1981 04 22
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CHANHASSEN
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
HELD APRIL 22, 1981, AT 7:30 P.M.
CHANHASSEN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Members Present: Chairman Art Partridge, C. Watson, J. Thompson,
W. Thompson, M. Thompson, L. Conrad, H.
Noziska.
Staff Present: B. Waibel, B. Monk, C. Mertz and B. Foreman
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Zoning Ordinance Amendment Request. Establishment of a privin9
Range in an 1-1 Dist, John Pryzmus, Public Hearing:
Bob Waibel indicated that this request could either be
a Conditional Use Permit or a Temporary Use Permit as stated
in Section 23.01 subsection 5 of the Zoning Ordinance. He
suggested taht if the Planning Commission were thinking of
positive action on this request it should be the Temporary Use
Permit due to site deficiencies. Even with the Temporary Use
Permit they would have to be given significant Variances for
the fence height. Mr. Waibel recommended to the Planning
Commission to consider the 5 items listed in the Planning Report
dated April 17, 1981. However, he noted that his overall re-
commendation was denial due to site deficiencies.
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John Pryzmus, the applicant, indicated that the Variances
recommended by Mr. Waibel as stated at this meeting was the
first time he knew of the Variances necessary. Mr. Pryzmus
felt that the requests were unrealistic. All the lots in the
area are covered by weeds and brush. Mr. Pryzmus indicated
that this request would help to clean up the area, and would
not create a blighting effect, also the Driving Range would
make more jobs for the kids in the community. As for the fencing
suggestion, Mr. Pryzmus felt that it was not possible for even
the worst slicer to hit a ball onto the road. The balls cost
to much and they do not want to loose any more than they have
to. Comparing the proposed Driving Range to the Driving Range
on Highway 7, the Driving Range on Highway 71s fence is about
220 yards from the tees, the proposed Range1s would be 240 yards
from the tees. Most professional gOlfers hit approximately 256
yards not all in flight, most people hit on the average 200
yards. Mr. Pryzmus explained that he has an agreement with
the owner of the property that when the owner sells the property
that Mr. Pryzmus will have to quit his business. Mr. Pryzmus
indicated that off street parking would be unneccessary because
no one lives on the road or even uses the road. All parking
could be on street parking or in the cul-du-sac. Off street
parking would be too expensive for a temporary use. Drive
Fore will be a very nice Driving Range, kept up good, fenced
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Planning Commission Meeting
April 22, 1981
in area for children with sandbox, range will have sand trap,
3 sodded areas 181 x 181, and building will be 161 x 81 the proposed
by the Staff (161 x 51) would be much to small to work in.
It was indicated that the 51 width indicated in the Planning
Report was just misread, should be 81.
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Mr. Partridge asked if all the parking would be on the
street. Yes, it could be on the land but it would take a lot
of money and work for just a Temporary Use.
Mr. W, Thompson asked Mr. Waibel what his reasoning was
for the 5 recommendations stated in the Planning Report of
April 17, 1981. Mr. Waibel explained: 1) off street parking -
the zoning ordinance does not allow for any off street parking,
staff thought that granular would be acceptable. Mr. Monk
stated that he was concerned about setting a precedence regarding
off street parking. 2) Fences - variances for a greater height
of fence was suggested to prevent any balls hitting the ped-
estrians or cars driving by. 3) hours - asked that the hours
be only during the daylight for the reason that the applicant
had not presented the staff with a lighting plan. 4) ball
shed size - size restrictions were suggested to keep the driving
ra~ge as a temporary use,and to ~nform the Com~ission 9f the materials
belng used. 5) no vendlng machlnes - no vendlng machlnes was
recommended for the reason that it would prevent off hour traffic.
It would be fine if the applicant wants to sell pop from the
building during hours.
Mr. Pryzmus expressed that the hours and the vending machine
request was reasonable but the fence will be made out of a
fine mesh and will not need to be higher.
Mr. W. Thompson asked Mr. Pryzmus if he was going to have
liability insurance. Mr. Pryzmus indicated yes, that will be
taken care of by the owner.
It was stated by Mr. Pryzmus that there will be very strict
rules for the driving range, no children allowed to run along
the tee area, there will be a section for them.
Ms. Watson expressed some concern about the request for so
much off street parking. Ms. Watson felt that there should be
some off street parking but not as much as requested by the
staff.
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Mr. W. Thompson made a motion that a Temporary Use Permit
of 1 year be granted for a Driving Range located on Lots 6, 7 & 8,
Block 1 of Frontier Development Park, with the recommendations 1-5
of the staff from the Planning report, April 17, 1981 be dis-
regarded. Second was made by Mr. J. Thompson.
