Council rezones 8675 County Road 43 and authorizes comp plan amendment for conservation residential

The City of Victoria approved an ordinance to rezone a 23-acre property at 8675 County Road 43 from agricultural to R-1 low-density residential and authorized staff to submit a comprehensive plan amendment to re‑guide the site to 'conservation residential.'

City planner Brian McCann explained the applicant proposes three new single-family lots and retention of wetland areas to be deeded to the city. He said the site contains significant wetland coverage and steep elevations and is within 1,000 feet of Wasserman Lake, which makes shoreland and environmental rules relevant. "They are proposing lots that meet all of the minimum requirements for the Shoreland Overlay District," McCann said, and noted Parcel 2 would be deeded to the city for preservation.

McCann also described utility constraints: Parcel 1 is proposed to use septic and well because available utilities cannot be feasibly extended up the slope for a single lot, while Parcels 3 and 4 would connect to city sewer and water. He said a supermajority (four-fifths) is required for the comprehensive plan amendment submission and that staff will submit materials to the Metropolitan Council upon council direction.

Council members questioned emergency access, easement recording, and the tradeoffs of the proposed conservation residential approach versus higher-density alternatives; staff said the conservation residential route reduces tree removal and grading compared with a higher-density plat. The council approved the rezoning ordinance and the resolution authorizing submittal of the comprehensive plan amendment by voice vote. Staff listed follow-up items including fire-department review, verification of septic feasibility for Parcel 1, final utility easement language, and any actions requested by Carver County and MCWD.