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Coon Rapids council approves Balfany Farms PUD after requiring HOA and conditions
Summary
The council approved a Planned Unit Development (Planning Case 25-15) for Balfany Farms with 15 conditions — including a mandatory homeowners association, a $72,500 park dedication fee and a required 20-foot trail easement — after an initial motion to approve without an HOA failed.
The Coon Rapids City Council approved a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and related preliminary plat for Balfany Farms (Planning Cases 25-15 and 25-16) on Feb. 17, subject to 15 conditions including a mandatory homeowners association (HOA), a $72,500 park dedication fee and a trail easement.
Senior Planner Max Pattsner told the council the proposal requires three deviations from LDR-3 zoning standards: a roughly 13% deviation in lot area, a 17% deviation in lot width and a 19% deviation in garage floor area. Council discussion focused on cul-de-sac length, potential stormwater impacts, garage sizes, and whether an HOA should be required to ensure long-term maintenance and snow removal.
An initial motion to approve the PUD without an HOA failed 3-4. Councilmember Christopher Geisler asked whether adding an HOA would secure majority support; councilmembers Carlson and Mayor Koch said they would support the project with an HOA condition. The council then approved the PUD with an HOA requirement and the set of conditions (Resolution No. 26-29) unanimously.
Key conditions include addressing all engineering and fire comments, obtaining Anoka County Highway Department and Coon Creek Watershed District approvals, entering into a development agreement, meeting LDR-2 development standards except where explicitly overridden by PUD standards, and paying a park dedication fee of $72,500 ($2,500 per lot for 29 lots). The council also required conveyance of the stormwater pond in Outlot B to the city for ownership and maintenance and a 20-foot trail easement between lots 16 and 17, with the developer to construct the first section of trail.
Developer and landowner Jon Raush told the council that adding an HOA could add about $150–$250 per month per home, and said only one-third of the 32 acres is planned for development, with about 1.1-acre properties and an expectation that the trench may become a lake serving some homes.
The council also approved the preliminary plat with conditions and confirmed that a PUD can include an HOA. City Attorney David Brodie confirmed staff will review instruments to ensure perpetual maintenance and liability arrangements for the southern pond before building permits are issued.
