for the Northern Highway 5
Access. Boulevard and Highway Corridor Overlay Zone
Background
On February 7, 1994, the City Council held a'work.session to review the Highway 5 Corridor
' Study, Environmental Assessment Document" and the design overlay ordinance. This work
session was an overview of the Planning Commission and Task Force recommendations for the
Corridor Study. Attached with this memo is a summary of Highway 5 process, the
recommendations of Planning Commissipn'' for the Draft Corridor Document and the proposed
Highway 5 Overlay zone. The purpose of the meeting tonight is to allow the public an
opportunity to express their views about the corridor study to the City Council.
Ultimately have. the council will
' 1. Make a recommendation of the preferred alignment for the frontage road and
approval of .the to doom. my
2. Modify or adptthe S:Corridor Overlay gone; ,and
3. Approve the Highway 5 Corridor study with the land use recommendations.
After City Council action, the plan needs = to..be seat to the. Metropolitan Council as a minor
amendment to our Comprehensive Plan. Staff has noticed all three of these items for the meeting
tonight and is prepared to respond to issues relating to them.
Analysis
In a letter from MnDOT dated March 3, 1993, they have stated that the letting date for the
Highway 5 improvement project has been changed from February, 1996 to January, 1988.
MEMORANDUM
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Don Ashworth
March 22, 1994
Page 2
MnDOT also states that the city's selection of a preferred access boulevard alternative be made
as expeditiously as possible.
The city is also in the process of applying for STP funds from MnDOT to secure a safe access
to Lake Ann Park. This safety project would include a traffic signal at the Audubon Road/
Highway 5 intersection and completion of the northern access boulevard between Audubon Road
and Powers Boulevard. In a recent meeting with MnDOT, it appears that they may be willing
to participate in the construction of this segment of the frontage road and move it ahead of the
remaining Highway 5 improvements. This represents a significant change from our recent
understandings where a lack of funding threatened to delay the project for years. One of the
issues the council was concerned with was the cost of the two alternatives. Table 6 -1 of the EA
shows both alternatives to be equal. To make all of this happen, the city needs to complete the
EA process in a timely manner.
Deb Porter, of Barton Aschman, has written the EA document and recommended the following
schedule to complete the EA process:
• City Council reviews EA document and recommends preferred alignment
• Receive MnDOT and FHWA signatures on EA document
• EA submitted to the EQB Monitor for Public Notice, City distributes EA
document to general public
• Public notice of availability appears in EQB, 30 -day comment period begins
• Collect and respond to all public and agency comments, prepare FONSI (Findings
of Non - Significant Impact)
• Submit EA Finding of Fact and Conclusions to MnDOT, submit FONSI package
to FHWA
Recommendation
The City Council approves the preferred alternative of the Northern Frontage Road and approves
public distribution of the EA document. We are also recommending that you approve first
reading of the Highway 5 Overlay Zone and adopt the Highway 5 Land Use Design Study as a
component of the Comprehensive Plan.
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Metropolitan Division
Waters Edge Building
1500 West County Road B2
( (CGW*F Roseville, Minnesota 55113
This letter shall serve as an update to the January 25, 1993, Letter of Understanding
(copy attached) between the City of Chanhassen and the Minnesota Department of
Transportation for the captioned project.
As you are aware, due to federal and state funding constraints, the programmed bid
etti a for the I5 reconstruction project (SP 1002 -61) from Powers Boulevard
(CSAH 17) to TH 41 has been changed from February 1996 to JLanuar All other
statements in the Letter of Understanding remain valid. In a 'tion, Mn/DO continues
to conside the construction of Arboretum Boulevard integral to the proper function and
operation of reconstructed H 5.
Following s a brief summa (provided b Barton- Aschman Associates, Inc.) of project
g sum P y P J
milestones since the Letter of Understanding:
March 10, 1993 - -Preliminary design layout for TH 5 and Arboretum Boulevard (referred
to as access boulevard) from Powers Boulevard to TH 41 submitted to Mn/DOT. The
layout incorporated the following elements:
• A shift of the TH 5 alignment to the north into Lake Ann Park between Powers
Boulevard and Audubon Road. This change was made to eliminate extensive right -
of -way takings from the recently developed land on the south side of TH 5.
• '' a (1) access boulevard `1:, ;Ament alternative between Powers Boulevard and I
A;, Iubon Road.
• Two (2) access boulevard alignment alternatives between Audubon Road and
TH 41. The northerly "detached" access boulevard was referred to as
Alternative 1; the southerly "attached" access boulevard was referred to as
Alternative 2.g I �
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An Equoi iortunhy Employer
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March 3, 1994
K; „
Mr. Don Ashworth, City Manager
r
• •.. 17
City of Chanhassen
690 Coulter Drive
P.O. Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Re: Trunk Highway 5 and Arboretum Boulevard Roadway Project
Dear Mr. Ashworth:
This letter shall serve as an update to the January 25, 1993, Letter of Understanding
(copy attached) between the City of Chanhassen and the Minnesota Department of
Transportation for the captioned project.
As you are aware, due to federal and state funding constraints, the programmed bid
etti a for the I5 reconstruction project (SP 1002 -61) from Powers Boulevard
(CSAH 17) to TH 41 has been changed from February 1996 to JLanuar All other
statements in the Letter of Understanding remain valid. In a 'tion, Mn/DO continues
to conside the construction of Arboretum Boulevard integral to the proper function and
operation of reconstructed H 5.
