Planning commission approves minor subdivision and impervious-surface variance for 300 1st Avenue SE

The Pine City Planning Commission voted April 22 to recommend approval of a minor subdivision and an impervious-surface variance for a parcel at 300 1st Avenue SE, an application filed by Cole Newman of Eagle Ridge Estate.

Commission discussion centered on stormwater management. Several commissioners urged that the approval include an explicit condition that stormwater retention be verified by the city engineer rather than rely on nonbinding assurances. One commissioner said engineering confirmation was important because earlier street work had revealed that rain gardens would not handle runoff in some neighborhoods. Staff said the stormwater-retention plan will be part of the later site-plan review and agreed to add the verification language to the resolution.

After that change was proposed, commissioners moved and seconded to recommend the draft resolution approving the subdivision and then to approve the variance and findings of fact; both voice votes carried. The planner had noted that approval of the subdivision is contingent on a revised certificate of survey showing encroachments and easements of record and that a subsequent site-plan review would be required before vertical construction.

The commission’s action is a recommendation; any required site-plan review, engineering approvals and permits must be completed before construction could begin. The applicant also indicated he intends to delay formal site-plan review until next month because engineering and civil work would add cost.

Next steps: staff will include the city-engineer verification language in the formal resolution and proceed with notification of required follow-up steps including site-plan review.