Planning Commission backs new 37,000‑sq.-ft. Vadnais Heights fire station and site improvements

The Vadnais Heights Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a conditional use permit, site plan and variances for a new fire station and City Hall campus improvements at the May 26 meeting.

Planning/Community Development Director Nolan Wall presented the City's plan, explaining the project would demolish the existing fire station once construction of a new, approximately 37,000‑square‑foot station is substantially complete. The proposed station would be sited primarily in the current off‑street parking lot south of the existing facility, with City Hall upgrades that include landscaping, new sidewalks and parking modifications.

Fire Chief Frison described the project's training tower as a frequently used, non‑burn facility for Class B training. "The training tower would be used frequently and would be our go‑to site for training since we do not have that option now," Chief Frison said. When Chairperson Adam Schreiber asked whether the training would affect neighbors, Chief Frison replied the tower would be non‑burn and not involve open flame.

Commissioners asked about tree counting, parking impacts during the phased construction, and whether neighboring departments could use the training facility. Clark Lohr of Stantec said the project will be phased and admitted some overlap could temporarily disrupt parking, while Ben Newlin of Terra Construction said the existing station will remain operational during construction and that the old station site would be converted to parking after demolition.

After discussion, Commissioner Curt Cooper moved and Commissioner Terri Dresen seconded a motion "to recommend approval of the proposed conditional use permit, site plan, and variance requests, based on the findings of fact, with conditions." The motion carried, 7-0.

The recommendation advances project review to City Council consideration and does not by itself authorize construction.