D. Review Draft Comprehensive Plan
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax 952.227.1110
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
u
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
FROM:
Kate Aanenson, Community Development Director
DATE:
September 10, 2007 'i."" I
O~Y'
Comprehensive Plan Review
SUBJ:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City is required to update its Comprehensive Plan every ten years. As part of
the update process, the City must submit the draft Comprehensive Plan to all
adjacent governmental units for a review period of up to six months. Prior to
distributing the Comprehensive Plan for jurisdictional review, staff is presenting
the draft elements to City Council for an initial review. Because of the size of the
packet, the plan will not be in an electronic format but rather a hard copy.
The Comprehensive Plan consists of the following elements: Background and
Goals and Policies, Land Use, Housing, Historic Preservation, Natural Resources,
Parks and Open Space, Sewer and Water, and Transportation. Rather than submit
all of this information at one meeting, staff is submitting the Housing, Historic
Preservation, Natural Resources, Parks and Open Spaces and Transportation
portions of the Plan at the September 10th City Council meeting. The balance of
the elements will be presented at the September 24th City Council meeting.
After review of all chapters of the plan by the Council, the plan will be put into a
publishing style format for distribution. The plan will be similar to the design of
the Park and Recreation Section.
Transportation
The transportation element is based on the City's 2030 Land Use. Updates to
these plans recognize changes in land use, development patterns and other
planning processes including: the Minnesota Department of Transportation's
"Transportation System Plan 2008 - 2030" (TSP), Carver County's Transportation
Plan 2007 Update, and the Metropolitan Council's Transportation System
Framework.
· The Plan shows how the city will achieve its goal of creating an
integrated multi-modal transportation system which permits safe, efficient
and effective movement of people and goods while supporting the City's
development plans, and complementing the County, metropolitan and
State transportation systems that are within its boundaries.
The City 01 Chanhassen · A growing community with clean lakes, quality schools, a charming downtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A great place to live, work, and play.
Todd Gerhardt
Comprehensive Plan Review
September 10, 2007
Page 2
. Addresses existing and projected deficiencies in the City's roadway system.
. Establishes a functional roadway classification system for the roads within the
community.
. Discusses existing and future funding mechanisms for the construction of transportation
improvements.
. Provides preliminary capital improvements.
Park and Recreation
At the August 27th City Council meeting, the Facility Needs Analysis was presented. The Park
and Recreation chapter deals with the following issues:
. Current park system adequately meets the needs of today's residents.
. Additional neighborhood parks (3 to 4) will need to be acquired in still developing areas.
. Additional community ball field space (up to 40 acres) will need to be acquired to meet
demands of future growth.
. Our pedestrian trail and sidewalk system is widely recognized as one of the most
comprehensive in the State.
. In addition to local parks, residents are afforded convenient access to county, state and
federal outdoor recreation destinations.
Natural Resources
This chapter of the plan addresses natural communities including forestry and water resources.
The following issues are addressed:
. Creation of a management plan for lands that have been acquired by the city.
. Create an inventory of the natural resources.
. The commitment of the city to preserve the city's natural resources; woodlands, wetlands,
lakes, rivers and streams.
Housing
The housing chapter addresses the City's goals for housing in the community. The following
issues are discussed:
. Inventory of existing housing including types and price.
. Analysis of future housing demand.
. Status of the city's progress toward the Li vable Communities Act.
. Discussion of the city's demographics.
Todd Gerhardt
Comprehensive Plan Review
September 10, 2007
Page 3
Historic Preservation
This chapter is new to the comprehensive plan and provides a brief narrative of the history of the
city. The chapter addresses the following issues:
. The city will create an inventory of places, sites, and structures of historic/cultural
significance.
. Development of a recognition program.
. Work under Carver County for the administration of a Historic Preservation Office.
Staff requests that City Council review the elements and provide comments and direction prior to
distribution of the Comprehensive Plan for jurisdictional review October 1 (see attached
adoption process). A specific motion will be created for the September 24,2007 meeting.
A TT ACHMENTS
1. Comprehensive Plan Adoption Process.
2. Draft Chapters of the Comprehensive Plan:
. 3. Historic Preservation
. 4. Housing
. 5. Natural Resources
. 6. Parks and Recreation Adf
. 7. Transportation
g:\plan\2008 comp plan\draft comp plan\draft cc cover.doc
a..
0
....
co
a>
>-
tn 0
tn T"""
"0
CD C
(.) co
0 C/)
l0- a>
a. :~
c: 0
a.
0 "0
.- C
-
C. co
0 C/)
co
"C 0 a>
<t Cl E
c: Cl :;:;
C .!:
C'CS "0 -
- ::::l C
a. 0
u E
c
CD c co
> c co '-"
.- co
tn Q. a. 3:
c: a> - a>
- os;
CD .!: co
- .... a>
.c - "0 ....
CD 0 a> CO
lo- C/) .!: C
C. c - 0
0 -
E 0 :;:;
:;:; 02
u
0 a> ou "0
C/) C C/)
0 ::::l "C
co 0 ::::l
- U ....
0 >- 0
- -
C/) ou C/)
-
- -
co a> -
.... .!: co
"0 - ....
"0
a> >- -
- ..Cl ::::l
~ 3: 0
a.
E a> "0 _
"S; c a>
0 a> a> c
u .... C/) =
c
.c - 0!2
-
r-.. ~ (/) C)~
~ ~
0 - c 0-
0- E
~ u c
::s -.c 0 c E
ct 0._ .!!! 0
CD'l:t
cnN 11.0
'"
Q
Q
C\I
c
- 0
c :;:;
0 co ou
.c 0 "0
- C c
'l:t a> a> ::::l
u C/) E 0
CD => EO
c "0 oC
C u 0-
co a>O
....J a: 0
-
.c Q)
- C/)
0 =>
N
> "0
C
0 co
Z ....J
C
0
:;:;
co
.c Cl C
- c a>
U) C/)
C/) a>
> ::::l ....
0 0 a..
z I u
"C
0
-
C/)
I
.c
-
U) c C/)
~ a> a>
- a. u
u Oa>CO ....
0 ::::l
- U .... 0
-cco2 C/)
CO a. CO a>
a..U)Za:
..: c
a> 0
'tJ - :;:;
CO CO
C S t::
N g
- ..:
u Q) C/)
0 3: c
CO
a> ....
U) I-
u
c
::s
o
o
>-
~
o
c
o
:;:;
a.
o
"0
CO
CO
E
::s....>-
..,.E..Cl
-
(/)
~
N
Oi:
ct
iC
.c
-
r-..
Oi:
ct
.c
-
'l:t
N
.c
-
o
~
.c
u
....
m
~
.c
-
It)
N
~
~
~
.c
CD
LL
CIO
Q
Q
C\I
u
C
::::l
o
o
:!::
o
....
o
-
~ CO
:!:: >
Eo u 0
.... c ....
..Cl-::::l
::::l a> 0
U)~o CO
3:
a>
oS;
a>
....
CO
-
:!::
E
..Cl
::::l
C/)
....
o
-
CO
E
....
o
-
CO
>
o
....
CO
3:
a>
"S;
a>
....
3:
a>
oS;
Q)
....
CO
E
....
o
-
CO
E
....
o
-
c
oQ
C/)
C/)
a>
C/)
~
....
o
3:
iC
iC
"0
o
OL:
<l>
a.
-
c:
<l>
E
E
o
()
c:
oQ "0
t5 0
'6 OL:
en <l>
OL: a.
:J C
.!: <l>
C E
o E
E 8
to >.
- ctl
o "0
"0 0
a5 ~
'" '"
3 HISTORIC PRESERVATION
3.0 INTRODUCTION
This is the first time that the city has included a historic preservation section in the
Comprehensive Plan. With the rural portion of the city ripe for development and the desire to
preserve the city's history, it is the appropriate time to formalize the city's goals for historic
preservation.
3.1 BACKGROUND
"The history of Chanhassen begins in many places. It begins in Germany where social unrest
moved some to travel across an ocean to find a new home. It begins in western Massachusetts in
small towns in the Connecticut River Valley. It begins in the halls of Congress as the United
States government decided how to distribute land. The area that we know as Chanhassen had its
own history as well. Native American populations lived there for thousands of years. . .Research
projects show evidence of habitation around Lake Susan, Minnewashta, and Lotus Lake as early
as 6000 BC.. .For one hundred years, the Dakota were the primary native group, moving into the
land and displacing the Iowa people sometime in the 1750's. They had no major villages in
Carver County... In 1851 the treaties ofTransvers de Sioux and Mendota provided a cash
payment to Native Americans in return for the land. . . Within weeks, settlers began staking
claims." Source: Chanhassen: A Centennial History.
The Preemption Act of 1841, a statute passed by the U.S. Congress, permitted settlers to stake a
claiin of 160 acres and, after about 14 months of residency, to purchase it from the government
for as little as $1.25 an acre before it was offered for public sale. Congress repealed the
Preemption Act in 1891.
The first wave of German immigration to America came when Minnesota lands opened for sale.
A German Colony gathered around a lake. Since all the families came from Bavaria, many
began to refer to the lake by that name. The Northampton Colony migrated from several towns
in the Connecticut River Valley and settled around Lake Minnewashta. In 1887, the Franciscan
Brothers relinquished title to the property around St Hubert's Church and the town of Saint
Hubertus was platted. When the Village of Chanhassen was organized in 1896, St. Hubertus
opted for the traditional name of Chanhassen. On April 21, 1896, Chanhassen was incorporated
as a village government.
3-1
1880 Map of Chanhassen
German Catholic
Settlement (Lake
Bavaria Area)
.~;o 'C~NHASSEN' :)-' : ~;.
Township 116 Noitb. It8nae23 West.' ~' ,j
11m, .~v.;. ~~"-.~: _'1\~-'~~/I~~".::-'~ ~ ~ .~:.: ~
:1.i ..... .';r. .1f'7 T~ Iii] - ,"
'4\~' .' - ' "", ~~ -+ 1 ~ 1:1 'J ~ I
-~' I 7.'......... ~rt--J!t;: ~!' ~ It_ .;~.. 1-"-"' ! ' ,
....:~~, "~ ._~ ..J ---;f!..., ",,'" -'*--
. I "~I~~!; .;.If'" ~~l .. 11ft..
· l( K~~':' ~ '1 ~ -'., ~+_'_i. r.!. '~;~~~ -,,.k' " "J. > 11 tic': "1,
u . ," .. I. ,,", L. I
~ t a ~.~ ~-,'" '~~".. _.1 ,.. ~~,..J .. 'o.'''! r", ,"
11:~ .. - ~ '?~~~r."- .J,1l~ " .. ~[!;~ 1 ,~
~. ,.....'~ '; :'::~f.~!:~i- ~~Jllji.~ " ,.0 "l~." ~
~ ~I '" -1rJ ,--", ., ;M.~, '-- . ;,II .;.....
~i'-_ i~ · I.~MI ~ '_ 't .: J1.lt.~~.; _ :s
,. N ~'I riw".r.f;";i -:.''''''''::'''"ll~''''''1'~ ~J',!' ".-
.-:-. "'., I "'d- · Iii' II. ~s ,,;~ Ll'~. I 1~IIJ.i
~~- 1~ i ~ _ )I, '~~d.Z-~~ ; : I ~ 'i 1.\' ::f',
Bz:. ~~ '-~~ J ':;.. ;:. ," ~'f) ~ ~,.
. i .. it'\ ~ ~ I. . It f: >>-r~ - ~~ .
. ''':!..\ I ~I::;'~--~ I', ::::;" 1~'I~ ~,---::I'_. ,
J~. .., :Jf1 IUl- l - ,!~~~ ~'": a.:...;. ~
~:.17i' I I I.....: i '- ~ I ~ . ~ i ';: r-: -;r.;T'.L Joyj ..... /' ./:
I ,,/1 ' -..1 .~, I """
,';: ...j.l-'='o J;. 17 ~ l~ -:. ) '1''' t-r .
, ~ J ~ . :- 0:.:.. ~ ~ ; ~::z l:: 17;"":" j. i I ~.,... ll'~.: ~.I1..""..' "~.. '.
P,.....-::::.~bl. 1--.... \ ;;;;- ~ ur;;:.......[}t' f; ~ ~..Ilf-";:T;
:i ' " .. ...... ;.t ~).<-;
~:r~: ~ :}? Z' ~l{~T~~~.~ r~- ._,,~.
h
L;
:}~. :
: ':.
:;.
. .:~.
-1
, "
':1
New England
Protestants
(Lake Minnewashta
Area)
German
Catholic
Settlement
(Downtown
Chanhassen)
Chanhassen created a precinct in 1854, becoming the first township in Carver County. On
May 11, 1858, a meeting was held to organize the township government. The first order of
business was the official acceptance of "Chanhassen" as a name for the community.
jj
".
"
Originally, the town
consisted of a few
simple buildings.
Family farms occupied
the land on the
periphery.
St. Hubertus, the
residential portion,
consisted of small lots
in a grid pattern.
J.
Do
J. P. .....,1....:1
......
1
,. :1
N. "~";,.r l;r
_._ Wo< ._.1
. '~.--'":-".~
,....far. r...,~
..
OI 1HASSEN
(FOrnlEmS SnICm:nTUS )
.teTIO..I........, e".~HolS"UI r...,.
\ ~~lJwU~
Orig;nal plat map a/the village a/Chollha....en. /896
3-2
"When the population of a township exceeds 2,000, the Minnesota Municipal Commission
(MMC) is required to hold a hearing to determine its legal future. Chanhassen Township was the
largest piece of unincorporated land in Carver County and became a target for the competing
interests oflocal governments. Chaska made the first move, petitioning to annex 3800 acres of
Chanhassen Township, including the new Hazeltine Golf Course and the proposed ''New Town
of Jonathan" developed by the McKnight Corporation. After a year of study and debate, the
MMC approved the annexation. In one legal maneuver, Chanhassen lost its southwest comer.
The township board was outraged and fought the ruling all the way to the Minnesota Supreme
Court where they lost. Victoria began consideration to annex the northwest comer. . . The
township permanently lost sections to Chaska and Victoria...
The MMC issued an order in December 1966 that the township and village would merge ifthere
were no objections within the community." On May 2, 1967, the merger was approved by a vote
oftwo to one. Chanhassen Township was dissolved." Source: Chanhassen: A Centennial
History.
3.2 PRESERVATION
Historic Preservation is the act of maintaining and repairing existing historic materials and the
retention of a property's form as it has evolved over time. When considering the United States
Department of Interior's interpretation, "Preservation calls for the existing form, materials,
features, and detailing of a property to be retained and preserved. This may include preliminary
measures to protect and stabilize it prior to undertaking other work-or protection and
stabilization may be an end in itself, for example, in an archeological project." Historic
Preservation is a vital tool in the effort to save historic buildings and locales. It helps maintain a
community's historical roots and provides various educational opportunities.
In the City of Chanhassen, the focus will be on buildings and places that are unique, time
sensitive, culturally or socially important, or architecturally significant.
Between December 3, 1997 and April 27, 1998, the City undertook a study of "Old Town" and
attempted to create a historic overlay district. Property owners opposed restrictions on their
properties that would impose limitations on exterior improvements and remodeling. They
welcomed guidelines but not ordinances.
The state and county playa role in historic preservation. The state is in charge of making
recommendations of properties that are worthy of nominations as historic properties or sites. The
recommendation is forwarded to the Keeper of the National Registrar of Historical Places.
The Carver County Historical Society's role and mission is to collect and preserve artifacts and
objects.
Carver County was awarded a grant and hired The 106 Group, Ltd. to identify historically
significant sites. This process included sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places,
sites eligible for National Register of Historic Places, and a photo of the property.
The 106 Group, Ltd. phased their study into stages:
3-3
Stage 1:
Baseline Data
Obtain data on the known historic, archaeological and cultural resources
Stage 2:
Develop Priorities
Delve further into the identification of additional, previously unidentified
historic resources
Stage 3:
Survey and Policy Development
Identify and evaluate historic resources that are significant to the heritage
and formulate policies with regard to the protection and preservation of
those resources.
Based on the available information, the City will establish a Recognition Program of historic
properties and buildings, with owner's consent, designed to encourage private property owners to
use, maintain, and protect their historic properties.
3.2.1 Historic Buildings and Structures
The City contains a number of structures that embody its architectural and cultural heritage. The
City will continue to encourage the preservation, interpretation and active reuse of privately-
owned historic buildings and structures, and will work to protect such buildings and structures to
the extent feasible during the development process. The City will also continue to preserve and
restore the historic structures it owns.
3.2.2. Landmark Preservation
Whenever possible, landmarks should be preserved on the site where they are located. Failing
that, they may be moved, if feasible. A demolished landmark may be commemorated in one or
more ofthe following ways:
1. Naming the new structure in honor ofthe old.
2. Inclusion of some architectural features of the original structure in the new structure.
3. A display area in the new structure which may include photographs or other memorabilia
of the old structure or site.
4. A plaque or marker of appropriate size describing the original structure and its
significance.
3.3 GOAL
Promote the preservation and protection of valuable historic and cultural resources through
community partnerships and collaborations with citizens, non-profits, state, federal, public and
private entities.
3-4
3.4 POLICIES
1. Inventory the City's historic assets.
2. Utilize opportunities to educate students and other residents about the historical assets of
the city.
3. Assume a leadership role by identifying historic resources within our community and
educating the public on the historic value of a site or structure.
4. Conservation of significant, scarce, non-renewable historic resources.
5. Develop and maintain a list of historic sites and structures within the city.
6. Develop and maintain an interactive website link of historic inventory between the city
and the county.
7. Encourage the preservation and adaptive reuse of structures of historic and architectural
significance.
8. Incorporate historic sites into new subdivision or developments where possible.
9. Utilize available historical photographs, maps and artifacts in public buildings to focus
attention upon the City's history and historical assets.
10. Encourage development of buildings that complement historic buildings.
11. Encourage property owners to apply for historic designation.
12. Recognize structures on voluntary basis.
3-5
4 HOUSING
4.0 INTRODUCTION
Within the City of Chanhassen, residential structures constitute the largest single use of land.
Since residential development plays such a prominent role in the overall character of
Chanhassen, its location and design are important to the economic and social structure of the
City. The City ofChanhassen will continue to promote diversity in the types and sizes of housing
units and protect the quality of existing housing and neighborhoods.
The housing plan will analyze the existing and projected housing needs in the City. In March of
2007, Maxfield Research Inc. completed a Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment for Carver
County Community Development agency for the years 2005-2015 and 2015-2030. A significant
portion ofthe data comes from this study as well as from the U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
and the City of Chanhassen.
4.1 EXISTING HOUSING
In the year 2000, there were 6,199 owner occupied homes and 719 rental units. At the end of
2006, the City's estimate oftotal dwelling units was 8,671. Over the last 10 years, the City has
continued to diversify in the types of dwelling units. Historically the City has been dominated by
single-family detached homes with some apartments and twin homes. The diversity in housing
has been achieved by the construction of more apartments, multifamily dwellings and
condominiums.
Table 1
H p.t
OUSlD2 erml S
Attached Total
Year Sinqle Family SF Apts Dwellings
1992 228 0 0 228
1993 251 16 0 267
1994 269 110 0 379
1995 216 197 65 478
1996 170 37 0 207
1997 177 97 0 274
1998 263 162 0 425
1999 187 88 0 187
2000 124 34 162 320
2001 85 44 100 229
2002 54 246 0 300
2003 59 94 243 396
2004 76 16 0 92
2005 60 24 0 84
2006 89 42 48 179
Average 154 80 41 270
Source: City ofChanhassen
4-1
Over the last 14 years, the City has averaged 270 building permits a year. In the last 14 years,
there were two years in the where there was less than 100 residential permits issued (2004,
2005). A record number of permits were issued in 1998 (425) and about 400 permits were issued
in 2003.,_
4.1.1 Occupied Housing Units by Type and Tenure
Table 2
Housing Tenure
Housing Tenure
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
1970
1980
1990
2000
o owner occupied [] renter occupied [] seasonal E3 vacant
Source: city ofChanhassen
The City continues to be dominated by owner occupied dwelling units. Since the year 2000,391
apartment units have been built. In addition, the City has given approval for 169-185
condominium units to be built. Pre-sales are necessary before construction can begin.
Table 3
H T
ousmg . ypes
Type of housing and 1990 2000
Units in structure Owners Renters Owners Renters
Single family detached 3,102 105 5,212 88
Single family, attached 292 331 920 37
Duplexes 8 21 10 23
Building with 3 to 4 units 15 30 24 35
Buildings with 5 to 19 units 1 197 33 208
BuildinQs with 20 or more units 0 193 0 328
Mobile homes 2 0 0 0
Other units 8 11 0 0
Total occupied housing units 3,428 588 6,199 719
Source: US Census
Source: City of Chanhassen Building Permit Activity
Detached single-family housing is still the predominant housing type in the City. Between 1990
and 2000, the City has added more multifamily dwellings, which are defined as 5 units to more
than 20 units per building. The dwellings include townhouses and apartments.
4-2
4.1.2 Inventory of Housing Stock
Table 4
H h ld b T
ouse 0 s )Y. Lype
Household type 1990 2000 Change % Change
Family households 3,273 5,524 2,251 68.8%
Married couples 2,982 4,925 1,943 66.2%
-with related children under aQe 18 1,767 3,143 1,376 77.9%
-no related children under aae 18 1,215 1,782 567 46.7%
Other families 291 599 308 105.8%
Male household, no wife present 88 168 80 90.9%
-with related children under aQe 18 47 112 65 138.3%
-no related children under age 18 41 56 15 36.6%
Female householder, no husband present 203 431 228 112.3%
-with related children under aQe 18 137 316 179 130.7%
-no related children under aQe 18 66 115 49 7402%
Non-family households 743 1,390 647 87.1%
1- person 527 1,086 559 106.1%
2 or more persons 216 304 88 40.7%
Total 4,016 6,914 2898 72.2%
Source: US Census
The largest household type in the City is family household, a married couple with children. The
desire for family households is driving the demand for the detached single-family homes in
Chanhassen. Based on the City's location in eastern Carver County and access to employment
centers, family housing will continue to have a strong demand.
Table 5
Age of Housing Stock (Selected Communities)
Owner Occupied Renter occupied
Cities Before 1950- 1970- 1990- Before 1950- 1970- 1990-
1950 1969 1989 2000 1950 1969 1989 2000
Carver 93 34 89 169 40 18 8 2
Chanhassen 237 746 2,288 2,928 67 152 339 161
Chaska 410 462 1,806 1,972 135 197 841 342
Victoria 91 172 351 649 9 13 79 4
Waconia 359 273 276 1,078 88 121 325 82
Total Carver 3,046 2,695 6,623 7,963 705 674 1,915 735
County
Source U.s. Census, Maxfield Research Inc.
In Carver County, prior to the year 2000, Chanhassen, Chaska, and Waconia had the majority of
the residential activity. Since 2000 and into the future, it is anticipated that Victoria, Carver and
Waconia will see a significant increase in residential construction.
4-3
Table 6
Single-Family Home Average Resale Price (Selected Communities)
Average Resale Price
Cities 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Carver $216,661 $213,109 $254,759 $266,321 $293,810 $311,243
Chanhassen $340,497 $342,620 $388,634 $427,609 $430,560 $441,861
Chaska $243,934 $853,844 $272,069 $303,066 $338,825 $330,400
Victoria $323,386 $350,151 $353,666 $368,666 $368,967 $481,239
Waconia $201,410 $209,136 $239,918 $246,941 $276,954 $304,460
Carver County Total $270,598 $281,533 $299,884 $326,371 $345,663 $355,570
Sources: Regional Multiple Listing Service, Maxifield Research Inc.
According the to the Maxfield study, Chanhassen had the highest resale price of the closest
comparable cities in Carver County except for Victoria which was higher than Chanhassen in
the year 2006. In 2006, the average resale price in the City was $441,861; Victoria had a 2006
resale price of$481,239. Chanhassen and Victoria have resale averages higher than the county
average of $355,570. Even with changes in the current housing market, the value of Chanhassen
homes remains strong.
Table 7
Multifamily Home Average Resale Price (Selected Communities)
Average Resale Price
Cities 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Carver $230,000
Chanhassen $167,745 $178,806 $193,949 $196,573 $198,784 $194,011
Chaska $142,572 $159,346 $166,075 $185,863 $194,424 $191,657
Victoria $283,475 $270,350 $326,350 $283,680 $300,531 $359,394
Waconia $144,328 $145,152 $148,492 $170,574 $161,574 $176,117
Carver County Total $160,268 $172,661 $182,717 $193,163 $196,755 $194,607
Sources: Regional Multiple Usting Service, Maxfield Research Inc.
Chanhassen had an average resale for multifamily homes comparable to the average for the rest
of Carver County. The City has a number oftownhouses built in the 1980's and 1990's that
keep the average as low as the County average.
Table 9
A. S. I F mil H
D
C
c
J
2007
chve mgle- a IJ ousmg eve opments arver ounty anuary (Selected Communities)
Avg. Estimated New home Prices Estimated
Cities Home Total Available Average
Starts Lots Lots >$325K $325- $525K+ Price'"
2000- $525K
2006'"
Carver 77 211 155 15% 70% 15% $435,000
Chanhassen 85 389 175 0% 0% 100% $935,000
Chaska 149 631 207 5% 65% 30% $515,000
Victoria 107 327 248 0% 35% 65% $605,000
Waconia 117 556 3298 5% 60% 35% $515,000
Carver County 724 2,850 1,546 15% 50% 35% $520,000
Total
*Home starts are an avernge of permits issued from 2000 to 2006
*Estimate are for 2006 and are based on survey of active subdivisions
Sources: Regional Multiple Usting Service, Maxfield Research Inc.
4-4
According to the Maxfield study of active single-family housing developments, Chanhassen has
the highest estimated "active" price of approximately $950,000. The study found there were no
"active" single-family developments under $525,000.
Table 10
A f M Iff '1 D
t C
C
J
2007
c lve u I amuy eve opmen s arver ounty anuary (Selected Communities)
Avg. Home Total Available Estimated New Home Prices Estimated
Cities Starts Units Lots Average
2000-2006" >$225K $225-$325K $325K+ Price"
Carver 6 335 308 45% 55% 0% $240,000
Chanhassen 144 716 273 80% 20% 0% $225,000
Chaska 250 243 72 80% 15% 4% $235,000
Victoria 29 264 185 5% 65% 30% $340,000
Waconia 68 237 161 88% 10% 2% $190,000
Carver County Total 526 2,005 1,121 65% 30% 5% $225,000
-Home starts are an average of permits issued from 2000 to 2006
*Estimate are for 2006 and are based on survey of active subdivisions
Sources: Regional Multiple Listing Service, Maxfield Research Inc.
The Maxfield study found that in a comparison of selected cities, Chanhassen had the lowest
average price of active multifamily developments. The price of $225,000 is the same as the
Carver County average.
Table 11
Rental Vacancy Summary January 2007 (Selected Communities)
Market Rate Affordable Subsidized Total
Total Vac. Rate Total Vac. Rate Total Vac. Rate Total Vac. Rate
City units Vac. units Vac. units Vac. units Vacant
Chanhassen 615 28 4.6% 615 28 4.6%
Chaska 1,269 77 6.1% 402 42 12.9% 28 0 0.0% 1,699 129 7.6%
Source: Maxfield Research Inc.
Currently Chanhassen and Chaska have the majority of rental housing, which is more than the
rest of Carver County combined. Chaska has nearly double the rental housing units of
Chanhassen. According to the Maxfield Study, the current vacancy rate in Chanhassen is 4.6 %.
The City anticipates additional rental housing based on the fact that the majority of jobs are
located in the eastern portion of the County; and the desire to locate housing in conjunction with
transit or commercial centers.
