Final Staff Report PC
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Project: Chanhassen Civic Campus (#2024-02)
Planning Commission Review Date: March 19, 2024
City Council Review Date: April 8, 2024
Drafted By: Eric Maass, Planning Director
Rachel Arsenault, Associate Planner
Rachel Jeske, Planner
Erik Henricksen, Project Engineer
Joe Seidl, Water Resources Engineer
Staff Report Date: March 1, 2024
SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The applicant is requesting recommendation of approval for the
preliminary plat, site plan review, and rezoning from Office and Institutional to Planned Unit
Development. This project will encompass the existing Chanhassen Public Library, city hall,
parking ramp, fire station, and skate park. The development is proposing two development
phases; the first phase includes the construction of the new city hall and senior center as well as
the associated parking, and the second phase will include the demolition of the old city hall and
the construction of the new park pavilion and its associated amenities.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the requested preliminary plat, site plan, and rezoning for the
construction of the project as proposed subject to updating of plans based on staff review
comments.
OWNER: City of Chanhassen
PO BOX 147 CHANHASSEN, MN 55317
LOCATION:
PROPOSED MOTION:
“The Chanhassen Planning Commission recommends approval of the proposed rezoning from
Office Institutional to Planned Unit Development, preliminary plat and site plan for the
construction of two government services buildings subject to the conditions with the staff
report.”
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7610 Laredo Drive, 7700 Market Boulevard, and 7711 Kerber Boulevard. Schneider Park Second
Addition, Block 1, Lot 2. Schneider Park Second Addition, Block 1, Lot 1. S 204.98’ of E 424.72’
of E 990’ of SW ¼ SW ¼.
O
CURRENT ZONING: Office and Institutional (OI)
2040 LAND USE PLAN: Public/ Semi Public
PROPOSED ZONING: Planned Unit Development (PUD) – Central Business District
ACREAGE: 9.407 acres
LEVEL OF CITY DISCRETION IN DECSISION-MAKING:
The city’s discretion in approving or denying a preliminary plat is limited to whether the proposed
plat meets the standards outlined in the subdivision regulations and zoning ordinance. If it meets these
standards, the city must approve the preliminary plat. This is a quasi-judicial decision.
The city’s discretion in approving or denying a site plan is limited to whether the proposed
project complies with zoning ordinance requirements. If it meets these standards, the city must
then approve the site plan. This is a quasi-judicial decision.
The city has a relatively high level of discretion in approving or denying a rezoning to a PUD
because the city is acting in its legislative or policy-making capacity. A PUD must be consistent
with the city’s comprehensive plan.
City Code requires that notice of the public hearing be mailed to all property owners within
500 feet (highlighted in blue).
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APPLICABLE REGULATIONS:
Chapter 18, Subdivisions
Chapter 20, Article II, Division 6, Site Plan Review
Chapter 20, Article VIII Planned Unit Development District
Chapter 20, Article XVIII “CBD” Central Business District
ZONING OVERVIEW
Existing Zoning Designation
The property is currently zoned Office and Institutional (OI). Offices, libraries, and public
parks/open space are all permitted uses in the OI zoning district.
Environmental Protection Districts
Bluff Creek Corridor – This project is not encumbered by the Bluff Creek Overlay District.
Bluff Protection - The proposed project is located outside of the required bluff setback.
Floodplain Overlay - The proposed project is located outside of the floodplain.
Shoreland Management - The property is outside of the Shoreland Protection District.
Wetland Protection - There are no wetlands on the site.
Proposed Rezoning
The project is located adjacent to the Central Business District and is proposing using the Central
Business District as the underlying zoning district for the PUD.
Surrounding Zoning
Properties to the north, across Santa Vera Drive, are zoned Mixed Low Density Residential. The
properties to the northeast and northwest are zoned Residential Planned Unit Development. The
properties to the east, across Laredo Drive are zoned Residential Single Family. The properties to
the southeast and southwest are zoned Central Business District. The properties to the south,
across West 78th Street, are zoned Planned Unit Development.
