Minutes - Planning Commission - 04/23/2026

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Mr. Dehn commented that they are not planning to cut vegetation near the perimeter with the exception of the cul-de-sac, so he was unsure of the need for additional vegetation. He commented that the lots would be more centered with the perimeter trees remaining. Commissioner Bauer provided an alternative suggestion where the cul-de-sac towards 177th was eliminated and instead extended past lot one, along the back sides of lots one through four. He asked if the lots would still meet all size requirements in that scenario. Senior Planner Anderson replied that the smallest lot size proposed is 2.7 acres, where City Code only requires a minimum lot size of 2.5 acres. He stated that staff would need to do some math to determine if wrapping a road around the backside of the lots would reduce the size of those lots below the minimum requirement. Chairperson Gengler thanked the applicant and residents for this input tonight, noting that this is the first step, and the applicant will use that input as guidance in moving forward in the application process. Richard Rudin, 17740 Fluorine Street NW, commented that he would be two homes down from the development and asked if there would be notification if there were changes or additional dwellings were proposed in the future. He stated that it seems that this process has been fast - tracked, as he only received a one -week notice of this meeting. Senior Planner Anderson stated that there is nothing locking in the Sketch Plan as shown tonight. He commented that if this moves forward to a Preliminary Plat, it would be notified as a public hearing, and notice would be sent to property owners within 700 feet of the subject property. He believed that the developer could have squeezed in a few more lots if they wanted, but he seems to believe there is more benefit in developing the property as proposed. Mr. Rudin commented that his family had moved from St. Paul and was concerned about the construction vehicles that would be in the neighborhood with his young children. He implored the Commission to think about the community and wildlife that would be disrupted rather than development. He had concerns with the variance to extend the cul-de-sac and the combination of that length and only one access into the development. He did not believe that this property was consistent with the other examples provided by staff. He asked about the required turnaround standard for emergency vehicles and whether the proposed cul-de-sac would meet that standard. Senior Planner Anderson commented that the Fire Marshall did provide comments on the length of the Erkium Street extension and required sizing and paving of the cul-de-sac. Mr. Rudin asked if there had been a traffic analysis for this development. Senior Planner Anderson replied that there is no requirement for a traffic study for the development of 15 lots. Mr. Rudin asked if there had been an analysis of how this would impact drivers and the safety of families in the area. Planning Commission/ April 23, 2026 Page 9 of 11