Table 12
Rent Summary January 2007 (Selected Communities)
Market Rate Affordable
City Total Total
Units 1 BR 2BR 3BR Units 1 BR 2BR 3BR
Chanhassen 615 $740 $955 $1,415
Chaska 1,269 $770 $873 $1,240 402 $610 $715 $910
Remainder of Carver County 18 $535 $650 168 $595 $640 $790
Total 2,072 $746 $869 $1,255 570 $605 $690 $865
Source: Maxfield Research Inc.
The Maxfield study shows market rate rents in Chanhassen were higher than in Chaska. Market
rate developments have rents about 30% higher than those at affordable developments in Chaska.
Since this study was completed, the Gateway affordable housing development, located at the
4-5
intersection ofTH 101 and TH 312, has been constructed and is now renting. The affordable
rents for this development are $650 to $900 a month. According to the Maxfield study, about
three-quarters ofthe rental growth between 2000 and 2020 is projected to occur in the four
communities ofChaska, Chanhassen, Victoria and Waconia.
4.1.3 Housing Condition
Over one half of the City's existing housing inventory is over 20 years old. In response to
maintaining the value of this older housing, the City adopted a rental housing requirement and
property maintenance code (2002).
The purpose of the property maintenance code is to set a minimum requirement and standard for
premises, structure, equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, and
protection from the elements, life safety, safety from fire and other hazards and safe and sanitary
maintenance, the responsibility of owners, operators and occupants; the occupancy of existing
structures and premises, and for administration and enforcement and penalties. The success of
this ordinance is the maintenance of older housing stock. The maintenance of the existing
housing provides the continuation of a wide range of housing options, especially with the
acceleration of the cost in new housing.
The rental license requirement is intended to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the
citizens of the City who have a rental unit. The City has over 1,000 rental units, of which 700 are
traditional apartments. The remaining 300 plus rentals are homes, duplexes or townhouses. The
license requirements add to the protection of those renting.
4.3 POPULATION AND INCOME
4.3.1 Demographics
Table 13
D h'
emOl!rapJ ICS
1990 2000 chan$!;e % change
Total population 11,732 20,321 8,589 73.2%
Number of households 4,016 6,914 2,898 72.2%
Persons per household 2.92 2.94 0.02 0.7%
Number of families 3,273 5,524 2,251 68.8%
Persons per family 3.24 3.33 0.09 2.8%
Source: us Census
In the spring of 2007, the City of Chanhassen received from the Metropolitan Council estimates
of population and households as of April 1, 2006. This estimates are 22,017 people and 7,929
households. The persons per household is estimated to be 2.77. When the City accepted the
Regional Development Framework projections, the persons per household was estimated to be
closer to 2.85. The Metropolitan Council number of persons per household, number of
households, and the population is less than the City's estimate.
The US Census showed an increase in the persons per household of 1.4% from 2.9 to 2.94
between 1990 and 2000. The Metropolitan Council's estimate is 2.77 persons per household
4-6
which is a .08 person per household difference less than the 2030 Regional Development
Framework Estimate. The Metropolitan Council's 2010 population projection of27,500, in light
of the 2006 estimate, would require an addition of 5,483 people in the next three years. Based
on estimated building permit activity of just over 220 permits a year, the 20 1 0 population may be
closer to 24,500 people. The City has stated it disagrees with the methodology or ultimately the
Aprill, 2006 estimate and will continue the monitor the Metropolitan Council's estimate.
Table 14
2030 R' I D
tF
k R . dF
t J
3 2007
eglOna eve opmen ramewor - eVlse orecas s" anuary
POPULATION HOUSEHOLDS
2000 2010 2020 2030 2000 2010 2020 2030
CARVER COUNTY
Benton Twp. 939 940 940 940 307 320 330 340
Camden Twp. 955 960 980 1,030 316 340 370 400
Carver" 1,266 4,680 4,630 4,560 458 1,800 1,850 1,900
Chanhassen (pt) 20,321 27,500 34,500 38,000 6,914 10,200 12,800 14,800
Chaska" 17,603 27,600 33,000 35,700 6,169 10,200 12,500 14,000
Cologne" 1,012 3,060 5,500 9,440 385 1,180 2,200 3,840
Dahlgren Twp." 1 ,453 2,200 14,000 16,600 479 750 5,110 6,250
Hamburg 538 600 750 1,000 206 240 300 400
Hancock Twp. 367 390 420 440 121 140 160 170
Hollywood Twp. 1,102 1,100 1,150 1,300 371 410 450 500
Laketown Twp.* 2,331 1,800 830 0 637 600 300 0
Mayer" 554 3,900 7,000 9,600 199 1,500 2,700 3,700
New Germany 346 420 570 830 143 180 250 370
Norwood Young America" 3,108 4,630 7,800 8,800 1,171 1,870 3,530 3,800
San Francisco Twp. 888 980 1,100 1,200 293 350 410 460
Victoria" 4,025 10,700 19,600 28,000 1,367 4,000 7,200 10,200
Waconia" 6,814 10,600 20,000 25,000 2,568 4,500 8,000 10,000
Waconia Twp. 1,284 1,340 1 ,460 1,590 429 490 550 620
Watertown" 3,029 4,800 6,500 7,700 1,078 1,800 2,500 3,000
Watertown Twp. 1 ,432 1,470 1,620 1,800 478 540 620 700
Young America Twp. 838 870 950 1,200 267 300 350 450
Carver County Total 70,205 110,540 163,300 194,730 24,356 41,710 62,480 75,900
Chan's Percent Carver Total 28.95% 24.88% 21.13% 19.51 % 28.39% 24.45% 20.49% 19.50%
Source: Metropolitan Council
4-7
Table 15
Chanhassen Population by Age
Age 1990 2000 Change
Number %of Number %of Number %of
total total total
Under 5 1343 11.4% 2020 9.9% 677 50.4%
years
5 to 9 1083 9.2% 2227 11.1 % 1144 105.6%
10 to 14 811 6.9% 1889 9.3% 1078 132.9%
15 to 17 431 3.7% 890 4.4% 459 106.5%
18 to 21 421 3.6% 540 2.7% 1119 28.3%
22 to 24 346 2.9% 357 1.8% 11 3.2%
25 to 34 2832 24.1% 2608 12.8% -224 -7.9%
35 to 44 2229 19.6% 4903 24.1 % 2674 120%
45 to 54 1157 9.9% 2816 13.9% 1659 143.4%
55 to 64 627 5.3% 1151 5.7% 524 83.6%
65 to 74 307 2.6% 591 2.9% 284 92.5%
75 to 84 110 0.9% 270 1.3% 160 145.5%
85 and 35 0.3% 59 0.3% 24 68.6%
older
Total 11,732 100.0% 20,321 100.0% 8,589 73.2%
Population
Source: us Census
The largest segment ofthe population (38%) is between 35 to 54 years old. The median age of
the population is 35.5. The Maxfield study stated the following regarding the demographics of
the County:
· With the aging of the baby boom generation, the greatest growth in Carver County from 2006
to 2020 will be among people age 55 to 75, as their population is projected to triple in 14
years.
. The aging of the baby boom generation will result in strong growth of an older adult
population; and an influx of younger and middle-aged individuals and families to the County
will result in steady growth of the 25 to 44 year-oIds. This steady growth will result in
continued demand for single-family homes and for-sale town homes.
· Communities in eastern Carver County will see a greater percentage of seniors, young adults,
and older adults. These increases will be due to the aging of the existing population, young
adults and adults seeking rental housing near employment centers, and older adults with
greater means purchasing more expensive housing.
· While new single-family homes are predominately executive homes, area lot prices affect
this cost. A survey in January 2007 revealed lot prices in Chanhassen were $230,000. It is
estimated that the price of a lot is at least one-quarter of the price of a home; therefore, the
price of $900,000 is anticipated.
4-8
Table 16
M d' H h Id I
b A 1999
elan ouse 0 ncome )V. ll!e
Age of householder Median household income
Under 25 $40,089
25-34 $73,462
35-44 $97,741
45-54 $89,498
55-64 $79,171
65-74 $41,510
75 and older $29,943
All households $84,125
Source: US Census
The U.S. Census shows that Chanhassen's median household income in 1999 was $84,125. The
Maxfield study estimates the 2006 household income for Chanhassen is approximately $99,270.
The estimated 2006 median household income in the Twin Cities was $62,850, and $79,250 for
Carver County.
4.4 RESIDENTIAL LANDS
The City has less than 1,000 acres of residential land left for development. It is anticipated that
the majority of the residential land will be developed by 2020. The growth between 2020 and
2030 will be infill development. The total number of additional dwelling units anticipated by
2030 is 4,435. The Maxfield study finds the following housing demand:.
Table 17
D d ~ Add" IF S I H
eman or Ihona or- a e ousmg
2005 to 2015 2015 to 2030
Projected Household Growth 2,135 2,300
Estimated Homeownership Rate 78% 75%
Total New Homeowners 1,660 1,720
Ratio Single Family/Multifamily 30/70 25/75
No. of Single Family/Multifamilv 498 430
Single Family <$325,000 0 0
percent 0% 0%
Single Family <$325,000-$525,000 50 43
percent 10% 10%
Single Family <$525,000+ 448 387
percent 90% 50%
Multifamily -General Occupancy 808 575
<$225,000 75% 50%
Percent
Multifamily $225,000+ 269 575
25% 50%
Multifamily Senior <$225,000 85 140
Source Maxfield Research Inc.
4-9
Table 18
~ Add" I R I H
Demand or !tlona enta OUSlD2
2005 to 2015 2015 to 2030
Projected Household Growth 2,135 2,300
Estimated Percent Renters 22% 25%
Total New Renters 475 580
Ratio General Occupancy/Senior 63/37 40/60
No. of Units General Occupancy/Senior 300/175 230/350
General Occupancy
Percent Subsidized 32% 35%
50-80% Median 50 40
50% of Median 45 40
Total 95 80
Percent Market Rate 68% 65%
Number 205 150
Senior Rental Housing
Percent Affordable Adult 31% 34%
Number 55 120
Percent Market Rate 69% 66%
Adult 65 70
Congregate 20 70
Assisted Living 20 55
Memory Care 12 35
Number 120 230
Source Maxfield Research Inc.
4.5 LIFE CYCLE HOUSING
Table 19
Livable Communities Act
CITY INDEX BENCHMARK GOAL
Affordability
Ownership 37% 60-69% 30%
Rental 44% 35-37% 35%
Life-cycle
Type (non-single 19% 35-37% 34%
Family detached) 1991 Comp Plan
OwnerIRenter Mix 85/15% 67-75/25-33% 80-90 / 20-10
Density
Single family detached 1.5 units / acre 1.8-1.9 units /acre 1.8 units / acre
Multifamily 11 units / acre 10-14 units / acre 9-10 units /acre
Overall A veraj!e 3.3
Source: City of Chanhassen
The Metropolitan Council defines affordable ownership housing as housing that is affordable to
buyers earning 80% ofthe area median income or a home price at $201,800 in 2006. In the
Housing Choice Voucher program, units must have rents below the Metro HRA Payment
Standard ($729 for one-bedroom units, $933 for two-bedroom units). The City has four projects
that meet these income qualifications.
4-10
Currently, the City has a home ownership rate of89.6 %. With an average price on new
multifamily homes being $225,000 and the average resale price of $194,000, the ability of the
City to provide affordable ownership housing is less problematic.
The City is moving toward meeting their housing goals in all areas except affordable rental
housing. With the price ofland and construction costs, the City alone cannot provide the amount
of assistance required to provide affordable housing. The City is meeting the density goals as
shown on the City plat monitoring sheet in Table 20.
4.4.1 Projects
In 2006, the City approved the Gateway project, a 48-unit tax-credit rental building. The rental units are
restricted to low- and moderate-income residents. Participation from the City came from Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) and flexibility in development standards. The building started renting units in the
summer of 2007.
Unit Mix, Rents & Income Limits
# units # of BR's Sq. ft. Projected Rents Annual Incomes Hourly Income
6 1 850 $650 $36,960 or less $17.77 orless
27 2 1,100 $825 $46,200 or less $21.21 or less
15 3 1,450 $900 $49,920 or less $24.00 or less
Summerwood
This project was built as a part of Village on the Ponds; it is part of a vertical and horizontal
mixed-use development. The congregate portion of Summerwood has 90 units, 54 assisted
living units and 18 units in the memory care. The City created a TIF housing district to create
35 affordable units.
Attached is a list of the city rental units and a summary of the city Demographic and Housing
Finding. The City lost 167 rental units in 2006 with the redevelopment of the Lakeview Hills
Apartments. This development is being replaced with 233-249 townhouses and condominiums.
The City worked to replace a portion of the units with the construction of 48 units in the
Gateway project and will continue to find other "affordable housing" opportunities.
4-11
~~
1!~
jl!l
~
1--
w!2
Zw
0
CD gj~
0 o(/)
0 ",z
N "W
cO 0
'"
'" ~~
0 ...
N ~ OZ
"en I-:J
(!) C
.- Gl (/)
.g C I-W
:! wo:
f-o ZO
C <(
Gl
'C ,",0
"en ~z
Gl a.:)
IX:
.(/)
~ll!
~~
(/)
a~ll!
~~~
tu1i:2
?:a.l2
(/)
?:ll!
00
"'<(
<Il(/)
<IlW
00:
"'0
"<(
_"0
H
~o.
u:~
W
::;
~
13
W
~
a.
~
(/)
W
I-
o
Z
E Ul
Ol Ol
E l:l
0. '"
o ~
~ _M
CO ~ .e~
m~ ~ ~~ ~~
jj j ~~ E~
.r:..t:. lD.c~~ ~~~ ~~
~~~ I~j~ ~~g g~
~~j ;~~o ~l~ ~~~
~~~ 2~S~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~
>o,if 1'0 .9 I I 0 ...Ja~ g.a.>.~:
~~c=__~cciciElD 0~~ClD~
lDClDCCCClDlDlDlDlDgx_ a.lD~~a.lD
~EaEEEE[a[aa~~~~S~OlD~X
x~E~~~~EEEEE~~~n~=x~a.~
~~(l)~~~~Q)Q)~Q)~coou)Ci'u)~-!mu)
OlD~lDlDlDlD~~lD~lD~0CU3UoU_U
~~~~~~~~_~_~~~~~O~lD~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~OlD~~XW~~~~
mC~CCCC~SCSC~~~JjJmJCJ
2
.;;;
E
'"
Q.
E
Ol
E
16
~
2
~
Ul
Ol
~ a;
o ~ (I)
.c 0 '"
lD g> .r:. ~ lD
.~~ ~ -g ~
-g e?Q) ~ ~ C':' ~p:1
:m 0 x Q) co--
CD i t~ilDlD ~ J lD~ jj
~ ~ ~oE~~ ~ ~ u) sa. JJ
~ -g ~~~22 ~ ge~ ~~ ~~~
5 ~ ~~~g>~~~ :2w ~5~~~j
~~~~~~~~~~~~~m:~_~~~lDlD~
~~~~~li~jjfi~i~~~~~f55~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOO~~N---N________N_ONNN__O~~~N~NN~NN~~~ON~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!
~OO~~N~~~N~~~~~o~o~oa~~~~~O~~~~~NNONN~~~oaN~~
~NNNNNNmNa~~~mN~mO~ONom~~~N~~~~~~W~N~MaNN~mNN~
~ ~ ~ ~ N~~ ~ ~ N~~ ~ M ~MN ~
~~~~~~~~q~~~~~~q~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~q~
NN~~a~O~~N ~ ~m OOWN~M~~~NN~N~N~N~O ~~~N~O~~~
~ N ~~ N ~ N N N~~
~ooaaaoaaooaaaa 000 0 I') 0> '" 0
<0 I') ...
ci ~ ci .;
000 ao~~o I') 0
"'''' "1
"";C'i ~
~~~oaaa5ooao~ao~~~~~a~ ~o"" O(O~M 0> 0
..: I') O>~IO ci
ci Ldc:iq: '"
'"
'"
....
.;
....
'"
.,;
M~m (7)
d~c:i d
'"
~ooaooo~o~a~~~o~~M~~o~~d~~ o~~~~ ~~
o ~ 0 ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~o N~~ c:iw
01')
'"
N
~IOIO
"'0>0
"':"";C'i
10
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~q~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~q~
(O~ ~~o~~~ N ~ ~~~~m~N~~M~NNN~~~M~N 0 ~~~N~~~~
~~~~~g~gagggooogg~~~~gaggg8g8~~~~~8888~~~~~bb
mmmmmomoaooooooaoooooaoooooooooaoooooooaooooo
~~~~~N~NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
~ ~~~~~~~~~~~re~~~~re~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~m~~~mm~~
W
3
o
W W
x Ul
U ~ ~
t! ~ ~
~ c.~ .cS.~ ~ J!! :f~~
> CD ~ <I) <I)~ ~ e J: J,c..Q
::! ~:g c. ,!! m:g c.5-8,g c..:.!: oge;.
:E c.O c.<go .sCD~<" O:Qm 0) .QCD ~m>.
~j ~J I~E~~ g mg~~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~5~ ~~i
~~g ~~cc.~~~~~ ~~~~~~& ~i~~~~ ~ ~ g~~~ ~!l~ ~
~~i>.~~)~~I~~t~~!~~S~~~~~~~ffi~~SE~~~c.~~i~~~~c.~s 0
~ol~~Zi~~-~g~~~c.3Z~CD~~~~~~g5~~~~~z~Z~~~~!~~~~~~
EO~NEOc.fBE~~~>~~~,,~~g~~~E~~CUCD~~C.X~CC.~C.~C.'!!3CD~~
~~z~~~~~3~~~~~~j~~~S~8~~~~3~~~~O~~j~~~~8~~S~~3
0000000000000000000000 g
~~~~~~~~~~~~~M ON ~ ~~N
~o~~~o~~~~~~~I~~I~I~IM~o~MM~~~~N~~~~~~~~N(7)ON~(7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~oooa~~~~~oo~99~~~\~Y999~~~~~Y99~9q9
~~mmmmmggggg~~~~~~~~~~~ggggggg~~8~88~~~~~~~bbb
4-12
LO o(fl.
ci ~N
wq:
'"
'"
ci
iij
'e
"
E
E
8
Ul Ul" 'S
-g ~~ n
o cv 'E u
~ ~~ ~
5 c:~
c.:eM C'i
i ~H if~
~ ~';'; ~~5
~.!~~~ ~.~~
-g-g'Eoo m~m~
'E'E~~~ cOE~~
~g~ g'g'o66~ ~
~~~55aJaJ~~~
m m~ .~
E:J:JcE"ll
-g .2-g-g-8.2 e-g
.~~~ii~~~.~~
'"
o
N
~a;~~:3~~~~~
~~w~~q:::q:cOoi
~
~~~;o::~~~;!~
WWN,...;q:C\iq:,...;,..:cO
~~ M~
I')Cl
~>
....<(
~~~;o~~~~~M~~
~ ~ ~ NOlo(
~
o(fl.
....,
C"iLd
:ll1O
~~~~~~~~~~~~
OM~NMO>~~N,..:C'i
Nil) ~M ~~
00(7)00
.;
o>(fl.
<0<0
WN
o>o~
N
f2~
~~
o~~~o~~~~~~~
N ~M ~~
(O(fl.
~o
!'i~
ao~oo~~~~~r!~
N o::~O~~~
III
~
~~~~~fq~~~~~
~O~M(O~O> ~o
NN 0>..... Nt'--
~ I')
~ga~gg~~~~
0>000000000
~NNNNNNNNN
~;::"",,",;:::(O;:::(;\
N~~~~~NNNN
(O~",~~(O(;\(O(;j~
~~
g~
000:
:JW
(/)0.
Ul
::l -g
E rr.
~~ ~:.t
'ECD ~~
~E <l)OO~
t:g.G)~~:Soe
cv< C)o 01_
~"5~J:~~'5,,1l
c.g ffi>om2:~
~i2 g.5}O~ g ~';.Q)
~ ei!~.~~~.t;~
CD~OU)'O~Q) CD4l
jH.t~~~~&j
a. 0
o:l!:c(/)lJi[
3;~~~~~~~~<o
~~~a~0~~9~
m(7)(7)OOo~(O~(O
(7)(7)(7)NNNOOOO
~
~
~
:;)
:::Ii
-
100
I')
ci
<0
.,
.,;
:l
..;
10
'"
.;
10
.0
N
",Cl
10>
.0<(
N
~(fl.
....'"
doci
:310
o'$.
0><0
~oci
o'ift.
.......
C'iq:
...
~::: ~:::
q:~ ON
'"
N'ift.
<O~
"";C\i
~'"
o(fl.
0>.0
l8~
...
'"
g
q
~!z
OW
tQl-i
i1l~
!z
W
o
0:
W
a.
~
~
o
I-
4.6 ACTION PLAN
The City will continue to uphold the housing goals and policies of the comprehensive plan.
Following in is the City's Action Plan:
4.6.1 City Ordinance
The City will continue to evaluate the existing development ordinance and its impact on
development costs.
4.6.2 City EDA
The City will continue to consider the use of Tax Increment Financing for affordable housing.
4.6.3 Carver County Community Development Agency
Homebuyer education
Foreclosure prevention counseling and financial assistance to all County residents
Partner with the County for additional affordable rental units
Section 8 rental assistance
Transitional housing
Rental Rehabilitation Grants
4.6.4 Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
MHF A Community Fix-up Fund
MHF A Community Rehab Fund
MHF A Revolving Loan Program
MHF A Accessibility Loan Program
MHF A Purchase Plus Program
4.7 HOUSING GOALS AND POLICIES
Goals
Provide housing opportunities for all residents, consistent with the identified community goal.
· Balanced housing supply, with housing available for people of all income levels.
. Accommodation of all racial and ethic groups in the purchase, sale, rental and location of
housing within the community.
. A variety of housing types for all people in all stages of the life cycle.
. A community of well-maintained housing and neighborhoods, including ownership and
rental housing.
. Housing development that respects the natural environment of the community while striving
to accommodate the need for a variety of housing types and costs.
4-13
. The availability of a full range of services and facilities for its residents, and the
improvement of access to a linkage between housing and emplOYment.
Policies
Continue to enforce the City Code regarding property maintenance and rental licensing to
maintain the existing housing stock.
As state and federal funding permits, efforts should be made to provide low and moderate
housing where needed, to provide balance to the generally high cost of new housing.
The City should promote the use of state and federal programs to reduce land costs for
developers oflow and moderate income housing.
The City will cooperate with other governmental units and public agencies to streamline,
simplify, and coordinate the reviews required for residential development to avoid inflating the
cost of housing due to unnecessary delays in the review process.
The City will continue to encourage the development of affordable housing; the City may
increase the permitted net density of a project by 25 percent. The "bonus" units must meet
affordable housing criteria as defined by the City. Developers shall be required to enter into an
agreement ensuring the affordability of the units.
Subsidized housing should be given equal site and planning considerations to non-subsidized
housing units and should not be placed in inferior locations or in areas that do not provide
necessary urban services including transit and commercial services.
The City will continue to provide alternative types of homes including smaller lot homes,
townhouses, etc. that will supplement the conventional single-family homes.
New residential development shall be discouraged from encroaching into natural resources or
physical features.
Housing development methods such as PUDs, cluster development, and innovative site plans and
building types, should be encouragefto help conserve energy and resources for housing.
The City should continue to ensure nondiscrimination in the sale and rental of housing units.
Citizen participation in developing plans and implementing housing programs is encouraged in
redevelopment, rehabilitation, and in planning for the future.
While density is given by a range in the comprehensive plan, the City shall encourage
development at the upper end of the density range.
4-14
The City will promote the mixing of housing densities within projects in order to provide a wide
range of housing styles and types. Such mixed densities must provide appropriate transitions for
existing development.
The City will continue to participate in the Livable Communities Act of 1995 as stated in the
Housing Plan.
The City will promote the integration oflife- cycle housing opportunities throughout the
community. Affordable and subsidized housing shall not be overly concentrated in one area of
the City.
4-15
Chanhassen Summary of Findings - Carver County Housing Study
March 2007
Chanhassen - Summary of Demographic and Housing Findings
Key demographic and housing market fmdings for Chanhassen are highlighted below. For a
comparison, figures for Carver County are shown as well. Chanhassen is Carver County's larg-
est community, but because it is close to being fully developed and is land locked, growth will
slow and Chaska will surpass Chanhassen by 2010. The current housing supply is predomi-
nantly for-sale housing (a homeownership rate of 90% in 2000). With its close proximity to jobs
and shopping, there is strong demand for all housing products, however.
Demographic Summary
Population (2005/2015/2030)
Households (2005 /2015 /2030)
Household Growth (2005 to 2030)
Median Household Income (2006)
Median Age of Population (2000 & 2020)
Homeownership Rate (2000)
Cbanbassen
23,020 / 27,750 / 32,330
S,I6S / 10,300 / 12,600
4,435
$99,270
33,s / 39.4
89.6.~
Carver Coouty
86,300 / 132,000 / 198,650
31.210 / 50,200 / 77,8io
46,610
$79,375
33.4 / 36.4
83.5%
Current Housing Characteristics Summary
Average resale price of existing sinile-family homes (2006)
Average resale price of existing multi-family homes (2006)
Average sale price of new construction single-family homes
Average number of single-family homes built annually since 2000
Average sale price of new construction multifamily homes
Average number of multifamily homes built annually since 2000
Chanhassen
Carver Conn
5441,900
5194,010
$935,000
85
5225,000
144
$355,600
$194,600
$520,000
725
$225,000
525
Number of surveyed units 8I1d average monthly rent for market rate units
One-bedroom units
Two-bedroom units
Three-bedroom units
Market rate vacancies / vacancy rate
Carver Conn
277 /
341/
21 /
28 I
o
611/
1,220 /
220/
136/
722
78 /
$745
$870
$1,255
6.6%
$740
59SS
51,415
4.6%
Units
Market rate senior housing
Adult ownership 0 40 0 0.0%
Adult rental 0 0
Congregate 90 0 0.0" 195 14 7.2%
Assisted living 53 2 3.8" 265 12 4.5%
Memozy Care 18 1 $.6" 81 3 3.7%
Subsidized/Affordable rental housing 6!11 0 0.'" 504 23 4.6%
· Vacant units at . eels in their lnitialleas are not included in this fi
4-16
~
~
~
~
z
~
~
~
~
>t
~
~
~
v:J
to:)
~
v:J
~
o
=
~
~
z
~
o
u
~
~
~
~
u
en
1-0
U
t<:l
....
o
Cl::
a..
~
Z
~<
>-~
u<
-~~s
=~l:i!~
~u<
=u....~
<O""':S
1-o~Cl::~
~~....
t<:lU
t.:l
t<:l
~
.
f-i
~
~
::!1
'"
=
..
e
e
o
u
~
~
1;
..
e
<
<>
eo .
~Oi
eo~e
O.~ g
::> '0 ...
ui ...: =
gh~ S
.:clost>:
<> ~ e
'E 3 0
g",:2
u8c
>> '" l;i
a.g.~e
.l!l ~.- ~
fi "~_
'0 >> <> ,-
OUi g .2; 8
e. "* c5 .5
~~ &. <d"
.S._ .. ,..
~ !it 0 a
==fJ.O~
..6 "-g~
~ ~._ p.
o <>; .; :f
t:.,j:;;!;;
~~ ~.2
~ ~.~ e
~ .S e '0..
p
.c....
.... .:
.: ..
oCl::
::!1
VlOOVl
C> 0'\ II) 'V
-:.q~"1.
- - --
fA fA fA fA
I I
V') Y') 0 IlI'l
Nt-ON
O'\o-~
"'<i;i;.;i
0_
r-.'<t
-'<t
r-.""
10-
. '0 . I
"":ffltn
00 '"
0., -_
~
:E
~ =1
;:: at
J:l U
::>>
~
~~~
-
.. ....1
..=
.. ::s
><=
N
o
o
N
...
'"
<>
..
<>
oS
.5
'0
<>
-0
::s
U
.S
,~
1;;
u
:x:
rn
eo
'"
:s!