Justification for Rezoning to PUD:
The applicant is requesting to rezone approximately 9.4 acres from Office Institutional District,
IO, to Planned Unit Development – Chanhassen Civic Campus. The project proposes the new
construction of a 59,509 square foot City Hall building, a 1,599 square foot park pavilion, and a
park area. The review criteria are taken from the intent section of the PUD Ordinance.
Sec 20-501 Intent
Planned unit developments offer enhanced flexibility to develop a site through the relaxation of
most normal zoning district standards. The use of the PUD zoning also allows for a greater
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variety of uses, internal transfers of density, construction phasing and a potential for lower
development costs. In exchange for this enhanced flexibility, the city has the expectation that the
development plan will result in a significantly higher quality and more sensitive proposal than
would have been the case with the use of other, more standard zoning districts. It will be the
applicant's responsibility to demonstrate that the city's expectation is to be realized as evaluated
against the following criteria. Planned unit developments are to encourage the following:
Preservation of desirable site characteristics and open space and protection of sensitive
environmental features, including steep slopes, mature trees, creeks, wetlands, lakes and scenic
views.
More efficient and effective use of land, open space and public facilities through mixing of land
uses and assembly and development of land in larger parcels.
High quality of design and design compatible with surrounding land uses, including both existing
and planned. Site planning, landscaping and building architecture should reflect higher quality
design than is found elsewhere in the community.
Sensitive development in transitional areas located between different land uses and along
significant corridors within the city.
Development which is consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Parks and open space. The creation of public open space may be required by the city. Such park
and open space shall be consistent with the comprehensive park plan and overall trail plan.
Energy conservation through the use of more efficient building designs and sightings and the
clustering of buildings and land uses.
Use of traffic management and design techniques including the provision of transit and
pedestrian linkages to reduce the potential for traffic conflicts. Improvements to area roads and
intersections may be required as appropriate. Where appropriate, the use of transportation
demand management strategies may be required within a project.
Land Use – Zoning Consistency
The following zoning districts are consistent with government services land use: Office
Institutional, Central Business District, and Planned Unit Development – Central Business
District, PUD. The city uses PUD zoning to create dedicated public spaces, in this case, the
Chanhassen Civic Campus.
The proposed rezoning to Planned Unit Development – Chanhassen Civic Campus is consistent
with the comprehensive plan land use designation of Public/Semi-Public use.
The proposed rezoning assists in the furtherance of the following land use goals of the City of
Chanhassen Comprehensive Plan:
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• The city must strive for a balance of development that will both meet the needs of the
residents and assure the city’s financial health.
• The city will support the development of neighborhood and local service centers where
appropriate. These uses may be developed as a part of a mixed-use or Planned Unit
Development (PUD).
• Transitions should be created between incompatible land uses with increased setbacks
and landscaping.
DEVELOPMENT DESIGN STANDARDS
Chanhassen Civic Campus
a) Intent
The purpose of this zone is to create a PUD for the Chanhassen Civic Campus. The use of
the PUD zone is to allow for more flexible design standards while creating a higher
quality and more sensitive proposal. The PUD requires that the development demonstrate
a higher quality of architectural standards and site design that provides a direct benefit to
the community. Except modified by the Chanhassen Civic Campus PUD ordinance, the
development shall comply with the requirements of the Central Business District, CBD.
b) Permitted Uses
Shall comply with the permitted uses outlined in the proposed PUD ordinance.
c) Lot Requirements and Setbacks
The PUD ordinance requires setbacks from roadways and exterior property lines. The lot
requirements and setbacks required are outlined in the proposed PUD ordinance.
d) Building Materials and Design
Building Materials shall align with the architectural plans prepared by BKV Group and
dated 2/16/2024.
e) Signage
Shall comply with the signage requirements outlined in the proposed PUD ordinance.
f) Landscaping
Landscaping shall comply with the landscaping plan prepared by HKGi and dated
2/16/2024 with the required staff revisions and approved by city council.
PRELIMINARY PLAT REVIEW
The preliminary plat as shown would maintain the two out of the three lots, as divided in the
Schneider Park Second Addition plat. PID 257740020, the existing library lot, is planned to be
subdivided vertically to maintain one primary structure per lot when the new City Hall is
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constructed on the corner of West 78th Street and Market Boulevard. Lot One will include the
existing Chanhassen Public Library and structured parking. Lot Two will include the new City
Hall and public parking lot. The new city hall will maintain its existing address of 7700 Market
Boulevard. Lot Three will consist of the existing city hall and the new park pavilion,
performance stage, skate park, pickleball courts, and a combination of new and existing surface
parking. The park pavilion will be addressed off Kerber Boulevard. Lot Four will include the
existing Chanhassen Fire Station and its associated surface parking.
