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Waite Park council approves variances for Heritage Courts senior apartment project
Summary
Council approved variances for the Heritage Courts apartment project allowing a 50‑foot maximum height and reduced parking requirement of 1.75 stalls per unit; staff and the planning commission recommended the conditions citing natural constraints and anticipated senior-oriented parking demand.
The Waite Park City Council approved variances requested by Mc Meredith Development (doing business as Heritage Courts LLC) for a new senior‑oriented apartment building.
City staff presented the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve two variances: an increase in the maximum building height (planning staff and the commission recommended setting the maximum at 50 feet rather than the applicant's requested 55 feet) and a reduction in parking requirements from the standard 2.5 stalls per unit to 1.75 stalls per unit. Staff said the site includes wetlands and bedrock constraints and the project is planned as primarily one‑ and two‑bedroom senior units with lower anticipated parking demand.
Staff also described site adjustments to minimize impacts on nearby residences, including screening around parking areas and use of an existing pond to meet stormwater management requirements. Council members asked whether a private drive adjacent to the site would be widened and paved; staff said the gravel connector will be widened and paved but will remain privately owned and maintained, with property owners responsible for maintenance and snow removal.
A council member moved to approve the variances; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The Planning Commission's recommended 50‑foot height limit was included in staff recommendations reflected in the motion.
