1979 10 10
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - October 10, 1979
-
Roman Roos called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M., with the following members
present: Clark Horn, Pat Swenson, Tom Droegemueller
Members absent were: Walter Thompson, Jack Bell.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Clark Horn moved to accept the minutes of the August 29, 1979, Planning Commission
Meeting. Motion seconded by Pat Swenson and approved.
Clark Horn moved to accept the minutes of the September 19, 1979, Planning
Commission Meeting. Motion seconded by Tom Droegemueller and approved.
Pat Swenson moved to note the September 4, 1979, City Council minutes. Motion
seconded by Clark Horn and approved.
Tom Droegemueller moved to note the September 11, 1979, City Council ~inutes.
Motion seconded by Clark Horn and approved.
Pat Swenson moved to note the September 17, 1979, City Council minutes. Motion
seconded by Clark Horn and approved.
Clark Horn moved to accept the minutes of the September 12, 1979, Planning
_ Commission Meeting. Motion seconded by Pat Swenson and approved.
SKETCH PLAN REVIEW, MC MULLEN SUBDIVISION REQUEST
The applicant is requesting to subdivide a 25 acre parcel into five residential
building sites and one outlot. It is presently zoned R-la.
Doug Hanson gave a presentation stating the location is at the northeast
terminous of W. 86th Street.
Roman Roos stated that the questions of the streets, frontage on the streets,
cul-de-sac, are common issues brought forth by the ordinance,and these should be
addressed before it comes back to the Planning Commission.
Bob Waibel presented the Planning Report dated October 8, 1979. He stated his
office feels that there is insufficient grounds for considering any variances to
the issues presented, however, before the preliminary plat stage, he would recommend
that the Planning Commission direct staff to investigate as to any possible measures
that can be taken by the applicant to bring the proposal in compliance with the
spirit and intent of the Subdivision Ordinance.
The cul-de-sac and public streets were discussed. Mr. Hanson stated there are no
immediate plans for the outlot.
-
Roman Roos asked what the topography of the land on Outlot C is. Mr. Hanson said
it is going up hill.
Mr. Roos said a point
required the land
paper point of view.
the Marsh land area.
to consider is that in all proposals in the past they have
to run all the way across the development, strictly from a
We have done this with every proposal that has comein with
The length of the cul-de-sac, in this case if the street
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - October 10, 1979
Page 2
-
going along 86th is extended and dedicated, that cul-de-sac length would not be
totally out of proportion. in terms of what the ordinance stipulates.
SITE PLAN REVIEVJ - OFFICE WAREHOUSE, LOTS 1 AND 2,
BLOCK 2, BURDICK PARK ADDITION
The applicant is proposing to construct two 15,000 square foot industrial facilities
containing office and warehouse uses on lots 1 and 2, block 2, Burdick Park. The
property is located in the southeast quadrant of Picha Drive and Mandan Drive.
The property is zoned I-I, industrial district.
Bob Waibel gave the staff report on this. He stated at the staff discussions, it
was decided due to the HRA tax increment district and redevelopment plan and the
IRB proposal, that this be presented for informational purposes at this time, and
Planning Commission defer comment, or decisions until receipt of BRA comments
regarding the proposal in light of the overall redevelopment district, and the
city council comments regarding the industrial revenue bond financing request for
the proposal at hand.
Roman Roos recapped various items which the Planning Commission will be discussing,
curbing, landscaping, parking, screenage of rooftop units and/or ground units,
curb cuts, concrete curbs and gutters, and the variance on the setback.
-
SITE PLAN REVIEVJ, PROPOSED OFFICE BUILDING,
LOT 1, BLOCK 1, BURDICK PARK ADDITION
The applicant is proposing to construct an approximate 8,300 sq. ft. office building
in Lot 1, Block 1 of the Burdick Park Addition. The property is located in the
southeast quadrant of the intersection of Mandan Drive and W. 78th st. The property
is zoned C-2, Commercial District.
