Commission continues Coughlin Nursery planned development discussion; staff to refine sidewalk, frontage and yard language

Commissioners reviewed a draft Planned Development (PD) for the Coughlin Nursery site and asked staff to refine several technical provisions before the scheduled public hearing on July 3. Staff said the PD would cover Lot 1 in the proposed Coughlin Second Addition (the larger parcel that includes the existing Oak Ridge nursery) and would list permitted uses, yard and lot standards and special area regulations.

Key points discussed - Permitted uses: The draft PD would allow the existing landscaping/nursery retail business, a public event center for potential future use, and a single‑family detached dwelling on the same parcel. Staff recommended that where the PD is silent, the relevant standards from Chapter 15.15 (General Business) apply to the nursery uses and Chapter 15.15 standards for R‑1 apply to the single‑family portion. - Sidewalks: Staff recommended using the city’s sidewalk exemption form rather than embedding a permanent sidewalk exemption in the ordinance. The exemption form allows council to grant or later require sidewalks without changing ordinance language; commissioners favored the exemption approach for flexibility. - Lot and yard rules: Because Lot 1 will have multiple frontages and both business and residential uses, commissioners asked staff to clarify how front, side and rear yards will be defined and applied to future improvements. Staff proposed reproducing an exhibit that defines frontages by use and access, similar to a previous PD (Augusta Place) with a non‑rectangular lot. - Existing structures and access: Commissioners noted several existing greenhouses and small buildings that are expected to be removed; staff said future platting and replatting will be required for any subdivision of Lot 1 and that the legal description must be corrected to reflect the pending plat. - Access and right‑of‑way: Commissioners asked about access to Lot 3 and possible DOT constraints; staff said access along Split Rock Boulevard will be governed by DOT standards and that some future access points may be 600 feet from Split Rock per DOT guidelines.

Next steps Staff said they will produce a revised PD draft and clarified exhibit defining frontages and setbacks and will circulate the draft to commissioners in advance of the July 3 meeting. The commission did not take a final vote on the PD on June 18 and discussed coordinating the PD and future platting steps to avoid procedural conflicts.