Planning Commission - 01/26/1987 AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, January 26, 1987
7:30 p.m.
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chairman Ed Schuck, Richard Anderson, Julianne Bye,
Christine Dodge, Virginia Gartner, Robert Hallett, Charles
Ruebling
STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Michael Franzen, Senior
Planner; Don Uram, Assistant Planner; Kate Karnas,
Administrative Assistant
Pledge of Allegiance--Roll Call
I . APPROVAL OF AGENDA
II. MEMBERS REPORTS
III. MINUTES
IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
*(7:35) A. SUBURBAN NATIONAL BANK/PRESERVE MEDICAL BUILDING, by Supplee's 7-Hi
Enterprises, Inc. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from
Low Density Residential to Office on 1.09 acres, Zoning District
Change from Rural to Office on 1.09 acres with variances to be
reviewed by the Board of Appeals and Preliminary Plat of 1.09 acres
into one lot for the construction of a two-story office building.
Location: South of Anderson Lakes Parkway, west of County Road #18.
A continued public hearing.
*(8:00) B. BIRCHWOOD LABS, INC. , by Birchwood Labs, Inc. Request for
Preliminary Platting of 16.5 acres into four lots. Location: East
of County Road #4, west of Fuller Road, north of Lincoln Lane. A
public hearing.
*(8:20) C. EDENVALE 21ST ADDITION, by Breco Corporation. Request for Zoning
District Change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 5.52 acres with Preliminary
Platting of 7.34 acres into 18 single family lots, one outlot, and
road right-of-way. Location : South and east of Edenvale Boulevard,
west of Woodland Drive. A public hearing.
*(9:20) D. CARDINAL CREEK 6TH, by New American Homes Corporation. Request for
Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendement from Medium Density Residential
to Low Density Residential on 31.2 acres, Zoning District Change
from Rural to R1-13.5 on 31.2 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 39.5
acres into 59 single family lots, three outlots, and road right-of-
way. Location : North of Cardinal Creek Road, west of I-494. A
public hearing.
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI . NEW BUSINESS
A. Ordinance Changes
VI I . PLANNER'S REPORT
VIII . ADJOURNMENT
*NOTE: THE TIMES LISTED ABOVE ARE TENTATIVE, AND MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY EARLIER,
OR LATER, THAN LISTED.
MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, January 26, 1987
School Board Meeting Room
7:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Ed Schuck, Rich Anderson, Julianne Bye (7:35 p.m.),
Virginia Gartner, Robert Hallett, Chuck Reubling
MEMBER ABSENT: Christine Dodge
STAFF PRESENT: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Donald Uram, Assistant
Planner; Kate Karnas, Administrative Assistant
Pledge of Allegiance--Roll Call
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Hallett, to adopt the agenda as
printed.
Motion carried--5-0-0
II. MEMBERS REPORTS
None.
III. MINUTES
MOTION:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Hallett, to approve the minutes of
the December 8, 1987, Planning Commission meeting as written.
Motion carried--5-0-0
IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. SUBURBAN NATIONAL BANK/PRESERVE MEDICAL BUILDING, by Supplee's 7-Hi
Enterprises, Inc. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from
Low Density Residential to Office on 1.09 acres, Zoning District
Change from Rural to Office on 1.09 acres with variances to be
reviewed by the Board of Appeals and Preliminary Plat of 1.09 acres
into one lot for the construction of a two-story office building.
Location: South of Anderson Lakes Parkway, west of County Road #18.
A continued public hearing.
Planner Enger reported that the proponents had requested continuance of this
item in order to complete amended plans. Staff recommended continuance for
a two-week time period.
• Planning Commission Minutes 2 January 26, 1987
MOTION:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Reubling, to continue the item to
the February 9, 1987, Planning Commission meeting pending receipt and review
by Staff of amended plans for the subject project.
Motion carried--5-0-0
(Bye arrived at 7:35 p.m.)