Bob Waibel gave the staff report on this. He stated at the staff discussions it
was decided that the Planning Commission receive this item for informational
purposes only at this time and defer comment until the HRA has made their review
and has made comments with reference to their redevelopment concept plan. He
recommended that the Planning Commission advise the applicant to present this
proposal at the next regular HRA meeting.
PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW, CANNONBALL RESTAURANT
MTH 5 AND CSAH 17
e
Mr. James Burdick stated in regard to the green area, there is quite a bit of
green area to the West. There is also quite a bit to the south. He also stated
it was discovered that Highway 16 bituminous is actually on his property on the
corner. He said they are going to try to work a trade off with the County. He
stated there is adequate parking. The plans show that it is rather a rustic
building, with a western motif to it.
Bob Waibel said the main issue with the HRA, he feels, would be the land usage for
this particular property. He stated this site plan has been looked at, and there
probably will be more review of the site plan itself. To complete a site plan review
he needs the capacities of the facility, and architectural rendering.
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - October 10, 1979
Page 3
e
PROPOSED PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIE\~, LAKE SUSAN HILLS
AND CHANHASSEN LAKES NORTH
The applicants are requesting preliminary development plan review for an approx-
imate 760 acres of land for the development of approximately 2,038 residential
units.
Mr. Bob Waibel gave the staff report. He stated in a development of this size
and magnitude, there are some questions that should be looked at by the Planning
Commission, and a review by the City Council. They essentially come back to the
issues pointed out in his report which were long term and community wide in nature.
There was concern about the immediate adequacy of Lake Ann Park, the facilities
there, if there was going to be any capital expansion of the area, or land
expansion of the area, or facilities expansion. There was also mentioned a
potential competition with other areas under development within the city that
could result in developments left unfinished for extended periods of time
with full public improvements. This would put an undue strain as far as
operating and maintenance costs of these services with a less than desirous
absorption level. He stated that the Planning Commission and City Council
should assure themselves that this is managed possibly through phasing, overall
utility plan, etc. He also stated with regard to the ,Comprehensive Plan
current+y being updated, there needs to be an investigation by staff as far
as the allowed sewer flow capacity.
e
He stated with the magnitude of this proposal, he believes that the city should
make certain that the mentioned concerns are not aborragated through an outright
or premature approval of any or all elements of the plans in question. He
recommended that the Planning Commission enter into the record their comments
regarding the issues mentioned, i.e. phasing, utility capacity, land use and
local market competition. He recommended that the subject proposal along with
the Planning Commission comments be referred to the City Council along with a
request for direction and/or conditions upon which any further review of Chanhassen
Lakes North and Lake Susan Hills may proceed.
Mr. Ed Dunn said he wanted to establish the functional validity of their plans,
and then answer some of the market questions. He showed a blow up of Lake Ann
Park that Bob had concern about, stating they show green space, and in general
it is their intention to respect the shore line of Lake Susan also. He said
they sold some land to a farmer, and they don't have that much commercial any
more, they backed off of that. In connection with park land, they have scheduled
a tour with the park committee to see if they agreed that a certain portion of
land constituted a fantastic park system for the city. They are in touch with the
park committee, and will continue to be. He stated, in regard to industrial
parks, they will be taking up other matters relevant to the new proposal in both
areas. They do show some proposed park areas.
e
Mr. Dunn stated there are 770 acres, the total number of dwelling units is just
about 2200, a gross overall density of about 3 units per acre. It will involve
single family residential, medium density residential, and higher density
(such as apartment buildings). They show some estate type lots, they are generally
situated because of the terrain and because of the logical place to stop with the
sewer extension.
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - October 10, 1979
Page 4
-
ffihe sewer capacity availability question was discussed. The sanitary sewer
system in the general area of Lake Susan and Lake Ann was discussed. It was
stated in order to develop the Dunn & Curry property, the extensions that would
have to be made were shown on a drawing. They showed the city's capacities, and
calculated capacities using the densities that were shown on the land use plan,
and they are virtually identical. In some cases, they are putting less into the
proposed trunk than it was set up for. At this time in regard to the estate lots,
they are thinking of these lots as unserviced by a sanitary sewer. As far as
water main trunks in conformance with the general plans of the city, the extensions
could be made through the property very easily. Going back to the sanitary sewer~,
on the north end in the Lake Ann property they propose a lift station.
