Council approves North Creek Manufactured Home Park expansion with conditions after weeks of community comment

The Lakeville City Council on Feb. 18 approved a conditional use permit (CUP) to expand the North Creek manufactured home community by 130 home sites, subject to multiple conditions requiring the developer to complete improvements in the existing neighborhood before new home permits will be issued.

Applicant representatives said they purchased North Creek Estates in December 2021 and began the expansion process in 2023; they told the council they have already spent money on site improvements and committed to further investments. “We purchased the North Creek Estates Mobile Home Park in December 2021, with the intent to expand… We began this process in 2023,” said applicant representative Javan Tassel.

City planner Tina Goodroad presented the staff report, saying the 26.52‑acre site is zoned RSMH (Single Family Residential Manufactured Home Park District) and has been guided and zoned for manufactured home park use for decades. The proposed expansion would create 130 new home sites, plus shared amenities including a playground, basketball court, storm shelter and stormwater basins. Goodroad said the property falls within the Shoreland Overlay District and that natural‑resources and shoreland requirements have been reviewed by city staff.

A large number of residents from both North Creek and neighboring Country View addressed the council in public comment, raising concerns about the adequacy of existing infrastructure, traffic and the single‑lane bridge that residents said floods annually, storm shelter capacity, the condition of existing roads and trees, wildlife and public‑safety concerns, property values, and whether the new homes would be rentals or for sale. Several residents said they want legally binding assurances that the owner will invest in the existing neighborhood.

Country View owner Dan Gustafson requested a taller fence (he had asked for 7 feet) and asked that the fence and other safety infrastructure be completed before construction begins. He also said Country View does not allow rentals and that North Creek’s rent levels are higher than Country View’s. Several residents said they have concerns about tree removal, drainage, and construction traffic using Country View roads.

Applicant representatives said they would commit to several specific improvements in the existing park and agreed to a requirement to complete them before any home permits are issued in the new addition. Staff enumerated the items the applicant agreed to add to the CUP as conditions: install the fence along the west and south property lines prior to issuance of new home permits; change the chain‑link fence to six feet where specified; and to complete the following in the existing North Creek neighborhood before new homes are permitted: resurfacing existing driveways, installing new community signage (monument and directional signs), upgrading mailboxes, replacing the park playground, and working with a tree professional to remove dead and dying trees. Staff also said the gate must include a key box for fire and police access.

The council added the conditions and directed staff to prepare the written CUP document for the mayor’s signature and for the applicant to sign the agreement. Councilmember Joshua Lee moved to approve the CUP and to adopt the findings, including the additional conditions; the motion passed on a roll call vote with all members present voting in favor.

Councilmembers and staff emphasized the limits of the city’s discretion when reviewing CUPs (they must meet zoning standards) while noting that the added conditions seek to ensure investment in the existing community. Several residents said they would continue to pursue accountability from the property owner and asked the council and staff to enforce the conditions.