Agenda - Planning Commission - 01/22/2026

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6. 1. Regular Planning Commission Meeting Date:01/22/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative:Promote economic growth and development. Information Title: PUBLIC HEARING: "OShaughnessy Third Addition" - Preliminary Plat and Variance to Scenic River Protection Overlay - 17201 St. Francis Blvd. NW Purpose/Background: In August 2025, the Planning Commission reviewed the sketch plan for a proposed four-lot rural subdivision named "OShaughnessy Third Addition." The plat subdivides two existing parcels, 17201 St. Francis Boulevard NW and an adjacent vacant outlot, into four lots. The existing home would remain on one of those lots and the other three would be available for new single-family home construction. At that time, it was noted that the lot widths along the western side of the plat do not meet the 200-foot minimum, though they could with adjustment. The Planning Commission considered a variance, as requested by the property owner, that was ultimately approved by the City Council. It was also noted at the sketch plan review that the eastern portion would need a variance. That variance is being considered with this preliminary plat review. The property is guided Rural Developing in the 2040 Comprehensive plan. The property is zoned RR--Rural Residential and all four proposed lots meet the minimum 2.5 acre lot area. The eastern portion of the plat extends into the Scenic River Protection Overlay District where lots need to have at least 300 feet of width (variance discussed below). All lots will be served by private wells and septic systems. Roadways and Access Three of the lots will access St. Francis Boulevard, a state highway. The applicant has already gone through the permitting process and obtained residential driveway permits for the two new driveways and MNDOT is not requiring the installation of turn lanes or other modifications to the roadway. The plat will dedicate additional right-of-way for St. Francis Blvd. to achieve the required 60-foot minimum half as required by the Subdivision Code. The fourth lot will access Germanium St. NW, a local roadway. Natural Resources From the EPB's January 12, 2026, review, it was noted that the City's Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) does identify a low-quality natural plant community that is located on what will primarily be Lot 2, but also covers portions of Lots 3 and 4 as well. However, the Oak Woodland—Brushland natural plant community will not be disturbed as part of this subdivision. There is already an existing home on Lot 2, so no tree removal is necessary there. The portions of the natural plant community on Lots 3 and 4 are outside the limits of proposed construction for those lots as well. The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System identifies three (3) different cover types for the Subject Property. The vast majority of the Subject Property is classified as 'planted or cultivated vegetation'. However, a small portion in the northwest corner of the Subject Property is classified as 'urban with vegetative cover' and the Oak Woodland—Brushland is classified as 'woodland'. The proposed subdivision does not include public roads or utilities (sanitary sewer or municipal water). Therefore, the only impact on existing trees will be the construction of the homes and septic systems. The Applicant has completed a tree inventory for trees within the limits of disturbance. However, when the tree inventory is superimposed on an aerial image of the Subject Property, it becomes clear that the majority of existing trees will be preserved. Existing trees also appear to satisfy the landscape requirements (two front yard