What they were aiming for on drainage, is the same restriction that the city
imposes and the Water 3hed District imposes, not to allow any rate of runoff that
is greater than the existing natural rate of runoff off the existing land in its
present state. The only way you can do that is by holding ponds, and he stated
they have more than sufficient capacity in all of the major areas to meet that
requirement.
e
Mr. Dunn stated that these are planned developments that they are seeking, they
will be phased. As far as why the densities were selected for the area they were
put, part of it involves topography. In general you will find the single family
has less slopes to cope with. Another consideration is where the heavy traffic
flows, generally speaking they put higher densities near arterials to minimize
the amount of local street travel. These plans have not yet been presented to
Park & Rec, but they are aware of it.
Clark Horn stated he would like to see, the next time this comes around, is lot
sizes indicated. Mr. Dunn said in the plan development and review they don't do
that, they will be. This will go to council, and they will get the input, if the
densities are acceptable, the generalized land uses are acceptable, you feel it
is a creditable plan and it can be made to function, mechanically, then they will
go on from there and they will come back with that approval, and they will then
start coming in with phases. It is contemplated they would then enter into a
plan development contract with the city.
Bob Waibel stated it has been a request of staff over the last few months, that
all developers indicate the individual lot size, plus the overall density layout
of the entire development, at the plan development stage, for ~heplanning
commission information, and to be able to be presented at the public hearing.
At that point in time we go to a public hearing for what is called a preliminary
development plan review. The public hearing is held by the planning commission
and then it is brought to the City Council for their review. They would then
say approved, disapproved, or modify the plan, or approved with conditions.
and then the more extensive engineering work would be done, the grading, drainage
and utility plan. At that time the legal department would be drafting the
development contract.
e
Mr. Dunn stated in working with an amount of ground this size, that they do some
phasing. For their own purposes, they have divided this into South Lake Susan
Hills, West Lake Susan, and the third phase is 220 acres. These plans have been
planning and engineering checked by their prospective buyers.
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - October 10, 1979
Page 5
e
Mr. Dunn said that Park & Rec. have a general concept on our idea, but he hasn't
shown them. He said they are aware that they own the 770 acres, they know that
we own the Highpath Farm, and they have asked me about the Lake Ann shoreline.
Roman Roos said he is confortable with the concept. He said that he is not saying
he is comfortable with the lot sizes, with the cul-de-sac, or accesses in and out,
sewer, etc. That is all down stream.
Mr. Dunn stated what they are looking for at this point is concept plan approval.
Bob Waibel said he felt the bigger issues should be discussed, some direction to
the city council should be given as to how far we should proceed with this, should
we go into approval of the whole thing in anticipation of a plat?
Roman Roos said if this is approved in concept that does not mean that the issues
can't be brought to a head, if nothing else, everything is stopped until they are
resolved. There are an awful lot of issues that have to be addressed, but right
now we are looking at a concept.
e
Pat Swenson said if we are only working on a general concept theory, we can say,
as far as we are concerned, with what we have reviewed so far, it is okay as far as
we think the land use program is going to go, the eventual charting. It is not in
conflict with what we are working on. I would think we would go to Park & Rec. and
have them give recommendations, that would then go along with our opinion. If
Council reads what we mve to say, and what Park & Rec has to say, and no';; just what
staff has to say, we ought to be able to come back and Council could say it is okay
in this direction and that direction, now what do we recommend that these people
do next. Then Dunn & Curry know where to go.
Mark Koegler said in his opinion the biggest reason for the discussion about
kicking this thing up to the Council quicker was the underlying "policy issue- of
the extension of additional sewer vs. the amount of sewered area that we presently
have that is undeveloped, but it is developable, the concerns about the assessments.
All of the things seen tonight are not in conflict from a land use perspective
with our comprehensive plan, however staff has not discussed in detail yet what
phasing will be tied to the utilities. The areas will be serviced, but when.
