Planning commission recommends denial of variance to allow gravel driveways for Timber Ridge estate lots

Cannon Falls Planning Commission members voted to recommend denial of a variance that would have allowed gravel driveways for four new Timber Ridge estate lots. The commission’s denial was driven by public concerns about stormwater runoff, long-standing code requirements for paved streets and driveways, and commissioners’ view that the developer bears responsibility for meeting code standards.

The public hearing drew several residents who said the variance would worsen runoff and put future homeowners at financial risk. Ken Rohrer, a nearby property owner, said runoff from the development already drains onto his land and that a gravel connector would increase wash and sedimentation. “I’m concerned about the runoff,” Rohrer said, describing existing wash that has already moved sediment onto his pasture and asking…