All existing drainage and utility easements will be vacated with the replatting. The proposed
preliminary plat provides for the dedication of new drainage and utility easements commensurate
to the amended property lines and utility plans that will service the proposed buildings on site.
The underlying zoning district of the Planned Unit Development, the Central Business District,
does not have restrictions for the minimum lot area, lot frontage, or lot depth. In the proposed
Chanhassen Civic Campus PUD, the PUD Ordinance is not proposed to modify any lot
requirements from the base CBD zoning.
SITE PLAN REVIEW
Existing Conditions:
The Chanhassen Public Library building will remain unchanged. A new book drop-off circle will
be constructed to the north of the library building and will be accessed off Kerber Boulevard.
No changes are planned for the veteran’s memorial.
The existing city hall will remain in operation through construction of the new city hall. After
construction of the new city hall is completed, the old city hall will be scheduled for demolition
to make room for the new park amenities.
The skate park equipment is planned to be relocated from the northern terminus of Market
Boulevard to the northeast corner of the site abutting the rear parking lot of the Chanhassen Fire
Station.
No changes are planned for the fire station.
Proposal
The applicant is requesting approval for two government services buildings. Together the newly
constructed buildings will consist of 61,108 square feet. The new city hall building at the corner
of Market Boulevard and West 78th Street will include offices and meeting rooms for city staff,
an updated senior center, council chambers, and underground parking for official city and sheriff
vehicles. The new parks building off Kerber Boulevard will include event space, the concessions
stand, public restrooms, and a large overhead canopy. Additional new amenities on the site will
include an accessible playground and splash pad, a multi-purpose performance stage and lawn, a
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skatepark, and four pickleball courts. The goal of these amenities is to increase the utilization of
public land and to create a central gathering place within the city.
The project proposes to increase the public park space and pedestrian network within the Civic
Campus, which contributes towards the city’s goal of a walkable downtown. By bringing the city
hall building from the inside of the site to the corner of Market Boulevard and West 78th Street,
the government building will feel less secluded from the community.
The site is encumbered by the existing infrastructure on the site. To maintain service during this
transition, a phased construction approach is necessary. The demolition of the old city hall
building cannot occur until staff are able to move into the new city hall building.
Parking
For public service buildings, the city code requires one parking space for every 500 square feet
of floor areas in the principal structure, plus one parking space for every four seats within the
public meeting rooms. Prior to reconstruction, this site contains 97 surface parking spaces and 24
covered spaces west of city hall and north of the library. East of city hall there are 64 surface
parking spaces. The Chanhassen Fire Department currently has 30 parking spaces surrounding
their building. There is a total of 215 parking spaces currently existing in the project area.
According to the plans, the structured and surface parking west of city hall and north of the
library will remain at the existing 97 surface parking spaces and 24 covered spaces. The surface
parking lot east of city hall will be replaced with 51 surface parking spaces. Additionally, 37
surface parking spaces will be added north of Chan View for city staff. An additional 36
structured parking stalls will be provided below the new city hall for official city and Carver
County Sheriff vehicles. The pickleball courts will have 10 additional parking spaces added to
the east. The existing 30 spaces at the fire station will remain. This development proposes 285
total parking spaces after both phases of construction are complete. All parking spaces are within
400 feet of their intended use.
For public service buildings, the city code requires one parking stall for every 500 square feet of
floor area in the principal structure, plus one stall for every four seats within the public assembly
area. In total, the city code would require 123 parking stalls based on floor area of the proposed
city hall and parks building. 19 additional spots would be required for the number or seats in the
council chambers, which would mean 142 parking stalls required total for the proposed
buildings. Recreational facilities require 20 parking stalls plus one for every 500 square feet of
the structure or two per court. For the park amenities, the skate park would require 41 parking
stalls and the pickleball courts would require 8 parking stalls.