Following s a brief summa (provided b Barton- Aschman Associates, Inc.) of project
g sum P y P J
milestones since the Letter of Understanding:
March 10, 1993 - -Preliminary design layout for TH 5 and Arboretum Boulevard (referred
to as access boulevard) from Powers Boulevard to TH 41 submitted to Mn/DOT. The
layout incorporated the following elements:
• A shift of the TH 5 alignment to the north into Lake Ann Park between Powers
Boulevard and Audubon Road. This change was made to eliminate extensive right -
of -way takings from the recently developed land on the south side of TH 5.
• '' a (1) access boulevard `1:, ;Ament alternative between Powers Boulevard and I
A;, Iubon Road.
• Two (2) access boulevard alignment alternatives between Audubon Road and
TH 41. The northerly "detached" access boulevard was referred to as
Alternative 1; the southerly "attached" access boulevard was referred to as
Alternative 2.g I �
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An Equoi iortunhy Employer
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Mr. Don Ashworth
January 25, 1993
Page Two
2. A continuous north frontage road will be incorporated into the T.H. 5
Design Project which is programmed for fiscal year 1996 construction
(C.A.S.H. 17 to T.H. 41). The City understands that the frontage road will
be a two -lane facility with turn lanes as necessary at major intersections.
The City will prepare and pay for the necessary preliminary engineering,
environmental assessment, and 4(f) and 6(f) statements (due to impact on
Lake Ann Park by the frontage road and T.H. 5) at a total cost of
approximately S135,000. The City will also pay for the final design cost for
the north frontage road ($120,000).
3. Mn /DOT will provide the available design mapping adjacent to T.H. 5
completed as of Oct. 19, 1992. Mn /DOT also will provide project
overview, and sponsorship of the environmental and design documents.
4. Mn /DOT will support the project for federal participation in the
construction cost of the north frontage road. If approved by Met Council
this will provide eighty percent of the construction cost of the north
frontage road. Mn /DOT will contribute twenty percent of the remaining
twenty percent based on the original proposed frontage road length that
had been required for access to properties.
5. The City will purchase the right -of -way for the frontage road in excess of
that which was originally required to provide local access. Further
discussion between the City and Mn /DOT is necessary to work out which
parcels will be the responsibility of the City.
6. Mn /DOT has already hired a consultant to do the geotechnical surveys
based on the current plan. Mn /DOT will supplement the existing contract
to add the necessary studies needed for the frontage road however there is
an administrative limit on how much work can be added to a consultant
contract. Mn/DOT and the City need to meet and discuss the needs in the
near future. City may need to participate in some of the cost.
7. Mn /DOT will incorporate a pedestrian under; sass within the T.H. 5 design
project adjacent to Bluff Creek based on tb--. aster plan of the City. This
pedestrian underpass will be an arch type of culvert and the City will pay
fifty percent of the local share costs for this improvement.
March 3, 1994
Page 3
November 1994 to June 1995 -- Preparation of final design plans to point where final '
construction limits for TH 5 and Arboretum Boulevard can be established. Pavement type
determination and travel lane panel width required for this phase of final design.
June 1995- -Final construction limits established and submitted for right -of -way (R/W) ,
acquisition. A 24- to 30 -month period is typically required for R/W acquisition. However,
with the added complexities and coordination efforts associated with trunk highway '
frontage roads, Mn/DOT is anticipating a 30 -month R/W period for this project.
September 1997 - - Final construction plans submitted for FHWA and Mn/DOT approval I
and preparation of cooperative agreements.
January 23, 1998 - -Bid letting. '
A review of the foregoing sequence of events/milestones and proposed project schedule
indicates that it becomes imperative that t City's selection of 2 p referrarl sier a ss
boulevard alt v ossible. Although fundin
projects, includinz TH 5 reconstruction ,
funding priority will be given to those projects that are iprorressinz in accordance with '
eir respective critical path timelines.
Please inform us as to any additional information you may need from Mn/DOT in order to
make a selection of a preferred alternative. We are available to attend a meeting to '
discuss these issues if that would be helpful.
Sincerely,
'
Richard A. Elasky
Assistant Division Engineer
,
RAE:dmv
Attachment
,
cc: Bill Crawford, Barton- Ascl'man '
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TABLE 6 -1
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ALTE RNATIVES - ARBORETUM BOULEVARD
Estimated Impacts
Alternatives
1
2
Crossover
'a'
'b'
'c'
'd'
Preferred
Floodplain Encroachment (acres)
1.3
0.6
--
--
0.2
--
0.8
Creek Channel Modification (feet)'
106
326
--
--
130
--
236
Vegetation Sites (acres)
1.2
2A
__
--
13
--
2.5
Wetland (acres)
0.1
0.55
--
--
0.4
--
0.5
Noise Level Increase (dBA)
1 -4
0 -I
__
__
--
--
0 -1
Relocations:
Residential
Commercial
4
1
4
0
--
0
Right -of -Way Acquisition:
Number of Acres'
Estimated Cost
29
$1.18 million
28.4
$1.24 million
1.2
--
1.2
--
2.4
--
3.3
--
29
$1.12 million
Estimated Construction Cost
$2.0 - 2.5
million
$2.0- 2.5
million
--
--
--
--
$2.0-2.5
million
'Does not include approximate 210 -foot long culvert required for Alternative I crossing of Bluff Creek - west fork. Culvert will enclose a
segment of Bluff Creek that has been excavated and /or straightened in the past.
Increase as compared to year 2016 no -build condition.
