PC MinutesCHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JUNE 20, 2023
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Noyes called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Eric Noyes, Erik Johnson, Perry Schwartz, Edward Goff, Steve
Jobe.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kelsey Alto, Ryan Soller.
STAFF PRESENT: MacKenzie Young-Walters, Associate Planner; Eric Maass, Planning
Director.
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Allison Schmitt 206 W 78th Street
Darlene Hanson 7750 Crimson Bay Rd
Mary Sumners 7620 Crimson Bay Road,
Jennifer Graves 7660 Crimson Bay Road,
Megan Eason Life Time Fitness, 2900 Corporate Place
Gage Thompson Life Time Fitness, 2900 Corporate Place
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. CONSIDER A REQUEST SIDE YARD SETBACK, LOT COVER, AND OTHER
VARIANCES TO BUILD A GARAGE FOR A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 206 W 78TH
STREET AND ZONED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
Associate Planner Young-Walters gave a summary of the staff report, noting the applicant is
requesting a variance to replace a detached garage with a nonconforming 1.3-foot side yard
setback, with a larger detached garage with a four-foot side yard setback. As part of the proposal
the applicant proposes to vacate a section of alleyway to offset some of the increased lot cover
requested. The current garage is 216 square feet and 1.3 feet from the side lot line and the
proposed garage is 528 square feet and four feet from the side lot line. The larger size of the
proposed garage and associated increase in driveway size will increase the property’s lot cover
from 22.7 percent to 28.5 percent. The applicant also proposes maintaining the driveway’s
nonconforming three-foot side setback while increasing the driveway length. He noted that
although the proposal increases the detached garage’s side yard setback, the increased lot cover,
driveway length, and increased structure footprint within the side yard setback require variances.
Mr. Young-Walters shared justification for the project including location of existing home and
driveway make it impractical to build a garage meeting side yard setbacks, the small size of the
parcel makes it impossible to meet the 25% lot cover limit, and the desire to retain as much
usable rear yard space on the smaller lot. Staff believes this is a reasonable request and the
Planning Commission Minutes – June 20, 2023
2
unique circumstances justify the four-foot side yard setback and 30 percent lot cover be
permitted to facilitate the construction of a driveway turnaround.
Chair Noyes opened the public hearing. There were no public comments.
Chair Noyes closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Jobe moved, Commissioner Schwartz seconded that the Chanhassen Board
of Appeals and Adjustments, approves the requested 6-foot side yard setback, 2-foot
driveway setback, and 5 percent lot cover variances for the construction of a detached
garage subject to the conditions of approval, and adopts the attached Findings of Fact and
Decision. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
2. CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2040
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE MAP FROM RESIDENTIAL – LARGE LOT (2.5
ACRE MINIMUM) TO RESIDENTIAL – LOW DENSITY (NET DENSITY 1.2-4 UNITS
PER ACRE). PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7620-7750 CRIMSON BAY ROAD
Planning Director Maass noted three individuals listed in the packet and that Ms. Darlene
Hanson was having difficulty with the application; Staff attempted to be customer-friendly and
helped write the application and talked with neighbors. There was some confusion with
neighbors regarding what they were signing on or showing support for and were not intending to
sign on as applicants. He clarified that the individuals were comfortable with Ms. Hanson
subdividing into two lots and staff interpreted that they were signing as applicants. Ms. Maass
gave a summary of the staff report and noted staff received several email today from concerned
residents. He shared the difference between land use and zoning, noting tonight before the
Commission is a change to the property’s land use designation. He shared that the current land
use is Residential – Large Lot and the application for Residential – Low Density for Crimson
Bay. This would include the extension of water and sewer and a road project is underway that
would extend utilities to the five properties shown on screen. Mr. Maass shared a portion of the
City’s Comprehensive Plan that notes properties shall not be rezoned until urban services are
available and land use may only be intensified on the property has access to urban services.
Commissioner Schwartz asked about cutting off access to Crimson Bay from Highway 5 as part
of the road project.
Mr. Maass replied that public access would be restricted and they are planning on keeping
emergency access available.
Commissioner Schwartz asked if homeowners would bear the cost of bringing city services to
their area.
Mr. Maass replied that subject to the city’s assessment policy, homeowners would bear a portion
of that cost.
Commissioner Goff asked if there is a negative to changing the land use policy.