St. Francis City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
St. Francis High School Plat Preliminary Approval
Shade Tree Cove Concept Plan Review and Density Discussion
Votes (2)
Public Hearing for St. Francis High School Plat
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown Commissioner [0:09:47] · Seconded by Unknown Commissioner [0:09:59]
The discussion centered on the administrative consolidation of three parcels into a single lot for the St. Francis High School. Staff emphasized that this was a legal cleanup and not a proposal for new construction or changes to the site's use. The existing public institutional land use guidance and R1 zoning were noted as consistent with the school's current operations. The public hearing was opened and closed without comment, leading to a swift decision by the commission.
Shade Tree Cove Concept Plan Review
Dissent: No formal dissent, but commissioners expressed differing views on the broader implications of density changes versus specific PUDs.
Moved by null · Seconded by null
This concept plan proposed a higher density for rural residential lots, prompting a detailed discussion on potential comprehensive plan amendments. Two options were presented: a city-wide density adjustment or the creation of a new, specific land use category. Concerns were raised regarding consistency with Met Council policies, the prevention of sprawl, and the economic efficiency of extending urban services. The developer clarified market demand for 2.5-acre lots and confirmed initial soil borings were favorable. Public comment provided historical context on PUDs and density in the area. Commissioners generally favored creating a new land use category over a broad density change, acknowledging the complexities within the ongoing 2050 comprehensive plan update.
Notable Quotes (6)
So the preliminary plat again the intention is to combine the three parcels into a single lot. uh it would be roughly 93 acres uh of one lot and then almost an acre would be would be dedicated uh as right ofway along Rum River Boulevard and then 235th. So there are no physical changes proposed to the site, no improvements or development. This is really just to clean up um clean up the legal description, clean up just the lot itself um so that you're not dealing with uh awkward setbacks and things like that uh in the middle of the lot.
The concept is proposing a density of one unit per 2.65 acres. uh so that's where we're talking about a comprehensive plan amendment. uh that amendment would be required to develop at a higher density than what's allowed by the 2040 comprehensive plan.
So even developing at one per five is obviously um more dense than what the Met Council is uh is requiring. uh so this policy is something that's in place to prevent sprawl um and preserve opportunities for future regional sewer and water expansion.
Um I do have just a couple of um questions here. So, I'm looking at this with the two different um ideas, the plan one, idea one and idea two. Um what is the reasoning behind not adding uh another land use division?
And another thing is yes, we've done developments in East Buffalo and Oak Grove where there's the demand for that 2 and a half acre where you got some room but not a lot of room has been our most successful projects lately.
My phase two, by the way, I was the owner of phase one. Phase two was was a close neighbor. Obviously, we were connected. His property didn't have the same wetland limitations as mine did. Consequently, a PUD was not permitted for him. He had to go to the 2 and 1/2 acre minimum lot size.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
Preliminary plat request to combine three existing parcels into a single lot for the high school.
An ongoing city planning process that will address future land use and density, impacting discussions for both agenda items.
The current city plan that guides land use and sets maximum density for rural residential areas.
Regional planning guidelines that impact density and development, particularly concerning sprawl and urban service expansion.
A proposed development concept for five rural residential lots undergoing review.
A necessary change to the comprehensive plan to allow for higher density development than currently permitted.
A zoning tool requested by the applicant to allow flexibility from standard code requirements, specifically for lot width.
Subsequent formal applications required if the Shade Tree Cove concept plan proceeds.
The zoning district for the St. Francis High School property, which permits elementary and secondary schools.
The current zoning for the Shade Tree Cove property, allowing single-family homes at a minimum of 2.5 acres.