3 Acreage required for roadway and trail alignment only.
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Paul Krauss, Planning Director
Kate Aanenson, Senior Planner
DATE: January 13, 1994
SUBJ: Public Hearing Highway 5 Corridor Study, Environmental Assessment for North
Highway 5 Access Boulevard and Highway Corridor Overlay zone
OVERVIEW
The Planning Commission is holding a public hearing for the purpose of making a
recommendation to the City Council on the Highway 5; Corridor Land Use and Design Plan and
the Environmental Assessment (EA) Document. The Corridor Study has two major
components: one is the Land Use Study, and the other are the proposed Development and
Design Standards. The third issue the Planning Commission must consider is the of the
alignment alternative for the north Highway 5 access boulevard. The Planning Commission has
spent the better part of the last three months reviewing the components of these plans. The
Planning Commission has areas of concurrence with the plan and areas where there are alternate
recommendations and several issues that remain unresolved.
The Planning Commission held two informationneetings on the Corridor study last summer was
on July 21, 1493, and September „15 1493, , to.,,provide an ; . opportunity, for the Planning
Commission to receive .empt regarding the road alternatives and the Environmental Assessment.
No formal decisions recommendation were made by the Planning Commission at these meeting.
Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission affirm the Task'Force's recommendations
on the frontage road alignment (consistent with the EA document) and the adoption of the
corridor study including land use recommendations and overlay zone. Later in this report, we
have attempted to frame the outstanding issues to facilitate the Commission's review and
recommendation.
BACKGROUND
In the spring of 1991, the Chanhassen Comprehensive Plan was adopted after years of effort.
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MEMORANDUM
Planning Commission
January 13, 1994
Page 2
As a condition of approval, at the request of the Planning Commission and City Council, work
was to proceed to define uses for the two 1995 Study Areas which were identified on the
' Comprehensive Plan. These study areas were located outside the expanded MUSA but
represented the next likely expansions of the community. The Comprehensive Plan left these
areas blank, and this program was essentially going to be designed to fill in the blanks.
' At the same time, it was evident that there would be growing pressure for development along
Hwy. 5 and there was increasing concern among members of the City Council and other groups,
' lead by Councilman Richard Wing, to make sure that what happens on the corridor is of the
highest possible quality. Councilman Wing had contacted the University's Urban Design Center
for advice. At the same time, Planning staff organized a bus tour of the corridor.
Growing out of this mix of issues, the HRA retained the University's Urban Design Center to
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do a conceptual corridor report to better define people's interests and establish goals. This work
' was completed late last year and was presented to the task force and is now being presented to
the Planning Commission.
The City's Comprehensive Plan contains quite specific recommendations for the Hwy. 5 corridor.
Among these are the following:
' The Hwy. 5 corridor, west of downtown Chanhassen in particular, should not
become an industrial or commercial strip road as has been the case in Eden Prairie
' and on highways in other communities. Thus, the Land Use Plan was developed
in such a way that residential land uses occupied much of the north side of the
highway and break up the corridor on the south side in the vicinity of
' Timberwood.
• The Comprehensive Plan designated a middle school (now an elementary school)
' at the intersection of Hwy. 5 and Galpin Boulevard. This was done not only
because we think it is a good school site, but also because we think it has a
tremendous amount of merit in providing permanent and substantial amounts of
' green space in this area.
• The plan envisioned some expansion to Lake Ann Park, as well as preservations
' of environmental and recreational corridors along both branches of Bluff Creek.
• The plan envisioned a system of collector streets (currently called parallel access
boulevards) that will allow the movement of traffic without reliance on Hwy. 5.
• The plan established a 1995 Study Area at the northeast corner of the intersection
' of Hwy. 5 and Hwy. 41. In large part, from some perspectives, this may prove
to be an optimal commercial site; however, it was determined that it is in the
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Planning Commission
January 13, 1994
Page 3
city's best interest to make sure that the downtown is fully developed before other '
commercial developments proceed.
The city has also been involved in a number of initiatives that have a direct bearing on Hwy. 5.
These include the following:
• We have taken a proactive role in working with MnDOT to make sure that as '
Hwy. 5 is extended, there are unique and interesting design elements added to the
project. The HRA has been extremely active in the vicinity of the primary '
entrances into the CBD and has retained, Hamel Green and Associates, HGA, to
prepare these design elements.
The city as retained Hoisin ton Koe ler Group to complete a vision stud for '
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the Central Business District "Vision 2000 ". The study's mission is to create a
city center that serves as the focal point for public services, abundant retail
opportunities, entertainment, recreation and cultural facilities.
The city received ISTEA (transportation enhancement) funding for a
pedestrian/bicycle bridge crossing Hwy 5. The location of the bridge at the
Apple Valley Ready mix site and east of the American Legion property will link '
neighborhoods divided by Hwy. 5. The city is also working with Southwest
Metro Transit to locate a park and ride on the American Legion property. A park
and ride not only ties in to the mission of the Vision 2000 goals, but it also can '
be benefited by the future bridge.
In the past two years, city ordinances have been extensively modified to require '
much higher levels of quality development than had been the case previously.
During this time, we have adopted new landscaping standards, a new PAD district,
some improved design guidelines, buffer yards, as well as a number of other '
changes.
The city has embarked on a Surface Water Management Plan which is designed
to enhance woodland protection, manage surface water as it flows through the
community, and improve water quality. We have historically been ahead of the
pack in this area with our trend setting wetlands program. This is likely to assist '
in preservation of water features in the corridor.
The city is working with the DNR Forester to develop an urban reforestation plan
and program for the city as well as a tree preservation ordinance.
The city is working to secure a grant from the Legislative Commission on '
Minnesota Resources LCMR, that assist in the protection, acquisition and
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Planning Commission
January 13, 1994
Page 4
recreational development of the Bluff Creek Corridor.
• The city has been proactive in the past in working in public private partnerships
with developers as deemed appropriate. This mechanism not only assists the
development but also gives the city an extra measure of control over the quality
' of development that is produced.