B. BIRCHWOOD LABS, INC., by Birchwood Labs, Inc. Request for
Preliminary Platting of 16:5 acres into four lots. Location: East
of County Road #4, west of Fuller Road, north of Lincoln Lane. A
public hearing.
Planner Uram reviewed the proposed development with the Commission, pointing
out that the property had been zoned previously to the I-2 Park district.
He reported that the issues of concern for this development included the
need for a variance from the Board of Appeals for the amount of lot frontage
on a public street for proposed Lot 4, payment of cash park fees, and a
recommendation that the proponent be required to process any further
development on the property through the City for site plan review.
• Hallett asked what the intended uses were for Lots 2 and 4. Mr. Hay,
representing Birchwood Labs, stated that there were no plans at this time,
but that the owners had considered both developing the property on their
own, or selling the property to another party for development.
Hallett asked about the "exception" parcel shown on the plans for property
fronting Lincoln Lane and what the future plans for land use of that parcel
would be. Planner Enger responded that the property was zoned as Rural
currently and that the Comprehensive Guide Plan designated the property for
Industrial use in the future. He stated that it could not be assumed that
the property would definitely become Industrial.
Mr. James Moran, 16302 Lincoln Lane, owner of the "exception" parcel, asked
what he had not been notified of the mini-storage project currently under
construction on the Birchwood Labs property, directly adjacent to him.
Planner Enger explained that the property was previously zoned as I-2 Park,
which allowed for a mini-storage use without City Commission, or City
Council, review, if all code requirements were met. This was the case with
the project currently under construction.
Mr. Moran asked about the proposed sewer extension and the location of any
future sewer lines. Planner Enger explained that extension of sanitary
sewer would generally require public notification of all property owners
involved. Mr. Moran asked if he would be required to allow access to the
sewer across his property to the Birchwood Labs property. Mr. Hay stated
that it was their intention to extend the sewer on their own property,
without having to touch the Moran property.
MOTION 1:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Anderson, to close the public
hearing.
. Planning Commission Minutes 3 January 26, 1987
Motion carried--6-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Anderson, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Birchwood Labs, Inc. for preliminary plat
of 16.5 acres into for lots, based on plans dated December 31, 1986, subject
to the revised recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 23, 1987.
Motion carried--6-0-0
C. EDENVALE 21ST ADDITION, by Breco Corporation. Request for Zoning
District Change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 5.52 acres with Preliminary
Platting of 7.34 acres into 18 single family lots, one outlot, and
road right-of-way. Location: South and east of Edenvale Boulevard,
west of Woodland Drive. A public hearing.
Mr. K. E. Schumacher, representing proponent, reviewed the proposed
development with the Commission. He noted that this property had previously
been before the Commission as the Townhomes of Linden Ponds. Based on
concerns of the City and the neighborhood at that time for the natural
features of the property, traffic, and other matters, the proposal was
withdrawn and was resubmitted as an 18-lot single family subdivision.
Mr. Schumacher stated that this plan allowed for the preservation of many
more trees than the previous plan. The townhome project resulted in the
need for replacement of 480 caliper inches of trees; this development
resulted in the need for replacement of 120 caliper inches of trees. He
added that the homes would be similar to those already existing in the area,
some with three-car garages.
Planner Enger reviewed the findings and recommendations of the Staff Report
of January 23, 1987. Other than the standard recommendations regarding
utilities, erosion control, cash park fees, and grading, he noted that other
concerns included tree replacement for the trees which would be removed with
development, the need for calculations for the storm water holding pond on
the property, submission of architectural plans for the lots which indicated
that no two units would be the same directly across, diagonally across, or
adjacent to each other, slopes of 2P2/1, or steeper, should be sodded and
staked, and protected with snow fencing, dedication of the pond, and
construction of a five-foot wide sidewalk along Woodland Drive.