With the request to rezone to a PUD, this development has more flexibility when it comes to
total parking requirements. The total number of parking stalls required by the City Code for this
development is 245 stalls, and the applicant is proposing a total of 285 parking stalls. This
project will have a 40-stall excess of what the City Code requires.
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City Code Required Parking Proposed Parking
City Hall + Senior Center 119 221
Council Chambers 19 -
Parks Building 4 -
Library 24 24
Fire Department 30 30
Skate Park 41 -
Pickleball Courts 8 10
Total 245 285
Site Furnishing
The project as proposed shows many site furnishings as the goal of this project is to create a
Civic Campus that creates community interaction on the property. The largest scale furnishings
in conjunction with the city hall are a park pavilion, covered stage, pickleball court, skate court,
playground facilities, and a splash pad. The existing Veteran’s Memorial will remain in place on
the redesigned Civic Campus, with some minor landscaping work to enhance the surrounding
area. The plans currently include a heated sidewalk that will connect the Senior Center of city
hall to the nearest parking areas. Bike racks are proposed by the North-West parking lot, skate
park, library drop off, and the North end of city hall.
Loading and Refuse
Screening of service yards, refuse, and waste-removal areas, loading docks, truck parking areas,
and other areas 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 right-
of-way (pedestrian views) and shall be equally effective in winter and summer. The electrical
transformer shall be located on the SE corner of city hall recessed into the ground and fully
screened. The generator shall be located toward the middle of the East side of city hall, fully
recessed into the ground. The refuse collection shall be constructed within the central parking lot
on Market Boulevard and shall be screened.
Lighting
A site photometric plan was provided with the application that details the lighting to be installed
on Civic Campus. All fixture heights do not exceed 30 feet, the heights are as follows 20 feet, 18
feet, and 3 feet. Wall-mounted lighting in commercial, industrial, and institutional districts shall
be shielded with a total cutoff angle equal to or less than 90 degrees. Shop drawings shall be
provided to show proposed fixtures. Lighting on the building faces shall also be restricted to
having a total cutoff angle equal to or less than 90 degrees.
Signage
The renderings provided depict signage for city hall and the park pavilion. Signage for the
project will require separate permits and signage will be reviewed for conformance with the City
Code at the time of the sign permit application.
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Required Architectural Standards
The City Code stipulates qualitative standards, not qualitative measures. Important emphasis is
placed on high-quality design, balance, variety, and articulation. The Civic Campus project has
shown great detail in design to existing conditions on site and around, but simultaneously created
a unique, new design that is of high architectural quality.
Architectural Style
The City Code states that architectural style shall not be restricted and that the evaluation of the
appearance of a project shall be based on the quality of its design and in relationship to its
surroundings, guided by the provisions of City Code. Site characteristics to be evaluated for this
purpose include building and landscaping, colors, textures, shapes, massing of rhythms of
building components and detail, height of roof line, setback, and orientation. Designs that are
incompatible with their surroundings or intentionally bizarre or exotic are not acceptable.
Monotony of design, both within the projects and between adjacent projects and their
surroundings is prohibited. Variation in detail, form, and sitting shall provide visual interest. Site
characteristics that may be used for this purpose include building and landscaping, colors,
textures, shapes, massing of rhythms of building components and detail, height of roof line,
setback, and orientation.
All buildings shall have a minimum of 20 percent accent material. Accent material may include
brick, stone cut face block, or shakes. The use of any EFIS shall not be on the first story of any
building or one story in height.
City Hall
Massing & Placement
The proposed city hall building will occupy the South-East corner of the parcel, on the
intersection of W 78th Street and Market Boulevard. The placement of city hall on the SE corner
of the parcel promotes walkability and connects the Civic Campus with the downtown.
The building is two stories tall with an underground level for parking. The height of the second
story varies with the tallest portion at 43 feet tall, facing W 78th Street where the interior function
is the Council Chambers. There is a step down in height to 28 feet tall for the second story on the
East portion of the building fronting Market Boulevard, as well as the interior of the parcel on
the West side of the building. The variation in height of the second story breaks up the massing
of the building effectively and reacts to the changes in topography. The height of the Council
Chambers provides an architectural statement for the building on W 78th Street, this element
contributes to the vision of Chanhassen’s main street.