Arboretum Boulevard Background
' One aspect of the Corridor stud is the coordination with MnDot on the design of the Highway
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5 main line improvements as well as coordination between the city and MnDot on the
construction of the north access boulevard, referred to as "Arboretum Boulevard" in the Highway
5 Study. MnDot is utilizing the new federal transportation bill in part to justify support for the
city's efforts in constructing this roadway. This roadway will ultimately have a beneficial impact
on Highway 5 since is it designed to intercept local trips from throughout the northern half of
our community.
It appears that the funding for Highway 5 and the frontage road may not be available until the
year 2000. Development in the area of the frontage road and portions of the road may be built
prior to any Federal or State funding availability. The city is funding the drafting of the
Environmental Assessment document that is required to obtain state and federal funding for
Arboretum Boulevard because the city still views this as an investment that may secure a larger
' amount of state and federal funds as a part of cost sharing for the roadway itself.
The idea for what is now being called Arboretum Boulevard goes back to the city's 1990
Comprehensive Plan. It contains a description of access boulevards to be located on either side
of Hwy. 5. The one located south of Hwy. 5 is somewhat discontinuous due to existing
development patterns. The one located north of Hwy. 5, which is now being referred to as
' Arboretum Boulevard, has the potential of extending from Hwy. 41 over to Hwy. 101, east of
the Chanhassen CBD. At the time the comprehensive plan was developed, it was believed that
this road would be important to manage traffic issues.
The idea of parallel frontage roads or access boulevards was given great emphasis by the plan
developed for the City by Bill Morrish and his staff. Bill viewed these roads, particularly the
' northern route with its continuity, as an extension of the main street of Chanhassen. In part, this
stems from its connection to West 78th Street in the Chanhassen CBD, but also because of its
continuity throughout the community which encourages the development of strip commercial
' along the Highway. Their report described these routes as high amenity boulevards that could
be used to orient development. The goal was to avoid having development oriented to the main
line highway which is what has been normal practice in most communities. The typical pattern,
consisting of a 300 foot wide corridor for a 4 -lane highway, an 80 foot wide corridor on either
side of the highway for frontage roads, and potentially an additional 200 to 300 feet of black top
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Planning Commission
January 13, 1994
Page 5
beyond for parking lots, is what has yielded the bleak urban vision of University Avenue in
Fridley. Rather, the report conceptualized focusing development on these routes directly. These
routes also offer a means for residents to utilize a more user friendly facility to get from their '
homes to community parks, schools, centers of employment and shopping opportunities.
As these early plans were developed, staff began working in earnest with MnDOT to secure their
cooperation and gain support for access roads ultimate construction. MnDOT agreed to help fund
only the northern route. Their decision is based upon the fact that only the northern route offers
full continuity across the community. Additionally, MnDOT had already proposed building short ,
segments of a frontage road in this general vicinity to serve properties whose sole access would
otherwise be directly to Hwy. 5. As time went on, staff worked with MnDOT to develop a joint
approach towards coordinating the construction of this roadway along with Hwy. 5. MnDOT '
support was conditioned upon the City of Chanhassen's undertaking the completion of the
Environmental Assessment document that is required to secure the use of federal funds. The City
Council authorized this expenditure and gave firm guidelines to staff and the Highway 5 Task t
Force that it was imperative that the Hwy. 5 project itself not be delayed because of this effort.
Additionally, MnDOT established the ground rule that their participation was linked to the
coordination of the construction of Arboretum Boulevard with Hwy. 5. r
While reviewing the Corridor Study, the Planning Commission saw potential development '
proposal from the Gorra, Conway and the Vandeveire properties. The city staff has not
reviewed these proposals except on a very rough overview. The Gorra property proposes a golf
course with a club house, 10 -one acre lots subdivision and outlot, and an assisted elderly living '
facility. Mike Gorra, the developer and owner of the property states that any frontage road
would prohibit him from developing his property. Staff's general position is that we anticipate
that direct access onto to Hwy 5 as is proposed will be unacceptable to MnDOT. '
The other proposal for the Conway and Vandeveire property was presented by Brad Johnson.
This site plan proposes a frontage road although the touch down point on Galpin Boulevard '
would split the J.P. Links (Swings) property in half. Staff would recommend against this location
for the access boulevard.
Highway 5 Task Force Actions
The analysis of potential alignments has been reviewed by the task force on several occasions. ,
Preliminary alignments were developed by Chanhassen staff and our consultants from Baron
Aschman, Inc. The alignments were based upon several factors including consistency with the
city's comprehensive plan and Morrish studies, an analysis of existing and proposed land uses, ,
environmental constraints and opportunities including wetlands, topography, significant
vegetation, and upon traffic engineering criteria. Two routes were developed which are basically
in the northern and southern alignments. The southern route closely approximates a typical '
frontage road in location, while the northern route offers the opportunity for having development
Planning Commission
January 13, 1994
Page 6
occur along both sides of the street. The Highway 5 Task Force determined that in terms of
design characteristics, the roadway was to use a narrow 32' paved, two -lane roadway. The street
' is to be equipped with a grade separated 10' trail. Its alignment is curvilinear and generally
follows the terrain of the land to minimi environmental impact and maximize the views that
would occur along its route. It is anticipated that there would be an extensive landscaping along
with the roadway construction.
The Hwy. 5 Task Force attempted to refine these alternatives on two occasions. Although there
' are essentially two routes, the total number of alternatives is complicated by the fact that there
are two cross -over points located on either side of Galpin Boulevard in the vicinity of Bluff
Creek. Thus, there are actually a fairly significant number of alignments that could result. The
Hwy. 5 Task Force held some rather lengthy and arduous discussions on attempting to eliminate
some of the alternatives and thereby facilitated the completion of the Environmental Assessment
document. What we ultimately found was that they were unable to restrict the number of
' alternatives at this time since the full analysis of the ultimate land uses and urban design issues
of the corridor has not yet been completed. The Task Force held a public hearing and on June
23, 1993 recommended adoption of access boulevard Alternative 1 with the cross over A/C at
Galpin Boulevard.