]
-
';3
'7
M
~
1-0
~
z
00
on on
\0 r-
~
~~
a:la:l
N
.
~~
'<t~
NZ
'<t
\0
0-
-
;j
z;
...
==
;,)
~
:.l
en
~
:::l
~
~
.... ~
.. <>
;;;: ~
U lii ....
~ 0 ~
to 1;
.._~
U'<tv
4-17
5 NATURAL RESOURCES
5.1 INTRODUCTION
The City of Chanhassen recognizes the importance of its natural environment to the quality of
life for its citizens and the need to protect and enhance these resources. This chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan outlines the accomplishments, challenges and future goals for the city's
natural resources. As development places further pressures on the city's resources, challenges
and limitations will need to be met head-on with creativity and a commitment to a community
privileged with environmental assets. Proper management of the natural environment will also
be vital in maintaining the value of these resources.
While there will be constraints and obstacles to implementing any program or policy pertaining
to the environment, Chanhassen acknowledges the necessity and importance of its natural
resources. Past experience proves that multiple jurisdictions, time constraints, and funding
constraints do not necessarily discourage or limit progress in the natural resources agenda. Nor
should the community's natural resources deter appropriate and sustainable development.
Rather, the two should serve to complement one another to create a balanced community with a
high quality oflife for all residents. Sustainability in natural resources and development will be
crucial to preserving and enhancing the environmental amenities of this community. The long
term impacts of both should be weighed, considered and integrated into all future development.
Only by retaining the valued environmental qualities will the city be able to sustain this
component of the high quality of life experienced by Chanhassen residents. This chapter should
reflect the city's commitment to the utilization, conservation, management, and preservation of
its natural resources.
5.2 NATURAL COMMUNITIES
Within the City of Chanhassen, a variety of
natural communities exist from lowland
forests and deciduous woodlands to bluffs,
restored prairies, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and
streams. Each of these communities is
comprised of unique components as well as
shared qualities. Because of their value
related to both their individuality and their
interconnectedness, Chanhassen strives to
preserve and protect this variety of
environments and ensure that they are well-
managed and protected in perpetuity where
possible. As the City of Chanhassen's
developed area expands, existing natural
communities will face the threat of elimination or restrictions oftheir physical area. Forests,
prairies and other undeveloped lands add to the community by providing scenic vistas, vital
habitat and natural beauty appreciated by residents, businesses, and trail and park users.
5-1
In Chanhassen, there are currently many acres of undeveloped public land. Some of this
property is located within existing parks while the rest is comprised of random tracts of land not
in named parks or official public sites. The highest quality and largest areas have been acquired
through purchase or dedication and this procedure will need to continue to preserve other vital
areas as the city develops. This is especially true ofthe Seminary Fen where eight rare native
plants were documented as present in a plant inventory done by the Minnesota Biological County
Survey. This particular area deserves a special note for its rare quality. A zoning overlay district
for this watershed shall be considered in order to protect this vital and rare amenity within the
City of Chanhassen. It is reasonable to assume that other rare or endangered species do exist
within Chanhassen, such as the rare natural communities that include Silver Lake, the bluffs of
Bluff Creek and the Minnesota River, and remnants of the Big Woods.
With large areas of natural communities under the
management of the city, a number of issues must be
addressed in order for the value of the areas to
continue and improve. An overall Natural Resources
Management Plan (NRMP) must be developed to
guide and prioritize restoration, management and
protection of each area. The Management Plan will
serve to outline future improvements in all public
natural areas. Within this plan, other issues related to
natural communities can also be addressed. These include invasive species control and
eradication, natural area protection, monitoring and assessment. The Management Plan will
complement the Bluff Creek Watershed Natural Resources Management Plan by covering the
entire city and focusing broadly on all communities and their needs. The Bluff Creek plan will
continue to guide water quality issues and planning within its watershed, but a broader plan is
necessary to meet the needs of natural areas
throughout the city. To improve public awareness
and garner public support, it is important for the
community to provide a vision for these resources
and incorporate the ideals and realities of this vision
into a city management plan. Other opportunities
for improvements in the natural areas can be further
dedication or acquisition of properties, connecting
larger tracts together, increasing public access to
these areas and creating public/private partnerships
for restoration projects.
5.2.1 Management Plans
'~~rr(.e~~~ ~~!l~rtfJffl ~., ~
" '''~\, I iT? '
. .,......:.. . "'"~"".:~ J.:
I~~.. ~.~S b~,.~/":,>>.,~ ;:,- ,,'
, ~~~."~"'\'" r.fi;~:':' ""IT
i.~i ~ ~ ~. t:!,-6" I ( ..~~:~~ ~ ~Ji'~"f:" ':;~"
. ~l.' b c1~; "-il.. . ~7 ..,~..'. '. ~: .,. ;. "-..:
.. ~f'- !r.:"',' ~\ ;,~ ~~ I ",<.'r;;,'- t,.r.-'. -; ..; '"
",;-...~,.J:~;..7~'!S'~\~ r:?-):: ; \}-':-.. . . ".
"',. :..::-:". .." -.__ "."0 "-'~:,,~,~:"
..:....I"I..t.':.,;,.,;......_.........,_. ~.. . :.-,_"-~;.,ii;i:lM~ 'i;S-,..: ...
The city should develop and use an inventory as a standard for identifying high priority natural
communities, protect sensitive natural communities, and connect areas. By identifying these
areas for future protection and using a scientific assessment in order to document the value and
importance of a natural community, a base line for that site will be created for future reference
and to create management plans.
5-2
5-3
Natural Resources
Restoration Projects
[=:J Potential Land Restoration Project Area
c=J PotentialWater Restoration Project Area
~ Current Land Restoration Project Area
c=J Current Water Restoration Project Area
W+E
S
......-
..-..--.--
5.2.2 Urban Forestry
According to a stewardship plan and community tree cover inventory conducted by the MnDNR,
it was found that "historically, the City ofChanhassen was covered by the Big Woods, so called
5-4
by the surveyors of the federal government during the laying out of the township and range lines
in the 1830s. This forest stretched from southeastern to northwestern Minnesota. The large,
deciduous forest consisted of fifteen tree species and several species of shrubs, forbs, herbs,
wildflowers and grasses. Some of the most common tree species included sugar maple,
American linden, northern red oak, bur oak, ash and elm. Close to seventy percent of the city
was forested by these woods while the other thirty percent was comprised of wetlands, open
water, and oak savannah openings."
Some of the most prominent natural features in the city are the forested areas that exist within the
community. They are important determinants of the city's image, health and livability, and as
such, should be preserved. Trees are indicators of a community's ecological health and have a
substantiated role in economics as can be seen by the premiums paid for wooded residential lots.
Tree cover can also be termed green infrastructure because in addition to the aesthetic and social
contributions, there are public economic benefits. It is well documented that trees reduce air and
noise pollution, storm water run-off and the heat island effect, all of which affects a city's or
property owner's expenditures on energy and storm water retention. The forests that once
covered this city were cleared for agricultural purposes. Scattered woodlots remained, but the
majority of land was used for farming. Slowly, as agriculture has given way to residential and
commercial development, tree cover has increased providing residents and businesses with the
many inherent benefits. The larger tracts of wooded areas that have grown for the last 50-100
years are now threatened by development. Finding a means of preserving these few
unfragmented forests will be crucial to retaining the existing habitat, aesthetic value, public
economic benefit and vital link to the past.
Downtown Chanhassen, 1954 and 2001
!>""~"" "Coo...,
Directly due to these benefits, tree preservation and planting are important in maintaining the
city's environmental health, economic and social viability, and ecosystem services. The goal of
the City of Chanhassen will be to increase tree cover throughout the city even as development
continues. What will be needed in order to reach that goal will be preservation oflarge tracts of
woods, and creation of a diversity of species in order to reduce the impact of insect and disease
outbreaks, community tree planting programs and viable public tree management plans and
policies. Many opportunities are available to help meets these needs. Dedication and acquisition
ofland, cluster development, tree planting programs, public improvement policy which states
that trees and landscaping will be an element within all public projects, development of a forestry
5-5
management plan and a tree cover analysis are all ways to achieve outstanding green
infrastructure.
The City of Chanhassen can be a leafy city with above average landscaping and a healthy, viable,
and diverse urban forest. To ensure these qualities, a Forestry Management Plan should be
developed within the NRMP and used to outline forestry policy, determine long term goals and
objectives as well as management practices and procedures. Continually updating the city's
public tree inventory will also serve to guide the course of future management and plantings.
Conducting a tree cover analysis ofthe city will also be useful and a review ofthe city
ordinances pertaining to trees should be implemented after the analysis. Areas found lacking as
well as points of strength should be incorporated in the Management Plan. Being able to identify
now what needs to be done in the future will assist in streamlining forestry efforts in order to best
utilize the time, money and effort spent on forestry responsibilities.
5.3 WATER RESOURCES
Water resources pose specific constraints as well as opportunities for recreation and enjoyment.
However, in order to consider physical parameters within the planning process, it is first
necessary to prioritize Chanhassen's water resources based on quality of the resource. Upon
identification, policies can be established to minimize impacts, while maximizing enhancement
of the water resource and its benefit to the community.
The current condition of the majority ofChanhassen's surface water bodies is very good; and
water quality trends show general improvement. However, there are some exceptions to this
trend. The City of Chanhassen identifies the need to address these waters and develop a plan to
improve and protect all City surface waters.
In 1994, the City ofChanhassen adopted a Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) which
identified the need for protection oflakes and wetlands. This plan identified the City's wetlands,
identified each lake's watershed district and each sub-watershed district. The plan also provided
a design for using existing wetlands and creating new wetlands to manage water quantity and
5-6
improve water quality. In this plan a new criteria was developed for the acceptable quantity and
quality of runoff from new developments.
In August 2006, the City ofChanhassen adopted its Second Generation Surface Water
Management Plan (SWMp2), which identified a new set of goals and policies for Chanhassen's
water resources. The SWMp2 was written to serve the City as a tool to protect, preserve and
enhance its water resources. The plan identifies, from a regional perspective, the stormwater
quantity and quality improvements necessary to allow future development to take place and
minimize its impact to downstream water bodies. These goals included providing 1 DO-year flood
protection, management classifying all surface water bodies, achieving water quality standards in
lakes, streams and wetlands, minimizing erosion and sediment, establishing and maintaining
water resources funding sources, maintaining primary management responsibility while
continuing to coordinate and cooperate with other agencies and organizations, and providing
water resources information and education to the public.
Water resources impact both community planning and site planning efforts. In site planning,
quality of the resource, potential impacts, hydrology, and drainage are all major considerations.
In Chanhassen, four main surface water features dominate in the area. They include lakes,
wetlands, creeks and river corridors. Each of these water resources are reviewed as follows.
5.3.1 Lakes
Chanhassen contains nine major lakes, all but three of which lie solely within the community's
boundaries. These lakes serve as habitat for fish and wildlife as well as offer scenic and
recreational opportunities for residents. The City of Chanhassen has already established a set of
protective measures for its lakes. The current zoning ordinance establishes a shoreland overlay
district that was consistent with guidelines established by the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources. Currently, the City's shoreline alterations ordinance is more restrictive than those
required by the DNR and area watershed districts.
5-7
While the water quality data in most ofChanhassen's major lakes show improving trends, the
City of Chanhassen acknowledges that further progress and protection is needed. In order to
achieve these goals, the City is committed to developing short and long-term lake management
strategies to improve and manage these valuable water resources. As a part of these strategies,
each lake has been given a water management classification based on current water quality
conditions and management strategy. These classifications can be found in Table 20 SWMp2.
T bl 20 W t M
t CI T f f Ch h
W t F t
a e a er anagemen assl lea Ion or an assen a er ea ures
Management Management Storm Water Water Use
Class Strategy Trea tment (3) Resource Designation (l)
Preserve and NURP Seminary Fen Calcareous Fen
Preserve improve, impose Plus Enhanced Assumption Trout Stream
highest standards. Treatment Creek
Goal to improve Lotus Lake Re cre ational
Imp rove - I trends, impose NURP Development
higher standards. Plus Enhanced Lake Riley Re cre ational
These waters are T re atment Development
"impaired" see Bluff Creek N atmal Stream
Table 21 for details.
(2) Riley Creek N atmal Stream
Goal to maintain or Lake Ann Recreational
Improve - 2 improve. Look for NURP Development
opportunities to Enhanced Christmas Lake Recreational
apply higher Treatment if Development
standards. Opportunities
Present Lake Recreational
Minnewashta Development
Lake Susan Re ere ational
Development
Goal to maintain Harrison Lake N atmal
Improve - 3 water quality and Environment
keep long-term trends NURP Lake Lucy Re ere ational
stable to improving Development
Rice Marsh Lake N atmal
Environment
Silver Lake N atmal
Environment
Lake St. Joe N atmal
Environment
NA NA Storm Water Treatment
Constructed Ponds System
Water quality impacts come from two sources which are broken down into point and non-point
source pollution. Point source pollution is relatively easy to identify since it is typically generated
5-8
by a single use or source. Fortunately, Chanhassen lakes, with the exception of Rice Marsh Lake,
have not been subjected to point source discharges. Rice Marsh Lake had previously been used
as a discharge point for the area's old sewer treatment facility. Most agricultural use, another
major pollution source, has since been eliminated. However, their impacts have left a significant
residue of organic material on lake bottoms.
Non-point source pollution represents a significant potential impact to Chanhassen's lakes and is
much more difficult to control; since by definition, there is no one particular source. Examples
of non-point source pollution include fertilizers spread on residential properties that runoff into
area lakes and storm sewer outflows that flush organic materials from streets and paved surfaces
into water bodies. This runoff has been found to have a high nutrient content which contributes
to high nutrient loads within area lakes. Excessive nutrient levels increase the amount of algae
within a lake, reduce visibility and eventually reduce the amount of oxygen available for fish
populations. In order to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff, the City requires all new
developments to provide ponding that manages both water quality and increased quantities.
The City of Chanhassen continues to monitor current conditions of its lakes through aquatic
vegetation surveys, lake water quality studies, and lake monitoring data. The City currently
participates in the Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP) in coordination with the
Metropolitan Council, where lake monitoring data including clarity, temperature and ph levels
are collected by citizens and compiled by the Metropolitan Council.
2005 Wlter Quality Sampling Results
Lake Lucy like Ann Lotus Lake RIce Marsh Lak' Lakt Sunn
TP
Chl'n~ IIGo'l' IUlI!L CII'gr~ Inohl ClIlOr ~ Uoohl TP Chlor~ ItgG~A TP C!l'Gr~ Uoohl
Daw TP tAG.'l1 (uQ.'LI ceptlllml ) (uO'L) o.pt'llml TP (QQ.'I) 1110'11 O.pth Iml lug'l) I"GI1..I D.~1l (rn) 1110'1.) IUG,l) O.p~h (rnl
St'; Cl2CC5 :!~ 9.7 ~~ " ~.5 3! ~1 ~a 1.~: ":I 1:1 1.7 81 ,. 1.5
Si2i...:CC5 ;$ IS U ~4 'C ~. J9 5.5 ~." 50 ~.: 1.5 56 :, '.5
6'~,~CC~ :..:. 15 1.E ,~ 4_~ 2..7 ~5 '4 1.75 lS H 1.6 43 'C ...
.,
611~12CC: 61 14 1-: ~~ :2.5 2.4 ~7 5.3 1.51 lS ~ 1~ l5 7.e ~.7
7111:[(5 54 3S o. 23 U 2: ":I ~1 1.69 31 15 1.:1 4E n ".4
11~2,'1CC5 53 II 1C 14 4 2E 35 1C :J.91 3:1 IS 1.5 39 35 1.1
g'S,'2CC5 57 3~ o! ~2 E.1 14 43 43 :J.69 :S 4.4 ::.3 53 41 C.I
81'2:!"~CC~ :.: 3:1 01 23 9.3 2 : 45 41 :J.54 :~ 63 1.B 9~ 5C C.E
9,'44,':CC5 n 13 oe 2~ U I. ee 54 :J.61 Sl 14 1.J 11:1 31 c.=
91~C,:CC5 I: :1 oe 2!: e.4 La 75 J] J.54 3S ".: ~.1 51 14 C.7
2GOi lummel
AveraC. 13 %6.0 1.( 21.1 '.7 U CE 27.3 1.1 16 11.1 1.7 e. 21.G 1.1
Lake management plans have also been developed for the major lakes within the city, including
Lotus Lake, Lake Riley, Lake Minnewashta, Lake Ann, Lake Lucy, Lake Susan, and Christmas
Lake. These reports are updated bi-annually with water quality tests and lake plant inventories.
These plans list goals for increasing fish populations, reducing nutrient loading, dealing with
exotic species and providing advice for landscaping to improve water quality. The City also has
a no wake ordinance that protects lake shore from wave action during extreme high water
periods.
A discussion and description of each lake is also available in the SWMp2. These descriptions and
discussions include water quality and quantity data, plant communities, as well as water quality
including invasive species present, and recommendations, including proposed stormwater ponds
5-9
for each lake. As development and property valuations on lakeshore lots increase, the demand
for services to manage the problems arising on City lakes will also increase. Future lake
management within Chanhassen must balance protecting and improving water quality,
preventing overuse and abuse of the resources, while maintaining accessibility for all
Chanhassen residents.
5.3.2 Wetlands
In 1992, the state of Minnesota passed the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), which put wetland
protection and preservation into law. The goal of this act is to replace wetlands lost to previous
activities and to prevent the loss of existing wetlands. Wetland identification and protection have
become integral parts of all development throughout the entire state including the City of
Chanhassen.
The City of Chanhassen has had wetland protection ordinances in place since 1980 and continues
to take the lead on the issue of wetlands and their protection. The City's 1994 Surface Water
Management Plan (SWMP) included identification and reclassification of wetlands within the
City. In 2006, the SWMp2 was adopted, which brought about further updates in City wetland
management and classification. From this plan, a wetlands map was generated and a new
wetland classification system was implemented, replacing the prior classification system.
The City adopted five levels of wetland identification: Outstanding, Preserve, Manage 1,
Manage 2, and Manage 3. Outstanding wetlands are identified as wetlands that are classified as
Outstanding Resource Value Waters by the State of Minnesota. Preserve wetlands are wetlands
identified as exceptional and have the highest function, or those sensitive wetlands receiving
conveyed stormwater runoff that have yet retained a medium level of vegetative diversity and
integrity. Manage 1 wetlands are identified as high-quality wetlands that should be protected
from development and other pressures of increased use. Manage 2 wetlands are wetlands that
provide medium functional levels; and the extent of these wetlands should be maintained.
Manage 3 wetlands are wetlands that have been substantially disturbed and have the lowest
functions and values.
Wetland specialists made field identification of wetlands throughout the community, and detailed
data sheets documenting vegetation, landscape and existing conditions were compiled. These
data sheets serve only as a guide for the City, and are not to be used as the defining wetland
boundaries. Wetland boundaries are to be determined by professional delineations conducted by
parties who propose to impact or develop land in and around these areas. In addition, any
proposed development will be required to delineate their sites for the existence of wetlands.
The Seminary F en, located north of old Highway 212 in the southwest comer of the City,
possesses unique and significant qualities which has given it an "Outstanding" classification. In
1995, the Seminary Fen was identified by the Minnesota Biological Survey as the most
important site in all of Hennepin, Carver and Scott Counties. There are approximately 90 acres
of calcareous seepage fen in this area with rare and threatened plant species. Its special
characteristics are a product of the groundwater flowing through the up-gradient aquifer and
glacial till in this particular location. The trout stream Assumption Creek flows through the
5-10
Seminary Fen. Assumption Creek is the only trout stream in Carver County and one of only 15
trout streams in the metropolitan area.
The Wetland Conservation Act of 1991 identified calcareous fens for protection and requires the
development of a fen management plan for any project that might cause adverse impacts to such
wetlands. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has the jurisdictional power to
approve such plans. Planned land uses adjacent to the Seminary Fen wetland complex include
rural residential to the north, agricultural estate to the east and south, and fringe business to the
west. An HCRRA Regional Trail Corridor bisects the Fen.
The most important factor in ensuring the protection of this site is the integrity of the hydrologic
system. With adjacent land uses, development pressure is present. While several public and
private organizations have been working together to acquire the property for public preservation,
a city implemented overlay district would provide unilateral protection of the site. Important
factors to be included in the district consist of impervious surface limitations, thermal stormwater
discharge regulations, slope protection, preservation of subsurface drainage, required easement
or outlot dedication, stormwater pretreatment, rate and volume control, restriction on unnatural
inputs, native community management, and sustainable landscaping.
With the change in wetland laws, the regulation of wetlands has also changed. The Minnesota
Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) oversee the regulation ofthe WCA for the State of
Minnesota. Local Governing Units (LGUs) implement the WCA for wetland activities.
Chanhassen was appointed as LGU and acts as the sole governing agency for activities in its own
City. The City has developed its own comprehensive wetland plan as part ofthe SWMp2. While
the City acts as a LGU, partnership with other government entities is consistently sought and
necessary.
5-11
The SWMp2 also initiated ordinances to protect wetlands above the requirements of the WCA.
In addition to building setback requirements, each type of wetland also requires an additional
protected area referred to as buffer zones. These buffer zones are undisturbed areas between
wetlands and development. The goal is to have natural vegetation separation, to act as cover for
wildlife and provide protection from urban runoff. All primary and secondary structures are
required to meet setbacks and buffer strip requirements by wetland classification, as illustrated
below.
Principal
Structure Accessory Permanent 'Percent of
Setback from Structure Setback Buffer Strip Buffer Strip
Wetland Buffer Edge from Buffer Edge Minimum in Native
Classification (feet) (feet) Width (feet) Vegetation
Outstanding 50 50 50 100%
Preserve 40 20 40 100%
Manage 1 30 15 25 100%
Manage 2 30 15 20 Over 50%
Manage 3 30 15 16.5 Over 50%
I
I
I
S'Tra:c I
31'
00' ~/W
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
MANAGE 3 WETLAND IllUSTRATION
PRINCIPAL
STRUCTURE
SETBACK
!
BUFFER
HOME
15.
,
\
\
ACCESSORY
STRUCTURE
SETBACK
5-12
5.3.3 Creek and River Corridors
The City of Chanhassen lies within multiple watershed districts. These include the Lower
Minnesota River Watershed District, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, and the Riley-
Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District.
Chanhassen is fortunate to have significant natural amenities in the form of creek and river
corridors. The community is bisected by Bluff Creek and Riley Creek. Assumption Creek, the
only native trout stream in Carver County, flows through the Seminary Fen to the Minnesota
River at the City's southern boundary. These corridors represent significant visual, environmental
and recreational amenities for the community. The creek corridors create ideal locations for City
trails. The creeks, which often have adjacent wetlands and steep slopes, also form ideal
boundaries between incompatible uses as well as linear park corridors connecting different parts
of the city.
The Minnesota River, Assumption Creek and the adjacent bluff line constitute an extraordinarily
high quality environmental and visual element within the community. The river bottom is
protected as a National Wildlife Refuge. To the extent that it is feasible to do so, the City of
Chanhassen promotes efforts to preserve these bluff areas. The bluffs, which are visible from
distant locations, overlook the river and contain steep, often unusable slopes and stands of mature
vegetation. The City has enacted bluff protection ordinances and comprehensive ordinances
regarding mining in this area to preserve the scenic amenity and environment of the river valley.
If an overlay district for the Seminary Fen were to be adopted, protection of Assumption Creek
and its rare qualities would be assured.
As part of its continued effort to protect natural resources, the City adopted the Bluff Creek
Watershed Natural Resources Management Plan (December 1996). This plan is the City of
Chanhassen's response to preservation of its natural resources in the midst of rapid growth and
development pressures. The idea behind the plan was to identify the significant natural features
found along the Bluff Creek Corridor and establish guidelines and goals on how to preserve and
protect the area before development occurs. The management plan identifies and describes the
topography, soils, vegetation, wildlife, wetlands, parks and trails, and land use within the Bluff
Creek watershed area. Currently, the watershed is in a state of land use transition due to the
community's growth and development. Bluff Creek itself will experience increasing volumes of
runoff associated with development in the coming years. Approximately 40% of the watershed is
undeveloped. The final plan is the result of a collaborative effort between local private and public
parties.
The Bluff Creek Watershed is named after Bluff Creek which runs approximately 6.6 miles
along the central part of the watershed. The creek winds its way through from a large wetland
complex southeast of Lake Minnewashta through rolling hills and descends into large bluffs
dropping more than 70 feet into the lower valley before discharging into Rice Lake and the
Minnesota River. The Bluff Creek Watershed is approximately 9.6 square miles and runs north
to south along the western portion ofChanhassen. The watershed also includes Chanhassen's
most significant remaining natural resource, the Seminary Fen and Assumption Creek.
5-13
The Bluff Creek Overlay District was adopted in 1998. This district covers the Bluff Creek
Watershed and protects this natural resource through guided development by preserving natural
condition, establishing a primary protection zone, requiring structure setbacks and buffers,
connecting open areas, and providing public access and education.
5.3.4 Groundwater Protection
Chanhassen's entire water supply is generated from deep wells and it is imperative that our
community seek to protect and preserve this resource. Groundwater protection requires a two
track approach. The first is the protection of recharge areas that serve to allow the resource to be
naturally replenished. To this end, the City is fortunate to have extensive lake areas, large areas
of permanently dedicated public open space, and an active wetland protection program that will
preserve the most sensitive of these areas. The second part of the approach requires the
protection of the resource from impact by sources of pollution. To this end, the City has
undertaken the following:
1. Ensure that all abandoned wells are permanently and securely capped to avoid direct
introduction of pollution into the aquifer.
2. Undertake and improve inspections and approval programs for on-site sewage systems
and when necessary replacing these systems with public sanitary sewer.
3. Active in the removal ofleaking underground storage tanks and the treatment of
contaminated soils that result. The City has undertaken this on several properties that
were subject to redevelopment activities and has cooperatively worked with private
individuals who have encountered such problems. It is anticipated that these efforts will
continue.
5-14
The State of Minnesota requires all cities, including the City ofChanhassen, to develop a ground
water protection plan. The City of Chanhassen is completing its wellhead and source water
protection plan for its eight existing municipal wells. This report is Part II of the Plan and it
includes the following:
. A review of the data elements.
. The results of the potential contaminant source inventory.
. A review of changes, issues, problems, and opportunities related to the public water
supply and the identified potential contaminant sources.
. A detailed discussion of the potential contaminant source management strategies and
corresponding goals, objectives, and action plans.
. A review of the wellhead/source water protection evaluation program and alternative
water supply contingency strategy.
Part I of the Plan was completed in May 2001. In Part I ofthe Plan, the Wellhead Protection
Areas (WHP As) and Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMAs) were delineated,
and vulnerability assessments of the wells and corresponding DWSMAs were completed. The
municipal wells and source water aquifers within the DWSMAs were determined to be
nonvulnerable to surficial contamination due to the overlying geologic confining units and
construction of the wells. The Chanhassen wellhead and source water protection program is
concentrating its efforts on other wells within the city and specifically within the DWSMAs. In
addition, the program includes providing educational opportunities for Chanhassen residents
regarding wellhead and source water protection, and gathering new or updated information for
future revisions to the Plan.
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PHASE II
MUNICIP AL SEP ARA TE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4) STORM WATER POLLUTION
PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP)
The City ofChanhassen is required to operate under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) under the Clean Water Act in order to discharge stormwater. The SWPPP provides a
plan for Best Management Practices (BMPs) for which the City assumes responsibility in order
to obtain these goals. The City's stormwater conveyance system collects and conveys urban
runoff and stormwater that may contain certain pollutants to surface water resources. This
system requires a combination of routine maintenance and occasional repairs in order to function
properly. The City conducts inspection and maintenance of the system as part ofthe
requirements of the City's NPDES permit program, in order to comply with the obligations of
the NPDES program as a first priority. In doing so, the City will reduce the amount of pollutants
entering water resources, the occurrences of localized flooding, and the overall long-term costs
associated with its stormwater management infrastructure. The NPDES Phase II MS4 Permit,
along with the inspection and maintenance protocols carried out by the City in order to comply
with this permit are outlined in Appendix J ofthe SWMp2.
