Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/26/2026

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6. 2. Regular Planning Commission Meeting Date:02/26/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Information Title: PUBLIC HEARING: Consider the Sketch Plan/Site Plan for Serenity at Rivers Edge (Project No. 26-101): Case of Rivers Edge Development LLC Purpose/Background: The City has received a Land Use Application from Rivers Edge Development LLC (the "Applicant") to subdivide the property located on the south side of Riverdale Drive, between Dolomite Street and Sunfish Lake Boulevard (the "Subject Property"), into two (2) single family residential lots and a large outlot for future development. Notification: Public notification was mailed to property owners within 700 feet of the Subject Property. A legal notice was placed in the February 13, 2026, Anoka Union Herald Newspaper. A development sign was placed on the Subject Property as well. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: Project Overview The Applicant is proposing to subdivide the Subject Property into two (2) single family residential lots along with a large outlot. The intention is to develop the entirety of the Subject Property into single-family residential lots. However, the Applicant cannot currently meet the density requirements (2.25–4 units per acre), without essentially clear cutting the existing tree cover on the Subject Property. But, the Subject Property abuts the Mississippi River, which means it is also located within the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA). This overlay district includes additional regulations, specifically addressing vegetation management and land disturbance, amongst other things. The Applicant has stated a desire to limit the overall impact on the Subject Property and has proposed to 'custom' develop each lot to minimize impacts on existing natural resources. As part of the upcoming Comprehensive Plan Update process, Staff will be proposing a 'River District', applicable to both the Scenic River Protection Overlay District and the MRCCA, which would permit a lower density. The purpose of a lesser density would be to align more with the intent of both overlay districts, which is to minimize disturbance of existing natural resources. Zoning and Guidance The Subject Property is zoned R-1A (Single Family Residential) and is guided as Low Density Residential in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Based on the R-1A zoning designation, each lot has at least eighty (80) feet of frontage along a public road (Riverdale Drive) and has an area of at least 10,000 square feet. The Applicant is attempting to mirror the existing development pattern east of the Subject Property, where parcels range in size from about 0.60 acres to about 0.80 acres and each have approximately 80–110 feet of frontage along Riverdale Drive. The proposed home sites are further back from Riverdale Drive than the maximum allowable setback (35 feet). However, where an existing setback pattern is established, new homes can be sited to conform with the existing, prevailing setback. Thus, as long as the two new homes align with the existing setback pattern to the east, they can be beyond the 'maximum' front yard setback. Utilities The Subject Property is within the 2040 MUSA boundary and thus, all new lots must be connected to both sanitary sewer and municipal water. Trunk sanitary sewer and trunk municipal water are both underneath