The design for city hall features a 35-foot-tall clock tower abutting Market Boulevard and facing
W 78th Street. The addition of the clock tower to the design balances and reacts to the Council
Chambers extended height on the West side of the building, creating a harmonious design.
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Elevations
South Elevation
North Elevation
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West Elevation
East Elevation
The elevations proposed shall be reviewed and approved by the City Council. This shall include
all exterior materials and the percentage of materials including but not limited to stone, brick,
glazing, metal cladding, ACM panels, and cast-in-place concrete.
Materials and Color
The proposed city hall contains a variety of materials including three varieties of metal cladding,
two varieties of ACM panels, stone veneer, two varieties of brick, and cast-in-place concrete.
Two of the metal claddings are finished to look like wood in a light fir color.
The color palette contains silver, black, off-white, grey, and light brown wood.
Architectural Interest
South Elevation - The elevation facing W 78th Street is the most public facing elevation on city
hall. Details have been put into the architectural design to create interest through the modern
clock tower and extended height of the second floor over the Council Chambers. Additionally, it
is balanced through the metal clad articulation that separates the second and first floor, the strong
pillar on the West side, and the angled accent columns underneath.
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North Elevation - The elevation contains almost all the same characteristics, excluding the angles
accent columns. The flat spaces on the face of the North elevation utilize material articulation
and signage to create interest that compliments the rest of the design.
West Elevation - The elevation grounds the building on the North end through use of dark colors,
large, angled columns, and metal cladding separating floors to balance out the extended height of
the Council Chamber on the South end.
East Elevation - The elevation is sliced by the clock tower, its design sandwiches the dark metal
cladding on the interior that is used for vertical circulation through the building. The dark brick
on the bottom of the building grounds the design, adding weight to ensure the tall elements do
not overtake the building design.
Park Pavilion
Massing and Placement
The proposed park pavilion is located to the East of the existing parking lot on the West side of
Civic Campus. This location is central to the outdoor amenities of Civic Campus such as the
covered stage, lawn, splash pad, and playground.
The building is one story at 11 feet tall, excluding the slanted roof articulation that creates a
covered outdoor patio.
Elevations
South Elevation
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North Elevation
West Elevation
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East Elevation
The elevations proposed shall be reviewed and approved by the City Council. This shall include
all exterior materials and the percentage of materials including but not limited to stone, brick,
glazing, metal cladding, ACM panels, and cast-in-place concrete.
Materials and Color
The proposed park pavilion contains a variety of materials including three varieties of metal
cladding, ACM paneling, stone veneer, brick, metal roofing, and cast-in-place concrete. One of
the metal claddings is finished to look like wood in a light fir color.
The color palette contains silver, off-white, black, light brown wood, and grey.
Architectural Interest
South Elevation - The elevation is simplistic in design but uses elements like extended overhangs
of the roof on opposite ends to create interest that balances.
North Elevation - The elevation is mainly compromised by the slanted roof accent that creates
the covered patio below, on either side there are articulations in height to step down and bring
the scale back to human interaction.
West Elevation - The elevation faces the existing parking lot and contains a main entrance to the
pavilion. The slanted roof accent is highlighted from this elevation and allows the community to
pass under the outdoor covered patio.
East Elevation - The elevation faces the interior of Civic Campus and addresses the outdoor
amenities. There is a concession window and entrance to the pavilion. This is the other elevation
that highlights the slanted roof and outdoor covered patio.
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The main element of architectural interest in the design of the park pavilion is the slanted roof,
not only is it a statement for the design but also the activation it will provide to the building in
terms of community engagement. Outside of scheduled functions park buildings can become
very quiet, creating a space that will offer more amenities to the community can boost the overall
use and liveliness of the park pavilion.
Easements
The City of Chanhassen is proposing the preliminary plat “Chanhassen Civic Campus” which
will re-plat Schneider Park Second Addition, as well as a city owned parcel to the east (PIN
250122100), into four (4) lots, Block 1 Lots 1-4, while also dedicating approximately 13,500
square feet of right-of-way along Kerber Boulevard and Laredo Drive. It is recommended that
another parcel owned by the city abutting the preliminary plat to the east of Lot 2, PIN
250122010, be incorporated into the preliminary plat and be dedicated as public right-of-way
(Market Boulevard).
