Planning Commission Meeting MinutesCHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES MARCH 7, 2023 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Noyes called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Eric Noyes, Erik Johnson, Perry Schwartz, Edward Goff MEMBERS ABSENT: Kelsey Alto, Ryan Soller.
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Generous, Senior Planner; Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Senior Planner. PUBLIC PRESENT: Dan Blake The Pemtom Land Company Carol Dunsmore 760 W 96th St
Judy Harder 541 W 78th St
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR AN IUP FOR OAK CREEK WHOLESALE
NURSERY
Senior Planner Generous gave an overview of the Staff Report, noting the farmstead property is zoned Agricultural Estate District and is guided for residential low-density uses. The nursery plan includes three tree-growing areas for spade trucks and landscapers to come get the tree and
exit the site. Licensing is through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for a tree-growing
certificate and upon expansion may need the Minnesota Department of Health for well operation. Mr. Generous shared the application meets criteria, conforms with zoning regulations, is an interim use in the A2 district, and the city is proposing a 10-year termination date or if the site redevelops or violates conditions of approval.
Commissioner Schwartz asked why this would be an interim permit and not permanent. Mr. Generous replied the area will redevelop, it is guided for residential low-density uses, and this is something to tide them over. He noted with the 18 lots platted at Earhart Farms, there will
be demand for additional residential sites and the market will force that change. He clarified the
A2 only makes it as an interim use. Dan Blake, representing Applicant Tim Earhart, shared about the tree operation and noted the Applicant is in support of the conditions and does not anticipate any issues.
Chair Noyes asked about trees being brought in to replace others as they are sold.
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Mr. Blake replied a one-inch diameter tree comes in a bucket on the site to be hand-planted on the property.
Chairman Noyes opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Chairman Noyes closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Johnson moved, Commissioner Goff seconded the Chanhassen Planning Commission recommends approval of the Interim Use for a period of ten (10) years for the operation of a wholesale nursery subject to the conditions of approval, and adopts the findings of fact and recommendation. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS: None. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED JANUARY 17, 2023:
Commissioner Johnson noted the summary Minutes of the Planning Commission meeting dated January 17, 2023 as presented. ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATION 1. Year End Review and 2023 Work Plan
Senior Planner Generous noted annually the Commission reviews what has been done over the year and look at activities or projects they will be reviewing in the upcoming year. He shared the previous year saw 48 single-family homes with commercial and residential being quite active with remodeling activity. Regarding planning cases, the Commissioners had 86 items reviewed
noting the big ones are always variances. Mr. Generous shared about population estimates,
platted lots within the city, and noted Community Development Director Kate Aanenson’s retirement in December, Sharmeen Al-Jaff’s upcoming retirement, and Natural Resource Specialist Jill Sinclair’s retirement in January. The city hired a new Planning Director, Eric Maass, who will start March 20, 2023. Mr. Generous shared about 2023 work projects include an
anticipated 2% residential growth or approximately 200 units, development review, Avienda
Lifestyle Center, revisions to the wetland ordinance, surface water management requirements of City Code, minor Code corrections and revisions, and a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for transportation.
Commissioner Schwartz asked about a letter he sent to the City Council regarding consideration
for alternative energy sources in all city buildings written into City Code. Mr. Generous has not heard anything but will ask the City Manager about the status of Mr. Schwartz’s question.
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2. City Council Action Items
Senior Planner Generous shared that the Golden Court subdivision was approved, Fox Ridge Estates received final plat approval, and a variance extension for 3703 South Cedar Drive.
ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Goff moved to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Schwartz seconded. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0. The Planning Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m. OPEN DISCUSSION 1. Discussion on Lot Cover Variances Submitted by Sharmeen Al-Jaff Senior Planner