5-15
The MS4 General Permit has been recently revised to include a decision made by the Minnesota
Court of Appeals in May of2003, requiring nondegradation be addressed for all waters. The City
ofChanhassen was chosen among 30 MS4s to provide a study to determine new or increased
significant discharges, and then determine reasonable measures to keep stormwater pollutant
loading consistent with 1988 loads to receiving waters. The City is currently drafting a
Nondegradation Plan as a part ofthese requirements, and anticipates following the plan set forth
in order to comply with these new requirements.
The City of Chanhassen recognizes the need to set limits on the amount of impervious surface
generated with new development in order to protect our surface waters from further degradation.
As part of the Chanhassen City Code, the City sets maximum percent lot coverage for each plat
submitted, based on zoning district.
In addition, as part ofthe City's Surface Water Management Plan, and as a condition of
approval, all subdividers are required to pay a water quality and water quantity connection
charge based on the gross area of the subdivision less the area to be dedicated to the city for
ponding, parks and wetland, and right-of-way for public roadways.
5.3.5 Education
~..".
'. .
-~~ -- ...-.
The City of Chanhassen acknowledges the importance of educational outreach in the
implementation of its water resources goals and policies. The City currently conducts annual
public meetings to present and allow comments for its current storm water program and NPDES
Permit. The City also provides water resources-related information in the Chanhassen
Connection, as well as on the City's web site. Information on current water resources projects are
also conveyed through the City's Clean Water Hotline. Chanhassen coordinates volunteers in
5-16
water resources-related programs such as the storm drain marking program, and the Citizen
Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP) in coordination with the Metropolitan Council, which
monitors volume and water quality in Chanhassen lakes. The City also coordinates with several
other agencies and groups including Carver County, Metro WaterShed Partners, Watershed
Districts, the Metropolitan Council, and local Water Management Organizations. The City of
Chanhassen plans to maintain its current educational activities, as well as continuing to expand
its water resources education program into the future.
5.3.6 Water Resources Capital Program
Funding for water management projects has become more complex in recent years; however,
financial options have broadened. The City currently uses a storm water utility program as a key
component of their overall approach in funding their water resources-related projects. The City
imposes a water quality and water quantity connection fee on all subdivisions based on the gross
area of the subdivision less the area to be dedicated to the city for ponding, parks and wetland,
and right-of-way for public roadways. Alternate means of funding include exploring
opportunities for grant program funding from resources such as Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency Programs, Watershed Organizations, and the Metropolitan Council.
Expenditures for the continuation and implementation of City water resources program goals can
be found in Table 46 of the SWMp2.
Natural Communities/Urban Forestry expenditures and revenues
Funding for all natural community and urban forestry projects comes from the Surface Water
Management Fund.
Alternate Sources: Grants, etc.
Expenditures
Natural Communities: Restoration and Management work - $5,000- 10,000 annually. Costs will
rise annually as amount of land managed increases.
Forestry: Tree planning, pruning, removals, and other maintenance - $35,000 annually. Costs
will rise annually as number of trees planted and maintained increases.
Revenues
Natural communities: No revenues will be actualized. Cost-sharing with community partners
will offset total costs and increase the amount of area managed.
Forestry: Tree Planting Fund - Incoming funds deposited by private entities will potentially total
$500 or more annually.
5-17
6 Parks and Recreation
Introduction
Chanhassen's Park and Recreation System is a source of community identity
and pride and greatly contributes to residents' quality of life. The City has
historically and will continue to place a strong emphasis on parks and recreation.
In the 2007 Citizen Survey, recreational opportunities were one of the three
highest rated characteristics of Chanhassen.
The Park and Recreation Section of the 2030 Comprehensive provides an
overview and analysis of the City's existing system, identifies objectives and
policies that will guide park and recreation decision making through the year
2030, as well as identifying key initiatives that will complete and enhance the
current system.
Why Plan?
The City's strong history of planning for parks and recreation has resulted in
a balanced system of active parks, passive natural areas, trails, and recreation
programs that today is treasured by residents. Planning over the next 25 years
will be essential to completing and enhancing the existing system as well as
adapting it to changing recreation trends.
Park and recreation planning:
Serves as a formal way to express the community's long~term values,
vision of the future, and set clear objectives & policies.
Establishes the community's priorities for the park and recreation
system.
Accommodates change pro~actively vs. re~actively.
Ensures limited resources are applied toward a common purpose.
Maximizes the potential for partnerships with other organizations.
8/31/07 DRAFT 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I 6- 1
Parks and Recreation
System History
The City's park and recreation system is the result of almost 40 years of planning
and City and citizen commitment. In addition to adding parks and trails to the
system in conjunction with development, the community has supported major
initiatives for park improvements throughout the years.
Key dates:
1969 ~ The voters pass the City's first bond referendum for parks resulting
in the acquisition of Lake Ann Park; the beginning of the neighborhood
park system of tot lots and ball fields; and preserving much of the
community character that residents today still enjoy.
1988 ~ The voters pass a bond referendum for phase two of Lake Ann
Park and the purchase of park lands in the southern half of the City.
1996 ~ The voters pass a bond referendum for the acquisition and
improvement of the park system resulting in: improvements in 18 parks
system-wide; the construction of Bandimere Community Park; the
reconstruction of City Center Park; preservation of over 40 acres of
open space; and 7 miles of new community trails.
Existing Park and Recreation System
Today, Chanhassen's park and recreation needs are met by a combination of:
city parks; city trails and sidewalks; school district facilities; private facilities;
recreation programs; as well as regional parks, trails, and recreation amenities.
Figure 6.1 depicts the existing system and Table 6.1 lists all park and recreation
facilities within Chanhassen. The Park Inventory, found in APPENDIX X
provides a complete inventory and maps of City owned park land.
Existing City Parks
Existing parks fall into four classifications: neighborhood parks, community
parks, special use parks, and preserves. Table 6.1 lists each park by classification
and Table 6.5 provides a description of each park classification and standards
for new parks.
Community Parks
Chanhassen currently has 5 community parks. Bandimere Park in the southern
part of the City, City Center Park adjacent to City Hall, and Chanhassen
Recreation Center/Bluff Creek Elementary School in the northwest part of
6-2 I City of Chanhassen
Parks and Recreation
._.-J"__
('-_:
'--.
I ,
-~,,-'
".
'\'?
~---";~\~"
\ '
I:
\
i
':::--
Legend
- C City BOlI'Idary
* Public Oes1lnllllons
Str.ams Nelworl<
lakes
0,5
8/31/07 DRAFT 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 6-3
Parks and Recreation
Table 6.1 Existing Park Facilities
~ ~ ~ '" ~ Cl ~ '" is
Iii Cl 9 ..J '" 0 i1i ~ ~ z ~ 9 U'i
w a; ill ~ ;: w '" '" 0 '"
~ z ~ ! 0: ~ w '" ii: al Cl ~ i 0
Cl ~ ii: 0 ill ii: <5 '" Cl Z Z ~ ~ OTHER
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Z 0 Z ~ 0 w z ~ z
~ ~ ~ 0 W Z 0 > Z w :! ~
'" 0 I-
:I: ll. 0 Z 0 0 ~ 0 ::;
0 ii: 0 0: 0 ~ :I: 0 ~
0: '" '" '"
:Ity of Chanha..en Park Land Aaes
ommunlty Parks
andimere Community Park 35.70 . . . . . . .
hanhassen Recreation Center I
luff Creek Elementary School 20.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ity Center Park 2.74 . . . . . . . . . . . . Skale par1<
~anoe racK, horseshoes,
eservatlons picnic
ake Ann Park 87.08 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ites, dlarcoal grills
~ery, canoe rack, reservations
aka Susan Park 47.52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . icnic sites, charcoal grills
elghborhood Parks
andimere Heights Park 3.80 . . . . . . . . .
srver Beach Park 6.30 . . . . . . . . . anoe rack, charcoal grills
arver Beadl Playground 1.74 . . . . . . .
hanhassen Estates Park 0.97 . . . . .
hanhassen Hills Park 7.62 . . . . . . . . . . .
urray Farms Park 6.82 . . . . . . . . . riding hill
reenwood Shores Park 3.26 . . . . . . Charcoal grills
annan Field Park 11.65 . . . . . . .
erber Pond Park 27.21 . . . .
eadow Green Park 21.60 . . . . . . . . . . . . Charcoal grills
innewashta Heights Park 1.62 . . . . .
orth lotus lake Park 19.78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C:harcoal grills
heasant Hill Park 10.87 . . . . . . . . . .
ower Hill Park 21.57 . . . . . . . . .
railie Knoll Park 3.88 . . . . . .
ice Marsh lake Park 3.51 . . . . . . . . . . . . Charcoal grills
oundhouse Park 8.29 . . . . . . . . . . . ~oundhouse
outh lotus Lake Park 7.42 . . . . . . . . .
tone Creek Park 9.31 . . . . .
ugarbush Parle: 4.92 . . . . . . . .
unset Ridge Park 9.48 . . . . . . . .
reserves
hanhassen Nature Preserve 105.62
luff Creek Headwaters Preserve 48.90 . . .
luff Creek Preserve 42.28 . . .
luff Creek Preserve, North 10.85 . . .
esse Farm Parle: Preserve 17.11 . .
idden Creek MeadOYis 7.02 . .
ake Riley Preserve 1.46 ~ndeveloped future lake access
ake Susan Preserve 55.29 . . .
ine Hurst 5.94 .
lne Hurst al lake Harrison 34.68 . ite of future neighborhood parle:
leasant View Preserve 6.84 . .
ice Marsh lake Preserve 68.43 . .
nnamed Park Preserve 37.12 . .
peelal Us. Parks
Ison Community Garden 0.41 parden plots
on City FaclllUe.
athcart Par1c:: 4.55 . . . . . . . . . ity of Shorewood owned
NR land
p'ncessions. future
innewashta Regional Park 329.68 . . . . . . . . . ff leash dog area
\AN landscape Arboretum 674.12 University of Minnesota
\AN Valley National Wildlife Re 62.03
aguet Wildlife Management Are 187.96
rtvate Goff Course.
luff Creek Golf Course 227.19
:loW Zone 98.14
alia Greens 45.28
6-4 City of Chanhassen
the City all have an emphasis on active recreation with soccer and ball fields,
play areas, and picnicking. lake Susan Park and lake Ann Park also have an
emphasis on active recreation and have public lake access.
Neighborhood Parks
There are currently 23 neighborhood parks throughout the City and 22 of these
are City owned and operated. Cathcart Park is located within Chanhassen and
acts as a neighborhood park for residents north of lake Minnewashta, but is
owned and operated by the City of Shorewood.
Special Use Parks
Olson Community Garden is the City's sole special use park. The garden is at
the corner of Kerber Blvd. and Galpin Rd. and is a Y.z acre with lO'xlO' garden
plots that are rented to residents annually. The garden is extremely popular and
is filled to capacity each year.
Preserves
The City currently owns 440 acres of open space protected in 12 preserve
parks. These areas encompass much of the Bluff Creek Corridor as well as other
treasured wetland and wooded areas.
Non-City Recreation Facilities
Minnewashta Regional Park
This 330 acre park, on the east side of lake Minnewashta, is part of the Regional
Park system and is owned and operated by Carver County with funding from the
Metropolitan Council. Facilities include: lake access, a fishing pier, picnicking,
sand volleyball, a swimming beach and trails. Future plans include a new off~
leash dog area.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The Minnesota landscape Arboretum is a 1,000 acre facility 675 acres of which
are located in Chanhassen near the City's western boundary. The Arboretum
is a unit of the University of Minnesota and is a public botanical garden and an
education andresearchinstitution. It features display gardens and exhibits, model
landscapes, restored native landscapes, plant research plots as well as extensive
plant collections, hiking and cross country skiing trails. Educational offerings
include children's programs, family activities, adult education, therapeutic
horticulture, and the Anderson Horticultural Library. The Arboretum hosts
Parks and Recreation
8/31/07 DRAFT 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I 6-S
Parks and Recreation
several public festivals every year as well.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
There are approximately 60 acres of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife
Refuge within the City. The refuge was established in 1976 to provide habitat
for migratory waterfowl, fish and other wildlife species. Today the Refuge
comprises of 14,000 acres stretching 45 Miles from Fort Snelling State Park to
Bell Plain, Minnesota. While some areas of the refuge have trails and interpretive
signs, there are no public recreation facilities in Chanhassen.
Raguet Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
The Raguet Wildlife Management Area encompasses 270 acres, 190 of which
are located in Chanhassen. The WMA is entirely within the floodplain of the
Minnesota River. Natural communities include floodplain forest, wetland areas
and grassland. The management emphasis is maintaining and improving habitat
for wetland species and providing public hunting opportunities.
DNRLand
The DNR owns an 8 acre parcel ofland on the east side of lotus lake. At this time,
this land is preserved as open space and there are no recreational facilities.
Golf Courses
There are three privately owned Golf Courses within Chanhassen, all located
south of Pioneer Trail. Bluff Creek Golf Course is a 228 acre 18 hole course,
Hall Greens is a 45 acre 9 hole course and the Golf Zone is approximately 100
acres just north of the Raguet WMA and includes an all~weather driving range,
putting and chipping greens, a 9 hole course, and a 18 hole putting course.
Camp Tanadoona
Camp Tanadoona was started by the Minneapolis Camp Fire Girls in 1924 and
consists of 63 acres of land on lake Minnewashta, south of lake Minnewashta
Regional Park. Today the camp serves both boys and girls and offers overnight
and day camps.
Trails and Sidewalks
City Trails and Sidewalks
The City has put significant effort into establishing trails and sidewalks over the
.. ---- .c....~_ _1 last 10 years resulting in an 80 mile city~wide system that connects neighborhoods
6-6 I City of Chanhassen
to parks, schools, commercial and civic destinations, and connects to the trail
systems in adjacent communities. The City is also committed to providing
pedestrians and cyclists safe crossings of major roads and today there is a
pedestrian bridge over Highway 5 and are several underpasses city~wide (Figure
6.1). There are some unpaved nature trails in preserve parks as well.
Regional Trails
The Southwest Hennepin LRT Regional Trail consists of two trail corridors,
both of which travel through Chanhassen. The north corridor travels from
Hopkins to Victoria and travels along the northwest city boundary. The south
corridor travels from Hopkins to Chanhassen through the southern part of the
City with a parking area and trail head off of Bluff Creek Drive. Both trails are
crushed limestone. The trail corridors were acquired by the Hennepin County
Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) for future light rail transit use. A
cooperative agreement between HCRRA and Three Rivers Park District allows
the corridors to be used for interim recreational purposes.
Much of Highway 101 Regional Trail is complete within Chanhassen. Today,
the trail travels about 5 miles from Pleasant View Road south to County Highway
14.
Recreation Programs
The City of Chanhassen offers a range of recreation programs for all ages. These
currently include: crafts, dance, and sports for preschool aged children; crafts,
sports, self defense, ski and snowboard and dance programs for youth; programs
serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; fitness
and sports programs for adults; and educational programs, swimming, clubs,
field trips, meal and driving programs for seniors.
Assessing Future Needs
Population
Demand for parks and recreation is closely linked to population. The
Metropolitan Council forecasts that the City will add 7,886 households and
increase in population by 17,679 between the years 2000 and 2030 (Table 6.2).
This increase in population will certainly result in an overall increase in park
and trail needs.
Parks and Recreation
8/31/07 DRAFT 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I 6-7
Parks and Recreation
Table 6.2 Metropolitan Council Population Forecasts Population standards act as a general guideline for the minimum
number of park acres per 1,000 people. These standards are one
method of assessing needs and are applied to both neighborhood
and community park lands. Preserve areas are not assessed since
these areas typically encompass natural features which vary greatly
from community to community and no standard exists. Chanhassen
uses standards of 5 acres/l,OOO people for neighborhood parks and
7acres/l,000 people for community parks. The standards are applied
in Table 6.3. Analysis shows that the City currently has enough
parkland to meet anticipated needs through 2010, that by 2020
there will be a 12 acre shortfall in community park space, and by 2030 a 37 acre
shortfall in community park space and a 2 acre shortfall in neighborhood park
space. Therefore City should explore opportunities for additional
Year Population Households
1990 11 ,732 4,016
2000 20,321 6,194
Growth Forecasts
2010 27,500 10,200
2020 34,500 12,800
2030 38,000 15,600
Table 6.3 Park Needs Based on Population
Istandard Year 2010 Year 2020 Year 2030
Estimated Estimated
IAcres /1,000 Existing Acreage Surplus / Acreage Surplus / Existing Surplus /
Component people Acres. Needed Shortfall Needed Shortfall ~cres Shortfall
Neighborhood Park 5 188 137.5 50.5 172.5 15.5 190 -2
Community Park 7 229 192.5 36.5 241.5 -12.5 266 -37
. includes shared school/park sites, excluding approximate acreage for exclusive school use
Table 6.4 Year 2000 Census Data
kge Year 2000
Under 5 2,020
5-9 2,227
1 0-19 3,086
?0-29 1,492
30-39 4,291
40-49 4,006
50-59 1,860
60-69 750
70-79 447
80+ 142
'rotal
Population 20,321
community park land and continue to add to the neighborhood park network as
new residential areas are developed.
Age is also an indicator of what types of recreation facilities will be needed.
Youth tend to participate in organized athletics while older people are more
interested in trail oriented activities such as biking, in~line skating, jogging
and walking. Year 2000 U.S. Census data (Table 6.4) shows large segments
of the population in two age groups, under 19 years and age 30~50, indicating
a prevalence of families with children. As these populations age, the City will
likely continue to see demand for youth sports and see the demand for more
passive activities such as trails and natural areas increase. Assuming that much
of the forecasted new population growth will be young families with children,
demand for current facilities is likely to remain strong. When planning park
facilities it is important to keep in mind that neighborhoods and communities
go though life~cycle changes and parkland must be varied and versatile so the
system can adapt as recreation and demographic trends shift.
6-8 I City of Chanhassen
Parks and Recreation
Park Service Areas
Community Parks
Community parks provide opportunities for community~wide recreation and
typically serve a l~ 2 mile area. Chanhassen's 5 community parks are distributed
throughout the City and most residents live within an easy drive or bike of a
community park. As previously mentioned, based on population, there is an
anticipated shortfall in community park land after 2020. Since most of the
new residential growth is anticipated to occur in two areas; south of Lyman
Boulevard and on the west side of Lake Ann, it makes sense to look for new
community park sites these areas.
Neighborhood Parks
Neighborhood parks provide recreation close to where people live and
Chanhassen uses the standard that most residents should live within walking
distance of a neighborhood park. Walking distance is measured by a Y2 mile
radius free of barriers such as major roads and large water bodies. Because
community parks often act as neighborhood parks for the people living in close
proximity, a Y2 mile radius is applied to both neighborhood and community
parks to identify any gaps in service. Areas highlighted in yellow in Figure
6.2 are existing or planned future neighborhoods (based on the 2030 Land Use
Plan) that have gaps in service. As shown in Figure 6.2, the northeastern part
of the City is well served by parks and but there are some gaps. In order to
maintain the Y2 mile radius walking distance, additional neighborhood parks
should be considered in these areas. The City already owns the land for, but has
yet to develop, two neighborhood parks north of Highway 5. Developing these
parks would eliminate most service gaps in the north part of the city. The area
south of future Highway 212, west of CRIO land north of Pioneer Trail is within
Y2 mile of Bandimere Park, but is shown as a gap in service because residents
must cross a CRlOl, a major road, to get to the park. If a centrally located safe
crossing of CRIOl is established, Bandimere Community Park would serve as
a neighborhood park for this area. Where there are other service gaps in the
southern part of the City, additional neighborhood parks should be considered
as residential development occurs.
South of Pioneer Trail, rural development patterns are dominant. Though this
area is not well served by neighborhood parks, the low population densities
coupled with ownership of large lots, on which residents often build facilities
suited to their individual needs (small play structures, basketball hoops, pools,
8/31/07 DRAFT 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I 6-9
Parks and Recreation
Figure 6.2 Park Service Areas
:1
II I
U
i''''''''~. \~--~;;_
. '
~
~
'..
'..
'.
~..~l
~~.... .
__i ~.,
~~.~......
rr~'
mi \
t-
..:) .'
/~c~
Legend
CJ CIy Boundary
'* PubUc Destinations
Str.ams N.twork
Lakes
- Railroad
ExIsting Chanhassen Parks and Recreation
:a . Community Park
- Neighborhood park
t::I Nature preserve
Olher Park. and Recrtatlon
Minnesota Landscape Arborelum
_ Regional Park and Open Space Features
Golf Course
Exlstlng Trail. and Sldtwalks
- CIy of Chanhassen 'naBs & Sidewalks
--. Chanhaun Irall under construction
.... Overpass
... Underpass
- Paved Irallln adjacent communly
-..... Unpaved Iran In adjacent communfty
<n> 'nail head
Pm ServleeAre..
....
~..' 1/2 Mile Radius Neighborhood Park Service Area
() 2 MR. Radius Community Park Service Area
Resldenllal Servtee Are. Gaps
(Nel Density Range 4-8 utacre)
Large Lot Residential Service Area Gaps
(2.5 acre mlnumum)
';.
\ \_ - \ I "'-" /
"',
...
_.......-.~-..:-, .-
'..-'./
\1
6-10
City of Chanhassen
Parks and Recreation
tennis courts, horses, open space etc.) make the need for neighborhood parks
low.
Preserves
Preserve areas are located where there are important natural resources that
should be protected. One of the main initiatives of the 2020 comprehensive plan
was to preserve open space and natural resources. As a result of these efforts,
the City now has 440 acres of preserve land and has protected much of the Bluff
Creek Corridor. There are a few key important and treasured natural areas in
the City remain unprotected. These include: some areas within the Bluff Creek
Corridor; the west shore of lake Ann; and the Seminary Fen.
Trends
Trends also play an important part in the type of facilities a community needs.
Since trends shift though time, the park system should be assessed at regular
intervals to insure facilities and programs based on current desires. Current
trends influencing recreation in Chanhassen include:
Active living: Awareness is growing for the health benefits associated with
active lifestyles and exercise. Studies have shown that when people have access
to parks, they exercise more! Incorporating parks, trails, and natural areas into
the community supports increased play, exercise, walking and biking which
can improve residents' physical, psychological and social health. This keeps the
community fit and healthy.
Compressed leisure Time: People work more and have ever busier lifestyles
resulting in the desire to have activities and facilities close to home, shorter
program time commitments, passive park spaces, and individual non~
programmed opportunities.
Environmental Awareness: There is an increased awareness and sensitivity to
the environment, natural resources and stainability as well as more interest in
open space preservation and natural and interpretive programs.
Interest in the Arts: There increased interest in public art, arts education, and
theater.
Aging Population: As the baby boomer generation ages, more and more people
are participating in recreation at older ages and there is an increased demand
for less active outdoor recreation like golf courses, trails, benches, gardens, art,
8/31/07 DRAFT 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I 6-11
Parks and Recreation
culture and history.
Multi~dimensional Recreation: People want recreational opportunIties to
combine interests in recreation, socialization, environment and education.
Recreational Programming: Participation in organized athletics and
recreational programs is increasing, particularly after,school and summer
programming.
Quality vs. Quantity: People are willing to travel for higher quality recreational
facilities vs. using lesser facilities close to home or work.
Trails: Interest in active living, walkable communities, commuting alternatives,
and aging populations have all contributed to the continued demand for public
trails.
Dog Parks: Controlled of He ash dog parks are exploding in popularity and offer
opportunities for human and canine socialization.
Community Gardens: Community gardens are increasing in popularity not
only for people with limited yard space but also with people who live in single
family homes who enjoy the social atmosphere.
Disc Golf: Disc Golf is a fast growing sport that is played by people of all ages. It
is played on a marked course with special golf discs, similar to Frisbees. Throws
start from a tee area toward a basket mounted on a pole. As players progress
down the fairway, they make their next shot from where their previous throw
landed.
Lacrosse: As lacrosse becomes more popular, cities are seeing increased requests
for field time and space.
Summary of Anticipated Needs
Based on analysis of the existing system, anticipated population growth, the
2030 Land Use Plan, and current demographic, lifestyle, and recreation trends
the following observations can be made regarding future park needs:
Based on anticipated population growth, there will be more demand
for parks and recreation of all kinds. Though the City currently has
enough community park space to meet current needs, by 2030 there will
be an almost 40 acre shortfall in community park space. This indicates
6-12 I City of Chanhassen
Parks and Recreation
the need to look for opportunities to expand existing community parks
and/or to search for an additional community park site of about 40 acres
with a focus on active sports and athletic fields.
Based on both population growth and land use patterns, additional
neighborhood parks will be needed in a few key locations. These should
be built along with new residential development. In the case of the area
across CRI01 from of Bandimere Community Park, a safe crossing of 101
would make Bandimere Community Park more accessible and serve as a
neighborhood park for those residents.
There are some gaps in neighborhood park service north of Highway 5.
The City already owns land for and should develop two neighborhood
parks to serve these neighborhoods.
Demographic and recreation trends indicate that there will continue
to be interest in expanding the City's trail system for both recreation,
fitness and bicycle/walking proposes.
lifestyle trends such as active living, increased interest in recreation
programs, environmental awareness, and aging population will influence
the types of amenities and programs the City will be called upon to
provide over the next 25 years.
The City should look to incorporating facilities into its system for
emerging sports such as disc golf and lacrosse and add community
garden space.
Increased interest in places for passive recreation, open space protection
and environmental education and sustainability all support the need for
continued City leadership in protecting Chanhassen's the remaining
important natural areas.
Interest in creating an arts council and community theater should be
explored.
2030 System Plan
Thanks to a strong history of planning for and support of parks and recreation,
the City currently has complete and balanced recreation system that is well used
and a source of community pride. The Park and Recreation system's focus over
the next 25 years will be to acquire and build the key park, trail, and open space
amenities that will complete and fine tune the system. Since the community is
likely to become fully developed over the next 25 years, this time period may be
8/31/07 DRAFT 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I 6-13
Parks and Recreation
one of the last opportunities to acquire park and recreation lands.
Funding new park and recreation initiatives and maintaining and improving
the existing system will continue to be a challenge. The City will continue
to maintain and improve the system by acquiring new park land though the
Park Dedication Requirements in the Subdivision Ordinance, encouraging open
space protection through the Planned Unit Development Ordinance and Bluff
Creek Overlay District, and using money from the general fund. In addition,
the City should continue to explore other funding tools such as partnerships
with other organizations; encouraging voluntary donation of land or easements;
development of facilities that generate a revenue; and voter approved bonds or
taxes.
The plan is divided into three sections: Park Classifications and Standards
define standards for new parks; Objectives and Policies are intended to act as a
general guide for decisions regarding the park and recreation system and provide
a means for evaluating future efforts; and Park and Recreation Initiatives that
will complete and fine tune the system.
Park Classifications and Standards
Chanhassen's parks are classified according to their use and function. Table
6.5 defines the classifications and outlines standards for new parks. The
classification system is intended to act as a general guide to park planning,
acquisition, and use and are designed to assure that residents have convenient
access to parks and the community has a range of active and passive recreation
facilities to meet current and future needs. Active recreation refers to sports
like baseball, softball, soccer, basketball and tennis. Passive recreation refers to
activities such as picnicking, nature study, walking, and bird watching.
Objectives and Policies
The overarching goal of the park and recreation system is to provide park and
recreational facilities and programs to reasonably meet the City's needs and
promote a sense of community. The objectives cover the main elements needed
to support the goal and polices provide further explanation and direction.