Gartner asked about the potential for any of the basements in the proposed
homes becoming flooded due to the elevation of the pond. Planner Enger
explained that the lowest basement floor elevation for any home in this
proposed subdivision was at a 915 elevation. The Normal Ordinary High Water
Mark for the pond was designated at elevation 893, and the High Water Mark
. for the pond at 100-year flood level was at elevation 903. Therefore, all
basements would be at least twelve feet above the high water mark during the
100-year occurrence, and should not be subject to any flooding, or wet
basement, problems.
Reubling stated that he felt this plan was much better than the previously
• Planning Commission Minutes 4 January 26, 1987
proposed townhouse development. He added that it appeared to be more
consistent with the existing development in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Mr. David Barker, 14829 Hickory Court, asked about the amount of fill to be
used for purposes of building pads for the lots along Woodland Drive. Mr.
Schumacher responded that the maximum amount of fill would be six feet,
dependent upon the type of home built upon the specific lot. Mr. Barker
asked about the width of street frontages for the same lots. Mr. Schumacher
responded that the width of street frontage ranged from 80-90 feet, which
was consistent with the existing lots on the opposite side of Woodland
Drive.
Mr. Gary Johnson, 15020 Ironwood Court, asked ' about the location of the
proposed sidewalk along Woodland Drive and how installation of the sidewalk
might impact the existing mature trees in that vicinity. Planner Enger
stated that the installation of the sidewalk should not impact any trees as
it would be located within the right-of-way of Woodland Drive. He stated
that there would be review of the location in the field to be certain that
this did not happen.
Mr. Johnson asked if it would be possible to place the large treed area
behind proposed Lot 7 in a permanently protected easement to prevent any
tree cutting in that area. Mr. Schumacher stated that their experience in
• the Edenvale Planned Unit Development with outlots was that the properties
became unkept and unsightly due to lack of maintenance by any association.
He stated that they had better results when the property was under the
control of a particular homeowner, who would maintain the property, instead.
Reubling asked if it would be possible to include a provision in the
Developer's Agreement requiring that any trees removed from a certain area,
be replaced in that same area. Planner 'Enger stated that this would be done
via the tree replacement plan reviewed by the Planning Department, if the
replacement plan became necessary.
Mr. Henry Fischer, 15100 Ironwood Court, stated that he preferred this
revised single family residential plan to the previous townhouse proposal.
He asked about the price range of homes proposed in the revised development.
Mr. Schumacher stated that the prices would be comparable to those homes
already existing in this neighborhood.
Regarding the pond on the property, Mr. Fischer asked if there would be any
excavating of that area. Mr. Schumacher responded that the proponents would
prefer not to excavate any material from the pond; however, it would be up
to the City to determine whether it would be necessary for additional storm
water holding capacity for this area. Planner Enger added that the City was
reluctant to excavate unless it was necessary. He stated that the only
other instance where the City would consider excavation would be if it
became necessary to remove silt from the pond at some point in the future.
Mr. Johnson asked if the proposed sidewalk would terminate at proposed Lot
7. Planner Enger stated that the sidewalk would terminate at the southeast
corner of Lot 7, and that any further extension would be based on requests
of the residents of the area to extend the sidewalk. He added that the City
would be able to add the sidewalk within the right-of-way for Woodland
• Planning Commission Minutes 5 January 26, 1987
Drive.
Mr. Johnson asked if fill would be required in order to locate the sidewalk
as shown between Lots 8 and 9 and whether filling might damage any of the
trees in this vicinity. Planner Enger explained that it may be necessary to
fill for the sidewalk in this location. However, he stated that there
appeared to be adequate room for a back slope in that area. He added that,
if necessary, the City would require construction of retaining walls around
the trees to protect them.
MOTION 1:
Motion was made by Bye, seconded by Reubling, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried--6-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Bye, seconded by Reubling, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Breco Corporation for Zoning District
Change from Rural to R1-9.5 for 5.52 acres for Edenvale 21st Addition, based
on plans dated December 26, 1986, subject to the recommendations of the
Staff Report dated January 23, 1987.
