PC Minutes 10-05-21Planning Commission Minutes – October 5, 2021
2
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.
Planning Commission Minutes – October 5, 2021
3
Commissioner Skistad noted regarding the 20-foot private roads and parking on only one side,
there have been situations in other neighborhoods where there has not been adequate parking and
she wants to be sure they don’t run into those same problems here.
Ms. Aanenson noted the Applicant could speak to that as they have similar developments in
other areas of the metro.
Commissioner Johnson noted he has a conflict of interest on the issue and will step out for any
further discussion.
Vice Chair von Oven asked if it is common to have public utilities in a private street.
Mr. Henricksen replied yes, and they have to be covered by public drainage and utility easements
which allows the City to maintain those utilities.
Commissioner Reeder asked if this modifies the overall PUD to provide more or less housing.
Ms. Aanenson noted they are following the plan that was approved in 2020; any changes made
would have to go through a PUD amendment. Right now, they are consistent with what was
approved.
Mark Nordland, Applicant, noted the neighborhood meeting was fairly well attended and they
spoke about what will happen on the property lines, grading, etc. Regarding roads, they will
work with the Fire Department for safety. At most, 1-2 homes would be open before the
pavement is fully finished, but the goal and plan are to have it fully finished. Mr. Nordland said
on Mills Drive, parking is on both sides of the street and the private drive would have parking on
one side only. Each home will accommodate two vehicles in the driveway, as well as plenty of
parking within Avienda itself.
Rick Denman, Charles Cudd Homes, is a luxury home builder and said the homes will have a
Homeowners Association, and the homes will range in size from 2,200-3,500 square feet,
ranging in price from the high $600,000’s to the mid $800,000 range. On the south side, the
sizes and prices will range a bit higher. Mr. Denman showed similar models on screen, noting
interiors and exteriors are beautiful. He stated they are excited to be in Chanhassen with this
development.
Commissioner Skistad asked what demographic they are expecting.
Mr. Denman replied these townhomes are primarily empty-nester focused with main floor living.
Vice Chair von Oven opened the public hearing.
Vice Chair von Oven closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Skistad moved, Commissioner Noyes seconded that the Chanhassen
Planning Commission recommends that the City Council approve the Subdivision of 40+
Planning Commission Minutes – October 5, 2021
4
acres into 39 lots and six outlots, Avienda Townhomes, plans prepared by Landform dated
September 8, 2021, subject to the Conditions of Approval and adopts the attached Findings
of Facts and Decision.
All voted in favor and the motion carried with a vote of 5 to 0. Commissioner Johnson
recused himself from this item.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
Commissioner Noyes noted one typo on the minutes where it says present and absent, both say
“present.”
Commissioner Noyes noted the summary Minutes of the Planning Commission meeting
dated September 21, 2021 as amended.
CITY COUNCIL ACTION UPDATE:
Ms. Aanenson noted upcoming items on the Planning Commission agenda.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Alto moved to adjourn the meeting. The Planning Commission meeting was
adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
Submitted by Kate Aanenson
Community Development Director
Prepared by Jean M. Steckling