Objective: Provide a balanced park system which includes neighborhood
parks, community parks, special use facilities, preserve areas, regional
facilities and schools.
6-14 I City of Chanhassen
Parks and Recreation
Policies:
Provide neighborhood and community parks according to standards
outlined in Table P.5 and as depicted in Figure 6.3
Ensure all residents have equitable access to park and recreation facilities
at the community, neighborhood, and individual park level.
Preserve open space areas that typify the City's natural heritage and/or
are ecologically sensitive.
Table P.5 Park Classification System and Standards
Park Use Service Area Size Site
Classification
Provides 1/4- II2 mile
opportunities radius, free
for informal of major Easily accessible to
recreation close to
home. Developed barriers such neighborhood residents Safe
Neighbor- primarily for as roads, 10- 25 walking and biking access on
lakes or trail networks. Site should
hood Park unstructured active wetlands. acres have well-drained soils and
recreation such
as field games, Serves a not have excessively steep
court games, play population slopes.
equipment, and of 4,000 to
sbtin<1 5,000
Protects natural Community Encompasses existing natural
resources and - wide areas. Safe walking and biking
Preserve provides residents according access on trail networks.
Varies Areas that are not ecologically
Park with access to to natural sensitive should be included
existing natural resource to accommodate desired park
areas close to home. patterns development.
Area ot natural
or ornamental
quality for outdoor 1-2 mile Site should be suited for
recreation such as service community use, be easily
Community walking, viewing radius, or 25-50 accessible to the population
and picnicking; more serving it is intended to serve.
Park and may contain a popularion acres Located near high traffic areas
areas for intense of 12,000- such as schools and major
recreational 20,000 thoroughfares.
facilities such as
" . r. ,
Specialized use
areas such as public
Special Use golf courses, water Community
Park access,community - wide Varies Site specific
gardens and
other specialized
I 11 SPS
8/31/07 DRAFT 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 6-15
Parks and Recreation
Objective: Create a city~wide trail and sidewalk system that connects
neighborhoods to parks, schools, and other community destinations.
Policies:
Connect the community with trails and sidewalks according to the trail
plan depicted in Figure P.3
Create trail connections from new development to parks and the city~
wide trail system.
Evaluate trail/road crossings for safety and continue to provide grade
separated crossings where demand and need warrants it.
Abandoned right~of~way should be reserved for recreational purposes.
Support regional trail efforts.
Objective: Provide leadership in environmental conservation and
demonstrate sustainable development and building practices.
Policies:
Preserve open space areas that typify the City's natural heritage and/or
are ecologically sensitive.
Consider preservation of other remnant natural area as opportunities
arise.
Provide leadership in demonstrating sustainable building and
development practices in parks such as rain gardens, pervious pavement,
native plantings, and others.
Consider limiting size of motors on lakes (gradual reduction in max
size).
Objective: Explore and implement strategies to supplement the City's
capacity to expand and maintain the park and recreation system.
Policies:
Identify and explore community partnerships with private organizations,
local businesses, other public agencies, and athletic organizations.
Explore the development of facilities that generate revenue, as
6-16 I (ity of (hanhassen
Parks and Recreation
opportunities arise.
Encourage property owners who are potentially interested in donating
or granting voluntary and permanent conservation easements on their
land.
Consider direct purchase of land when critical opportunities emerge
using the park land dedication fund or other funding, e.g. general
revenues, unrestricted money, grants or loans. Negotiations for the
acquisition of park, trail, and preserve land should be based on appraisals
by qualified appraisers. Reasonable efforts shall be made to acquire
land by negotiated purchase before utilization of the power of eminent
domain.
Consider seeking voter approval to issue bonds or levy a tax for the
acquisition and improvement of park and trails.
Objective: Plan for parks and recreation to proactively anticipate and meet
community needs.
Policies:
The City should update and adopt the Parks and Recreation section of
the comprehensive plan at least every five years. An annual assessment
of programs, identified needs and the capital improvement program
should be conducted.
The location, design, use and impact of recreation facilities should
be compatible with and enhance the environment both the site and
surrounding area and be consistent with the City's overall land use
plan.
Encourage participation by community groups and citizens in the
planning for and development of park and open space facilities.
Where possible, park and trail lands should be planned prior to and
created in conjunction with development to ensure that future facility
demands can be met.
8/31/07 DRAFT 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I 6-17
Parks and Recreation
Objective: Provide the opportunity for all community residents to participate
in recreational activities.
Policies:
Provide programs for all age groups and a variety of interests at a variety
of times.
Incorporate arts and theatre programming into the park and recreation
system.
Evaluate programs annually to ensure they are meeting resident needs
and interests.
Park and Recreation System Initiatives
While the objectives and policies offer broad guidelines for park and recreation
system development, the following initiatives have been identified by City Staff,
the Park and Recreation Commission, and citizens as key to completing the
system and improving existing facilities to meet needs today and over the next
25 years. Numbered initiatives correspond to efforts depicted in Figure 6.3.
Parks and Recreation Facilities:
P~ 1. Expand Lake Ann Park to create a premier community park. Expansion
of the park would incorporate natural woodlands west of Lake Ann
and would preserve views across the lake, protect wildlife habitat, and
preserve the community's natural heritage. The expansion would also
allow for a loop trail around Lake Ann and a connection to Lake Lucy.
P~ 2. Create a new ball field complex to meet demands created by increasing
population.
P~ 3. Create neighborhood parks in the general locations identified on
Figure P.3 along with new development.
P~4. Explore possible expansion of the Recreation Center to provide
additional gym space and an indoor ice rink.
P~5. Improve the ball field at Lake Susan Community Park.
P~6. Identify possible locations for a disc golf course.
P~7. Explore expansion of the Senior Center.
P~8. Expand ball field parking in north lot at Chanhassen Elementary.
P~9. Consider possible alternatives for the future of Bluff Creek Golf
Course.
6-18 I City of Chanhassen
Parks and Recreation
Figure 6.3 Future Park and Recreation Initiatives
",)\ ,,"1"""-T-2-~lanned;l T-1A. Trail ~nneCtion ,.. La! ,p~pa~-L;;,Afn Park C>"......,... '----..-f"~'~""'''--;
j:::.J ~~derp~ll.. Lake ~~"-"~~~r-" Blvd__~"Il, and complete la.ke\IIooP S h () r e w () () d ,-' / ,..1.
I " f=-...:;:~ (-ri __-0-
,__../1 \., _ I,
I O"wr "'" ',- '
.....It .\i;;'" l.ntff'ft J IiY ~--''''' '.
i I'Id'I'J:'fu,,,,J.. a-:&." ----'---
ll' . I.....r~ , P-7. Explore ,
, Senior Center
! I Expansion
--
.II.~~
Hrl~: \
111""", 0'" Por'
'."ftlJ"n
Legend
t:J City Boundary
*' pubnc Destinations
Streams Networ1<
Seminary Fen (generallocalion)
BIu1I Creek Corridor
Existing Chanha...n Parks and Rec..atlon
~(:r Community Park
. . Neighborhood Park
t::2 Nature Preserve
Other Parks and Rec..atlon
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
_ Regional Park and Open Space Features
D Golf Course
Existing Trails and Sidewalks
- City of Chanhassen Trails & Sidewalks
- City trail under construction
:;, Overpass
'" Undefpass
- Paved \raft In adjacent community
o Future nelghbofllood parks
(".nor
F~ck
'-1 T-1 E Trail along
Lyman Blvd
Ha:~
P-2. Additional athletic
8/31/07 DRAFT 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 6-19
Parks and Recreation
Create a rain garden by boat launch area in Lake Ann Park.
Explore opportunities for an outdoor amphitheater for community
productions.
Look for additional community garden locations.
Preserve Parks
T ~ 10. Expand the nature preserve south of the new Highway 212 to preserve
natural heritage, enhance community image from the new Highway 212,
create a variety of park types experience for residents in the southern
half of the City, and to buffer future residential development from
highway impacts. Explore the possibility of building a community
nature center in the preserve and provide trail access.
T ~ n. Continued commitment of resources to complete Bluff Creek
Corridor.
T ~ 12. Engage in cooperative efforts with other government agencies to
protect Seminary Fen.
Trails
T ~ 13. Complete the trail network according to the trail plan depicted in
Figure P.3 with emphasis on the following key segments:
T ~ IA. Loop trail around Lake Ann and trail connections form Lake
Ann Park to Lake Lucy and Galpin Blvd..
T ~ lB. Connect the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Lake
Minnewashta Regional Park
T~IC. Create a loop Trail around Rice Marsh Lake
T~ID. Complete the Bluff Creek Trail
T ~ IE. Completion of the trail along Lyman Blvd..
T ~ IF. Connections to the Minnesota River Valley
T ~ IG. Support regional trail efforts: Highway 101 regional trail; Twin
Cities and Western Regional Trail; Highway 5 Regional Trail.
T ~14. Explore additional grade separated trail/sidewalk crossings:
T ~ 2A. Overpass of railroad tracks into the Historic downtown
T ~ 2B. Highway 5 in the downtown area
T ~ 2C. Intersection of Highway 5 and Highway 41
T ~ 2D. Underpass at Highway 41 into Minnewashta Regional Park
6-20 I City of Chanhassen
Parks and Recreation
T,2E. Overpass/Underpass at 212/101 at LRT Trail.
T,2F. Underpass at CRIOl to Bandimere Community Park.
Recreational Programming
Create an Arts Council and Community Theater.
8/31/07 DRAFT 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I 6-21
7 TRANSPORTATION
7.0 INTRODUCTION
The City of Chanhassen is located in northeastern Carver County approximately 20 miles from
downtown Minneapolis. It is in the developing area of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Region, and
is expected to be fully developed by the year 2030.
~EXpecIa' "~Buffalo .: ''''''~ayton .tio5'~~ 18~r 14 ;:";-t~ "'<fC;',,":
~ '\, " }~0g8S ~'CoonD.;;~l},,\ ANOI;~~M.ap~o;mt
f \ ,,- '\' ~....... '\,' I ~., t: r
. I .: I .. --,~ i '
,-..' , I f25) "-.. \Qsseo ~~', ,'"" , 7:"
. ", .': ~~. \,.-,. :: Corcoran It.,, 6/ '~~rk..... . :.':
\"' R" G'H; T :~I.:' 6 :::':"D:,.r.~ 0 l\: l: ....J, 'I (~
'. I ~.- -:-' ''""\_.__ Maple Gr 1, . i 61 oo~ .,,~enter r- :
=>>-:tiOward" ~Moritr~_l..:..... .1n:'NJ{E~/N "f-'l'T:~-RA ~~~~.
Lake II ~'12L., Plymouth-l- --tH" ;'; f F not-.'~-!~
I .. _~ . I> _ a ope ~ ~:"'llSII
') ~--::-. 'I "JJ"-:~'-~-~;;~ a : I
. ........ ............. \... W~e~own ~~~......J In ""'-" ,~~ J,r n C!D Ikdlletl
6 . -;<. l'~' <t:~:::1J ~'1!-'-~' r--'lMp ....... : .
VVinsted I ' -, .. ~etonK. " '. ;:tk .' ... _~
. :; Deephaven _~Q' , ". .X!}~,
..CD ~ HOII'l'WQod' : C'h d 0 _.L- r" 1,1 Edi, \: \(. ~',. :';,. :Jl c
7 -;-<>-..' ;--""'; . ~ _ orewoo O'r"J II L" . , G~
. \.25)' ...................,..... ~... \ -~~-,~'!.h "G~...
... .-', : -'-. ('ARVFR" : .&T1t'-I'~" ' '.;:J.. -St~PtiiI\
r-.fCLEOO:- _.,: VY~conl~o "1 Cbarlhassent-Cfl'~t" Ie '~I~ I,.' ': ~(" ~~, I a~~~\
. I f7~ I ' Bloumlnuton l. ,.w:." . ,-- I '"
: :r()lJl'l!J _...-0 Shlk~~~:;';::: '.1.1. a.' )~},(' '.,;. ~r"
I America... D~en . ,"'iO - '--~';~". ......\1 _11\,,' _ aga; n ~ove
:.......~.--e . ,_ . ..--''t~~., ~=8t.itti&viljr /, Apple Hel.......
...". . , . ",'Kn"e. l' lD,.yt p""'.....
Hamb~rg~ Norwood - M I t{'~;( E 5 0 1.1IlD': "~__oYallay;~2 -"--.
. I . 1 ,., f \
...._...:.:~X.......~ "./\i8JJ -';;;-1':;"" '!"PrifJr Lak 0) DAI{OT A \\
\.25) , : .': ~/t' ......-'1~ "_:"'~i ! '''''',
~, -"~, ',':' ,,_, "..... .. ...: ", ,.',' ._,7./)"Or....".1 : I lakevlle 151
/. I 8 L Ft'l'_______._;..<::::':". \" : (~._~(>! ~.
. / . ....".,.:~:{:/ \-61j~lena Cd:' f.armlngton r--(5O~ll
- V .:.''''~,,'eelle 1,: ~ earl: I -. _
./ ~on.::: tl611 j PI8ine'" C ''0', T' 'j oLtlke i: I -\
"- "..~ .;:, r. 1. Castle I "~
----- '. -' '(: ~... 1'\ 1 ijj" Rock I "\~
,_ 'I lL I, . ":.. ~
cl>2001 Mi("$;jjCOIp~~OO~ i4ViQ:inG/orhl....u..~.:T;-rRK:E'..... 0 !
. I ' . .,.
Location Map
Several regional highways provide Chanhassen with accessibility to the metropolitan area and to
out state Minnesota. These include: Minnesota Trunk Highway (TH) 5 which runs east/west and
interchanges with 1-494 east ofChanhassen in the City of Eden Prairie, TH 7 runs east-west
along the northern border of Chanhassen, TH 41 runs north-south along the western portion of
the city, TH 101 runs north-south bisecting the southern portion ofthe City and defines the
northeastern border ofChanhassen with Eden Prairie, and new TH 312 (future TH 212) which
traverses the southern third of the City.
The Chanhassen Transportation Plan is based on the City's 2030 Land Use and Transportation
Plan. Updates to these plans have been undertaken by the City to recognize changes in land use,
development patterns and other planning processes including: the Minnesota Department of
Transportation's "Transportation System Plan 2008 - 2030" (TSP), Carver County's
Transportation Plan 2007 Update, and the Metropolitan Council's Transportation System
Framework. The TSP was prepared in 2007 and outlines major transportation investments for
7-1
the transportation system in the seven-county metropolitan area. The TSP identified a $20 billion
shortfall in transportation needs in the region with only $6.7 billion in funding. As a result of
this funding shortage, many needs throughout the metropolitan area will go unmet over the next
20 years. The TSP identified current Level of Service (LOS) problems on regional routes such as
TH 5, TH 7, TH 41, TH 101 and TH 212. Given these limited capacity improvements to regional
facilities, operational (congestion) and safety problems on these facilities will continue to
increase. Since the regional facilities are anticipated to function poorly, additional traffic is
anticipated to divert to the local system.
Carver County is in the process of updating their Comprehensive Plan including the
transportation element. System changes and traffic forecasts included in this plan are based on
county facilities and forecasts.
7.1 STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Transportation Plan shows how the City of Chanhassen will achieve its goal of creating an
integrated multi-modal transportation system which permits safe, efficient and effective
movement of people and goods while supporting the City's development plans, and
complementing the metropolitan transportation system that lies within its boundaries. To
accomplish this goal, the Transportation Plan:
1. Identifies the density and distribution of future land uses and their relationship to the
proposed local transportation system, and the anticipated metropolitan transportation system.
2. Develops a functional hierarchy of streets and roads and defines their access to the regional
system to ensure that they support the existing and anticipated development of the area; serve
both short trips and trips to adjacent communities; and complement and support the
metropolitan highway system.
3. Establishes a system improvement and completion program that ensures that higher priority
projects are constructed first; maintains a consistent and coherent roadway system during the
roadway system development process; and provides for adequate funding for all needed
improvements.
4. Identifies what transit services and travel demand management strategies are appropriate for
implementation in Chanhassen in order to increase the number and proportion of people who
use transit or share rides, and reduce the peak level of demand on the entire transportation
system.
5. Identifies the strategies and policies that need to be implemented to properly integrate the
trail system (pedestrian, bicycle, etc.) with the proposed roadway system, to ensure the
inclusion of trails in a sequence consistent with the development of the roadway system, and
to create a rational network of sidewalks.
7-2
Because this analysis deals not only with streets and highways, but also with land use, trails,
transit, traffic management and other topics, the results will constitute a Transportation Plan.
The plan will serve as the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
7.2 TRANSPORTATION POLICIES
The Metropolitan Council's Transportation Policy Plan identifies a policy framework within
which the Chanhassen Transportation Plan was developed. The City's transportation policies are
supportive of metropolitan policies and consistent with the plans and programs of the
metropolitan plan, state systems and Carver County's plan and relate directly to the objectives of
the City of Chanhassen. These policies are as follows:
7.2.1 General
. Thoroughfares and major routes should be planned so as to reduce conflicts between
external traffic and local traffic while facilitating development in the community.
. Through the development review process, the City will strive to discourage development
from occurring within the designated roadway corridors as well as limiting access to
collector streets, minor arterials, intermediate arterials and principal arterials. Access
points to the regional roadway system should be adequately controlled in terms of
driveway openings and side street intersections.
. Promote safe and convenient connections between the highway system and major
commercial areas, industrial uses, and residential neighborhoods.
7.2.2 Roadways
. Encourage multiple uses of right-of-way areas accommodating various modes of
transportation.
. New roadway facilities should be constructed in conjunction with new developments and
designed according to the intended function. They should be planned and designed to be
compatible with the surrounding environment.
. Existing roadways should be upgraded when warranted by demonstrated volume, safety
or functional needs.
. Residential street systems should be designed to discourage thru traffic and to be
compatible with other transportation modes including transit, bicycle and walking.
. The City will implement roadway design standards and inspection practices which ensure
proper construction.
7-3
7.2.3 Transit
. The City encourages all forms of ridesharing in order to reduce vehicle miles of travel,
reduce petroleum consumption, and improve air quality.
. The City will review all major new developments in light of the potential for ridesharing
including bus accessibility, preferential parking for carpools/vanpools, and mixed use
development.
· The City will support federal, state, metropolitan and local efforts directed toward the
provision of rail transit for the community, the region, and the state.
· The City encourages cooperation with the Metropolitan Council and SouthWest Transit
Commission in order to provide future transit service to and within the community. The
City will support the development of park and ride facilities that encourage transit use.
7.2.4 Parking
· The City will continue to review new developments for adequacy of parking based upon
need and the potential for joint use of parking facilities.
· Sufficient parking, transfer and bus stop facilities should be provided to meet the needs of
mass transit in major employment and commercial areas and in higher density residential
and mixed use areas.
7.2.5 PedestrianIBicycle
· Major activity centers should provide accessibility to pedestrians and bicycles including
necessary bicycle parking facilities.
· The City will promote increased development of bikeways and trail facilities in order to
conserve energy resources, enhance recreational opportunities and assist in the abatement
of pollution and congestion.
· Pedestrian and bicycle trails should be interconnected with major bicycle and pedestrian
traffic generators and have continuity across major roadways and other barriers.
· Sidewalks and/or trails should be required in commercial, industrial, and residential
areas; adjacent to schools and other public buildings; and along at least one side of
collectors and other high volume roads.
7.2.6 Other
· Mapped Road System. The City will utilize the land use plan and transportation plan
maps to illustrate planned road alignments and to facilitate their acquisition and
7-4
construction as new developments are proposed. The plan maps will illustrate all
collector and arterial street alignments. They will also be amended from time to time by
the City during the subdivision review process.
. Subdivisions. As a part of platting, each development should provide dedication and
improvement of public streets consistent with the standards found in city ordinances.
The city will promote the provision of street and pedestrian connections to maximize
safety and ease of access.
. Buffer. Sufficient setbacks and/or berming should be designed into all development
projects adjacent to major public roadways.
. Capacity. Coordinate existing and planned transportation facilities and their capacities
with land use types and densities with particular emphasis on land development in the
vicinity of interchanges and intersections.
. Maintenance. The City will continue an ongoing maintenance program in order to
maximize the community's investment in transportation facilities.
. Circulation. For proposed developments, the City will require detailed circulation and
access plans which depict the impact of the proposed development on both the existing
and future transportation systems.
. Arterial Deficiencies. The City will support federal, state, metropolitan and local efforts
directed toward the timely construction of a new Minnesota River crossing connecting
Trunk Highways 169 and 212, upgrading ofTH 5 west ofTH 41, realignment and
construction ofTH 101 south of Lyman Boulevard, upgrading ofTH 101 north ofTH 5,
TH 41, and other facilities serving the area.
. Chanhassen will coordinate efforts with Eden Prairie and other appropriate
jurisdictions to ensure that TH 5 and 101 continue to function effectively.
. Construction and Maintenance. Chanhassen will coordinate the construction and
maintenance of hard surfaced local streets, collectors, and arterials.
7.3 LAND USE
7.3.1 Existing Land Use
Existing development within the City is influenced by several factors including the relative
location of the Minneapolis Central Business District, the location of metropolitan highways and
the location of several lakes within the City. Residential development has occurred primarily in
the northeast portion of the city, with some large lot developments in other areas. Commercial
areas in Chanhassen have developed along the major highway corridors ofTH 5 and TH 41. For
more information on land use within the city, see the land use section of the comprehensive plan.
7-5
7.3.2 Metropolitan Urban Services Area
The Metropolitan Urban Services Area (MUSA) is depicted in the land use element of the
comprehensive plan. The purpose of this boundary is to define the areas within the Twin Cities
Metropolitan Area that are eligible for "urban services," specifically sewers, municipal water
systems and particular types of transportation systems. This boundary line is defined and
maintained by the Metropolitan Council to assist in the orderly development of the metropolitan
area.
The location of the MUSA line is, therefore, a valuable guide in determining the priority of
roadway improvements. The roadway system within the MUSA area is going to be in demand
much sooner than the roadway system outside the MUSA area. This is one of the reasons for
having such a boundary. It allows municipalities to focus limited resources on particular parts of
their territory. All of Chanhassen is expected to be within the MUSA by the year 2020.
7.3.3 Land Use Plan
The 2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan defines areas where the City will encourage specific
types ofIand uses to be developed. The general categories ofIand uses defined by the City are
residential, commercial, mixed use, industrial, office, public and parks. The Land Use Plan is a
tool that the City uses to "guide" future development so that it is consistent with current and
future land uses in the City. From these land uses, the socioeconomic projections are estimated.
7.3.4. Socioeconomic Characteristics
The analysis and projection of regional traffic conditions is conducted utilizing a technique
known as traffic analysis zones. Traffic analysis zones (TAZs) are defined as geographical areas
within which data such as population, employment and household information is collected. This
data is analyzed through computer modeling techniques which results in forecasts of traffic
movement between zones. Utilizing this technique, it is possible to project travel and demand
such as person-trip productions, person-trip attractions, intra-zonal person trips and motor
vehicle data such as average daily trips and peak hour trips. This data is valuable in both local
and regional transportation planning.
Table 1 shows the past census population, households, and employment as well as 2030 forecasts
for the City of Chanhassen. From 2000 to 2030, the population and the number of households in
Chanhassen are projected to increase 87 percent. By 2030, Chanhassen's employment is
projected to grow 45 percent more than the 2000 figure. City forecasts are based on the location
of existing development and an understanding of the rate at which development is occurring both
within Chanhassen and throughout the region.p
7-6
Table 1
Population, Households and Employment: Past Census Totals and 2030 Forecasts
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030
Population 4,879 6,359 11,732 20,231 27,500 34,500 38,000
Households 1,349 2,075 4,016 6,914 10,200 12,800 14,800
Employment 900 2,102 6,105 9,350 13,000 15,200 15,600
Source: 1970-2000 U.S. Census Data
Forecast figures from Metropolitan Council
Table 2 shows the City ofChanhassen's forecast for population, households, and employment by
TAZ for 2030 (see next page).
7.3 ANALYSIS OF EXISTING AND FUTURE ROADWAY NEEDS
Determining future roadway needs is based on both an analysis of existing roadway needs and an
understanding of how traffic demand will grow in the future. A good indicator of existing need
is traffic congestion. However, maintaining system continuity as new land develops is also
important. Identifying future need requires an understanding of how the city is expected to grow.
The preceding section outlined the expected distribution of population and employment. Traffic
forecasts were made for the existing roadway system including improvements that are already
programmed. This traffic analysis allows the detection of problems that would develop if no
further system improvements were made.
7.3.1 Existing Roadway System
As with all municipalities, jurisdiction over the roadway system is shared among three levels of
government: the state, the county and the city. The Minnesota Department of Transportation
(MnDOT) maintains the interstate and trunk highway system on behalf of the state; Carver
County maintains the County State Aid Highway (CSAH) and County Road systems. The
remaining streets and roadways are the responsibility of the City.
7-7
Table 2
City of Chanhassen 2030 Population, Households and Employment by T AZ
MetCouncll Subzone 2000 POP 2000 HH 2000 EMP 2010 POP 2010 HH 2010 EMP 2020 POP 2020 HH 2020 EMP 2030 POP 2030 HH 2030 EMP
TAZ# TAZ#
136.1 1071 361 10 1203 446 8 1538 580 10 1628 614 5
136.2 461 156 160 514 190 160 649 245 160 685 259 245
136.3 537 181 80 597 221 120 755 285 185 797 301 0
136.4 128 43 20 266 99 98 497 187 177 556 210 255
136.5 4 1 39 2 1 51 0 0 75 0 0 75
136 Total 2,201 743 309 2,582 956 437 3,440 1,298 607 3,666 1,383 580
137.1 654 188 62 490 182 53 453 171 44 446 168 35
137.2 93 27 25 258 96 18 543 205 12 616 232 5
137.3 593 171 58 1135 420 153 2172 820 249 2437 920 345
137 Total 1,340 386 144 1,883 697 224 3,169 1,196 305 3,499 1,320 385
138.1 1620 542 25 1746 647 17 2158 814 8 2269 856 0
138.2 701 253 120 1753 649 112 3402 1284 185 3822 1442 95
138.3 0 0 100 65 24 125 165 62 145 190 72 175
138 Total 2,321 795 245 3.564 1,320 253 5,724 2,160 338 6,281 2,370 270
139.1 3061 1150 50 2564 950 33 1667 629 50 1455 549 0
139.2 2712 1019 900 3026 1121 898 3403 1284 950 3511 1325 895
139.3 4 1 1500 2 1 1630 0 0 1900 0 0 1890
139 Total 5,777 2,170 2,450 5,593 2,071 2,562 5,071 1,913 2,900 4,966 1,874 2,785
140.1 1383 411 31 1239 459 20 1419 536 10 1470 555 0
140.2 246 73 5 291 108 4 432 163 2 469 177 0
140 Total 1,629 484 36 1,530 567 24 1,852 699 12 1,939 732 0
141.1 1322 490 163 1437 532 289 1588 599 500 1632 616 540
141.2 1677 623 1834 1467 544 1552 1105 417 1000 1021 385 990
141 Total 2,999 1,113 1,997 2,904 1,076 1,841 2,692 1,016 1,500 2,653 1,001 1,530
142.1 712 197 76 574 213 89 630 238 600 647 244 115
142.2 1578 434 228 1445 535 497 1846 697 1075 1953 737 1035
142.3 77 22 1678 74 28 1982 98 37 2286 104 39 2590
142 Total 2,367 653 1,982 2,094 775 2,568 2,574 971 3,961 2,704 1,020 3,740
143.1.1 413 179 700 405 150 763 275 104 827 245 92 890
143.1.2 0 0 185 0 0 238 0 0 340 0 0 345
143 Total 413 179 885 405 150 1,001 275 104 1,167 245 92 1,235
144.1 632 184 21 1245 461 14 2396 904 30 2690 1015 0
144.2 179 52 53 1052 390 112 2465 930 230 2823 1065 230
144.3 14 4 11 7 3 8 1 1 4 0 0 0
144 Total 825 240 85 2,304 853 133 4,862 1,835 264 5,513 2,080 230
145.1 83 29 10 526 195 340 1219 460 800 1395 526 1000
145.2 142 50 42 942 349 1295 2193 827 1900 2510 947 3800
145.3 28 10 185 22 8 280 16 6 32 14 5 470
145 Total 252 88 238 1,489 552 1,915 3,427 1,293 2,732 3,919 1,479 5,270
146.1 99 32 0 691 256 300 1630 615 300 1868 705 900
146.2 99 32 0 262 97 833 535 202 1500 604 228 2500
146 Total 197 63 0 953 353 1,133 2,165 817 1,800 2,472 933 3,400
558 0 . 475 0 0 475 0 0 475 0 0 475
558 Total 0 0 475 0 0 475 0 0 475 0 0 475
561 0 . 505 0 0 500 0 0 500 0 0 500
561 Total 0 0 505 0 0 500 0 0 500 0 0 500
CITYWIDE 20,321 6,914 9,350. 25,302 9,371 13,068 35,252 13,303 16,560 37,857 14,286 20,400
Projections and allocations were made by City ofCbanhassen Planning Department, 2007
7-8
136.4
558
143.1.1
City of Chanhassen
Traffic Analysis Zones
N
--L
w\r E
s
September 4, 2007
7-9
The existing street network includes approximately 135 miles of road through the end of2006.