The lots are configured to accommodate the build-out of the Chanhassen Civic Campus project
which includes a new City Hall, park pavilion, pickleball court and performance stage. Existing
structures to remain include the Chanhassen Fire Station and the Chanhassen Library. The
configuration of the preliminary plat meets Chanhassen City Code; adequate public drainage and
utility easements are provided, and each lot will accommodate one primary structure.
Grading & Drainage
The Chanhassen Civic Campus is located in the northeast intersection of West 78th Street and
Kerber Boulevard. The site is bound by Market Blvd to the east and City Center Park to the
North. The existing site is developed with several buildings and associated parking lots. The site
contains a significant amount of green spaces including the ball fields located north of City Hall.
Drainage from the existing Civic Campus area is picked up in storm sewer throughout the site
and routed to trunk storm sewer systems within Kerber Boulevard, West 78th Street and Market
Boulevard. Trunk lines from the three adjacent roadways all combine into one trunk storm sewer
line which continues south down Market Boulevard until it discharges into a large existing
stormwater wet pond located just west of Market Boulevard and north of the Trunk Highway 5.
In the proposed condition the site will be mass graded to facilitate the construction of the Civic
Campus build out. The Library will remain unchanged but the rest of the site will be
reconfigured. During Phase 1 of the construction the new City Hall Building will be built at the
southeast corner of the site to allow the current City Hall to remain during construction. In Phase
2 the old City Hall building will be removed to allow the construction of the park gathering
spaces. In the proposed condition drainage from the Civic Campus site will continue to be picked
up in storm sewer and will connect into the same trunk storm sewer lines as it does under
existing conditions. Drainage will continue to be routed to the existing stormwater pond west of
Market Boulevard and north of Trunk Highway 5. Overall proposed drainage patterns onsite
remain relatively consistent with existing conditions. The proposed design shows a small net
increase in impervious area (0.07 acre). The existing storm sewer is anticipated to have capacity
for the connections currently proposed.
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The majority of the stormwater runoff generated by the site will be treated by a large regional
Best Management Practice (BMP) facility that is being designed to treat stormwater generated by
the Civic Campus Project, 24-01 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, and Market Boulevard
Reconstruction Project. See the Storm Water Management section of the report for more
information. While the stormwater treatment needs are anticipated to be met with the Regional
BMP approach, staff is working with the Civic Campus designers to implement smaller BMP’s
onsite such as rain gardens and filtration swales.
The regional BMP facility is currently being designed by the engineering firm Kimley-Horn who
was hired by the City to design the Market Boulevard Reconstruction Project. City Staff has
collaborated with the engineers at Kimley-Horn and the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed
District (RPBCWD) to plan the regional BMP approach. A concept plan was presented to the
RPBCWD board on January 25th and received support from the district’s board of managers
during the meeting.
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Erosion Control
The proposed development will impact one (1) acre of disturbance and will, therefore, be subject
to the General Permit Authorization to Discharge Stormwater Associated with Construction
Activity Under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination/State Disposal System (NPDES
Construction Permit). The applicant has prepared and submitted a Surface Water Pollution
Prevention Plan (SWPPP) which was submitted as part of the preliminary plat application. The
SWPPP is a required submittal element for final site plan review along with the Erosion and
Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) in accordance with Section 19-145 of City Ordinance. No earth
disturbing activities may occur until an approved SWPPP is developed. This SWPPP shall be a
standalone document consistent with the NPDES Construction Permit and shall contain all
required elements of the permit. The SWPPP will need to be updated as the plans are finalized,
when the contractor and their sub-contractors are identified, and as other conditions change. All
erosion control shall be installed and inspected prior to initiation of site grading activities.
Streets
The Chanhassen Civic Campus project does not propose the addition or extension of any public
or private streets. However, the dedication of public right-of-way along Kerber Boulevard is
necessary to accommodate the proposed improvements associated with the project. Along Kerber
Boulevard, the project is proposing additional street parking, relocation of the existing sidewalk,
and the addition of a crosswalk enhancement at the intersection of Kerber Boulevard and West
Village Heights shopping center entrance. Additionally, there are relatively minor street impacts
along W 78th, Market Boulevard, and Chan View to accommodate the build-out of the new City
Hall as the site improvements are directly abutting the streets, as well as the relocation of a trunk
water main. No impacts to Laredo are proposed as part of this project.