Motion carried--6-0-0
MOTION 3:
Motion was made by Bye, seconded by Reubling, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Breco Corporation for Preliminary Plat of
7.34 acres into 18 single family lots and one outlot, for Edenvale 21st
Addition, based on plans dated December 26, 1986, subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 23, 1987.
Motion carried--6-0-0
D. CARDINAL CREEK 6TH, by New American Homes Corporation. Request for
Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendement from Medium Density Residential
to Low Density Residential on 31.2 acres, Zoning District Change
from Rural to R1-13.5 on 31.2 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 39.5
acres into 59 single family lots, three outlots, and road right-of-
way. Location: North of Cardinal Creek Road, west of I-494. A
public hearing.
Mr. Frank Kramer, representing New American Homes Corporation, reviewed
features of the development. He explained that this single family detached
development was proposed at a gross density of 1.5 units per acre, at a net
density of 1.9 units per acre, and that the average lot size was 20,000 sq.
ft. He also noted that the design of the development was such that it kept
the proposed homes as far away from I-494 as possible.
Gartner stated that the plans indicated that the 100-year flood plain
elevation was covering a portion of several lots. She asked about the
• Planning Commission Minutes 6 January 26, 1987
impact of the flood plain on this proposed development. Planner Enger
stated that it was possible to build structures within a flood plain, but
that certain standards had to be met. For example, in another portion of
the Nine Mile Creek flood plain, a house had been built on pilings, which
was acceptable and approved by the Watershed District. Planner Enger noted
that the lowest elevation to which fill would be added was 871, while the
high water elevation of the 100-year flood plain was 866; therefore, the
lowest floor elevation for each structure would be at least five feet above
the designated 100-year flood plain elevation. The requirement of the flood
plain portion of the ordinance was that the lowest floor elevation be at
least two feet above the 100-year flood plain elevation. Planner Enger
added that it may be necessary to correct the soils under the proposed
location of the structures, due to the unstable nature of soils within flood
plain areas. This would be checked at the time of building permit request
when soil borings were required for the lot. At that time, the poor soils
would be required to be removed and stable fill would be used instead.
Mr. Ron Krueger, representing the developer, added that soils used for
filling were compacted, which actually provided for a more stable foundation
for structures than some good soils.
Hallett asked about the access of this project to Baker Road, given the
timing of the upgrading of Baker Road. Planner Enger explained that Baker
Road would be upgraded beginning in the Spring, 1987, with completion
expected in 1988. He noted that the road would be constructed "under
traffic," meaning that traffic would be allowed on the road while the
improvements were being constructed.
Reubling asked if it would be possible to change the alignment of the road
access to Baker Road in order to save trees on the adjacent property.
Planner Enger stated that it was possible, but that it would require the
developer to work with property owners not involved in this submission. He
added that this subdivision was dependent upon the adjacent properties in
order to obtain access to Baker Road. Planner Enger stated that the
proposed development of the property to the northwest, owned by the Griffith
family, had recently been submitted to the City. He stated that between the
two developments, it may be possible to work out a different alignment for
access to Baker Road in order to save the trees involved. Planner Enger
stated that there was one other property owner involved, Mr. Oscar Miller,
who did not want to develop at this time, but across whose property an
access to Baker Road could be planned. Alignment across the Miller property
would prevent the tree loss indicated by the proposed access almost
completely.
Mr. Oscar Miller, 6521 Baker Road, stated that the proponents for the
Cardinal Creek 6th Addition had not spoken with him at any time regarding
possible use of his property for realignment of the access to Baker Road.
He stated that he was concerned, too, about the development of the flood
plain area, that it be safe and not damage the environment. Mr. Miller also
asked that the signs located on his property regarding property for sale be
removed, or relocated, as he had received many inquiries about whether his
property was for sale, when in fact the signs were intended for the adjacent
lands.