1 Corridor Stud
' The Highway 5 Corridor Land Use Design Study was prepared for the City by Baron Aschman
Associates in association by Camiros working with an appointed Task Force. The intent of the
study as stated in the document is to "guide design and development of the corridor that reflects
' the corridor's role as the heart of the City of Chanhassen. The Planning effort has focussed on
land use, urban design, landscape and pedestrian elements. As previously stated in this report,
the Commission is being asked to adopt this plan as a development guide and more specifically
land use recommendations which will result in zoning changes and guide plan amendments and
an Highway Corridor Development and Design Ordinance. These recommendation will then be
forwarded to the City Council.
Much of the supporting data of this document was used to arrive at the recommendation for the
land use and the development and design guideline elements. The portions of the study that
address Landscape and Urban Design and Parks and Open space are being implemented through
different means within the city departments . This includes the Park and Recreation Department
updating the Comprehensive plan, the Vision 2000 study, Tree Board and the drafting of
preservations ordinances, HGA gateway design etc.
On July 14, 1993, the Task Force recommended adoption of the Highway 5 Corridor Land
Use Design Study with the land use recommendations and Development and Design Standards
recommended in the document.
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January 13, 1994
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Corridor Land Use Design Study and Development Standards
After the Planning commission review of the Corridor Study, there area still a few areas that the ,
Commission is not in concurrence with the Task Force recommendations. The following land
use issues still need to be resolved:
How large should the commercial zoning extend, how large is the service area of '
the city, what is the sense of the community the value of the city's lifestyle?
These issues affect the option for commercial zoning on the Ward property and '
the Vandeveire and the westerly piece of the Fleet farm site adjacent to the limited
access road.
The OPUS site lan should be left IOP except the for most northerly portion west
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of Highway 41 which should be left medium family residential. The PAD that
will be developed for the site will guide the development of the individual parcels.
Eckankar property, the owners are requesting that in addition to the multi- family
that institutional be listed as a permitted use.
J.P. Links, which is 15 -20 acres may considered as a park site.
Heritage Development, west of Bluff Creek south of the frontage road multi-
family should be considered as an option with industrial. '
Possible location of a 15 -20 acre park of the easterly portion of the fleet farm
property and a portion of the Dolejsi. '
The following are issues with the Development and Design Standards:
Application of these standards should be in two subdistricts the central business
district (HC -1) shall go from Dell road on the east and Powers on the West.
Application of these standards for Public Transit, is there flexibility. '
Better definition of pitched roof elements, graphics will be added.
Definition of accent color possibly amended to exclude corporate logo colors. '
Height of parking lot lighting possibly amended to state they are limited to one
story and shall be neutral in color.
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the following:
1. Affirm the preferred Alternative #1 alignment with the A/C cross over for the access road
alignment and review of the Arboretum Boulevard Environmental Assessment document
prepared by Baron - Aschman.
2. Approval of the Highway 5 Corridor Land Use Study and the land use recommendations
as modified.
3. Approval of the Ordinance Establishing Highway Corridor Districts with modifications.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Development and design standards.
2. July 21, 1993 and September 15, 1993 Planning Commission minutes.
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. I
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 20 OF THE '
CHANHASSEN CITY CODE, THE CITY'S ZONING ORDINANCE,
ESTABLISHING HIGHWAY CORRIDOR DISTRICTS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Section 20 -1 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended by adding the
following definitions:
Landscape means all forms of planting and vegetation, ground forms, rock groupings,
water features and patterns and all visible construction except buildings and site
furnishings.
Site Furnishings means any structure, other than buildings, visible from any public
way, and any street hardware located in streets and public ways and outside of
buildings. Site furnishings include, but are not limited to signs, decorative paving
treatments, fences, walls, railings, artwork, transformers, utility access boxes, lighting '
standards and arrays, and other visible site appurtenances.
SECTION 2. Section 20 -201 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended by adding the
following special districts:
HC -1, Highway 5 Central Business Corridor District I
HC -2, Highway 5 Corridor District
SECTION 3. Section 20 -106 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended by adding I
subparagraph (6) to read:
(6) Within the HC districts, meet the additional purpose, intent and standards of I
the HC districts.
SECTION 4. Section 20 -109 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended by adding
subparagraph (6) to read:
(6) Within the HC districts, the application shall also include: I
A. Building elevations from all directions, indicating materials, colors and
landscaping at installation.
E. Sample building materials, upon the City's request.
F. Sample paving materials, upon the City's request.
' SECTION 5. Section 20 -110 of the Chanhassen City ode is amended b adding
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subparagraph (7) to read:
Within the HC districts consistency
(7 ) with the purpose, intent, and standards of
the HC districts.
SECTION 6. Section 20 -116 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended by adding
' subparagraph (e) to read:
(e) Within the HC districts, the standards for the HC districts shall apply in
addition to the standards specified in this division.
SECTION 7. Section 20 -118 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended to read:
Sec. 20 -118. Retaining Walls.
' Retaining walls exceeding five (5) feet in height, include state walls which
cumulatively exceed five (5) feet in height, must be constructed in accordance with plans
prepared by a registered engineer or landscape architect and in conformance with all building
materials specifications and limitations set forth in this division or, if applicable, in the HC
districts.
