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Proposal for five homes near Marsh Lake seeks shoreline PUD and annexation
Summary
A developer seeks a residential shoreline PUD and annexation for roughly 6 acres at the Shores of Marsh Lake, proposing five single-family homes and deviations to lot-area, width and impervious standards; staff noted DNR and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District review will occur later.
The planning commission reviewed a sketch plat for a proposed extension of the Shores of Marsh Lake neighborhood that would add five new single-family homes on roughly a 6-acre project area.
City planner Brian McCann said the parcels are within the Shoreland Overlay and that the proposal calls for a residential shoreline planned unit development (RSPUD) to allow deviations from standard shoreland requirements. "They're proposing 5 new single family homes," McCann said, noting the developer seeks reduced minimum lot areas (10,000 square feet instead of 20,000), narrower lot widths (65 feet instead of 125) and a higher maximum impervious surface (up to 33%) consistent with standards used in the nearby Shores of Marsh Lake development.
McCann also explained that a portion of the property lies in Laketown Township and would require annexation; annexation would automatically place land into an agricultural zoning category until rezoned as part of the PUD process. He said building pads meet the 150-foot ordinary high-waterline setback and that DNR comments are anticipated at preliminary plat review. McCann flagged stormwater and wetland mitigation requirements under the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and said the Parks and Recreation Committee supported a cash fee in lieu of land (about 0.25 acres or roughly $25,000).
Commissioners asked whether the PUD would be a new PUD or an amendment; McCann said it is effectively both—new zoning for the parcel but using the established PUD standards from the existing Shores of Marsh Lake neighborhood. Fire and emergency access were a recurring theme: McCann said fire standards require an emergency access to County Road 43, and the applicant described gated or breakaway options to maintain privacy while preserving fire access.
John Sonic, with Charles Keck Company, said he was present to answer questions and described practical gating solutions used on other developments: breakaway hinges or a lock that emergency responders can traverse, followed by post-event repair. Several commissioners stressed that access, utilities and tree preservation will need closer review at preliminary plat.
Next steps: no formal action was taken at sketch review. The applicant must file a preliminary plat and PUD application; staff will route the proposal for DNR and watershed review and present detailed engineering and access plans in subsequent hearings.
