Planning commission recommends plat, approves variance for Larson Properties at 1515 30th St. NW

Harry, a city planning staff member, presented the Larson Properties preliminary and final plat and the associated variance at 1515 30th Street Northwest, saying, "The variance is to allow an approximate 716 foot long dead end road." The proposal would replat two parcels into one buildable lot and one outlot intended for future development; staff said the outlot would include stormwater infrastructure to serve the new lot and any subsequent development.

John Schulte, the applicant, said the request was mainly procedural because the cul-de-sac was never built: "This is a very straightforward request, outside of the variance," he said, explaining the need to combine parcels so truck and employee parking could be accommodated. Staff told commissioners the 716-foot dead end exceeds the city's 650-foot limit by roughly 60 feet but said the ordinance's intent is to limit long dead-end roads for safety, emergency access and parcel connectivity.

Commissioners questioned the dead-end limit and were told the standard reflects concerns about the number of lots served, fire and emergency access, and connectivity; staff noted existing development and a dedicated parkland buffer to the south make through-connection impractical. After a public hearing with the applicant present and no opposition recorded, the commission voted to recommend approval of the preliminary and final plat and to recommend approval of the variance.

Both recommendations will be forwarded to the Faribault City Council for final action.