Planning commission backs guiding change to clear sewer hurdle for Richland Court

Shakopee Planning Commission on Oct. 9 recommended that the City Council approve a comprehensive‑plan amendment to change the guidance for Lot 1, Block 1 (Richland Court) from suburban residential to suburban edge so an eight‑lot single‑family plat can obtain a sewer permit.

Staff presented the request, saying the city’s net‑lot calculation and the Metropolitan Council’s density calculation differ because the Met Council does not count public rights‑of‑way. "City of Shakopee is proposing to amend the 2040 comp plan for Lot 1, Block 1," the staff presenter said, explaining the applicant proposes eight single‑family homes on a 4.36‑acre parcel with a net lot area of 2.82 acres and about 1.5 acres of wetlands/tree preservation. Staff said the Met Council’s method yields 2.84 units per acre, below the suburban residential minimum of 3 units per acre; suburban edge guidance allows between 0.1 and 3 units per acre.

The commission discussed the calculation differences and the practical effect: without the guiding change the project will not meet the Met Council’s density test and therefore cannot receive the needed sewer permit. After brief discussion the commission voted to forward a positive recommendation to the City Council (resolution referenced in the meeting as R2025‑113). The motion to recommend adoption was offered and seconded by commissioners in the meeting record and passed on a roll‑call vote with all present voting aye.

If the City Council approves the change, the applicant will proceed to finalize platting and sewer permitting under the suburban edge guidance; the planning commission’s recommendation will be included in the council packet when the item appears for council action.