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SECTION 8. Chapter 20 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended by adding Article
XXIX to read:
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B. Building and site views from Highway 5, the appropriate access
boulevard (north or south of Highway 5), and any other appropriate
arterial or collector roadways.
C. Site views showing the relationships of the proposed building or
development to adjacent development, including buffered areas.
D. Drawings of all significant or atypical site features, such as unusual
landscaping, man -made water features other than retention ponds,
outdoor sculpture, or other large -scale artwork, and other uncommon
constructs.
E. Sample building materials, upon the City's request.
F. Sample paving materials, upon the City's request.
' SECTION 5. Section 20 -110 of the Chanhassen City ode is amended b adding
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subparagraph (7) to read:
Within the HC districts consistency
(7 ) with the purpose, intent, and standards of
the HC districts.
SECTION 6. Section 20 -116 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended by adding
' subparagraph (e) to read:
(e) Within the HC districts, the standards for the HC districts shall apply in
addition to the standards specified in this division.
SECTION 7. Section 20 -118 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended to read:
Sec. 20 -118. Retaining Walls.
' Retaining walls exceeding five (5) feet in height, include state walls which
cumulatively exceed five (5) feet in height, must be constructed in accordance with plans
prepared by a registered engineer or landscape architect and in conformance with all building
materials specifications and limitations set forth in this division or, if applicable, in the HC
districts.
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SECTION 8. Chapter 20 of the Chanhassen City Code is amended by adding Article
XXIX to read:
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ARTICLE XXIX.HIGHWAY CORRIDOR DISTRICTS I
DIVISION 1, HC -1 DISTRICT
Sec. 20 -1450. Purpose. I
The Highway 5 Corridor and the development within it will be major factors '
influencing the visual and environmental quality of the community as a whole. Due to the
intensity of land uses, the Highway 5 Corridor represents the heart of Chanhassen as well as
its dominating image of those passing through the community. Development in the corridor ,
must be designed with greater sensitivity to the environment and of generally higher quality
than might have occurred in the absence of specific standards. The purpose of the District is
to:
(a) Protect creek corridors, wetlands, and significant stands of mature trees through ,
use of careful site design, protective easements, sensitive alignment and design of roadways
and utilities, incorporation of natural features, landscaping and massing of trees that enhance
existing natural features and views, and the practices delineated in the City's Best
Management Practices Handbook.
(b) Promote high -quality architectural and site design through improvement
development standards within the corridor. these standards, which govern site planning,
placement of building masses, use of materials, and the like enable the City to enhance what
otherwise might result in low quality strip development.
(c) Create a unwed, harmonious, and high -quality visual environment throughout the
corridor, thereby identifying it as a special place with a unique identity within both the City '
and the Twin Cities region as a whole.
(d) Foster a distinctive and positive community image, for the City as a whole and j
especially for the Highway 5 Corridor, which functions as the City's main entrance.
Sec. 20 -1451. Intent. I
The City intends that all development within the district should strive toward the
highest level of quality in both design and construction. The criteria by which new ,
development in this district shall be judged are as follows:
(a) Consistency with all provisions of the Comprehensive Plan, as amended from time
to time; the Surface Water Protection Program; all provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and
Subdivision Ordinance not specifically overridden by the provisions of this district; and all
other applicable land use regulations. '
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(b) Preservation of the natural conditions found on each site to the greatest extent
possible, through minimized removal of trees and other vegetation and soil, minimized site
grading, and application of the practices found in the City's Best Management Practices
Handbook.
(c) Establishment throughout the district of harmonious physical and visual
' relationships among existing, new, and proposed buildings, open spaces, natural terrain, and
plant materials and placement with the intent of creating a unique and unified appearance for
the entire corridor.
(d) Use of appropriate materials, lighting, textures, colors, and architectural and
landscape forms to create a unified, high -quality design concept for each site that is
1 compatible with adjacent and neighboring structures and functions, including but not limited
to natural areas, City-owned property, and vacant land subject to future development in
accordance with the Comprehensive Plan.
(e) Creation of unified site designs, each with a sense of internal order, that
provide desirable environments for site users and visitors and the community as a whole and
that consider all site elements including: the relationship of buildings to surrounding
landforms; grading; architectural design; building, parking and loading dock orientation;
building height; use of man-made materials, including paving; site furnishings (lighting,
outdoor seating, signage, etc.); landscaping (retention of natural vegetation, plant selection and
placement, retention and incorporation of water features, etc.); and other visible outdoor site
elements.
(f) Creation of a suitable balance between the amount and arrangement of open space,
landscaping, and view protection and the design and function of man-made features on the
other. Achieving this balance shall take into account screening, buffering, size and
orientation of open spaces, personal and property security, localized wind and solar effects,
and protection of important public ways.
(g) Provision of safe and adequate access to and from sites giving ample
consideration to the location and number of access points from public streets, the safety and
convenience of merging and turning movements, and traffic management and mitigation.
' (h) Provision of on -site vehicular, bicycling, and pedestrian circulation by way of
interior drives, parking areas, pathways, and walkways adequate to handle anticipated needs
and to safety buffer pedestrians and cyclists from motor vehicles. Ample consideration shall
' be given to the width of interior drives, internal traffic movement and flow, separation of
pedestrian, cycling, automobile, and delivery traffic, and the safe convenient, and practical
arrangement of parking spaces.
(i) Adequate separation and protection of each site from adjacent properties, access
boulevards, and Highway 5 and vice - versa, through reasonable provisions for surface water
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drainage, sound and sight buffers, view protection, privacy, and other aspects of design that
may not be specifically covered by these or other regulations but are found to have
significant effect on any or all of the properties and roadways.
Sec. 20 -1452. District Application.
