Planning commission tables resort definition and Froelich ‘micro‑resort’ pending legal review

The Rock Creek Planning Commission on Aug. 19 tabled two linked items — a proposed text amendment to define 'resort' alongside the existing Campground Ordinance and a conditional‑use permit application from commissioner and applicant Josh Froelich for a small 'micro‑resort' — and asked municipal consultant John Anderson to review legal and procedural issues before the applications return to the commission.

The text amendment, TA‑24‑002, would add a resort definition to Zoning Ordinance §60 describing resorts as lodging with "two or more" cottages, rooms or enclosures available for stays of up to 30 days and would combine resort language with Campground Ordinance #77. At the public hearing, resident Ron Teeman noted the draft largely mirrors Minnesota’s state definition but flagged a local inconsistency: the draft uses a "two or more" threshold while a separate campground rule discussed during the meeting references a 15‑site minimum. "Your definition is almost word for word for the state of MN until you get to the very end," Teeman said; commissioners requested alignment and legal review.

Applicant Josh Froelich presented CUP‑24‑003, describing a 50‑acre site he would develop with roughly 13 sites — seven tiny‑house style cabins (about 400 square feet each) and five to six off‑grid sites — plus a handful of off‑grid domes or yurts. Froelich said he has worked with an advanced septic designer and adjusted the site plan to accommodate septic constraints and minimize tree clearing. He estimated the development could bring about $750,000 in annual revenue to the area and create local employment. "With the average that a person is spending on vacation, he’s looking at bringing ¾ of a Million Dollars of Revenue to the area," Froelich said.

During the hearing, Teeman questioned whether Froelich’s 13‑site plan complies with the campground ordinance’s minimums. Froelich replied that, under the draft resort definition’s "two or more" language the proposal would qualify as a resort, while acknowledging the separate campground ordinance language raises a good question. Commissioners and commenters also pressed traffic and address details for neighboring properties. Teeman urged a site plan that shows a safe turnaround and a dedicated loading/unloading area for equipment and guest vehicles, citing 560th Street’s lack of shoulders.

Resident Don Burger urged the commission to use the existing campground ordinance and the Planned Unit Development (PUD) toolbox where appropriate, and recommended that Froelich document why he chose not to pursue a PUD if he elects the campground/resort path. "There is great flexibility using the PUD toolbox," Burger said, while also expressing support for the project’s fit with the community and long‑term economic potential.

Chair Curt Kubesh and other commissioners said the proposals raise important procedural and definitional questions that should be vetted by John Anderson before the commission forwards recommendations to the City Council. Commissioners voted unanimously to table both TA‑24‑002 and CUP‑24‑003 pending that review. Froelich asked for expedited hearings because he said delays could increase project costs by roughly 30 percent, and offered to pay for special meetings; commissioners nevertheless insisted on consultant review to ensure the rules are applied correctly.

What’s next: The commission asked the applicant for any revised site plans and asked staff to route the materials to John Anderson for legal and procedural guidance. The items will return to the commission after Anderson’s review; commissioners did not set a firm return date at the meeting.