Eagan panel backs land-use change for 16‑bed residential treatment center at 1581 Century Point

The Eagan Advisory Planning Commission on April 22 recommended approval of a comprehensive guide plan amendment to change the land-use designation of a 0.6-acre parcel at 1581 Century Point from quasi-public to retail commercial to allow development of a 16-bed residential treatment facility.

Planner Thomas of the City of Eagan presented the application for the project proposed by MJ Studio Architects LLC, saying the site has previously been platted and once guided for commercial use before a 2006 amendment that guided it to public facilities for a proposed church. Thomas told commissioners sanitary sewer and water mains of sufficient size and depth are available along the north side of the lot and that the site contains several large volunteer trees and no wetlands.

The nut graf: The recommended land-use change would allow a residential program facility for seven to 16 people as a conditional use under a neighborhood business zoning designation adopted by a city code amendment in February 2023. The applicant’s narrative says the facility would offer mental health and recovery services licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Architect Dan O’Meara, representing MJ Studio Architects, described the concept as a two-story building with 16 units on the east side of the lot and parking to the west. "The unit cells are approximately 200 square feet," O’Meara said, adding that the total building area is about 5,000 square feet in his estimate. Floor plans in the record show shared common areas including a kitchen, multipurpose room, staff offices, therapy rooms and laundry.

Thomas said the site would be subject to the city’s tree preservation ordinance (which allows up to 30 percent tree removal), stormwater and surface water quality post-construction requirements, and the city’s standard zoning and bulk standards at time of development. Park dedication has not previously been satisfied for the parcel; staff anticipates cash dedications at development. Thomas also noted one levied assessment from a prior city project remains on the property.

Commission discussion was limited to clarification questions about building fit and process. Vice Chair Schwanke asked whether fit plans were included; Thomas and the applicant pointed to the floor-plan exhibits submitted with the application. No members of the public spoke during the public-comment portion of the hearing.

Member Block moved and Secretary Wagner seconded the recommendation to approve the comprehensive guide plan amendment; the motion passed 6-0. Thomas said the item is scheduled for City Council consideration on May 6.

The commission’s action at this stage is a recommendation on the guide plan amendment only; any future site-plan, conditional-use and building-permit approvals would be subject to separate review and conditions.