He said maybe you could just consider recommending that the Council be informed
given the magnitude of the project. You can still authorize the developer to
continue tonight, but recommend that the Council be informed that these are the
issues that are coming down the line.
Pat Swenson said the Planning and Park & Rec. Commissions can make a recommendation
as to what they want to see, and give the Council something to consider.
e
Pat Swenson moved that the Planning Commission recommend to Dunn & Curry that they
secure the opinions of the Park & Rec. Commission, and that those opinions along
with the Planning Commission general approval of the concept or sketch plans that
we have seen then be presented to Council with staff making notations of the points
which have been brought up in the presentation tonight. No Second - Motion denied.
e
e
e
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - October 10, 1979
Page 6
Clark Horn asked if this issue couldn't be tabled pending the results of the
staff presentation to the City Council and gets their general guideline as to
how to proceed because of the magnitude of the project, the question of the
sewer extensions and how far they want to go with sewer extentions etc. at this
point. He felt that is more of a Council issue than other things such as
Lake Ann Park. Those kinds of issues can be handled under a normal cycle. The
only valid portion of that that he could see would be the overall sewer concept.
Once we get an inclination from City Council as to what their feelings are, we
should proceed in a normal manner.
Mr. Dunn said he perceived that the concept is generally acceptable. They would
like a statement to the effect that you find it generally acceptable. If you were
to table it would simply go to Council, and come back to be untabled. Nothing is
resolved. He understands the concerns about the Park Committee, and he said there
will be a lneeting with them before they go to the Council, hopefully with their
recommendation, but we will have their input covering these lands. As far as
any problems involving sewering this area, they have guaranteed the payment of
one million dollars sewer trunk after which the City of Chanhassen planned to put
in beginning in the year 1971, it is within the City's plan, it is consistent
with the comprehensive plan. At no time have they been told that there is any
suggestion that they have any problem with the sewer board. Accordingly we would
say there is not a problem, the trunk is in place, the trunk is workable. Then the
argument, implications, suggestion or statement or concern expressed that they
should be in some remote way accountable for a problem area ihto which utilities
were placed several years ago having nothing to do with them, and even the
implication that if they don't approve this, some magical thing will happen up
there, and that will develop and solve that problem, they say there is no indi-
cation that there is that trend. This land has waited for 10 years for development
and he can't tell you when the north sewer service area was put in. He doesn't
think that the New Horizon homes activity in any way represents a detrimental
effect on that area, growth promotes growth.
Bob Waibel stated he looks upon this as being similar to the Near Mountain
situation where there was a major issue of a study. It seemed to be in order as
far as a collector street, a major community wide type of situation. The situation
there was to bring that to the City Council through the Planning Commission level,
staff level, and being it was a community wide issue, bring it to the City
Council and then go back to the plan review.
Tom Droegemueller moved that the concept plan be approved as presented this
evening subject to the conditions as follows: (1) Park & Rec. Committee's review
of the overall concept plan related to the park system; (2) concerns of the staff
that they be referred to the Council; (3) the sewer expansion related to the
market competition phasing; (4) the magnitude of the project; and with the next
step of the review process, that these concerns as well as Council's will be
re-reviewed. Motion seconded by Clark Horn and unanimously carried.
The reason the last paragraph was stated was to let Council know that we are
concenned about these items, however, it will not stop the overall project getting
its initial concept plan approval.
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - October 10, 1979
Page 7
e
DISCUSSION, CBD REZONING
Bob Waibel stated what he wanted was to draw some comments regarding the
areas around the major roads through the downtown area, Powers Boulevard,
78th Street, Highway 5, THIOl, and properties with unique or highly visible
qualities. He stated he was also trying to work in the restaurant study
at this time.
Roman Roos stated all of them had to be concerned with the balance of Section 5,
Frontier Development Park, with area No.6, that area which is on the north side
of 78th Street going towards the drive-in restaurant, with the alignment of the
north section of the ring road itself.