Lastly, the city initiated a Downtown Chanhassen Traffic Study in 2023 in conjunction with on-
going city projects (e.g., the Market Boulevard Reconstruction Project #25-02). The study
evaluated existing conditions, conducted traffic forecasts, and reviewed multiple build conditions
and future improvements for the Chanhassen’s downtown. The study included the Chanhassen
Civic Campus project in its traffic forecasting and analysis. Due to the intensification of the
redevelopment, which includes additional public amenities and public spaces, the study
increased the existing volume counts at the entry points to the Chanhassen Civic Campus project
by 10% (the north leg of W 78th Street and Market Boulevard, and the west leg of Kerber
Boulevard and the North City Center Drive). If there are significant changes to the uses or
redevelopment of the campus based on City Council direction, such as the addition or
intensification of public amenities that would drive higher traffic volumes, it is strongly
recommended that the city update the traffic study to accurately account for such changes.
Sanitary Sewer & Watermain
Due to the eventual total redevelopment of the Civic Campus area, a majority of the utilities
abutting and internal to the development are proposed to be removed and/or relocated. The utility
plans account for the required sanitary sewer and water services necessary to facilitate the build-
out. These plans have already been reviewed by staff and were let for bidding as “Bid Pack 1”.
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The city received competitive and favorable bid pricing as bids were lower than the engineer’s
estimate by over one million dollars. Construction activities associated with the underground
utilities, including sanitary sewer and watermains, are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2024.
Permits from the appropriate regulatory agencies will have to be obtained, including but not
limited to the MPCA, NPDES, Minnesota Department of Health, Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek
Watershed District.
Storm Water Management
Article VII, Chapter 19 of City Code describes the required storm water management
development standards. Section 19-141 states that “these development standards shall be
reflected in plans prepared by developers and/or project proposers in the design and layout of site
plans, subdivisions and water management features.” These standards include abstraction of
runoff and water quality treatment resulting in the removal of 90% total suspended solids (TSS)
and 60% total phosphorous (TP). The proposed project is located within the Riley Purgatory
Bluff Creek (RPBCWD) and is therefore subject to the watershed’s rules and regulations. A
RPBCWD permit will be required for final plat approval. A Stormwater Management Report is
required to be submitted for review to confirm all applicable stormwater management
requirements are being met. This includes rate control, volume abstraction and water quality
requirements among others. The site is proposing to meet stormwater management requirements
through the use of a proposed regional BMP facility which will be used to irrigate the green
spaces proposed as part of the Civic Campus reconstruction including the existing ball fields
located within City Center Park. The regional water reuse system will draw stormwater from the
large existing stormwater pond that the Civic Campus Site discharges to west of Market
Boulevard and north of Trunk Highway 5. Stormwater will be treated with a UV system and
pumped by a lift station back to the Civic Campus Site for irrigation through a force main that
will run south to north along the Market Boulevard corridor. The regional stormwater reuse
system is proposed to provide treatment for other public improvement projects in addition to the
Civic Campus including the 24-01 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, and the Market Boulevard
Reconstruction Project. A permit application for the regional BMP’s design will be submitted as
part of the 24-01 Pavement Rehabilitation Project which is anticipated to be submitted by March
15th, 2024. All comments from RPBCWD will need to be addressed. The applicant shall provide
final versions of all modeling (HydroCAD and MIDS) and Stormwater Management Report to
address remaining comments and confirm rate, volume and water quality requirements are met as
part of the final plat approval.
The concept of the regional BMP design is that larger more regional treatment strategies can
provide better treatment at lower capital and maintenance costs than smaller individual practices.
Regional BMP designs are encouraged by the City of Chanhassen’s Local Surface Water
Management Plan. This specific design is especially encouraging as it will provide water quality
benefits that exceed what the individual projects could accomplish while also reducing the water
consumption from the City’s irrigation system. The regional BMP system is anticipated to be
completed and brought online in 2025 when the Marketplace Boulevard Project is constructed.
