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Cannon Falls planners discuss allowing partial gravel driveways for large lots
Summary
Planning commissioners discussed a proposed amendment to the city driveway ordinance to allow partial gravel driveways for larger “estate” lots in Timber Ridge and similar areas; no formal action was taken because the meeting lacked a quorum.
CANNON FALLS, Minn. — Planning commissioners discussed a proposed change to the city driveway ordinance that would allow partial gravel driveways for large, rural-style lots, but took no formal action because a quorum was not present.
The discussion centered on Timber Ridge estate lots, where developer representatives asked the commission to permit a paved surface only at driveway ends and in the public right of way, with gravel for the long middle portions of the drive. “We were looking for a variance for gravel driveways,” said Mark Soscar, representing Timber Ridge and GMH Land. Commissioners and staff emphasized the need to balance stormwater protection, runoff control and dust mitigation for neighboring properties.
John, a city staff member, told the commission the application to amend the ordinance had been formally filed and that the city must either act or request an extension before a 60-day deadline. “I do believe we will need to extend that just to meet that deadline,” he said. Commissioners and the developer discussed possible thresholds and measurements that could be included in the ordinance, including a minimum lot size and required paved distances at each driveway end.
Developer representatives proposed paving 25 to 30 feet at the garage face and paving from the public right of way to prevent gravel on public streets, leaving the middle length of long driveways unpaved. Mark Soscar estimated some driveway runs “500, 600 feet.” Commissioners suggested potential rules such as a minimum lot acreage (commission discussion referenced 2 acres), minimum driveway length to qualify for the exception, and a paved area at both the road and near the residence. Commissioners raised concerns about dust and proximity to neighbors, noting that long gravel runs could affect other residents.
Staff recommended drafting an ordinance that could apply to “rural large lot” zones or be tied to a minimum acreage; commissioners discussed whether to set a minimum of about 2 acres for eligibility and to specify paved zones extending to the public right of way (which may vary by road) plus a set distance at the residence. The commission also discussed permitting private gravel alleys where property owners retain them as private infrastructure.
No motions or votes were taken because the commission lacked a quorum; staff said they would continue refining draft language and bring it back for formal consideration at a future meeting or the joint City Council–Planning Commission work session on June 17.
The conversation covered operational points commissioners asked staff to clarify at later review, including stormwater controls, dust mitigation, maintenance agreements for shared driveways, and whether an allowance would be temporary until annexation or until city water and sewer are extended.
Next steps: staff will prepare ordinance language options and a recommended threshold for commission review at a future meeting. Because no formal action was taken, the existing city driveway and paving ordinance remains in effect.