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Planning Commission Meeting
April 22, 1981
Ms. Watson made a motion to amend the previous motion
to read that the Driving Range shall provide 15 off street
parking and some on street parking. Second by Mr. Noziska.
Six members aye, J. Thompson opoosed.
Final Development Plan Amendment Request, Fox Chase Addition,
Derrick:
Mr. Waibel presented the Planning Report to the Planning
Commission, listing the 5 changes from the previous plans sub-
mitted (see Planning Report April 17, 1981). Mr. Waibel also
read the Staffs comments on the number of lots, street width,
previously installed assessments, road alignment, conservation
easement, pUblic improvements, building permits and grading permits~
Mr. Partridge indicated to the Planning Commission that
the number of assessments and the public improvements are a
function of the City Council and that the Planning Commission
should let them act on those items,
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Mr. Derrick, the applicant, explained to the Planning
Commission that if the road was changed he would have to remove
some Maple trees and would have to shave ground rather than
to fill, or if the road was moved it would make 2 lots smaller
and less desirable. Mr. Derrick has reduced his plans from
54 units to 52 units,
Mrs. Kathy Schwartz, a neighboring property owner, stated
that the n~tghbors had gotten together and met with Mr. Qerrick
and the nelghbors agreed upon 7 pOlnts that they would llke
to bring up to the Planning Commission at this time:
1. They would like to see a plat drawing with 52 units
and they donlt like such density close to Pleasant
View Road.
2, On the first plan Mr. Derrick had proposed 3 lots
along Pleasant View Road now he is presenting 4 lots.
The neighbors would like to propose that he return
to his first proposal of 3 lots along Pleasant View.
3. Regarding the access to Pleasant View Road - neighbors
request that Fox Path be moved to the East property
line for safety purposes.
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4. It was requested that Mr. Derrick change the width
of Fox Path from 36' to 281 to match the width of
Pleasant View Road.
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Planning Commission Meeting
April 22, 1981
5. Requested that the Planning Commission consider
the soil conditions in the subject area. The water
is just below the surface in the meadow area.
Mrs, Schwartz presented a map showing the high water
tables in the past. The neighbors asked that Mr.
Monk, the City Engineer, take a closer look at the
property,
6. It was brought up the the DNR and the Corp of Engineers
have not been notified and that they should be notified.
7, The neighbors also requested that the Outlot area be
reinstated.
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John Edwards, a neighboring property owner, indicated that
in the past he felt that the neighboring property owners request
had been ignored. The plan approved 2 years ago had 49 units
then 50 units then 52 units. Mr. Edwards stated that the
property could be well platted without destroying the area
maybe if less density. Mr. Edwards also expressed his concern
with Fox Path dead ending into the adjoining property.
Mr. Waibel suggested to the Commission that Fox Path
could be made to stop 30 - 40' from the property line and
put a cul-du-sac on it.
Mr. Jim Meyer, neighbor, indicated concern over the soil
in the subject property. Mr. Derrick replied that he had
looked at the soil and it was possible to make all of the lots
buildable and that it was not a complicated process.
Mr. Derrick in reply to the neighbors previous list of
requests indicated that he had tried to work with the neighbors.
Mr, Derrick explained the he had changed the plat from 54 units
to 52 units, removed the outlot and changed the road. All the
lots are over the 15,000 square foot minimum lot size, the
reauest that Fox Path be made smaller was agreeable with Derrick.
Mr. W. Thompson stated that 2 years ago the feeling of
the Planning Commission was that in the future the property
should have a second access and also requested a 361 width
in order that the road would have a safety zone before entering
Pleasant View Road. At that time there was a recommendation
tfiat having Fox Path on the east property be looked into.
Mr. W. Thompson indicated that from all the response from the
crowd that there needs to be more changes and that this item
cannot be recommended to the City Council yet.
Mr. Jim Orr, from Schoell & Madson, indicated that the
second access will end up cutting down some trees and there
will be a grade problem. Fox Path will have about 601 platform
before entering Pleasant View Road, both views of the road
are reasonable. If Fox Path were moved to the east, it would
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Planning Commission Minutes
April 22, 1981
create a site problem to the east. Not changing the road to
the east is an economic problem.
Ms. Watson asked how the platform will look, will the
road drop off on both sides? Mr. Orr indicated that the road
will drop off some but the looks will be alright.
