Agenda - Council - 03/10/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 03/10/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Promote economic growth and development. 5. 19. Title: Adopt Resolution #26-074 Approving the Final Plat 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 a property that is 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. This subdivision is considered a "Minor Plat" in City Code. 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 larger outlot. The intention is to ultimately develop the outlot into single-family residential lots, similar to the two buildable lots created by this plat. However, the Applicant cannot meet the current density requirements (2.25-4 units per acre), without essentially clear -cutting the existing tree cover on the Subject Property. The Subject Property abuts the Mississippi River, which means it is also located within the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Overlay District. This overlay district includes additional regulations 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 (Rum River) and the MRCCA (Mississippi River) Overlay District. A lower density requirement would align more with the intent of both overlay districts, which is to minimize disturbance of existing natural resources, which, by default, helps protect water quality. 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-lA 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 has 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. The Applicant has stated that there happens to be a break in tree cover slightly closer to the river than the existing, prevailing setback pattern to the east, and their goal was to site the house pads in this 'break', to further reduce tree loss on the Subject Property. Staff is working with the Applicant on a solution to the maximum front yard setback standard. Generally speaking, the Planning Commission was supportive of deviating from the established front yard setback pattern if