The "HC -1" district shall be applied and superimposed (overlaid) upon all zoning
districts as contained herein as existing or amended by the text and map of this ordinance.
The regulations and requirements imposed by the HC -1 district shall be in addition to those
established for districts which jointly apply. Under the joint application of the districts, the
more restrictive requirements shall apply.
Sec. 20 -1453. Building and Parking Orientation.
(a) For the purpose of determining front, rear, and side yards, the following shall
control: ,
1. In any lot that abuts Highway 5 directly, other than a single family
residential lot, the lot line abutting the highway shall be considered the
front lot line.
2. In any lot that abuts either of the access boulevards parallel to Highway
5, including any existing single family residential lot, but excluding any
new single family residential lot, the lot line abutting the boulevard
shall be considered the font lot line.
3. In any lot that abuts both Highway 5 and one of the access boulevards,
other than a single family residential lot, the lot shall be regarded as
having two front lot lines. The lot line abutting the boulevard shall take
design precedence. Such a lot shall be regarded as having no rear lot
line or yard.
4. No new single family residential lot may have a front yard that faces
Highway 5, nor a front yard that faces either of the access boulevards.
No new or existing single family residential lot shall provide driveway
access directly from Highway 5, nor shall any new single family
residential lot provide driveway access directly from Highway 5 or
either of the access boulevards.
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(b) Parking areas shall not be located within the required minimum front (primary or
secondary) yard setback of any lot.
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Sec. 20 -1454. Architectural Design Standards.
' Standards governing architectural design shall apply to all new and renovated
buildings within the district with the exception of single - family residences on individual lots.
(a) Architectural style shall not be restricted. Evaluation of the appearance of a
project shall be based on the quality of its design and on its relationship to its surroundings,
guided by the provisions of this section. Site characteristics to be evaluated for this purpose
include building and plant materials, colors, textures, shapes, massing, rhythms of building
components and details, height, roof -line and setback. Designs that are incompatible with
their surroundings or intentionally bizarre or exotic are nrohibited.
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' SITE CHARACTERISTICS
(b) Monotony of design, both within projects and between any project and its
surroundings is prohibited. Variation in detail, form, and siting shall provide visual interest.
Site characteristics that may be used for this purpose include building and plant materials,
sizes, colors, textures, shapes, massing, rhythms of building components and details, height,
roof -line, and setback.
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(b) Monotony of design, both within projects and between any project and its
surroundings is prohibited. Variation in detail, form, and siting shall provide visual interest.
Site characteristics that may be used for this purpose include building and plant materials,
sizes, colors, textures, shapes, massing, rhythms of building components and details, height,
roof -line, and setback.
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(c) Within the district, particular attention shall be paid to architectural compatibility
with the existing environment. I
(1) Each building shall contain one or more pitched roof elements.
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(2) All new construction and redevelopment shall conform to the
established building scale, range of building materials, pedestrian
orientation, and relationship between buildings and the streetscape.
(d) Building heights shall be limited to three (3) stories or forty (40) feet.
Measurement of the highest point shall exclude antennas for television and radio reception,
but shall include architectural details (e.g., parapet walls), transmission antennas, satellite
dishes and transmission equipment, microwave - transmission equipment, and other non-
structural building elements.
(e) All man-made architectural, landscape, and paving materials shall reflect the
highest quality possible and should be used in a manner suitable to the nature of the material,
its role in the design, general durability, expected level of use or abuse, weathering '
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characteristics, and ease and frequency of maintenance. The following may not be used in
any visible exterior application except when specifically permitted by the City in areas with
limited public view:
♦ Exposed cement ( "cinder ") blocks.
1 Fabricate metal or pole construction structures, including mobile homes, sheds,
warehouses, and industrial buildings constructed either on or off -site of
corrugated metal panels.
♦ Exterior brick that is painted over.
♦ Experimental materials with no proven record of durability or ease of
maintenance in the intended application.
♦ A solid wall unrelieved by architectural detailing, such as a change in
materials, change in color, fenestrations, or other significant visual relief
provided in a manner or at intervals in keeping with the size, mass, and scale
' of the wall and its views from public ways. A change in texture alone is not
sufficient to meet this requirement.
♦ Materials or construction methods used for one aspect or portion of a project
that are significantly lower in quality than those used for the balance of that
project, such that this one aspect or portion is or rapidly becomes an eyesore or
detriment to the project as a whole.
♦ A distinct and different material or combination of materials for each exposed
exterior wall. Nor more than two (2) principal materials or two (2) principal
combinations of materials should be used to construct any one building.
Addition of other materials for accent use is permissible.
♦ As building element, combination of elements, or another site structure that
acts as a conspicuous building emblem or signature. Examples include single
garish elements (e.g., orange roofs); use of bricks, blocks, or tiles to turn a wall
into an outsized sign or logo; and other attempts to use a building or wall as an
advertisement.
(f) Site designs and configurations that tend to catch and accumulate trash, leaves,
and dirt shall be avoided. In addition, provisions for washing and cleaning buildings, other
structures, and building grounds shall be considered and included in the design.
(g) all building components, such as windows, doors, eaves, soffits, and parapets,
shall have good proportions that relate to the facade of the building and shall relate well with
one another.
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(h) Colors shall be harmonious. Bright or brilliant colors and sharply contracting ,
colors may be used only for accept purposes.
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(i) Mechanical equipment, satellite dishes, and other utility hardware, whether located
on .the roof or exterior of the building or on the ground adjacent to it, shall be screened from
the public view and with materials identical to or strongly similar to building materials or by
heavy landscaping that will be effective in winter or they shall be locate so as not to be
visible from any public way. Use of parapet walls or pitched roof elements to screen
equipment is encouraged. In no case shall wooden fencing be used as a rooftop equipment '
screen.