Mr, M. Thompson indicated that Mr. Derrick has proposed
a 10.8 grade level on Fox Path with a 3% grade on the platform.
Mr. Monk explained that there is a maximum 7% grade level
in the ordinance. The 7% is for safety in the winter time.
Mr. M. Thompson asked Mr. Waibel if the staff were the
only ones who are in favor of the deadend street into the
Bennett property. Mr. Waibel indicated that Mr. Derrick had
proposed Fox Path that way and that only lately was it ever
brought up to end the road 30-401 from the property line and
put a cul-du-sac on it. Fox Path was recommended to be 36'
wide for the reason that that the road is a long single access
road. Mr. M. Thompson asked Mrs. Bennett if anyone had approached
her concerning Fox Path ending on her property line. Mrs.
Bennett answered no.
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Mr. Frank Kurvers, a property owner, asked about the
outlot and the sediment pond, what is going on with this item?
Mr, Waibel indicated that the pond is required for run off.
Mr. Monk explained that the outlot is not required for drainage
but the outlot was to be for the property owners in Fox Chase
in order that they could all have use of the lake. The sediment
pond is a different thing. Mr. Curt Laughinghouse, a represent-
itive for Mr. Derrick, stated that initially the sediment
pond was planned to be in the outlot, The outlot was planned
for recreational use. Now the proposal is that the pond be
placed in the backyard of the lake front lots and the outlot
has been disgarded.
Mr. Kurvers asked if all of the work on the lake shore
was going to damage the soil and if there would be any runoff
into the lake. Ms. Watson asked Mr. Derrick if he understood
that 201 along the lakeshore was to be designated to the city
for a Conservation Easement. Mr. Derrick answered that this
was the first he knew that the easement was to be along the
lakeshore. Ms. Watson asked why no docks were permitted.
Mr, Craig Mertz, the City Attorney, explained that the Conservation
Easement first came up when the Park & Recreation Commissi~n
considered the sketch plan on March 20, 1979. They recommended
the Conservation Easement and through the development process
it was required to have a Conservation Easement, That was
incorporated into the City Councils approval of the plat in
July of 1980, The Conservation Easement that applies, to
this community means that you canlt dig on the lake shore or
fill on the lakeshore, you canlt cut the vegitation and you
canlt construct structures on the lakeshore, if you can't con-
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Planning Commission Meeting
April 22, 1981 '
struct structures that means no docks. Mr. Waibel indicated
that on the plans the Conservation Easement is shown to start
between Lots 12 and 13 and then along the lakeshore. The
Utility Easement and the Conservation Easement are in the
same place. Mr, Derrick indicated that he is against the
Conservation Easement if it prevents the lakeshore home owners
from having docks.
Mr. Derrick explained to the Planning Commission that if the
road (Fox Path) would be moved to the east property line it
would create a lot with 2 road sides and that would make the
lot undesirable. There are nice trees that would have to be
taken down and it would mean an extra 100 feet of sewer and road.
Ms. Nancy Osborne, a property owner, expressed concern
over Fox Path. She feels that in the winter there will not
be enough of a run to make it up Pleasant View Road.
Mr. W. Thompson made a motion to close the Public Hearing.
Second by Mr, L. Conrad. Vote: 6-ayes, l-nay. Mr. M. Thompson
opposed.
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Mr. Mertz explained that the Planning Items that the
Planning Commission should discuss and recommend to the City
Council are the street width, 2nd access, road alignment,
number of lots and the Conservation Easement. The rest are
Administration items such as building permits, previously installed
assessments! grading and public improvements.
Mr. J Thompson expressed concern of all the filling and
moving of land east of Fox Path that is proposed to be up to
121 in height. The Planning Commission has been told that
this process is the problem of the builder but Mr. J. Thompson
states that as the Planning Commission they have a responsibility
to the people who are going to buy the property, and this
should be looked into more carefully. Mr. J. Thompson indicated
that he likes a combination of the last two proposals, maybe
could take out lot 26 of Exhibit A and make that for future
consideration for an easement to the south, Mr. J. Thompson
suggested that the road be curved more gently and the 321
width of the road was expressed. The Conservation Easement
is necessary.
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Planning Commission Minutes
April 22, 1981
Mr. Ladd Conrad indicated that he would like to see Lots
1 & 2 of Section 2 taken out and make the road access further
to the east. He likes the idea of an outlot to the south
of the proposed property until a road access is necessary.