Roman Roos stated No.6 is "General Commercial", and the classifications are
lumber, materials, variety stores, food stores, furniture, misc. retail, banking
offices, credit agencies, insurance offices, real estate. He stated No. 10
"General Business" is wholesale trade, durable goocls, garden supplies, automotive
dealers, boat dealers, motorcycle dealers, snowmobile dealers, automobile repair
facilities. If we want warehousing in, then we are going to have it covered under
permitted uses in Section 10,or modify Section 10 to accommodate exactly what we
do want.
e
Pat Swenson said in reviewing these she was very much impressed that everything had
been covered so well. If those were approved, will that cause anything that is now
existing to be non-conforming?
Roman Roos said looking at those 10 groupings, if No. 8 were pulled out, the
housing area, and No. 7 which is the green space area, and No. 3 the open space area,
and leave the rest of it in CBD, he felt they have accomplished everything they are
trying to do in terms of the CBD. Then we can start working on permitted uses in
those sections and modifying each section as we feel is necessary.
Bob Waibel said he is not comfortable with No.9, he felt that Holiday and Happy
Chef would be almost the capacity of what the cul-de-sac could handle. It is also
a high visibility area too. Another area of concern is No.8.
Hanson & Klingelhutz would then be non-conforming, but it would be grandfathered in.
This is something that should be looked at, whether it should be planned around, or
just leave it. It is actually far enough away from 78th.
These warehouses of Burdick's, Roman Roos said, aren~ hugh industrial warehouses,
they are small contracting and/or business. He said he had no objections to a
single story building of that nature. As long as it is not heavy industrial,
and as long as we can control the emissions and wastes, etc. so that it doesn't
create problems, and as long as they are consistent.
Roman Roos stated he also did not have any objections to Burdick's office building.
It is next to the ring road, it is across from the bank, it is an ideal place for
a small professional office.
e
Mr. Roos asked Bob Waibel to get the map of the CBD for the next meeting, and also
the council definition of what the CBD area is.
, ,
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - October 10, 1979
Page 8
e
Mr. Jim Sulerud made a presentation to the Planning Commission regarding
property near Bluff Creek Highland Section Addition, stating this piece of property
is being sold with"the buyer anticipating to build a home there. He stated he
indicated to one of the buyers he felt a building permit wouldn't be granted. He
said his concern is that the realtor is selling it now conditioned on the receipt
of a variance to build, their only claim for such a variance is a hardship. He
felt this didn't really exist for a purchaser. He said in 1972 he felt the
Planning Commission at that time was not anticipating any more access onto 101 in
that area, nor were they considering any other single residential lot just because
of the way they laid it out. On the plan it indicates a portion of that property
being R-l. It seems to have mislead at least one of the buyers, and he recommended
on the comprehensive plan, to indicate that as open space or whatever. He said he
was encouraging the Commission not to respond to this particular situation as a
hardship. He said if you call that a hardship, you have a precedent problem. He
also had some concerns about access. He said his recommendations are that you not
respond to a situation that will probably be proposed as a hardship.
Clark Horn stated that the Planning Commission position has been regarding hard-
ship cases, that we have not recognized hardship on economic type cases, such as
exchange of property for profit type of basis. That is not one of the requirements.
e
Mr. Sulerud stated he is concerned about any access onto 101. The highway
department indicated to him that they are open and willing for the city to play
a greater role on an access to 101, or any highway access. They welcome that
participation, because they feel a lack of control in areas where they don't have
designated controlled access. They make the people respond to your requirements.
Clark Horn moved that the Planning Commission recommend to Council that they
appoint Thomas Hamilton to serve on the Planning Commission. Motion seconded
by Pat Swenson and unanimously carried.
Clark Horn moved that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that
the Conditional Use Permit for the Minnewashta Creek Addition be accepted as
presented by Craig Mertz, Assistant City Attorney. Motion seconded by Tom
Droegemueller and unanimously approved.
Bob Waibel reminded the Planning Commission about the Moratorium Public Hearing,
the City Council ordered a Public Hearing to be held October 15, 1979, and it is. a
joint Planning Commission and City Council meeting. The public hearing has to
involve the Planning Commission. A quorum will be needed in order to adopt any
building moratorium.
e
Don Ashworth
City Manager