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Commission endorses Sunset Woods/Enclave townhome plan for 175 units, forwards to council
Summary
Planning staff recommended and the commission supported rezoning, a preliminary plat and a conditional use permit for Sunset Woods (Enclave Companies) to allow 175 market‑rate townhome rental units; neighbors asked about private wells and traffic; staff said dewatering impacts are unlikely for typical wells and that a traffic study is under review.
The Blaine Planning Commission voted Jan. 13 to recommend City Council approval of a three‑part application to rezone roughly 28 acres from Farm Residential (FR) to Development Flex (DF), approve a preliminary plat for one lot and an outlot, and grant a conditional use permit to build 175 market‑rate townhome rental units (14 three‑story and 11 two‑story buildings). Staff recommended approval subject to the conditions listed in the staff report.
Staff summarized site history and constraints, including previous concept reviews and the existence of threatened/endangered plants in the northern portion of the property. The applicant’s plan calls for 74 two‑bedroom, 94 three‑bedroom and 7 four‑bedroom units, on a 14.23‑acre developable area, with parking (two garage stalls and two driveway stalls per unit plus 62 guest stalls), a clubhouse with pool, amenities and landscaping. Staff noted tree‑preservation credits (192 preserved) and replacement plantings (114 replacement trees) as part of the landscape plan.
At the public hearing, Scott Wojcak asked whether potential dewatering during construction would affect his private well; staff (Theresa) said dewatering typically draws down surface water for utility installation and is unlikely to reach deeper wells but that staff would investigate known shallow wells. Wojcak also asked about traffic on Sunset and 109th; staff said a traffic study has been completed, comments returned and adjustments are being made in response to county comments.
Applicant Brian Bachman (Enclave Companies) told the commission the design responds to wetlands and DNR constraints and that the layout seeks to preserve natural areas while delivering a walkable townhome community. Commissioners said they appreciated the scale compared with prior industrial proposals for the site. A motion to recommend approval for the rezoning, preliminary plat and conditional use permit passed by voice vote. The commission’s recommendation will go before the City Council on Feb. 2.
Next steps include final engineering responses to DNR and watershed comments, resolution of any shallow‑well concerns, and any adjustments required by the county or staff review prior to final plat and building permits.