This represents an 80 percent increase in roadways from the 75 miles in 1990.
Len th in Miles
17.89
0.60
9.87
20.20
1.91
84.25
134.72
Table 3 shows the major components of the existing street system in the City of Chanhassen
along with each facility's termini.
Table 3
City of Chanhassen - Important Transportation Facilities
lIi~hvvay/Street From To
Audubon Road TH5 Lyman Blvd.
Audubon Road (CSAH 15) Lyman Blvd. South Limit
Bluff Creek Blvd. Audubon Road (CSAH 15) Powers Blvd. (CSAH 17)
Bluff Creek Drive Pioneer Trail (CSAH 14) TH 212 (Flying Cloud Drive)
Coulter Blvd. Century Blvd. Audubon Road
Galpin Blvd (CSAH 117 & 19) North Limit Lyman Blvd. (CSAH 18)
Kerber Blvd. CSAH 17 W. 78th Street
Lake Drive East Powers Blvd. (CSAH 17) Dell Road
Lake Lucy Road TH41 Powers Blvd. (CSAH 17)
Lyman Blvd. (CSAH 18) West Limit TH 10 1
Market Blvd. W. 78th Street Lake Drive East
Minnewashta Parkway TH7 TH5
Park Road Audubon Road Powers Blvd. (CSAH 17)
Pioneer Trail (CSAH 14) West limit East Limit
Pleasant View Road Powers Blvd. (CSAH 17) TH 101
Powers Blvd. (CSAH 17) North Limit Pioneer Trail (CSAH 14)
TH5 West Limit East Limit
TH7 West Limit East Limit
TH41 North Limit South Limit
TH 10 1 North Limit South Limit
TH 212 (Flying Cloud Drive, West Limit East Limit
future County Road 61)
TH 312 (new TH 212) West Limit East Limit
West 78th Street TH41 TH 101
7-10
7.3.2 Existing Traffic Volumes
Traffic volumes for the different highway segments within Chanhassen were collected from
MnDOT traffic maps, the Carver County Transportation Plan, and City of Chanhassen traffic
counts in the summer of2007. These volumes represent average daily traffic volumes and are
shown on the Traffic Volumes Map.
City of
Chanhassen
Existing ADT Volumes
(2007)
,
,
t... .
Sotl>...." Ciry ofChimlwsnl Traffic Covnt! s_... :007
Can... C"""ry r._:p",.,,,,jon Plan :ot)7
~
August 27, 2007
G. D'G'.JOMtt T.:IffUII1t .c!J.aJt_lb.'I....,., E:rir.frt!.m
7-11
7.4 Existing Transportation Issues/Deficiencies
The function of a transportation plan is to not only accommodate future needs but also to analyze
existing problems and pose appropriate solutions. Frequently, existing problems are closely
related to future needs. As a result, a specific action in a given area can remedy existing
deficiencies while providing for future needs.
Issues and system deficiencies were categorized into three areas: 1) intersections, 2) roadway
capacity/alignment/connection, and 3) jurisdictional continuity. The major issues are shown on
the system deficiency map and discussed in more detail as follows:
71 Y'-~;;.
!.,..i".~ '''~'""..
i ;:; ~'..~::/J: '
~;\f' ;~>
, " ~.
.-------:~'~,~-::.:;.-
"
.1
I
I'r -'.
--. ...: .~: .':^, '. ! / .., ,._~',.J..:.. (;.~\.~:}~;~:..1;"
/.,~(;:~',r.~~'~:f~;'i'- '" - "---- ' T 'f,
...... ~ ~ . ...--;'... '.. ~.~,~, ~ --.."' ~_.... \ . ,.
~~:.> ~~.{ >~~. .r'. v ",
......l.~~rt.:l........~..,4.:...~~ ~.:~.:~........;:..:. 1 ' ::1
.~' . ._ " :-:: -- ,.".<'::.:-!?' ""'r /. :': !
~. "'~ j::,~:": /:;~-~~~)~~fr.:T:~ '~r
I '~;:. \~:~:0:::00:V/:;:' 'i;~i;~~~j
- t . ;. I .' i'~ -- .. II
I " ~ "', /~~I""fi:: /0 ,
-.~ ~:. \_11 ",.j - ...., ~';.:,
... ,. r. ,r
'-:::-:. ,&:~i:1 . ii> . .
,','" l~~~~-'~..~~~
-./ \. -" .
- .z:;;~Jt.1
.-': '\'.
0==;' ~, I
/ I .': '-...
.(~..
)--c
i-='::
I
I
I
!
I
'.
.._...-..,..,~
City of
Chanhassen
I. . ~
,-
/
~,<,,~,",.,...~"
,-
/<r:l~;'
[.,..,../.r
<--
Existing System Deficiencies
/'.,/ System Connections
/'.,/ Capacity
~ Jurisdectional Continuity
A./ Geometric/Safety
.,..."
.. i. i
.J.... '._j
/ .!
, . ,.././"'"
>"'-i
.
Intem:ctions/Access
--1,-,
I,'
JlUle 27, 2007
~~' -- :
..-....,.,..rl..... I
~...-. -.-.,
. ,
, I
>"_'~__ _..J
,.-----
".--.....
!
Q-~."....,~.n-._..
7-12
7.4.1 Intersections! Access
Chanhassen contains a number of intersections that currently are experiencing problems or are
anticipated to experience problems in the future. A summary of the intersections that appear to
experience the most problems are as follows:
1. TH 7/Minnewashta Parkway: The major problem with this intersection is the skewed angle
with which northbound Minnewashta Parkway joins TH 7. As a result, northbound traffic on
Minnewashta Parkway has difficulty seeing eastbound traffic on TH 7. Also, turning
movements from eastbound TH 7 to southbound Minnewashta Parkway are cumbersome due
to the angle of the roadway. With heavy traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours,
turning movements in this area are difficult. Installation of a traffic signal at this location
may be warranted in the future once MnDOT determines that the roadway meets warrants.
2. TH 5/Minnewashta Parkway: The City of Chanhassen completed improvements to
Minnewashta Parkway and its intersection with TH 5 in 1993. An eastbound bypass lane on
TH 5 is present at the intersection. Due to heavy traffic volumes, particularly during peak
hours, turning movements in this area are difficult. Additionally, the roadway shoulders are
poor in this area. Installation of a traffic signal and turn lanes at this location are anticipated in
the future once MnDOT determines that the roadway meets warrants.
3. TH 5ILone Cedar Lane: The sight distance for southbound traffic on Lone Cedar Lane
looking west along TH 5 is restricted by a hill. As TH 5 improvements continue in the future
past this property, elimination or restriction (right-inlright-out) ofthese access problems will
become increasingly important. The design may need to address a cul-de-sac turnaround.
4. TH 5!Crimson Bay RoadIMinnesota Landscape Arboretum Entrance: Due to heavy
traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours, left turning movements in this area are
difficult. Elimination ofleft turns onto TH 5 should be considered.
5. TH 41ILake Lucy Road: Due to heavy traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours on
TH 41, left turns in this area are difficult. Installation of a traffic signal at this location may
be warranted in the future.
6. TH 41/W. 78th Street: Due to heavy traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours, turning
movements in this area are difficult. Sight distances are also decreased due to the curve in
TH 41. Installation of a traffic signal at this location may be warranted in the future.
7. TH 5!TH41: Intersection geometrics were evaluated. Additional turn lanes and roadway
lanes are necessary on TH 41. The south approach to the intersection contains a significant
slope that should be lowered.
8. TH 41/Water Tower Place: A future right-inlright-out has been planned for this
intersection. However, installation of this intersection is not possible until the roadway
7-13
geometries are improved south ofTH 5. Improvements to TH 41 are not in the 20-year
MnDDT improvement plan.
9. Market BoulevardlMarket Street: Due to heavy traffic volumes, particularly during peak
hours, turning movements in this area are difficult. This intersection will need to be
monitored to determine if improvements are warranted.
10. TH 101/Pleasant View Road: Due to heavy traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours,
left turns in this intersection are difficult. Installation of a traffic signal at this location may
be warranted in the future. Construction of turn lanes on TH 101 should be considered in the
near future.
11. TH 101IKurvers Point Road/V alley View Road: Due to heavy traffic volumes,
particularly during peak hours, turning movements in this area are difficult. A southbound
by-pass/left turn lane is provided at this intersection. This intersection will need to be
monitored to determine if improvements are warranted.
12. TH 10l/96th Street: At this intersection, the geometries ofTH 101 create a blind
intersection. In 1989, sight distance was improved by the removal of trees along the corridor.
Further improvements are unlikely until TH 101 is reconstructed.
13. TH 101/Flying Cloud Drive (Old TH 212): The City, in conjunction with Carver County
and MnDDT, should undertake a study to determine the appropriate access controls necessary
to serve the properties and maintain the capacity of Flying Cloud Drive.
7.4.2 Road Capacity/Alignment/Connections
Deficiencies in this category are mainly due to capacity problems created by increased traffic
volumes, alignment or geometric deficiencies or poor regional or local connections. Examples of
such circumstances include the following:
1. TH 5: Excessive congestion on this route occurs at various times of the day mainly during
peak hours. Portions ofTH 5 exceed capacity for up to 8 hours per day. In 2005, TH 5
carried 55,000 vehicles per day at Chanhassen's eastern border. Temporary relief from the
congestion of TH 5 should occur with the construction of TH 312 through Chanhassen.
TH 5 west ofTH 41 continues to be a traffic-congestion problem and with continued growth
in western Carver County, congestion along this corridor is expected to increase. With TH
312 expected to open in 2008, some of this congestion may temporarily decrease. The City
of Chanhassen should continue to partner with MnDDT and Carver County and other
communities along the corridor to plan for future improvements and identify funding.
2. TH 41: Existing sight distances at various areas along the corridor are potentially
inadequate.
7-14
3. TH 101 North ofTH 5: This corridor should be widened and turn lanes installed at
intersections to improve function. Also, geometric improvements should be made. TH 101
lies within Carver and Hennepin Counties and the Cities of Chanhassen and Eden Prairie;
therefore, jurisdictional and functional continuity are significant concerns that could have
major consequences for the City.
4. TH 101 South of Lyman Boulevard to the Scott County Border: The highway has
significant alignment and geometric problems. TH 101 from TH 5 to Lyman Boulevard is
currently being improved by MnDOT and will jurisdictionally be transferred to Carver
County for future maintenance. Chanhassen needs to take the lead role in promoting the
improvement ofTH 101 south of Lyman Boulevard.
The City of Chanhassen, in partnership with Carver County and MnDOT, has completed a
study that identifies deficiencies and improvements necessary for the two-lane, 3.3-mile
segment ofTH 101 corridor in Chanhassen. The project termini are Lyman
Boulevard/CSAH 18 on the north and the Scott County Line on the south. The intersection
ofTH 101 and Pioneer Trail (CSAH 14) has recently (2005) been widened and signalized.
The objective of this project was to develop and evaluate alternatives to preserve the long-
term safety, capacity, and mobility ofthe 3.3-mile TH 101 Corridor in Chanhassen. A range
of alternatives was developed and studied to best satisfy the project's purpose and need,
while recognizing constraints based on social, economic, and natural environmental issues
and engineering feasibility (cost) concerns. As study alternatives were developed and
evaluated, corridor issues including social, economic, and natural environmental concerns
were identified. The central alignment was the preferred alignment. However, due to
environmental concerns, the easterly alignment should also be considered in the future
studies.
Future preliminary engineering plans and detailed environmental studies will be completed
for the central and eastern alternatives. The study will include recommendations for further
development of concept level improvements, project staging and estimated construction
costs. The study will address tasks needed to refine roadway designs and determine
appropriate future federal, state, and local environmental review and permitting processes.
No construction funding has yet been secured for the future improvements to the corridor. It
is expected that federal, state and local funds will be needed to help finance future
improvements.
5. Pleasant View Road: The existing roadway alignment is inadequate in several areas.
Sharp curves; poor sight lines; private structures located at the right-of-way line; hidden
driveways and frequent vistas of Lotus Lake, which serve as a distraction; all combine to
create a poorly functioning traffic corridor. Due to the need for more right-of-way,
previous efforts to improve Pleasant View Road have been unsuccessful. As a result, theinadequacies of this route will continue to intensify in the future as traffic volumes continue
to increase.
7-15
6. Powers Boulevard (CSAH 17): Powers Boulevard north ofTH 5 has access problems
with local streets. In 2006, the City of Chanhassen and Carver County studied these
intersections and identified turn lane improvements. The intersections include Lake Lucy
Road, Kerber Boulevard, Carver Beach Road and Utica Lane. Carver County may include
these turn lane improvements in their capital improvement program.
7. Bluff Creek Boulevard: The City constructed a portion of Bluff Creek Boulevard east from
Audubon Road (CSAH 15) as part ofthe 2005 MUSA project. However, the final segment
of the roadway to Powers Boulevard, approximately ~-mile, was not included in the project.
This roadway must be constructed with the development of the properties west of Powers
Boulevard.
8. 2005 MUSA North/South Collector Street Connections: Local collector roadways were
identified in the 2005 MUSA project to service the area and connect to the County roadway
system. These collector roads will connect to Lyman Boulevard (CSAH 18) and Pioneer
Trail (CSAH 14). These connections will be constructed with the development ofthe
properties in the area.
9. 2010 MUSA EastlWest Connection: A collector roadway will be required from TH 101, in
the vicinity of Bandimere Park, to Powers Boulevard between Highway 312 and Homestead
Lane. These connections will be constructed with the development of the properties in the
area.
10. Lyman Boulevard (CSAH 18): Chanhassen, Chaska and Carver County are currently
working on planning for the future improvements to Lyman Boulevard. This roadway
should be improved by the fall of2009, before the Chanhassen High School opens. The
project is anticipated to be constructed in two parts. The first part scheduled for construction
is between Galpin Boulevard and Audubon Road north. Signals are planned at the following
intersections within Chanhassen: Audubon Road (CSAH 15), Galpin Boulevard (CSAH
19), Powers Boulevard (CSAH 17) and TH 101, and possibly at Audubon Road and the
future north 2005 MUSA collector if warrants are met. As part of the Highway 312 project,
MnDOT is upgrading the segment of Lyman Boulevard from Quinn Road to west of Powers
Boulevard.
11. Bluff Creek Golf Course: A connection from the intersection of Pioneer Trail and Powers
Boulevard to TH 101 will be required as part of any redevelopment of the golf course. The
existing Creekwood Drive is not designed or constructed to accommodate redevelopment
traffic. These connections will be constructed with the development of the properties in the
area.
7-16
7.4.3 Other Local Street Improvements
1. Dogwood Road/Crimson Bay Road: Crimson Bay Road access to TH 5 is problematic due
to traffic volumes on TH 5 at peak periods. Access onto TH 5 from Crimson Bay Road is
anticipated to degrade more with increased traffic on TH 5. In the future, MnDDT may
restrict Crimson Bay Road to a "right-inlright-out." At the present time, Crimson Bay Road
does not connect to Dogwood Road. A future street connection will be needed to provide
better access to Crimson Bay Road.
2. Kiowa Trail/Springfield Drive: Back-to-back cul-de-sacs were installed at the north end of
Kiowa Trail and the south end of Springfield Drive. The pavement for the northern cul-de-
sac was installed to the project property line. A breakaway barricade was installed to
prohibit thru traffic. The cul-de-sacs were intended to be temporary until either area
residents petition the City to open the connection or new Highway 212 is constructed.
3. Nez PercelPleasant View Road Connection: During review ofthe Vineland Forest plat, it
was evident that a connection between Nez PerceILake Lucy Road and Pleasant View Road
was warranted since there was no north/south connection between Powers Boulevard (CSAH
17) and Lotus Lake. Improved access is needed for local trips and to ensure the adequate
access for emergency services. It was determined that the Pleasant View Road intersection
should be located as far west as possible at the Peaceful Lane intersection.
4. Pipewood Lane and W. 62nd Street: A secondary access to this area was discussed as part
of the plat for Hidden Creek Meadows. Cathcart Lane is a substandard gravel roadway that
provides emergency access to the area. With the future development of the farmstead, a
public street will connect these roadways.
5. Timberwood Drive/Stone Creek Court: The neighborhoods ofTimberwood Estates and
Stone Creek are separated by approximately 30 feet of unfinished road. A connection would
permit the residents ofTimberwood Estates to access the Bluff Creek trail system. In
addition, a connection could provide a secondary access to Timberwood Estates for residents
and emergency vehicles.
7.5 FUTURE TRAFFIC FORECASTS
The City has relied on the 2030 baseline traffic forecasts incorporated within the Carver County
Transportation Plan to determine the adequacy and appropriateness of the street and highway
system to accommodate the development that is expected to be in place by the year 2030. The
forecasts were prepared based upon projected population, households and employment data
developed by the City of Chanhassen and Carver County in conjunction with the Metropolitan
Council. The 2030 baseline development assumptions are consistent with the Metropolitan
Council's 2030 Regional Development Framework (as amended through November 8,2006).
The population, household, and employment information was distributed throughout the City to a
refined network of Traffic Assignment Zones (TAZ). The analysis assumed improvements to
regional facilities only if they were programmed. Other local improvements were assumed if
7-17
they have been included in previous transportation plans and were part of the arterial system.
These system improvements are listed as follows:
1. TH 41: Four lanes from Highway 5 to the south Carver County boundary.
2. TH 101: Four lanes from Highway 312 to south Carver County boundary.
3. Lyman Blvd: Four lanes from TH 41 to TH 101.
The resulting traffic projections are shown in the 2030 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) map. The
forecasts are based on a capacity restrained network.
The level of congestion of the future highway system depends in large measure on both the
capacity improvements undertaken and the availability of a local arterial system to complement
and relieve the regional system. The 2030 forecasts suggest the following:
1. Regional facilities (TH 7, TH 5, TH 41 and TH 212) currently are congested. With little or
no capacity improvements to these facilities, congestion will increase on these facilities. In
addition, more trips will divert to local routes such as CSAH 18 (Lyman Boulevard), County
Road 117 (Galpin), CSAH 17 (Powers Boulevard) and to other collector routes within the
City. (See 2030 ADT Volumes Map on next page.)
2. Regional river crossing bridges (TH 41 and TH 101) are congested currently and will become
more congested as the region expands. The development of New TH 212 is anticipated to
attract more trips from Scott County and TH 169. Agencies should continue to investigate
and preserve this corridor or identify how existing corridors could be expanded to address
river crossing needs. The City continues to support the expansion of these existing bridge
crossings to accommodate current and future traffic demands.
Improvements proposed for municipal roadways are under direct control of the City and will
receive highest priority in the City's Transportation Improvement Program. For roadways on the
County system, the City will cooperate with Carver County and encourage the improvement of
county roads in accordance with this plan.
7.6 SYSTEM PLAN
The proposed roadway system should be consistent with the anticipated density and distribution
ofland uses in the City in the year 2030. The purpose ofthis section is to review the existing
functional classification system (map on page 20) and identify potential functional classification
and other system changes that should be made to accommodate the anticipated growth. The
existing functional classification system is based upon the Functional Classification map
identified as part of the 2020 Chanhassen Plan.
7-18
City of
Chanhassen
2030 ADT VOLUl\'IES
SoUT'C'e: ean.".Colmty Transportation Plan 2007
t
bfUSt 27. :007
G:'E..\TiJO:... P:_-"'t S.~.1DIJb;I.."'" ~rrm1
7-19
; 10'
..,
.. : ,,,"
.~; ::-
'C; . .: . H "'C'h:J~QI
. '< "
f' . , , . . :....:..:.....
. :~;~ ~: ::; :;' ::: " ,
.~ .......... ........
. -:::!_ ,', ::' '," 't' :: '. I' :::; ".
"( '", , . . I" "
'( , " ,
. ~; . :} , I ,. . . ; : ~.. .
. . .. . t. ....... .. . I'
. ~{ ':~: '. I" . : ::::;:: ..
.:~.~I>.;.I~.!o;(.(.(..::}.( ..:~., '; ;:"" ..~:;~: i~:~
'=:} ",'.~.".:=-...'o" 0('("(:( O( '(:(:~ ,. (. (. .... I ~' ~11....
'~:, . ::: :: ...~:~!~: q~:
(I ',.. 0 .....,.(.........
:1',;:. . " ,:-,II'-I('{..I(' ...t It
'..~ ',' .~ 1 ..~t('('(I"'''' .... "~
( (.i,;(:~:~:..:'"' .. . ;::: I '~:"
. ~:~, . I I
.f, " ".~:..':~ '.': :-::'~:.
. , : ~.
:~./
,C~(...., .
.. ,_ ..-::~.I . '''':(:~i~;~::::~:..
, :~'H'~ .:..~ ....
, :~ .
.... .C(:~:~ I
: :~.~ ' . ~t-crl!Mlcd I
, 'l'~:
: :~ 0('
, .
,..
,..
,
,.,
.
.'1.'..............
,'I:.
: '
. '(
. :.: ::: :(
:;.1
Cih! of Cbanhassen
~Functional
CW:IS~~
-...--
--
-'-
--
,", ' =0Aatw
,,' _.~
,,, ' "'-"
O~--
1mB
\- rrrl.,.'"
.t....a... .
................,.
. . . ~ . . . .. . .
*
. 00' .: <
"'''0, . ,.~..
"Il, {I~; . ..': : >
. . ~ ,,~. I ~
.~ ~B: !.I
.. .'~" ~
~ . }: (: I
; i~:~:
}' '~"
"
..
(,~: ~
>; ; ~
-';'4'!
-------......J
. ;
...:p:'
,"1
,.'1
.. ,
i. ,
,. I'
Mlnrl!tcrk:J I
"0,1""""""
" "
:,,'
:: ~"
."!'.I
,
,
.
,
,
,
,
,
:,}: ~:
(, ,
..'::::
,,'
,.
,,"
;~: I
, ,
.
:~ii,{i}:~:
: ..... I~'
-1-
I ~f~1
I,f;f;f
.~/.~~4~4~
/ ~.''''''''''
.-1.. .1.".1.1
......,.,.......
1_1.1."'1.1.1
.............,....
'.1.1.".1
............
r..... ......
~ !~-.,
...J\.~.
..,
(::--~
..
"
"
"
..
"
"
;.,
."
."
."
."
."
,,0\,(,(0::: ':~:~!
~: ..,.. .
'II .
.'"
~;~:~, ;::.
, ~'~:~!:
.. .
" .
'I' .
,.. ......
,'.......,.
..:::..'....
.. .
.....
..,.
I::dl!r. fir.! re
. ,
, ...,......
" .
l'r-.:.... ..
U :..
7-20
7.6.1 Guiding Planning Principles
The City of Chanhassen Transportation Plan has been developed using the following guidelines
and planning principles:
1. The functional classification of the roadway system in Chanhassen should conform to the
following criteria and characteristics:
. The trip length characteristics of the route as indicated by length of route, type and size of
traffic generators served, and route continuity.
. The ability of the route to serve regional population centers, regional activity centers and
major traffic generators.
. The spacing of the route to serve different functions (need to provide access and mobility
functions for entire area).
. The ability of the route to provide continuity through individual travel sheds and between
travelsheds.
. The role of the route in providing mobility or land access (number of accesses, access
spacing, speed, parking and traffic control).
. The relationship of the route to adjacent land uses (location of growth areas, industrial
areas and neighborhoods).
. The spacing guidelines for the specific road classification.
The functional classification system is broken down into four categories - principal arterials,
minor arterials ('A' and 'B'), collectors (major and minor) and local roadways.
2. The plan should reflect vehicular travel demand at full development.
3. The full development level, as defined by the proposed Land Use Guide Plan, should
incorporate the limiting effects that the identified physical constraints have on the attainment
of the anticipated level of development.
4. Compatibility should be maintained between the roadway system in Chanhassen and county
and regional roadway systems.
5. In developing the plan, roadway segments and intersections that cannot accommodate the
anticipated vehicular travel demand should be identified.
7.6.2 Functional Classification System
The functional classification criteria were closely followed during the preparation of this plan.
The intent of a functional classification system is the creation of a hierarchy of roads that collects
and distributes traffic from neighborhoods to the metropolitan highway system in the most
efficient manner possible given the topography and other physical constraints of the area. Places
of high demand, employment or commercial centers should be served by roadways higher in the
hierarchy such as arterial roads. Neighborhoods and places of low demand should have
7-21
roadways of lower classification, such as collectors and local streets. It is in this way that the
land use plan is integrated into the transportation plan.
An important consideration in developing a functional classification system is adherence to the
spacing criteria established by the Metropolitan Council (Table 4). The City of Chanhassen is
currently considered part ofthe developing area. As a result, the city has a mixture of urban,
suburban, and rural areas. It is anticipated, however, that the city will be fully developed by
2030. The ultimate roadway system assumes full development, but the current distinction
between developing and rural is important in the establishment of implementation priorities.
Table 4
S
fS
C Ot 0
ummary 0 ~paCID2 rI erIa
SPACING (MILES)
Metro Centers!
Regional Fully
Functional Business Developed Developing Rural
Classification Concentrations Areas Areas Areas
Principal Arterial -- 2-3 3-6 6-12
Minor Arterial 1/4 - % 1/2 - 1 1-2 As needed
Collector 1/8 - 'l1 1/4 - 3!4 1/2 - 1 As needed
Source: Metropolitan Council
The proposed City of Chanhassen functional classification system is shownon the next page. The
classification system that is proposed is consistent with the preliminary changes that are being
proposed by Carver County in the update of their transportation plan. Since the plan is still under
development, there may be some further modification of the functional classification system.
The functional classification plan includes the following categories:
1. Principal Arterials
2. Minor Arterials
. "A" Minor Arterials
. "B" Minor Arterials
3. Major Collector Streets
4. Minor Collector Streets
5. Local Streets
7-22
.. City of Chanhassen
Functional Classification
" - -"""0 0" Arterial
~ Collector
~ Future Collector
~ Principle
&>
.... t, nl1
alr.",,"-,,___Y_L_
7-23
7.6.3 Principal Arterials
Principal arterials are the highest roadway classification and are considered part of the
metropolitan highway system. These roads are intended to connect the central business districts
of the two central cities with each other and with other regional business concentrations in the
metropolitan area. These roads also connect the Twin Cities with important locations outside the
metropolitan area.
