Chaska City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Conditional Use Permit for Outdoor Storage (Precision Yard Services)
Concept Plan for Vista Ridge (Johnson Ryland Homes)
Votes (2)
Recommend Approval of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Outdoor Storage at 3700 Chaza Boulevard (Precision Yard Services)
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Campbell [11:10] · Seconded by Commissioner Sailor [11:20]
Staff presented Precision Yard Services' request for a CUP for 75,000 square feet of outdoor storage at the 3700 Chaza Boulevard site, previously Shramm Brewery. The property's I2 industrial zoning permits outdoor storage, but the proposed area exceeds the 2:1 land-to-building ratio, necessitating the CUP. Discussion included the property's history, its conflict with the long-range plan for high-density residential (making this an interim use), and the proposed conditions for screening. Commissioners inquired about security and the appropriateness of the use for the site.
Recommend Approval of Concept Plan for Vista Ridge (Johnson Ryland Homes)
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Austin [39:50] · Seconded by Commissioner Campbell [40:00]
Staff presented the concept plan for Vista Ridge, a 27-single family home development. The site's extreme topography, with a 100-foot elevation drop and extensive steep slopes, was a major focus. Concerns were raised about lot lines extending into steep slopes, the proposed main road's alignment (Soaring Eagle Parkway) due to a 14% grade on the eastern side (exceeding city standards), and its implications for maintenance and emergency access. Commissioners also highlighted the need for an 8-foot wide path for consistency with city plans and expressed disappointment regarding the extent of tree removal required.
Notable Quotes (6)
Um, I think the the only area that staff uh really recognized as um a a an area for screening purposes and based on where storage, outdoor storage is going to be um placed is basically on that northeast side of the site. ... So, um, with that in mind, um, they did provide a screening plan, um, to kind of fill in that, uh, one gap area that was shown. Um, but, uh, staff would advise, um, an addition of, um, uh, 8 to 10 Black Hill spruce to fill in kind of that eastern edge where uh, that outdoor storage would be going up to. Um and that would be a uh or that's um a condition of approval as a part of the CUP.
We uh have no issues with staff recommendations for approval. Um we've been working with staff on this for a while. We're fully on board with the long range long range plan of high density residential. Um this is kind of an interim step in in getting there.
I'd agree with you. I think it's it's you know when you look at that site up there in that building [clears throat] and the options for different businesses to take it. It was it was going to be something like that or a general contractor or somebody that you know needs the outside storage and a a good building but not a whole lot of space.
However, it's on this eastern side uh where we're getting to a grade change of 14% uh that's far exceeding uh what our city maximum would be. And so that starts to present uh a number of concerns uh especially when it comes to you know maintenance uh snow clearing and and most importantly fire access.
I'd like the staff's review of the 2040 bicycle and pedestrian uh plans and to incorporate, you know, the 8 foot wide path through there instead of a 5-ft walkway. I mean just it's you know I think that's just perfect spot you know for it because you got Chaska Boulevard. You don't want anybody on that but you're going to have a lot of bike traffic going through so you need the bigger bigger pathway.
The one thing that concerns me with this project is because of the steepness of the road coming down the Chaza Boulevard there. Um and and not having a second entrance into that development. If there ever is an issue [cough] on that slope there and we can't get emergency vehicles on the other side of it, then that can be a that can be a big problem.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
Permit for outdoor storage exceeding 2:1 land-to-building ratio at 3700 Chaza Boulevard.
City's guiding document, indicating high-density residential for 3700 Chaza Boulevard.
Current zoning for 3700 Chaza Boulevard, allowing outdoor storage as a permitted use up to a certain threshold.
First step of review process for Vista Ridge residential development.
City plan contemplating alternative road alignments for the area.
City plan guiding land use (low-density residential, high-density residential, open space preservation) and trail connections.
County study on access points along major roads.
Anticipated future zoning for the Vista Ridge residential lots.
City plan guiding trail connections and shared use paths.
Designation for a historical marker near Chaza Boulevard.