• Planning Commission Minutes 7 January 26, 1987
Mr. Miller explained that he was concerned about access to Baker Road. He
pointed out that currently, the access to Baker Road existed as an easement,
only, and that maintenance of that easement was costly. Mr. Miller stated
that he had needed three semi-truck loads of gravel for the easement in 1986
in order to maintain a passable road.
Mr. Kramer stated that proponents had been working with the purchasers of
the Griffith property regarding a mutually beneficial alignment of an access
road to Baker Road.
Mr. Krueger stated that his firm was working for the purchasers of the
Griffith property, as well, and that their plans indicated that the road
would be built on the Griffith parcel, but provide access for the Cardinal
Creek 6th Addition, the Griffith parcel, and the Miller property.
Chairman Schuck asked if there would be any opportunity for the three
parties involved to work together on the proposed road alignment. Mr.
Miller stated that he was willing to discuss this with the other two
parties.
Planner Enger stated that it was the preference of the Engineering
Department that the access road to Baker Road be aligned directly across
from the driveway to the church on the west side of Baker Road for safety
purposes. He pointed out that the road was shown in the current location
based on location of property lines, as opposed to the best overall
alignment for the area.
Mr. Kramer stated that New American Homes would be willing to work with Mr.
Miller on a preferred road alignment for all parties.
Bye stated that she concurred with Chairman Schuck regarding the
coordination of access for the three parties involved, and for the overall
benefit of the neighborhood.
Mr. Art Roberts, 13543 Woodmere Circle, Vice President of the Cardinal Creek
Homeowners' Association, stated that, on behalf of the homeowners'
association, the area residents were pleased with the plan overall ,
especially as compared to the previously approved plan for mulitple
residential development on the same property. He concurred with the need
for adequate access to Baker Road for the property. Mr. Roberts stated that
other concerns. of the association were construction traffic, the similarity
of the names of the developments, the width of lots as compared to the
existing lots, and the possibility of slightly less density to be more in
line with the existing homes in the area.
Mr. Kramer stated that the proponents were willing to change the name of the
development to Cardinal Hills.
. Mr. Floyd Siefferman, Jr., 6997 Edgebrook Place, stated that he, too, was
speaking on behalf of the homeowners' association, and presented a list of
requests regarding the project. The list included the following items.
Request for a name change, dedication of the outlots to the City, covenants
restricting the development to single family residential use permanently and
restricting the number of lots to be built on the property, construction
• Planning Commission Minutes 8 January 26, 1987
traffic not be routed through the existing residential area, and a change in
the name of the major road through the project to avoid confusion due to the
horseshoe shape of the road and duplication of addresses that could occur in
the future.
Planner Enger stated that the City would have to review the street naming
situation with the Public Safety Department to be certain there would be no
confusion on their part with respect to the addressing of the homes.
Gartner asked about the most northeast road within the proposed development,
questioning whether it would be a permanent cul-de-sac. Planner Enger
stated that it was longer than the standard 500 ft. allowed for a cul-de-sac
by the City. He added that Staff had reviewed this road alignment with this
proposal, and with other proposals on the property, and that it did not
appear that there were any alternatives for servicing this area without a
long cul-de-sac, due to the topography.
MOTION:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Anderson, to continue the public
hearing, directing Staff to publish the item for the February 17, 1987, City
Council meeting, and directing the proponent to return to the Planning
Commission at its February 9, 1987, meeting to review the road access to
Baker Road after discussions with Mr. Miller and the purchasers of the
Griffith property.
Motion carried--6-0-0
V. OLD BUSINESS
None.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Ordinance Changes
Planner Enger discussed the Ordinance changes proposed to Chapter 11 of the
City Code, dealing with the Zoning Ordinance requirements. He explained
that the Staff would be ready with a final draft for the next Planning
Commission meeting, February 9th.
VII. PLANNER'S REPORT
None.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION TO ADJOURN was made by Gartner, seconded by Anderson. Chairman
Schuck adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.