Principal arterials are generally constructed as limited access freeways in the developed area, but
may also be constructed as multiple lane divided highways. The following facilities are
designated as principal arterials within the City of Chanhassen:
1. Trunk Highway 7: TH 7 serves as a key east-west route through the south central portion
of Minnesota. It connects the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area with cities such as Hutchinson,
and Montevideo to the west. It is located in the northern portion of Chanhassen and
provides regional access and mobility to primarily residential areas. In Chanhassen, vehicle
movements are generally uninhibited by signals or major street intersections. To the east,
however, Highway 7 passes through Minnetonka and northern Hopkins where there are more
frequent signalized intersections and commercial development. The roadway carries
substantial vehicular traffic and is considered congested (LOS F) during peak travel periods.
2. Trunk Highway 212: The old TH 212 is a principal arterial and connects small rural
communities to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. In Chanhassen, TH 212 travels along the
bottom of the river bluff. A new location of this facility was planned for many years and
became operational in 2007. The new facility runs diagonally through the southern portion
of Chanhassen. The route is a four-lane divided facility with controlled access at two
interchanges in Chanhassen, one at TH 101 and the other at CSAH 17.
3. New Principal Arterial River Crossing: Currently there is a lack of a principal north-
south arterial route in the region. This is due to physical constraints such as Lake
Minnetonka and Minnesota River bluff area as well as past travel patterns favoring east-west
travel. However, as the urban area continues to grow, north-south travel demand is
anticipated to increase. The spacing from the Bloomington Ferry Bridge (TH 169) to TH
101 is approximately 7 miles. This is inconsistent with the functional classification
guidelines. A north-south regional river crossing has been shown previously on the
Metropolitan Council's functional classification system. This route is intended to
accommodate regional trips between new TH 212 and TH 169.
This route was designated a principal arterial route in lieu of designating the current
alignment ofTH 41 a principal arterial route. The designation was primarily done because
TH 41 goes through downtown Chaska and has numerous access points and limited ability
for capacity improvements. The existing river crossings on TH 41, TH 101 and TH 169 are
currently at capacity based on traffic forecasting work done for the Carver County
Transportation Plan. Therefore, expansion of existing river crossings or an additional
regional river crossing appears to be needed to address regional growth.
7-24
As part of the review process for the river crossing, MnDOT prepared a Tier I Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), TH 41 Minnesota River Crossing. The study
process began in 2002. The scoping decisions for the environmental reviews were made in
February 2005 and revised in February 2006. The DEIS review and comment period ended
on August 10, 2007. The end result of the DEIS is to identify a preferred alignment for the
new river crossing. The preferred alignment should be both a cost effective solution and
minimize social, economic and environmental impacts. Once the preferred alignment is
chosen, local governments will need to officially map the alignment in order to preserve it
for the river crossing. In the future, a
Tier II Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared to evaluate and select a design for
the river crossing.
7.6.4 Minor Arterials
Minor arterials are designed to emphasize mobility, not access, and to connect communities with
the metropolitan highway system. Major business concentrations and other important traffic
generators are often located on minor arterials. In the metropolitan area, minor arterials are
divided into two classes, "A" Minor Arterials and "B" Minor Arterials. The number of lanes on
arterial routes should be based on the projected traffic volumes. Routes are likely to be
constructed either as four-lane undivided roads or as three-lane roadways where there is
insufficient right-of-way when the system is complete.
7.6.4.1. "A" Minor Arterials
The Metropolitan Council has identified minor arterials that are of regional importance because
they relieve, expand, or complement the principal arterial system. These roads have been labeled
"A" minor arterials and have been categorized into four types:
. Relievers: Minor arterials that provide direct relief for metropolitan highway traffic.
. Expanders: Routes that provide a way to make connections between developing areas
outside the 1-494/1-694 interstate ring.
. Connectors: Roads that would provide good, safe connections to and among town centers in
the transitional and rural areas in the vicinity.
. Augmenters: Roadways that augment principal arterials within the interstate ring or beltway.
To the extent possible, "A" minor arterials are the most continuous and form a grid network over
the entire city; however, topographic constraints and the location of existing highways and
existing land uses can result in deviations from the spacing guidelines. Nevertheless, continuity
and connectivity among the "A" minor arterials and the principal arterials allows the arterial
network to provide important mobility functions throughout the city.
In Chanhassen, the current spacing of "A" Minor arterials is approximately every one mile
(spacing between TH 101, CSAH 17 and TH 41). The desirable spacing for "A" minor arterials
7-25
is considered to be ~ to 1 miles for fully developed areas. Because Chanhassen is anticipated to
be fully developed by the year 2030, additional "A" minor arterials should be designated to
maintain mobility throughout the City. The "A" Minor Arterials that are recommended in
Chanhassen include the following:
1. Trunk Highway 5 is the most important existing roadway in Chanhassen, functioning as the
City's transportation backbone. In the early 1970s, TH 5 was considered a principal arterial
route. This designation has changed over time because of the close proximity ofTH 7 and
lack of continuity west of Carver County. Currently, TH 5 serves as the major link for
Chanhassen to the metropolitan area. In addition, TH 5 provides regional access to a large
number of businesses and industrial properties in the area. The concentration ofthese large
employers results in some "reverse commuting" patterns as well as destinations for many
trips coming into Chanhassen from the west. Even though this route is designated as a minor
arterial, it provides many functions similar to TH 7 and TH 212, which are principal arterial
routes. As a result, it is recommended that the city continue to support improvement and
access management strategies that would maintain the mobility of this route.
Within Chanhassen, the flow of traffic along Highway 5 is interrupted by traffic signals at TH
41, Century Boulevard, CSAH 19 (Galpin Boulevard), Audubon Road, CSAH 17 (Powers
Boulevard), TH 101 (Market Boulevard), Great Plains Boulevard, Dakota Avenue, and Dell
Road. There are no significant commercial or residential uses accessing directly onto
Highway 5.
Eastbound traffic on TH 5 typically connects with either 1-494, TH 169 and TH 62. From the
Chanhassen border to 1-494, TH 5 contains signalized intersections at Eden Prairie Road and
Fuller Street. These signalized intersections combined with higher traffic volumes in Eden
Prairie contribute to significant traffic delays during peak hours.
2. Trunk Highway 41- Hazeltine Boulevard is another "A" minor arterial that has many
principal arterial characteristics is TH 41. This route is located in western Chanhassen and
is the only major north/south river crossing west of the Bloomington Ferry Bridge (9 miles
to the east) that connects TH 169, TH 212, TH 5 and TH 7. As a result, this route will
continue to be an important link serving Carver County and the City of Chanhassen.
Chanhassen and Chaska have done a good job in protecting the mobility of this corridor by
providing limited access and proper development setbacks. With other north/south
corridors being limited, the volumes on this corridor are anticipated to increase as additional
development occurs.
3. TH 101: This designation is consistent with the Metropolitan Council's Functional
Classification Plan and Hennepin County's designation. This designation is consistent with
the spacing guidelines for developing areas. The projected year 2030 daily volumes are at the
upper limit or exceed the recommended guidelines for volumes. The roadway connects
principal and other minor arterial routes thereby providing an important mobility function for
the region. The City has historically limited direct access to TH 101 and will continue to do
so.
7-26
4. Highway 212 - Flying Cloud Drive (future County Road 61): After the construction of
new TH 212, old TH 212 will be downgraded from a principal arterial route to an "A"
minor arterial. Flying Cloud Drive is a two-lane undivided highway with limited access
control on the segment within Chanhassen; however, the river bluff substantially restricts
the ability to access this route. The route continues to link Chaska and the TH 101 river
crossing with the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The route fits the spacing guidelines for
"A" minor arterial routes and provides east/west traffic flow below the bluff.
5. CSAH 14 - Pioneer Trail: County State Aid Highway 14 is currently classified as an "A"
minor arterial based on its spacing with other similar east/west routes and the connections
that it provides to other arterial facilities: CSAH 15, CSAH 17 and TH 101.
6. CSAH 15 - Audubon Road: County State Aid Highway 15 is currently classified as a "B"
minor arterial on the Metropolitan Council's Functional Classification Plan. This route is
looked at in combination with CSAH 19 (portion north of CSAH 18). Together these routes
form a north/south connection between old TH 212 and TH 5. It is recommended that this
route be upgraded to an "A" minor arterial based on the spacing with other similar
north/south routes and the connections that it provides to other arterial facilities. It connects
facilities such as old TH 212, CSAH 14 (Pioneer Trail), CSAH 18 and TH 5. The spacing of
this roadway with CSAH 17 to the east is approximately one-mile. However, there are
physical barriers, e.g., Bluff Creek, which limits the connections between these routes. The
spacing of this route with TH 41 to the west is approximately two miles. As the City of
Chanhassen develops, this facility will provide mobility for north/south traffic flow to
important destinations within the city as well as the regional transportation system.
7. CSAH 17 - Powers Boulevard: County State Aid Highway 17 is currently classified as an
"A" minor arterial based on the spacing with other similar north/south routes and the
connections that it provides to other arterial facilities. It connects facilities such as CSAH 14
(Pioneer Trail), new TH 212 (interchange), TH 5 and TH 7. This roadway is approximately
one mile west of TH 101; however, there are physical barriers (e.g., lakes and wetlands) that
limit the connections between these routes. This route is approximately two miles east ofTH
41. As the City of Chanhassen develops, this facility will provide mobility for north/south
traffic flow to important destinations within the City as well as the regional transportation
system. It is recognized that the character of CSAH 17 does change as it extends north into
Hennepin County (CSAH 82). The roadway becomes narrower and setbacks are limited.
7.6.4.2. "B" Minor Arterials
The Metropolitan Council defines all minor arterials other than "A" minor arterials as "B" minor
arterials. These roadways also serve a citywide function. Medium to long distance trips use the
"B" minor arterial system. When combined with the "A" minor arterial system, most places in
the city are within a mile of such a roadway. There are two routes in the City of Chanhassen that
is proposed as "B" minor arterial. This route is described as follows:
7-27
1. CSAH 18 - Lyman Boulevard: Lyman Boulevard is currently designated as a "B" minor
arterial. It is an east/west route that parallels TH 5 for 1-1 ~ miles to the south. It currently
connects TH 41, CSAH 17 and TH 101; however an extension is planned to the west of TH
41. The spacing guidelines are consistent with designation of an "A" minor arterial for this
route. However, the designation of Lyman Boulevard remains a "B" minor arterial because it
lacks continuity east of TH 101. It is in close proximity to the arboretum and there are
limited setbacks in the City of Victoria.
2. CSAH 19 - Galpin Boulevard: This route is looked at in combination with the southern
portion of CSAH 17 (portion south of CSAH 18). Together these routes form a north/south
connection between old TH 212 and TH 5. It connects facilities such as old TH 212, CSAH
14 (Pioneer Trail), CSAH 18 (Lyman Boulevard) and TH 5. The spacing ofthis roadway
with Powers Boulevard to the east is approximately 1 ~ miles. The spacing of this route with
TH 41 to the west is approximately one mile. As the City of Chanhassen develops, this
facility will provide mobility for north/south traffic flow to important destinations within the
City as well as the regional transportation system.
7.6.5 Major Collectors
Major collectors are designed to serve shorter trips that occur entirely within the city and to
provide access from neighborhoods to the arterial system. These roads supplement the arterial
system in the sense that they emphasize mobility over land access, but they are expected, because
of their locations, to carry less traffic than arterial roads.
The following roadways are recommended as Major Collectors in Chanhassen.
1. Minnewashta Parkway: This street serves as the only north/south route between TH 5
and TH 7 west of Lake Minnewashta. It likely serves thru trips from outside the City from
TH 5 to TH 7, as well as locally generated traffic along its route.
2. Galpin Boulevard (CSAH 117) North ofTH 5: This route connects TH 5 to Shorewood
and is approximately midway between TH 41 and CSAH 17.
3. Lake Drive: Lake Drive serves two functions: local access south ofTH 5 and a parallel
collector to TH 5. This route is capable of carrying local trips of short to medium length.
In a joint project with MnDOT and the City of Eden Prairie, the City extended Lake Drive
east to the City limits where it merges with the signalized intersection at TH 5 and Dell
Road.
4. Pleasant View Road: Pleasant View Road serves as the only east/west connection
between CSAH 17 and TH 101 in northern Chanhassen.
5. Lake Lucy Road: Lake Lucy Road serves as the only east/west connection between
TH 41 and CSAH 17 in northern Chanhassen.
7-28
6. Coulter Boulevard: Coulter Boulevard serves two functions: a local access south ofTH 5
and a parallel collector to TH 5, capable of carrying local trips of short to medium length.
7. West 78th Street: This east/west route connects TH 41 to TH 101. It parallels TH 5 and
provides local access to the properties adjacent to TH 5.
7.6.6. Minor Collectors
1. Great Plains Boulevard: This route connects West 78th Street to Lake Drive East.
2. Kerber Boulevard: This route connects West 78th Street in downtown Chanhassen to Powers
Boulevard and is parallel to Powers Boulevard.
3. Market Boulevard: This route provides a link between TH 5 and downtown Chanhassen.
4. Century Boulevard: This route provides a north/south link between West 78th Street,
TH 5 and West 82nd Street.
5. Bluff Creek Drive: This route provides a north/south connection from CSAH 14 to Flying
Cloud Drive. A short segment of this roadway will be constructed north of CSAH 14 to Bluff
Creek Boulevard with the development of the adjacent property.
6. Bluff Creek Boulevard: This route provides an east/west connection from CSAH 15 to
CSAH 17 and the TH 312 (new TH 212) interchange. The eastern portion of this roadway will
be constructed with the development ofthe adjacent property.
7. 2010 MUSA East-West Collector: A collector roadway maybe needed depending on
development. This roadway will connect CSAH 17 to TH 101. These connections will be
constructed with the development of the properties in the area. This route was shown as a
minor arterial in the existing classification map.
8. 2010 MUSA North Collector: This roadway will connect CSAH 18 to Bluff Creek
Boulevard. These connections will be constructed with the development of the properties in
the area.
The ultimate roadway system is based upon the functional classification presented above. It
reflects full development of the City according to the land use plan and socioeconomic forecasts
presented earlier. The roadway cross-section identified for each classification would be expected
to be in place at the time full development is achieved.
7-29
7.7 PLANNED AND PROGRAMMED IMPROVEMENTS
7.7.1 Roadway Plan
Traffic on Chanhassen's roadway system will continue to increase due to new commercial,
residential and industrial development and changes in socio-economic conditions. The impact of
added traffic will be more evident on primarily the arterial and collector routes. However, failure
to address capacity issues on major routes will result in more traffic diverting to local streets.
This can result in safety, speed and other undesirable impacts to collector routes.
In order to ensure that traffic concerns are addressed thoroughly and comprehensively, the
transportation chapter of the Chanhassen Comprehensive Plan contains a planned and
recommended roadway system for the year 2030. This system is the result of both current and
past planning efforts including the 1980, 1991 and 1998 Comprehensive Plans, the Year 2005
Land Use and Transportation Study, the Highway 101/5 Preliminary Alignment and Land Use
Corridor Study, the Highway 5 Corridor Land Use Design Study, the 1990 Eastern Carver
County Transportation Study (ECCTS), the 1998 Carver County Transportation Study and the
2007 Carver County Transportation Study.
The following major improvements are components of the recommended and planned
transportation system:
1. TH 5: The City will continue to work to get TH 5 improved west of TH 41. The current
Carver County Transportation Plan indicates a need for 4-lanes west to Waconia to
accommodate traffic flows.
2. TH 212: Construction ofTH 212 along a new alignment was under consideration since the
early 1950s. The project is a four-lane, limited access freeway. The project is scheduled to
be completed to Carver in 2008.
3. TH 101: Planning efforts since 1980 have consistently identified the need for
improvements to TH 101. Planned improvements north of TH 5 consist primarily of
reconstruction and realignment of the route north of the intersection at West 78th Street to
provide better traffic flow.
On January 9,2006, the City approved a Joint Powers Agreement with Carver County and
the Minnesota Department of Transportation to fund the TH 101 corridor study from Lyman
Boulevard (CSAH 18) to Scott County. The purpose of this study is to identify deficiencies
and improvements necessary for a two-lane, 3.3-mile segment ofthe
TH 101 Corridor in Chanhassen between Lyman Boulevard (CSAH 18) on the north and the
Scott County Line on the south. The City proposes that construction of this project be split
in to at least two phases. Phase I would be from Lyman Boulevard (CSAH 18) to Pioneer
Trail (CSAH 14). Improvements south of new TH 212 depend on MnDOT turn-back
program funding or other funding sources.
7-30
The TH 101 river crossing also needs to be expanded to four-lanes to accommodate traffic.
4. TH 41: TH 41 needs to be upgraded to a four-lane cross section from TH 7 south to the
County line. In addition, the vertical alignment of the south approach to TH 5 must be
reduced to improve the safety of this heavily used intersection.
The TH 41 river crossing needs to be expanded to four-lanes to accommodate traffic.
5. New Regional River Crossing; New TH 212 to TH 169: Currently, TH 41 and TH 101
bridges serve the river crossing needs for the region. Both of these routes are significantly
over capacity. The City will work with adjacent communities, MnDDT and the
Metropolitan Council to determine potential alternatives to address capacity needs in the
regIOn.
6. CSAH 18 (Lyman Boulevard): Chanhassen, Chaska and Carver County are currently
working for the future improvement to Lyman Boulevard. Because of the new Chanhassen
High School, this roadway needs to be improved. Signals are planned at various
intersections.
7. CSAH 14 (pioneer Trail): This roadway provides a significant transportation corridor
connecting Chaska and Bloomington. Access management and capacity improvements will
need to be coordinated through affected communities to maintain the roadway capacity.
7.8 RECOMMENDED LOCAL STREET IMPROVEMENTS
As Chanhassen continues to develop, transportation conflicts and inconsistencies will become
evident. These situations, unlike planning for major routes, are not predictable since they result
from the merging of existing and new land use patterns. The Comprehensive Plan can be a
useful tool in assisting the City in resolving these local access situations. It is the City's policy to
require interconnections between neighborhoods to foster a sense of community, to improve
safety and to provide convenient access for residents.
Often during the subdivision review process, the need for future extension of local streets
becomes apparent. As a result, access concepts are developed to assist in creating an acceptable
configuration for the plat and as a guide for the future development of adjoining parcels. It is the
City's intent that the Comprehensive Plan serve as an implementation tool by providing a means
by which to record these access plans, legitimizing them by nature of the fact that they are
approved by the City Council prior to recording. It also will provide a useful means of providing
information to residents and developers seeking information or future development potential.
These concept plans are illustrated below.
7-31
Table 5
Driveway Access Spacing Guidelines for Land Uses
MINIMUM DRIVEWAY DISTANCE FROUIHTERSEcnNG STREET
NUREST INTEASECTlNO STREET""'"
STREETWITH PROPOUD DRIYEWAV" LOCAL cuss II CLASS I MINOR ARTEAIAL .....
STREET COlLECTOR COlLECTOR '" (lOW OEHSITYl (IfIOH OEHSITY)
LOCAL STREET
PrIv&lltReslcltnllal" 4011 4011 !lOll !lOll !lOft
~ Canmeldal'WlI-F~ !lOll SOft !lOll 11011 SOft
U.nplt Conrnatd3I 110ft 90ft 125ft 12511 12511
CLASS I COLUCTOR (MInor)
P1M1o RftIdenlal N 4011 40ft SOft SOft 110ft
/rIcIYkIu1l CommetciIIIt.lJIIl-F1mII1 SOli 110ft !lOll 11011 11011
Mlie'plt <:ommerdaI 11011 80ft 125ft 125ft 125ft
CLASS I COLLECTOR (MIJorfI"
Prlva1I ResIdenEal '" Hal PermlIIed Nol Permlllld Not PtrmIlIecI Hel PennIllecI HcI PermlIIed
lnclMduaI~amIy 9011 SOft 22011 220ft 22011
~" CommercIal 125ft 125ft 22011 220. 220.
MINOR ARTEIlIAlILOW DENSITY)-
Prlme Resldentlal tbI No! PenftlIed No! P\IfInll!8d No! PelrriI!ed No! Permlltod NoI PermI!llId
blvblaI Ccnrnerc:laIIWIfamily NoI PennIlted No! Pennllled No! Ptnrilled GeOII eeoll
MulfllIe ConwnIrtl;I Not Pemdlled NoI Penrilled HcI Pemllled eeoll GeOft
IIlINORARTERIAL (HIGH DENSITY)-
Prlme Attldenllll'" HcI Pennllled Not PermIlIed Not PemiUed Not PoImIl1od Not Permll1ed
hlMdIr.:II CommIn:IaflMulD.flmlly NoI Pennlaed Not PermIIIed Not Pemilled Not PoImIl1od HcIPermllled
MulIlple Commercial HoC PttmiIJed Nol PermilIed Not PelmlIIed Not PenftlIed IIeOII
MINIMUM IPAClH13
BETWEEN
ADJACENT
DRIVEWAYS
40..
SOft
100ft
40ft
SOft
100ft
NoIl'8rmI1Ied
20011"
200ft"
No! PermllIad
23011"
23011"
Nol Perml\led
2301l''
230ft"
1. Bluff Creek Boulevard: The final connection from Powers Boulevard to the easterly
terminus of the roadway will be constructed with the development of the underlying
properties.
2. North and South 2005 MUSA Collectors: These connections from Bluff Creek Boulevard
to Lyman Boulevard and Pioneer Trail will be constructed in conjunction with the
development of the underlying properties.
3. 2010 MUSA East-West Collector: This roadway will connect CSAH 17 to TH 10l.
These connections will be constructed with the development of the properties in the area.
4. Dogwood Road/Crimson Bay Road: In the future, MnDOT may restrict Crimson Bay
Road to a "right-in/right-out. At the present time, Crimson Bay Road does not connect to
Dogwood Road. A future street connection will be needed to provide better access to
Crimson Bay Road.
5. Carver Beach Road Conditions: Chanhassen's Carver Beach neighborhood was one ofthe
first residential developments on Lotus Lake. This area consists of smaller lots and
substandard rights-of-way. Drainage problems occur due to topography and a lack of storm
sewer facilities in some portions of the area. Improvement of existing conditions can only
occur in a comprehensive manner involving the reconstruction of both streets and utility
systems. Because of development constraints, typical street standards may not be achieved in
this area.
7-32
6. Nez Perce/Pleasant View Road Connection: During review ofthe Vineland Forest plat, it
was evident that a connection between Nez PerceILake Lucy Road and Pleasant View Road
was warranted since there was no north/south connection between County Road 17 and
Lotus Lake. Improved access is needed for local trips and to ensure the adequate access for
emergency services. At the same time, there were concerns voiced regarding the
introduction of additional trips onto Pleasant View Road since the street already suffers
from capacity and design constraints. Therefore, it was determined that the Pleasant View
Road intersection should be located as far west as possible at the Peaceful Lane intersection.
7. Timberwood Drive/Stone Creek Court: The neighborhoods ofTimberwood Estates and
Stone Creek are separated by approximately 30 feet of unfinished roads. This connection
would permit the residents ofTimberwood Estates to access the Bluff Creek trail system. In
addition, this connection could provide a secondary access to Timberwood Estates for
residents and emergency vehicles.
8. Kiowa TraWSpringfield Drive: Back-to-back cul-de-sacs were installed at the north end of
Kiowa Trail and the south end of Springfield Drive. The pavement for the northern cul-de-
sac was installed to the project property line. A breakaway barricade was installed to prohibit
thru traffic. The cul-de-sacs were intended to be temporary until either area residents petition
the City to open the connection or new Highway 212 is constructed.
9. Pipewood Lane and W. 620d Street: A secondary access to this area was discussed as part
of the plat for Hidden Creek Meadows. Cathcart Lane is a substandard gravel roadway that
provides emergency access to the area. With the future development of the farmstead, a
public street will connect these roadways.
7.9 ALTERNATIVE MODES
7.9.1 Transit
Although private cars are the most commonly used mode of transportation for Chanhassen
residents, mass transit serves as an important alternative to automobile use and serves as one leg
of a multi-model transportation strategy for the community. Two forms of mass transit, buses
and light rail/commuter rail, are specific components of this plan. Plans for these services are
outlined as follows:
7.9.2 Buses
In late 1986, Chanhassen joined the cities of Eden Prairie and Chaska in the creation of the
SouthWest Transit (SWT) Commission, operated under a joint powers agreement between the
communities, to provide transit service known as SouthWest Transit. The joint powers
agreement is renewable on an annual basis. SWT is governed by a seven person Commission.
Each of the three cities has an appointed member as well as an elected official. The seventh
member is a representative of the riding public. The City will continue to monitor the
7-33
effectiveness of the SouthWest Transit program in providing cost effective transit service to the
City of Chanhassen.
There are several services provided by Southwest Transit:
1. Express Service: This service provides express service for passengers working in downtown
Minneapolis. Riders are picked up at the park and ride lot in Chanhassen and driven to
downtown Minneapolis without stopping. At the end of the workday, the service is reversed
taking passengers back to Chanhassen.
2. Circulator: Circulator bus
service within the three
communities served by
SouthWest Transit was
established in 1997. As an
example, Route 636 provides
hourly service between the
Target park & ride in Chaska and
SouthWest Station. Other routes
provide local service between
Chaska, Chanhassen and Eden
Prairie. This service connects
riders to major destination points
in the three cities.
3. Reverse Commute: To serve businesses in the area, the local Chambers of Commerce
created a Reverse Commute Task Force which in conjunction with other agencies helps
match workers in Minneapolis with businesses in Chanhassen. These routes start in
Minneapolis and bring passengers to job sites in Chanhassen. Starting with only five
passengers in 1992, the program has grown to serve approximately 400 - 450 passengers and
45 - 50 employers. The City's rapid growth as an employment concentration warrants service
to facilitate work trips.
4. Special Routes: SWT has 60 buses and offers service to Downtown and Uptown
Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, Fairview Southdale Hospital, the Mall of
America, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the Minnesota State Fair, the
Metrodome and Southdale Shopping Mall.
5. Other Services: Because the agency's mission is to meet the transit needs ofthe community,
SouthWest Transit provides a variety of other transit opportunities. For example, group rides
are available for a variety of businesses, schools, organizations and others. Whenever
possible, SouthWest Transit provides buses for little or no charge for community purposes in
Chanhassen and other service communities.
7-34
7.9.3 Light Rail Transit (LRT)/Commuter Rail
7.9.3.1 Light Rail Transit
Light rail transit is a mode of transportation that is currently being considered for construction
in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. In 1987, Hennepin County received authorization from
the State Legislature to prepare a Comprehensive LRT System Plan for Hennepin County. The
Hennepin County Board intends to implement light rail transit in the county. Toward that end,
the County established the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority to administer the
system. Hennepin County owns railroad right-of-way from downtown Minneapolis to Victoria
and Chaska. Other counties in the metropolitan area have followed Hennepin County's lead and
have also established railroad authorities.
7.9.3.2 Southwest Corridor Rail Transit
The Southwest Rail Transit Study was a joint effort of the Hennepin County Regional Railroad
Authority (HCRRA) and the cities of Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and
Minneapolis. The purpose of the study was to determine if rail transit is a feasible part of the
overall transportation solution for the southwest metro area. In July 2003, the study concluded
with a recommendation to continue further study of LR T alignments.
The Southwest Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), consisting of elected officials or their
representatives from Hennepin County and the cities of Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Hopkins, St.
Louis Park and Minneapolis, other governmental agencies and area chambers of commerce,
transit agencies, trail agencies and businesses, met six times during the course of the study and
developed a recommendation for consideration by the HCRRA. The Southwest PAC
recommended that study continue for LRT.
In December 2006, the Southwest PAC, developed recommendations for the next project phase.