Mr. Conrad felt that the cul-du-sac is important and the a
28' or 32' street width is acceptable. He would like to see
52 lots instead of the 54 presented on the first plan,
Mr. H. Noziska stated that he is concerned about the land
is it buildable? Also, he felt that there are to many units
than there should be compared to the terrain of the land. He
feels that 36' street width is reasonable because there wonlt
be a secondary access for some ti~e. Mr. Noziska likes the
idea of the Conservation Easement and feels that the number of
lots shouldnlt be more than 52 units.
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Ms, Watson indicated that she would like to see a secondary
access maybe in the south, could be used as an outlot until
needed as an access~ and felt that a 28' or 321 street width
was acceptable. Ms. Watson felt that the road should be moved
over to the east not only for the reason that the street would
have better sight but the grade is better to the east. Ms.
Watson is very much in favor or the Conservation Easement and
would like to see the outlot back again. Ms. Watson expressed
concern for the movement of all the dirt in the area, who will
protect the lake and what will prevent the lakeshore owners from
dumping their fertilizer into the lake as erosion occurs.
Mr. Mike Thompson indicated that he would like to preserve
the meadow and feels that there are better ways of planning
this plat. Mr. M. Thompson stated that the environmental
impact of this area is fairly good. This proposal is not in
keeping with the particular area. Mr. M. Thompson expressed
his concern for all the moving of dirt, demucking and filling
and is concerned for the effect on the lake. He would like
to see the access moved to the east the hill is to steep and
the sight is poor. Mr. M. Thompson did not like the 361 street
width, too wide, and the grade standards are violated by having
too steep of a road. He also indicated that he did not like
the idea' of Lot 3, Block 2 access onto Pleasant View Road,
He expressed his mixed feelings about the Conservation Easement,
if a lakeshore owner should be able to have a dock or not.
Mr. M. Thompson indicated that he does not like the 52 Units
would rather see 35 but 52 have been approved. Mr. M. Thompson
asked how a lot is made buildable, would they have to demuck
the whole lot or just the building site? Mr. Derrick stated
that the whole lot would be buildable, fill it with proper
soil. The muck is taken out and replaced with good soil~ then
compacted and then filled again if needed. Have to raise the
lots because of the water table and to keep the grades down.
Mr. Jim Meyer asked if any building permits could be
issued before the Final Plat approval? Mr. Mertz indicated
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Planning Commission Minutes
April 22, 1991
that one building permit could be issued as one large lot but
no more than that.
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Mr. J. Thompson stated that with 52 lots and looking at
the lay of the land in keeping with the rural area in this
part of Chanhassen Mr. Derrick could develope this land very
attractively without all the grading by utilizing the combination
or clustering and single family homes. He feels that the
property would be more desirable and energy efficient and
would be a real plus for Chanhassen. Mr. Conrad asked if Mr,
Derrick was beyond the point of changing his plans. Mr.
Derrick stated that he has been working on this plat for a
long time and that any other city that he has worked in has
not had to make this many changes. When Mr. Derrick bought
the land he looked at it before and had investigated what
could be done with the property. The city has accessed the
property as 69 units.
Mr, Art Partridge indicated that he feel that the
removal of the outlot and making it into lots is quite an
improvement. He is for the Conservation Easement and feels
that a southerly access is important.
Mr. W. Thompson indicated that the Planning Commission
should get a consensus on the item presented,
Mr. J, Thompson made a motion to recommend to the City
Council that Fox Chase access onto Pleasant View Road be
moved to the easterly property line. Second by Ms. Watson.
6 ayes, Mr. Noziska nay. Passed.
Mr. H. Noziska made a motion that the Planning Commission
accept the proposal to make a curb cut onto Pleasant View Road
from Lot 3, Block 2 as shown on Exhibit A. Second by W Thompson.
Mr. Noziska, Mr. W. Thompson, Mr. L. Conrad - aye, Ms. Watson,
Mr. J. Thompson, Mr. M. Thompson, Mr. Partridge - nay. Failed.
Mr. L. Conrad made a motion to decrease the proposed road
width from 361 to 321. Second by Mr. M. Thompson. 5 - ayes,
Mr. Noziska and Mr, J. Thompson - nay. Passed.
Mr. H. Noziska made a motion that the Planning Commission
adopt the street alienment of Exhibit A SUbject to the first
motion about moving the curb cut east and no accesses from
any lots directly on Pleasant View Road. Second by Ms. Watson.
5 ayes, Mr. Conrad - nay, Mr, J. Thompson sustained. Passed.
