Planning Commission Packet - August 26, 2025

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The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity Request for Action To Planning Commission Item Number 4.2 Meeting Date August 26, 2025 Prepared By Zack Carlton, Community Development Director Item Description Preliminary Plat: Prairie Haven, Gavin Hemmer - 13631 192 1/2 Ave NW Reviewed by Chris Leeseberg Action Requested Recommend, by motion, approval of the Preliminary Plat of Prairie Have, subject to the following conditions: 1. The associated lot size variance (V 25-12) must be approved and recorded along with a future final plat. 2. A wetland variance to support a driveway for lot 1 must be approved prior to approval of a final plat. 3. The applicant should work with their surveyor to explore opportunities to minimize the right-of-way dedicated for 192nd 1/2 Ave. Background/Discussion The applicant, Gavin Hemmer, proposes subdividing two existing lots with the plat of Prairie Haven, creating four new buildable lots. One parcel will house the existing home, and the three remaining lots will be sold for single-family development. The applicant has also requested approval of a lot-size variance for two of the parcels. The property is zoned R-1a with a minimum lot size of 2.5 acres and the proposed lots are 1.29 and 1.59 acres. Each parcel has at least 1 acre of buildable upland area, supporting a home, two septic system locations, and options for detached accessory structures. Approval of the variance is included as a condition of approval. The proposed lots have the required frontage on a public street, but lot 1 will also require a variance to support a driveway through a wetland buffer setback. The lot is buildable beyond the wetland setbacks. The applicant must apply for this variance and receive approval prior to bringing a final plat forward for approval by the City Council. Applicable Regulations Preliminary Plat City ordinance section 30-375 outlines the required findings for approval of a Preliminary Plat. 1. The proposed subdivision is consistent with the zoning regulations (article VI of this chapter) and conforms in all respects with all requirements of this Code, including the zoning regulations and this article. The subdivision requires approval of two variances. One of which has already been applied for, and the second is included as a condition of approval. The current variance application supports development of two substandard lots, and the second will support a driveway access for lot 1. If the variances are approved, the subdivision will be consistent with the zoning regulations of this article. Page 47 of 86