After comparing benefits, costs and impacts of several LRT and bus rapid transit (BRT)
alternatives, the Southwest PAC recommended three LRT alternatives for further study. The
three LRT alternatives, LRT lA, LRT 3A, and LRT 3C were recommended for retention because
study findings showed that they were superior at addressing the Southwest Transitway goals of
improving mobility, providing a cost-effective and efficient travel option, protecting the
environment, preserving the quality of life, and supporting economic development. Each of the
three LRT alternatives would be expected to carry more riders, attract more new riders to the
transit system, be more cost-effective, more operationally efficient, provide transit service to
those most in need, provide connections to workplaces, medical facilities, shopping centers and
other activity centers in the southwest area, and create opportunities for further economic
development in the southwest area communities. All three alternatives incorporate the use of
former rail lines now owned by the county railroad authority and would complement existing
biking/walking trails.
7-35
--\ '-~-'
,-- ' ,
~ ,\ ...-. -." , ,.,,'
"V~' . :1,," . .."SIrMI;r' ...
.-- - -' .~! .
I '.-
\ ~., , ._ 'lIIh_~
,';""~'R'" . I :,2ItI_\"
. "'~\.' - '{( ..... .@,.......,..",.,
21.'_-" ;-', :"" L-"';
, I, r....,.,,! ' '.,
.''1 , II " " ,
. Wooluu !, Il lY"d* . .~.;
...,..........--,-- -". ;4..---_"'-'_0': *-ShIII ,-- - .
.....~ \ . : ~~l '.~:f':'" Ucmwn ;
.', \ 'l ~, " ....,:::'":'.0'_,,,. \
~.f -:~~':. F.'.: ';..:;~o.'!~fi.~"'~; ~TrMSIlw8r
.........~r\ . AII8matIvft~
~l ~ .4.~'" ...., :
.., ",~". ._"_ ___...L____..'.'
,~-::.. \ "
,/ \!">' I
, , /- ~ Shody Ooll
i -1{" " ",-, '". -..:" ,
; 0.... \-.., \
~ -...~,I. \ ~ _; ~
.----- '--::;-p-_,..nc.;_ ~-":
. / ~12 P,; \
I. IJ'
.. ~TriorogIo .._..,...._
'.. ~,!. __lln.............
,J! . Fl ......... lAf JC.....
I f.... ~ = · -
I \.:.,::>, ~ 0 ,..............
;~5 _ ".- . .~..: ~: . _ i...;. _:: _ " _ ....
['J () }- - ,--.. "--,,".' . -----., '. , -,-_.,.- '--- 0 ~
I . ,....r-:...O'~~..:-'---,-;,/.l.....-'." ',-.. .,/..-' "'. - .-
,- .F! ',' . M--
I ~~_~~._E_~~~'~__~__._i _ ._m.________ ---
AlTERNAT1Y'IS LRT,A LRT 3A LRT3C
2030 Rld...hlp 23,Scn 27.000 28,100 .
2tl3D Mr. AltIeri UOO BOD UOO
2015 C.pil., CM' $S55 milllDlI Sl.1llillloll S1,"lIilllon
2015 OP"'"11q CMf St21flllllon S U5 millloq St7 mUlio" \
Cotl.(tfectIYf"eSI IItClt! (CEI)- S30 S2ft S30
."
g,
\
S" --
" I
c
:=l
~
\
\. ~ ~.
On February 13, 2007, HCRRA accepted a recommendation from the Southwest PAC and
authorized staff to issue a request for proposals for a draft environmental impact statement
(DEIS) for light rail transit in the Southwest Corridor. This action followed a formal public
hearing held on January 23 at an HCRRA meeting where several citizens testified. Comments
reflected issues that were raised at open houses and citizen meetings over the past several
months, including concerns about environmental impacts and mitigation strategies, statements of
preferred alignments, and support for moving forward to develop a light rail line expeditiously.
The Metropolitan Council is undertaking a Transit Master Plan to look at LRT throughout the
metropolitan area. They have identified corridors that will be modeled in the Transit Master Plan
process. Corridor Review Assignments: The corridors were assigned for review as follows:
1. Anoka- Central Avenue LRT, Cambridge CR
2. Carver/SW- TC&W Commuter Rail, SW LRT Extension
3. Dakota- CSAH 42 LRT, Farmington Rail Spur CR
4. Hennepin-29th S1. LRT, Delano CR, HCRRA Victoria LRT, Hutchinson CR, 1-394,
1-494 SW, Monticello CR
5. Ramsey- 35W N LRT, Ford Pkwy-Snelling, Ford Plant Spur, Riverview, "Rush Line" LRT to
Maplewood, NE Diagonal, 1-94 East LRT, Hudson-Roberts Commuter Rail
7-36
6. Washington- Canadian National CR, TH36 LRT Met Council- Nicollet Ave. LRT (to 106th
8t), Downtown Express connection, 494/694 beltway
As part of the process, communities were requested to identify the locations of stations/park and
rides on corridors. The location of stations and park and rides are needed to do the ridership
modeling. But the exact station location is not as important, as part of the study, since the
ridership forecasting model only needs to have the location to the closest T AZ, which covers a
larger geographic area. The City will continue to work with the Metropolitan Council to
determine the exact LRT station and park and ride locations along the corridors consistent with
the future development of the community.
Tl'ansltway Corridors
~mmutQr Rail and
CXHJicatQd Busway,lRT
General Station Locations
S!;J!IC'f1 kx,l~;OI'S _'l't .:iDPf\j~If"t,1!(.t1
b:lg,.'f',.....;'lilJf'.1.1)0Isp0:ll,cl,x.,'I.OO....
Transltway Corridor
- SW ExtenslOn- Hwy212
P'5f<Jrenc~ Larers
. Of.- S~
,...., c.-C~.r"~'COf'ridO'S
,....., Ol"lerLRTlBusw'"1Corridon
""'-' t-liQt'..~
""-~,~,_, Mhot~I.
........&fQ~
--"....
~..-.-.c-.~----.___s....
~CDo,o-.,~'-UlwIlt..,.....wr
July 2007 ~
- MI~s
o 0.5 1 2
-_....._~ ...~..~.II
~,,~
Within Chanhassen, the LRT corridor follows the new TH 212 corridor. The City has requested
that the Metropolitan Council also look at the southern HCRRA corridor should the study
proceed to a second phase. The City supports the continued investigation ofthe use ofLRT in
meeting the travel needs of the community, the region and the state.
7.9.3.3 Commuter Rail
The City supports the continuing investigation of commuter rail as a transportation alternative for
the community, the region, and the state. The Twin City & Western Line, which runs through the
heart of Chanhassen, is currently under consideration as a possible route. The City has advised
the Metropolitan Council that any commuter rail station located within Chanhassen would need
to be located between Market Boulevard and Great Plains Boulevard in downtown Chanhassen,
7-37
rather than at Galpin Boulevard, since the downtown location meets the standards of the transit-
oriented development (TOD).
The core area of the TOD is a relatively dense mixed-use development and constitutes from one-
tenth to one-half the total TOD area. The main characteristics include:
· Residential (20 to 30 percent ofthe TOD area),
· Employment uses (20 to 30 percent ofthe TOD area), and
· Civic uses (about 10 percent ofthe TOD area).
Commuter rail is primarily oriented toward commuter service to outer suburban regions, and as a
result, it typically serves longer trips than most light and heavy rail transit lines. Commuter rail
trains are normally made up of a locomotive and several passenger coaches. Commuter rail
vehicles have an on-board operator who adjusts vehicle speed in response to traffic conditions
and railway signaling requirements. Commuter rail vehicles have the ability to share track with
freight trains and other intercity passenger services such as Amtrak.
In 1997, the Minnesota Legislature instructed the Minnesota Department of Transportation
(MnDOT) to conduct a feasibility study to determine if the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area could
support commuter rail service. Out of 19 rail corridors studied, six proved to be feasible of
supporting commuter rail. Those six lines were divided into two tiers. Tier I included the
Northstar Corridor between Minneapolis and 81. Cloud., the Red Rock Corridor between
Minneapolis and Hastings and the Dan Patch Corridor between Minneapolis and Lakeville. Tier
II included the Bethel Corridor, the Rush Line Corridor and the Norwood-Young America
Corridor. The City supports the classification of the Norwood-Young America Corridor as a Tier
I commuter rail corridor.
transltway Corridors
~mmuter Rail MId
DfHIiCMfld Buswar/LRT
: GeMral Stnian Loutions
S~YII'.ll...._.r"')('~ ;t.(.1jotY,......JI'l..IL'd
',--. " \{l!.'<'I"..rll;lh',l.f\/:I'>f"-,,,!,cl<x,"'J()f1">
4r mm r .CS,~
) ~ I
Trsnsllway Corrldor
- TC&W Commuter Ral
P~'e'~r>ce Lal"e'f'S
. ~-
...... OPlHC~Fl"~
........ OthwlRT18_..,.C~
"'"' -.,.
I '"
L~____~_ _~,_
"-,--,M1_~,
Ubol......
--.....
~......_o..a.____
-----~<<.._-
July 2007 ~
MIeo
o 2 4 8
.,.--.. -~'--II
...~
7-38
In January 1999, MnDOT presented the results of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Commuter Rail
Feasibility Study to the Minnesota Legislature. After hearing those results, the legislature passed
M.S. 174.80 to 174.90 which gave the Commissioner of MnDOT the authority to plan, design,
construct, and operate commuter rail in the State of Minnesota. Further, the Commissioner was
charged with the responsibility of developing a commuter rail system plan that would ensure that,
ifbuilt, commuter rail would be part of an integrated transportation system that would interface
with all other forms oftransportation including LRT, buses, park and ride, bicycles, and
pedestrians. In developing the Commuter Rail System Plan, MnDOT has built on the results
from the Twin Cities Metropolitan Commuter Rail Feasibility Study and in particular the
implementation strategy presented in the final report.
Commuter Rail
System
Commuter Rail System Plan
c:::::::::> Northstar Corridor
Red Rock Corridor
4111I111I1 Dan Patch Corridor
_ Bethel Corridor
_ NorwoodlYoung America Corridor
_ Rush Une Corridor
_ High Speed Rail (up to 110 MPH)
J'["l:~~~ISOI:, -to
! %
(: .,
(.-1-,. l'
OF ll\~
High Speed
Service to
Milwaukee
Chicago
Detroit
Cleve lend
Cincinnati
St. Louis
and more.
7.9.4 Park-and-Ride
Chanhassen currently maintains a park-and ride-stop on Market Street Station in downtown
Chanhassen. Southwest Transit is locating a park and ride stop at the TH 10l/TH 312
interchange in conjunction with the construction of Highway 312.
7-39
7.9.5 Travel Demand Management
Travel Demand Management (TDM) programs will also provide an opportunity to reduce travel
demand on the regional highway system. The employment concentrations anticipated for the
area, particularly in the office complexes, provide the City with a tremendous opportunity to
implement TDM programs. As part of its standard approval process, the City will work with
new employers locating in the study area to ensure that employers will:
1. Promote carpooling by providing information on carpooling and vanpooling to employees on
a regular basis, providing preferential parking and guaranteed-ride home;
2. Encourage employees to participate in Minnesota Rideshare's ride-matching program;
3. Rail Corridors offer employees flexible work hours and set a goal to reduce peak hour trips
by 10 percent; and
4. Participate in a Travel Demand Management Organization specifically set up for major
employers. This group will consider TDM measures that require cooperation among several
employers such as, but not limited to:
. staggered start times
. van-pools
. trip reduction goals
. transit subsidies
In addition, every employer, regardless of size, will be required to provide a convenient
carpool/vanpool drop-off site that does not interfere with other traffic. This drop-off site will be
consistent with applicable Americans with Disability Act requirements. The City may allow a
group of employers to provide a shared drop-off site as long as the site is accessible to all
participating employers.
It will be the goal of the City to reduce peak hour trip generation to and from the study area by
10 percent through the use of a combination of transit service and TDM programs. The City
supports investigation ofTDM strategies to reduce trip levels on area roads. The City will be
advocating the development of a multi-community, multi-county partnership with the business
community to promote these strategies.
7.9.6 Airports
There are no existing or planned airports within the City of Chanhassen. Commercial air service
is available at Twin Cities International Airport and general aviation is available at Flying Cloud
Airport in Eden Prairie. Flying Cloud Airport is approximately 4 miles east of the City of
Chanhassen.
7-40
Despite the lack of airports in Chanhassen, the City has two primary aviation concerns: first-
physical obstructions are controlled, and second - seaplane operations. At present, the tallest
manmade structures within Chanhassen are the City's water towers, which average 135 feet.
Structures less than 200 feet are not considered obstructions under State rules. Radio towers are
the only potential structures that may exceed the 200- foot threshold. If proposals for towers
occur, the city will require that they comply with all federal, state, and local requirements.
Lakes Minnewashta and Riley are used by seaplanes. To date, there have been few conflicts
between boat traffic and seaplane usage. Continued usage in these areas is not viewed as a major
issue due to the small number of aircraft and off-peak hour operation by their owners. If in the
future the numbers of aircraft increases or the potential for serious usage conflicts occurs, the
City may work with state and regional authorities to limit or ban seaplane usage.
7.9.7 Trails and Sidewalks
While discussed primarily as part of the recreation element in the Comprehensive Plan, the City
desires to be pedestrian-friendly. To accomplish this, the City must assure that City
improvements and private developments provide pedestrian and bicycle linkages. An integral
component of the transportation system is the pedestrian and bicycle sidewalks and trails. The
City continues to plan for an extensive trail system throughout the community. These trails will
provide linkages between individual neighborhoods as well as connecting these neighborhoods to
the rest of the community. As new development is proposed and reviewed, the City will
continue to require that these pedestrian linkages be included as part of the development.
7.10 RELATIONSHIP OF THE TRANSPORTATION PLAN TO THE
METROPOLITAN SYSTEM
In 2006, the Metropolitan Council issued a Systems Information Statement to the City of
Chanhassen. The City was encouraged to address issues identified in the Statement and to ensure
that planning in Chanhassen was consistent with the Metropolitan Council's newly revised
Transportation Policy Plan. This section is intended to identify how the revisions to the City's
Transportation Plan support the Metropolitan Council's Plan.
As the region continues to grow, utilization ofthe metropolitan highway system is expected to
increase. In some cases, these facilities will become congested. Due to the regional function that
these facilities perform, many of the factors affecting segments that are in the City of Chanhassen
are beyond the City's control. Nevertheless, the City supports the desire to resolve transportation
issues by coordinating its own efforts with those of adjacent communities, Carver County,
MnDDT and the Metropolitan Council.
To this effect, the City has undertaken a comprehensive approach for dealing with these
transportation issues. This approach considers the following methods for dealing with current
and future problems: (1) an updated roadway plan, (2) support of regional programs and
activities; and (3) initiation ofa TDM program. The City's approach to each of these is described
below:
7-41
1. The City has adopted a Transportation Plan that recognizes the need to support the
metropolitan highway system. The major elements of the new plan are:
. An arterial and collector system spaced in accordance with Metropolitan Council
guidelines contained in the Transportation Policy Plan.
. An arterial system that provides both east/west and north/south continuity between the
City of Chanhassen and adjacent communities, thus providing alternatives to the
metropolitan system for medium- and long-distance inter-community trips.
. Arterial and collector roadways that are parallel to the metropolitan system, thus
providing alternate routes for short and medium length trips and eliminate them from the
metropolitan system.
2. The City of Chanhassen supports Metropolitan Council and MnDOT plans to improve the
metropolitan transportation system in the following areas:
. The city will coordinate site-specific installations with MnDOT in order to develop
geometric designs at access streets that will accommodate the resulting queues and reduce
the traffic impacts on the local street system.
. The City supports the efforts of MnDOT to construct a new Minnesota River Crossing.
7.11 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Previous sections have examined future travel demand, have suggested guidelines for developing
a Transportation Plan, and have recommended a Plan that is responsive to these considerations.
This section concentrates on examining the steps necessary to implement the Transportation
Plan. It discusses a general strategy for moving from 2007 to the future in accomplishing the
plan.
7.11.1 Transportation Plan Adoption
By adopting the Transportation Plan, the City Council will establish the guidelines by which
decisions regarding transportation facilities will be made in Chanhassen. It should be revised as
necessary to respond to changing conditions and needs. The City should periodically review the
assumptions under which the plan was developed, including estimates of future development,
population trends, changing financial resources, energy considerations, and citizen and
governmental input, and update the plan accordingly.
The plan should be circulated widely so that residents and the business community are aware of
the opportunities and limitations that the plan provides, thus enabling all interested parties to plan
with full knowledge.
7-42
7.11.2 Jurisdictional Realignment Process
In general, it is good policy that Carver County and the State (MnDOT) assume responsibility for
the arterial system, and that the City assume responsibility for the collector and local street
systems. This is, to a large extent, the situation in Chanhassen. Currently, Carver County has not
accepted the turnback ofTH 101 between TH 5 and Lyman Boulevard. Other roadways that are
under consideration for jurisdiction change include:
1. County Road 117 (Galpin Boulevard) from TH 5 to the north City limit (turnback
from County to City): This roadway is designated as a local collector street and does not
function to serve regional or inter-county type traffic.
2. Old TH 212 from West City Limit to East City Limit: With the construction of new
TH 212, old TH 212 would then revert to function as an "A" Minor Arterial and revert to
County jurisdiction.
3. TH 5 and TH 41: The TSP developed by MnDOT indicated that all non-principal arterial
routes in the metropolitan area should be considered for turnback. This included both TH 5
and TH 41. These routes currently playa critical role in the region. A jurisdictional change
should not be considered unless a new river crossing is made linking new TH 212 and TH
169.
7.11.3 Access Management
The City of Chanhassen, through its ordinances, has authority to approve developments
contiguous to city streets. As part of this process, the City will work with MnDOT and Carver
County on managing access to all arterial and important collector routes within the City. Access
management will help maintain mobility and provide increased safety for route users. Access
guidelines will be developed as part of the Carver County Transportation Plan. The City will
assist in this process by carefully considering any parcel splits along arterial corridors, promoting
frontage roadways to serve developments rather than direct access. In addition, the city will
make available any access guidelines to developers so that they are aware oflimitations prior to
beginning preliminary platting of property.
7.11.4 Establish Improvement Programs
An overall strategy of improvement, tempered by fiscal constraints, begins with an analysis of
key intersection capacity improvement projects, safety improvements and the protection of access
by establishing strict standards and by designating necessary right-of-way. Identifying future
needs for facility rights-of-way followed by timely "set-aside" programs will, in the long run,
save the community much in the way of financial resources. Roadway improvements should also
be geared toward providing for transit needs, particularly in the area of meeting turning radii,
traffic signals and adequate roadway structure. It should be pointed out that non-motorized travel
needs must also be carefully considered. Chanhassen will continue its policy of designating
sufficient right-of-way to provide for sidewalk and bikeway needs.
7-43
7.11.5 Sources of Funding
Roadways under City jurisdiction are maintained by the City's Department of Public Works.
Rehabilitation and reconstruction projects are typically performed by a contractor under
supervision ofthe City's Engineering Department. Funding for these activities, including the
administrative costs of operating the department, is obtained from a variety of sources including
ad valorem taxes, special assessments, development fees, Municipal State Aid, state and federal
project funding and tax increment financing. A major concern of the City is the availability of
sufficient funds for maintenance and reconstruction activities. If funds are unavailable, needed
projects may be delayed or terminated and maintenance of existing facilities may fall short of
acceptable standards. The following discussion explains the existing sources of funding and
potential new sources of revenue.
7.11.5.1
State Aid
An extremely important source of revenue to the City is state-aid. A network of city streets
called Municipal State-Aid Streets is eligible for funding assistance with revenue from the
Highway User Tax Distribution Fund. This fund acts as a distribution or tax clearance fund, and
tax income received into the fund is transferred to various transportation-related funds for
expenditure. The fund receives revenue from two principal sources: 1) gasoline taxes, and
2) vehicle registration taxes. These two sources are permanently dedicated to this fund.
Ninety-five percent of the net proceeds ofthe Highway User Tax Distribution Fund are
distributed annually according to a constitutionally mandated formula: 62 percent to the Trunk
Highway Fund, 29 percent to the County State-Aid Highway Fund, and 9 percent to the
Municipal State-Aid Street Fund.
7.11.5.2
Assessments
Property that benefits from a roadway scheduled for improvement may be assessed for a portion
of the cost of construction. In order to assess a property owner, it must be demonstrated that the
value of their property will increase by at least the amount of the assessment. For this reason, it
is a limited source of revenue. It is also limited by the almost certain requirement that the
property must have access to the roadway. It is difficult to show direct benefit to a property that
is not contiguous. Nevertheless, this is an important source of revenue for the City.
7.11.5.3
Ad Valorem Taxes
If 20 percent of the cost of a city project can be assessed to the adjacent property owners, the
remaining cost of the project can be added to the ad valorem or property taxes of the remaining
property owners in the City. Ad valorem taxes for street improvements are excluded from the
state mandated levy limits.
7-44
7.11.5.4
Property Tax Funding
The seven metropolitan counties - through their regional railroad authorities - are authorized by
state statute to impose levies on real estate of up to a maximum of 0.04835% of market valuation
to pay for capital and/or operating costs of passenger rail service.
7.11.5.5
Tax Increment Financing
Establishing a tax increment financing (TIF) district is a method of funding infrastructure
improvements that are needed immediately using the additional tax revenue to be generated in
future years by a specific development. Municipal bonds are issued against this future revenue
which is dedicated for a period of years to the repayment of the bonds or to other improvements
within the TIF project area. When used appropriately, a TIF district can accelerate economic
development in an area by ensuring that the needed infrastructure is in place without requiring
support from the usual funding. This method of financing has already been used successfully in
the City of Chanhassen and is expected to be used again in selected areas in the future.
7.11.6 Potential Sources of Revenue
Revenues available from current sources of funding are not always sufficient to meet highway
maintenance and construction needs. In order to reduce the potential shortfall of revenue, other
sources of funding need to be considered.
7.11.6.1 Impact Fees: Impact fees are assessed to individual developers as property is
improved. An attempt is made to determine what impact the additional traffic will have on
roadways both near the development and away from it. The cost associated with improving the
roadway system sufficiently to handle the additional traffic is assessed to the developer.
7.11.6.2 Road Access Charge: Impact fees are assessed after an attempt is made to determine
the specific impacts of a specific development. A road access charge would be assessed all new
development based on the trip generation rate of the new development but without documenting
specific impacts. Revenues from this funding source would be used to construct or improve
arterial and collector streets in the jurisdiction collecting the tax. New legislation would be
required for this type of funding mechanism to be implemented. Cities are in a position to assess
these fees because of their zoning and development authority.
7.11.6.3 Transportation Utility Billing: Under the concept of a municipal transportation
utility, all properties would be subject to a periodic fee (i.e., monthly, quarterly), based upon the
number of vehicle-trips generated by the type of property. This revenue would then be used for
transportation improvements that produce community-wide benefits including the reconstruction
of existing roads and preventive maintenance to reduce deterioration. Such a fund would be
especially useful for the maintenance of collector streets which are under the city's jurisdiction,
particularly when it is difficult to show enough direct benefit to adjacent property owners to be
able to charge an assessment. The periodic nature of the utility billing would also provide a
stable source of income to support a regular maintenance program for the entire street system.
7-45
Such a utility would be administered by individual cities, with each city deciding on their own
fee structure. At the present time, this sort of revenue source is not permitted by the state, but
efforts are underway to persuade the State Legislature to pass legislation allowing the cities to
obtain revenue in this way.
7.11.6.4 Wheelage Tax: Any city (Minnesota Statutes Section 426.05) or the Metropolitan
Council (Minnesota Statutes Section 163.051) may impose an annual wheelage tax upon motor
vehicles using the public streets or highways.
7.11.7 Local Planning Policies
Chanhassen has different policies pertaining to construction standards for urban versus rural local
streets. Urban roadways are required to dedicate 60 feet of right-of-way for local streets and
31- foot wide roadway width. Rural roadways are also required to have a bituminous surfacing
24 feet wide contained within a 60 foot right-of-way. Right-of-way widths may be reduced to
50 feet if there is extenuating environmental or physical constraints on a property.
Current City policy also allows the construction of private streets. Up to four single-family
residences may be served via a private street if it is demonstrated to be unfeasible or unnecessary to
construct a public street. In such cases, 30 feet of easement is required with the roadway consisting
of a 20-foot wide paved surface. Multi-family private streets require 24 feet of paved surface
within a 40-foot easement. Commercial, industrial, and office development may be served by
26-foot wide paved private streets within 40-foot wide access easements.
7.11.8 Pavement management:
Historically, the emphasis for growing communities has been building roads and implementing
preventative maintenance due to the relatively new network system, but as street networks age, the
new focus is on maintaining and preserving existing pavement surfaces. A pavement management
program is a systematic approach to using a series of pavement treatment options over time. One
treatment at the right time will improve the quality of the pavement surface and extend the
pavement life, but the true benefits of the pavement management program are realized when there
is a consistent schedule.
An effective pavement management program integrates many preventative maintenance strategies,
rehabilitation and reconstruction treatments. The goal of such a program is to extend pavement life
and enhance system-wide performance in a cost-effective and efficient way. Studies show that
preventative maintenance is six to ten times more cost effective then a minimal maintenance
program with only some rehabilitation and reconstruction maintenance strategies used.
There are three main types of pavement treatment options:
. Preventive Maintenance: This item includes filling potholes, sealing cracks and seal coating.
7-46
. Rehabilitation: Preformed to correct deficiencies that occur in pavements such as extensive
cracking and potholing. This type of maintenance includes mill and overlays.
. Reconstructive: This item is preformed when corrective maintenance is no longer
appropriate.
7-47
rIl
...
=
~
a
~
>
o
""
S-
~
-
~
...
....
c.
~
U
rf)
1::
il)
5
>
o
I-<
]
\O~
il) ...
~.~
E-<U
~
1""'4
1""'4
r.:
~g
~q
.....
N
"l
~
<I)
~g
~q
It)
.....
'l".
~
<I)
~g
~q
It)
N
~
~
.,.
~g
~q
o
00
"l
~
00
00
00
ou;
o <X>
0(')
e
N
.,. .,.
.,.
'l"o
~q
o
C')
"l
~
.,.
"'0
~q
It)
00
N.
~
<I)
~g
~q
~
"t
~
<I)
::g
~q
o
o
N.
~
.,.
00
~q
o
o
q
~
o 0
o 0
o 0
elri
000
0'"
Iri
<I) .,.
<I)
OlOO
000
~qq
00
00
C')~
~o)
<I) <I)
000
00
~q
o
o
~
'<f
o 0
00
o 0
can
It) 00
~'"
<I)
<I) <I)
~g 88
~q 00
to ..00
C') oo~
'l" '"
'<f
.,. fh .,.
N
N
:I:
_00 J-;"
c~ ~
~~.~c~
~~~~'::
~~a:Q)-6
E""E ~ :6'(f)2
- nJ 0 r:::
a; ijj:CE.lll a
Q) - ..:: "'0
c?5~8c'E
timc:oE8
'~E~~~IO
d:~3'~~~
o
o
o
Iri
~
o
o
o
N
q
~
<I)
<I)
o
o
o
Iri
00
'"
o
o
o
e
<D
~
~
<I)
<I)
o
o
o
Iri
00
(')
o
o
o
e
~
~
.,.
fh
o
o
o
Iri
<D
~
N
<I)
o
o
o
Iri
<X>
C')
o
o
o
Iri
r::.
~
<I)
fh
o
o
o
Iri
00
C')
o
o
o
e
.....
~
~
fh
fh
o
o
o
Iri
00
'"
o
o
o
Iri
N
~
~
fh
<I)
o
o
o
Iri
00
'"
o
o
o
Iri
<X>
"l
~
fh
00
-.:t
I
t"--
fh
o
o
o
Iri
00
N
...:
fh
o
o
o
Iri
00
C')
o
o
o
Iri
<X>
.....
e
~
fh
fh
o
o
o
Iri
'"
<D
'<f
fh
o
o
q
c;;
<X>
'<f
fh
'"
"0
I-