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Planning Commission Minutes
April 22, 1981
Ms, Watson made a motion that the Planning Commission
request that the developer dedicate a right of way 50' in
width between Lots 26 & 27, Block 1 for possible future 2nd
access. Second by Mr. M. Thompson. 5 aye, Mr. Noziska,
Mr. Partridge, Mr. W. Thompson - nay. Passed.
Mr. Conrad made a motion that we maintain the Conservation
Easement, this Conservation Easement will not allow the alter-
ation of lakeshore and installation of structures including
private docks. Second by Mr. Noziska. 6 - ayes, Mr. M, Thompson
nay. Passed.
Mr. J. Thompson made a motion that the developer be reqUired
to dedicate a trail easement originating 0.n the southerly line
of the plat within the Utility easement commensing at the
southerly edge of the property and lying northerly to the south
line of Lot 12, Block 1 according to Exhibit A and running
westerly at that point to its point of intersection of Fox
Path as designated in Exhibit A fuence continuing northerly with
the right of way of Fox Path to intersection of Pleasant View
Road. Mr. W. Thompson seconded the motion. All in favor.
Mr. J. Thompson made a motion that the Planning Commission
recommend to the City Council that the Outlot may be incorporated
into the individual properties as shown in Exhibit A since
they have virtually no utility as an Outlot. Second by Mr.
Noziska. All in favor.
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Mr. W. Thompson made a motion that the Planning Commission
recommend to the City Council that the Exhibit A. (4-22-81)
be accepted but the Planning Commissions recommendations for
such be subject to the modification previously approved.
Motion was withdrawn.
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Mr. Conrad made a motion that a permanent cul-du-sac be
recommended on the west end of Fox Path. Second by Mr. M. Thompson.
5 aye - Mr. W. Thompson and Mr. Noziska opposed. Passed,
Mr. W. Thompson made a motion that the Planning Commission
present to the City Council approval of Exhibit A to include
the recommendations to the SUbject property as previously
approved. Second by Mr. Noziska, Mr. W, Thompson and Mr.
Noziska - aye, 5 - nay. Failed.
Mr. J. Thompson made a motion that the Planning Commission
recommend to the City Council to reject the proposed planned
development (Exhibit A) based on the previous 9 motions until
they are met. Mr. Conrad seconded the motion. 6 in favor
Mr. W. Thompson abstained. Passed.
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Planning Commission Minutes
April 22, 1981
Near Mountain, Final Plat:
Mr. Waibel read the Planning Report to the Planning Comm-
ission, Mr. Waibel recommended approval of the Final Plans
provided that the City Engineer approves of the Plan.
Mr. M. Thompson asked about the access onto Pleasant
View Road. It was indicated that at one time there was a
problem with the access but has been cleared up now. The
road has been made so that traffic can only turn to go to
101 to keep traffic off the major portion of Pleasant View
Road.
Mr. W. Thompson made a motion to recommend to the City
Council approval of Final Development Plan (Exhibit A, 4-22-81)
of Near Mountain with the exceptions of City Planner and
the City Engineer in the Planning Report dated 4-21-81.
Second by Mr. M. Thompson. 6 - ayes, Mr. M. Thompson opposed,
Mr. M. Thompson stated that he has never been in favor
of this project.
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Minnewashta Creek 2nd Addition, Beach Lot Dock~eguest:
Mr. Waibel submitted the planning report to the Planning
Commission. Mr. Mertz explained that there is an outstaning
conditional use permit on this property stating that there
be no docks be permitted. The conditional Use that is on this
property was passed by the City Council July 1979 and no docks
were permitted then.
Mr. Terry Thompson, one of the applicants, stated that
they just wanted to get a dock because the outlot is really
small.
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Mr, J. Thompson stated that with the Conditional Use
Permit that is on the land already the applicants chances
are very nill that they would get their request.
Mr. Partridge indicated that the request is for a 501 x 201
dock with 8 slots. there are 36 lots in the Minnewashta Creek
2nd Addition and 6 are duplex lots. POlicy for Ritters Plat is
guide used for this Plat.
Ms. Watson indicated that if they were permitted the dock
they couldnlt keep their boats there over night because that
is another condition that there be no overnight docking of
boats.
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Planning Commission Minutes
April 22, 1981
Mr. Conrad indicated that the feelings of the Planning
Commission were negative but if the applicants still want
to apply for a public hearing they can, but the Planning
Commission feel they should go by,
Mr. Mertz indicated that the outlot is to be used for
swimming and picnicing.
Mr. Noziska made a motion to schedule a public hearing
for a dock in Minnewashta Heights 2nd Addition. Second by
Ms. Watson. All in favor.
Meeting was ajourned at 12:40 a.m.
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