PC MinutesCHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
MAY 16, 2023
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Noyes called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Eric Noyes, Kelsey Alto, Perry Schwartz, Erik Johnson,
Edward Goff, Steve Jobe, Ryan Soller (arrived at 6:45 p.m.)
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Generous, Senior Planner; Olivia Adomabea, Community
Development Intern; MacKenzie Young-Walters, Associate Planner; Eric Maass, Planning
Director; Joe Seidl, Water Resources Engineer; Erik Henricksen, Project Engineer.
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Kathryn Randle 157 Lake Lucy Road
Charlie and Gary Hansen Hansen Hometech
Darren Duke Duke Architecture
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCITON
OF AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT WITHIN A SINGLE-FAMILY HOME ON A
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1571 LAKE LUCY ROAD ZONED RURAL RESIDENTIAL
Associate Planner MacKenzie Young-Walters gave a summary of the staff report, noting the
applicant is requesting a variance to allow construction of an accessory dwelling unit within a
single-family home at 1571 Lake Lucy Road, which is zoned Rural Residential. The applicant
proposes a 1,700 square-foot garage addition with an upstairs apartment to facilitate an inter-
generational household to age-in-place and live with their children due to recent health
conditions, age, and upkeep with a10-acre parcel. The house will maintain the appearance of a
single-family home. Section 20-59 allows the Planning Commission to approve a variance if
there is demonstrated need based on age, disability, or financial hardship. He explained that
while variances for uses are not normally allowed the City Code specifically allows for this use
variance to be granted to facilitate the care of aging family members so long as the structure
maintains the appearance of a single-family dwelling, separate utility services are not
established, and the variance will not negatively impact the neighborhood. Mr. Young-Walters
stated staff recommends approval of the variance request and noted a condition that the addition
cannot be rented out as a standard unit and will be recorded against the property.
Kathryn Randle, 157 Lake Lucy Road, is looking to have her son and his family move into the
home with her and she hopes to eventually move into the new living unit when it is completed.
Planning Commission Minutes – May 16, 2023
2
Chairman Noyes opened the public hearing. There were no public comments.
Chairman Noyes closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Goff moved, Commissioner Jobe seconded that the Chanhassen Board of
Appeals and Adjustments, approves a variance request for the use of a single-family
dwelling as a two-family dwelling, subject to the conditions of approval, and adoption of
the attached Findings of Fact and Decision. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
2. CONSIDER AMENDING CHAPTER 20, ZONING, ADOPTING PERFORMANCE
STANDARDS FOR ISSUING PERMITS FOR MODEL HOMES
Associate Planner MacKenzie Young-Walters gave a summary of the staff report, noting the
applicant is requesting the amendment of Chapter 20, Zoning, Adopting Performance Standards
for Issuing Permits for Model Homes, to allow construction of a residential model home prior to
the full completion of the development’s roads and other infrastructure. He explained the city
has accommodated these requests through a combination of Memorandums of Understanding
(MOU) and Development Contracts (DC); however, the City Attorney has advised staff that it
would be preferrable to adopt standards within the City Code.
Chairman Noyes asked how often the city sees this in a typical year.
Mr. Young-Walters explained they have had two in the last year (Avienda and Earhart Farms),
although it is a little rare for developments to want to come in before streets and utilities are
accepted by the city. This would establish standards for all model homes, not just those going in
before utilities.
Chairman Noyes asked if they are talking water, sewer, electricity, and how it affects the
operation of the model home.
Mr. Young-Walters replied in the standards the model homes must have functional sewer, water,
electricity, small utilities such as fiber; the only thing the city is flexing on is the condition of the
roadway and whether a permanent road has been accepted or not.
Chairman Noyes opened the public hearing. There were no public comments.
Chairman Noyes closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Jobe moved, Commissioner Schwartz seconded that the Chanhassen
Planning Commission recommends the City Council adopt the proposed amendment to
Chapter 20 of the City Code concerning model homes. All voted in favor and the motion
carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.