PC 07.02.2024 WSCHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
July 2, 2024
The work session was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioner Steve Jobe, Commissioner Ed Goff,
Commissioner Ryan Soller, Commissioner Katie Trevena, Commissioner Jeremy Rosengren
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair Eric Noyes
STAFF PRESENT: Eric Maass, Community Development Director; Rachel Arsenault, Associate
Planner; Rachel Jeske, Planner
PUBLIC PRESENT: None
Accessory Dwelling Unit Discussion
Eric Maass, Community Development Director, defines Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and their
history in Chanhassen.
The Commissioners asked clarifying questions on the existing accessory dwelling unit ordinance.
Mr. Maass addressed why the current process of applying for a variance for an accessory dwelling unit
is not the proper entitlement tool and recommended that accessory dwelling units were allowed by
right or by a Conditional Use Permit instead.
Mr. Maass presented on how surrounding cities permit accessory dwelling units in their city codes.
The Planning Commissioners concluded that they would like to remove the requirement that an
application have a demonstrated need based upon disability, age or financial hardship, that the home
maintain only one main entry, and that it also not require that the applicant show that the variance will
not be injurious to or adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of the residents of the city or the
neighborhood where the property is situated and will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of this
chapter.
Commissioner Rosengren expressed preference for ordinances created by the City of Minnetonka and
the City of Wayzata.
Mr. Maass sought the commissioners’ opinions on aspects of a potential new ordinance such as the
type of ADUs that would be permitted, whether ADUs would be permitted by right or through the CUP
process, whether renting of ADUs would be permitted, potentially maximum size, and parking
restrictions.
The commissioners confirmed that they would not like to limit the types of ADUs that are permissible.
During the discussion of the permitting process, Mr. Maass brought up the potential for the approval
process for conditional use permits for ADUs being delegated to the Planning Commission, similar to
variances or the option of delegating review of proposed ADU’s to staff as an administrative approval.
The commissioners agreed that they would like all ADUs to be approved administratively by staff to
eliminate any financial or time constraints on the applicants.
After the discussion, the Planning Commission agreed and developed a series of potential stipulations
or conditions related to ADU’s. They included the following:
1.Definition of an ADU
2.Internal and attached ADU’s require a building permit
3. One ADU per property
4. ADU’s over a detached garage require a building permit
5. Rental Policy – ADU’s may be rented as either a short- or long-term rental but only if the other
dwelling unit on the property is owner occupied.
6. Maintain a single utility service and a single roadway access.
7. Design Standards – ADU should complement the main principal structure.
8. Lot Cover – total lot cover would continue to be restricted by the zoning district.
9. Any property zoned for residential use is eligible for a detached or attached ADU.
10. ADU’s may not be sold independently from the principal dwelling.
11. Additional parking is not required for an ADU.
12. ADU’s shall abide by MN building code regulations.
The commissioners would like staff to clarify if there is a part of the Minnesota Building Code that
would limit the maximum size of ADUs based on the consistent size constraints by other cities. The
commissioners believed that lot cover constraints were l ikely to dictate the maximum size of an ADU
for most properties.
The commissioners expressed no interest in regulating parking for accessory dwelling units.
Mr. Maass stated that the next steps would be to present the results of this work session to the City
Council at one of their work sessions prior to beginning the ordinance amendment process.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Prepared by Rachel Jeske
Planner