0) Screening of service yards, refuse, and waste - removal areas, loading docks, truck
parking areas, and other place which tend to be unsightly shall be accomplished by use of
walls, fencing, dense planting, or any combination of these elements. Screening shall block
views from public was and shall be equally effective in winter and summer.
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Sec. 20 -1455. Landscape Design and Site Furnishings.
The following standards governing design and placement of landscaping and site
furnishings shall apply to all new and renovated buildings within the district, with the
exception of single family residences on individual lots.
(a) Where natural or existing topographic patterns contribute to the beauty or utility
of a development, they shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible. Modification to
topography will be permitted where and to the extent that it contributes to good design. All
topographic modifications shall adhere to the practices delineated in the City's Best
Management Practices Handbook.
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(b) The grades of all walks, parking spaces, terraces, and other paved areas shall
conform with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, they shall
provide an inviting and stable appearance from walling. Stairs and ramps may be substituted
for slanted pavement when necessary.
(c) All landscape shall preserve and enhance natural features (such as wetlands,
drainageways, mature stands of trees, and the like), enhance architectural features, strengthen
vistas and important axes, and provide shade.
(d) Landscaping shall emphasize massing of plant materials over isolated or scattered
placement of individual specimens. Reforestation as prescribed by the City's Tree
Preservation and Reforestation Ordinance is encouraged.
LANDSCAPE MASSING
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(h) Where building sites limit planting, the placement of trees in parkways, gardens,
or paved areas is encouraged. Trees should be clustered whenever possible, and consideration
shall be given to the special needs of plants surrounded by impervious surfaces.
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(e) Unity of design shall be achieved by repetition of certain plant varieties and other
materials, and by correlation with natural existing `materials and adjacent developments where
appropriate.
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(f) Plant material shall be selected for interest in its structure, texture and color, and
for its ultimate growth size. Plants that are indigenous to the area and others that will be
hardy, harmonious to the design of good appearance, and of relatively easy maintenance shall
be used. In particular, plants recommended by the University of Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum for use in this area should be given strong consideration.
(g) In locations where plants will be susceptible to injury by pedestrian or motor
traffic, they shall be protected by appropriate curbs, tree guards, or similar devices.
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(i) In areas where general planting will not prosper, other solutions- -such as fences,
walls, rock gardens, raised planters, or pavings of wood, brick stone, gravel, or cobbles - -shall
be used. Carefully selected plants shall be included.
ALTERNATIVE L4NDSCAn TREATMENT
(j) Exterior lighting shall enhance the building design and adjoining landscape.
Lighting standards and fixtures shall be of a design and size compatible with the building and
adjacent areas. Lighting shall be arranged and focused so that minimal light falls on adjacent
property and no light shines directly at or into any adjacent building. Excessive brightness
and glare shall be avoided.
LIGHTING CONTROL
(k) Site furnishings located on private property shall be designed as part of the site's '
architectural concept and landscape. Materials and colors shall be in harmony with buildings,
surroundings, and other furnishings; scale shall be appropriate to the site and the design; and
proportions shall be attractive.
(1) Site furnishings and landscaping located in any public way or on other public
property shall be harmonious with the design of adjacent buildings, with the appearance of the
highway in the vicinity, and with the generally character of the City.
(m) Lighting in connection with site furnishings (e.g., to highlight a ground sign)
shall meet the criteria applicable to site, landscape, buildings, and signs.
(n) All provisions of the Chanhassen Zoning Ordinance, to the extent that they ,
directly affect the appearance, design and utility of a particular site, and to the extent that
they do no conflict directly with the standards delineated hear, shall be a part of the criteria
of this subsection.
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DIVISION 2. HC -2 DISTRICT
Sec. 20 -1460. Purpose and Intent.
The purpose and intent of the HC -2 district is the same as the HC -1 district with
f certain modifications to the district standards reflecting that the area within the HC -2 district
is not part of the City's central business district.
Sec. 20 -1461. District Application.
' The "HC -1" district shall be applied to and super imposed (overlaid) upon all zoning
districts as contained herein as existing or amended by the text and map of this ordinance.
The regulations and requirements unposed by the "HC -1" district shall be in addition to these
established for districts which jointly apply. Under the joint application of districts, the more
restrictive requirements shall apply.
Sec. 20 -1462. Building and Parking Orientation.
The building and parking orientation standards for the HC -1 district shall apply,
together with the following additional requirements:
(a) On building lots that abut Highway 5 directly, the minimum building setback from
the highway right -of -way shall be seventy (70) feet. The maximum building setback from the
highway right -of -way for all buildings except single family residences shall be one hundred
fifty (150) feet. No maximum building setback shall apply to single family residences.
(b) On building lots that abut either of the access boulevards parallel to Highway 5,
the minimum building setback from the boulevard right -of -way shall be fifty (5) feet. The
maximum building setback from the boulevard right -of -way shall be one hundred (100) feet.
Sec. 20 -1463. Architectural Design Standards.
The architectural design standards for the HC -1 district shall apply, with the exception
of Section 20- 1456(c) which shall not apply.
Sec. 20 -1464. Landscape Design and Site Furnishings.
' The landscape design and site furnishings standards for the HC -1 district shall apply.
SECTION 9. The boundaries of the districts established by this chapter are delineated
on the zoning map; the map and all notations, references, and date shown thereon are hereby
adopted and made part of this chapter and will be on permanent file for public inspection at
the Chanhassen City Hall
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SECTION 10. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and
publication.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of
Council of the City of Chanhassen.
, 1994, by the City
ATTEST:
Don Ashworth, City Manager Donald J. Chmiel, Mayor
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