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As outlined in the City’s Surface Water Management Plan adopted in December 2018, the City
requires at least 3 feet of freeboard between a building elevation and adjacent ponding features’
high water levels. Currently there are no onsite BMPs identified on the plans with high water
levels noted to confirm freeboard requirements against. If onsite BMPs are added to the plans,
freeboard requirements will need to be confirmed to be met.
The proposed BMPs are to be publicly owned and maintained. A maintenance plan for all
proposed BMPs will be required and should include the maintenance schedule, responsible party,
and include information on how the system will be cleaned out as necessary. A maintenance
declaration with the RPBCWD will be required to ensure that the City property maintains the
site’s stormwater infrastructure.
Assessments
As the project will be conducted by the city, no assessment or fees will be charged.
Staff Plan Comments
Forestry Department:
1. Applicant shall confirm the extent of the grading associated with the trail extension on
the Northwest side of the parking lot so impacts to surrounding trees can be assessed.
2. Applicant shall adjust the planting list to include quantities that follow the city’s species
diversity requirements where no more than ten percent of the trees may be from any one
tree species, no more than 20 percent of the trees may be from any one genus, and no
more than 30 percent of trees from any one family.
3. Applicant shall adjust the silt fencing on the plans to show that it is outside of the tree
protection fencing in all areas.
4. Applicant shall adjust the landscape plans to include the removals discussed during the
meeting with the City Forestry Consultant and Environmental Specialist.
Engineering Department:
1. All sanitary sewer and watermains will be publicly owned and maintained after
acceptance of the public improvements by the City Council.
2. The city shall ensure that permits are received from all other agencies with jurisdiction
over the project (i.e. Army Corps of Engineers, DNR, MnDOT, Carver County, Riley
Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District, Board of Water and Soil Resources, MPCA,
etc.).
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Water Resources Department:
1. The applicant shall secure a signed permit from the RPBCWD prior to the start of
construction activities.
2. The applicant shall update the models (HydroCAD and MIDS) per City and any
watershed district comments and submit updated computations and models in their native
forms with the final plat submittal.
3. Prior to the final plat submittal, the applicant shall work with staff to revise and optimize
the design of any onsite BMPs and/or stormwater infrastructure.
4. An Operations and Maintenance plan for all proposed BMPs including the inspection
frequency, maintenance schedule, and responsible party shall be submitted for review
with the final plat application.
5. The applicant shall enter into an Operations and Maintenance Declaration with the
RPBCWD for all proposed stormwater facilities which shall be completed concurrently
with the final plat.
6. A Stormwater Management Plan is required noting how all stormwater management
requirements are proposed to be met. These requirements include volume abstraction,
water quality and rate control among others shall be included in the final plat application.
References to the Regional BMP design and permit application are anticipated.
7. If onsite BMPs are added to the plans, information on the proposed HWLs shall be noted
on the plans and documentation provided to confirm the City’s freeboard requirements
are being met.
Building Department:
1. A building permit must be obtained before beginning any construction.
2. Building plans must be prepared and signed by design professionals licensed in the State
of Minnesota.
3. Building plans must provide sufficient information to verify that the proposed building
meets all requirements of the Minnesota State Building Code, additional comments or
requirements may be required after plan review.
4. The building is required to have automatic fire extinguishing systems.
5. Structure proximity to property lines (and other buildings) will have an impact on the
code requirements for the proposed buildings, including but not limited to; allowable
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size, protected openings, and fire-resistive construction. These requirements will be
addressed when the complete building and site plans are submitted.
6. Building plans must include a code analysis that contains the following information: Key
Plan, Occupancy group, Type of construction, Allowable height and area, Fire sprinklers,
Separated or non-separated, fire resistive elements (Ext walls, bearing walls - exterior or
interior, Shaft, Incidental use), Occupant load, Exits required (Common path, Travel
distance), Minimum plumbing fixture count
7. Retaining walls (if present) more than four feet high, measured from the bottom of the
footing to the top of the wall, must be designed by a professional engineer and a building
permit must be obtained prior to construction. Retaining walls (if present) under four feet
in height requires a zoning permit.