PC Minutes 10-5-21CHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
OCTOBER 5, 2021
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice Chairman von Oven called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Skistad, Eric Noyes, Mark von Oven, Erik Johnson, Doug
Reeder, and Kelsey Alto.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Steven Weick.
STAFF PRESENT: Kate Aanenson, Community Development Director; Erik Henricksen,
Project Engineer.
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Edgar Crespo 7205 Hazeltine Boulevard
Robert Billiet Mid MN Septic Services
Mark Nordland Level 7 Development
Vice Chair von Oven reviewed guidelines for conducting Planning Commission meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING:
CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A SEPTIC SYSTEM VARIANCE ON PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 7205 HAZELTINE BOULEVARD
Community Development Director Aanenson gave a presentation, noting the property is zoned
residential, is a non-conforming lot, and has a septic system 10 feet from the property line and 20
feet from the dwelling. There are disturbed soils on the site and the septic system is failing. The
proposed project is to install a Type IV septic system utilizing a pre-treatment; the justification
for the variance is that the existing septic system is failing, the topography limits the viable
locations, the required setback limits the viable locations, and the disturbed soils location affects
where it can be placed. Staff recommends approval of the variance.
Commissioner Reeder asked if there is access to City services.
Ms. Aanenson replied no, there is no ability to connect to City services.
Commissioner Skistad asked what the lot size requirement is for a well and septic within the city.
Ms. Aanenson replied typically they are 2.5 acres, although there are some smaller lots that have
well and septic.
Commissioner Skistad asked if they know when sewer and water will be available in this area.
Planning Commission Minutes – October 5, 2021
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Ms. Aanenson does not know when it would extend down the corridor.
Vice Chair von Oven opened the public hearing.
Vice Chair von Oven closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Johnson moved, Commissioner Reeder seconded that the Chanhassen
Planning Commission recommends that the Chanhassen Board of Appeals and
Adjustments approves the variance request to utilize a Type IV septic system, subject to
the conditions of approval and adopts the Findings of Facts and Decision.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
PUBLIC HEARING:
CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL FOR AVIENDA
TOWNHOMES
Community Development Director Aanenson gave a presentation and stated this is the first phase
of the Avienda project. The intention is to create 39 lots and six outlots, with density of 3-6
units/acre. This is part of the PUD so it is governed by those architectural standards. As part of
the PUD, the City looked at densities and Ms. Aanenson said it is always the City’s intention to
create a transition between the existing single-family homes and this development. Therefore, the
plans has been to have detached townhomes. Ms. Aanenson showed the landscaping plan,
including a transition buffer of 90+ trees, as well as the architectural design.
Project Engineer, Erik Henricksen, shared about grading, drainage, private/public streets, and
public utilities within the proposed development. The developer has been mass grading the site
to prepare it for build-out. Mr. Henricksen noted there was a neighborhood meeting the previous
day. The Applicant is proposing two private streets and the extension of one public street (Mills
Drive); these generally meet the standards set forth in City ordinance for street design and would
meet the 7-ton design. Staff is recommending that the intersections of public and private streets
are installed with a concrete apron and valley gutter to give a better visual cue to drivers that it is
a private street. ADA curb ramps will be required at all intersections. Mr. Henricksen spoke
about sewer and water, noting water will be looped and tied into existing utilities and previously
approved utilities which are being extended. All sanitary sewer and water mains will be publicly
owned and maintained.
Ms. Aanenson noted there is close proximity to two parks for these townhomes, and there is
walkability and open space within the development.
Commissioner Reeder asked to see the road access into the townhomes.
Mr. Henricksen replied in order to get to these townhomes, Avienda Parkway and Bluff Creek
Boulevard are proposed to be the access points. The goal is to have the roads ready before
someone can move in.