Lakeville City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Conditional Use Permit for Accessory Structure Height Variance
Conditional Use Permit for Private Recreation Building
Amendments to City Code Title 11 (Zoning) regarding Parking and Storage
Votes (3)
Public Hearing: Conditional Use Permit for Accessory Structure Exceeding 15 Feet (Gabriel Hoffening on behalf of Christopher and Jennifer Blackburn)
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Swansson [0:06:53] · Seconded by Unknown [0:06:53]
The applicant requested a conditional use permit to allow a residential basketball court's accessory structure to be 20 feet high, exceeding the 15-foot limit in an RS3 district. The request emphasized non-commercial use, matching existing home aesthetics, and providing family space. Staff recommended approval with five stipulations, noting compliance with size and setback requirements. A commissioner inquired about neighbor awareness, which the applicant confirmed, stating neighbors were well-informed and supportive.
Public Hearing: Conditional Use Permit for Private Recreation Building (Twin Cities Land Development)
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Loa [0:20:25] · Seconded by Unknown [0:20:25]
The application sought a conditional use permit for an amenity building, including a pool and pavilion, within a detached townhome development. Staff outlined the project's features, compliance with setbacks, and landscape plan modifications. A resident raised several questions about pool specifics, HOA costs, access, and maintenance, which the applicant thoroughly addressed, emphasizing an opt-in/opt-out structure for existing homeowners and professional maintenance services. Commissioners clarified that the permit covered both the building and the pool and that the city does not regulate HOA specifics.
Public Hearing: Amendments to Title 11 Zoning of the City Code
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Swinson [0:26:50] · Seconded by Unknown [0:26:50]
The Planning Commission considered amendments to Title 11 (Zoning) to align with proposed changes in Title 6 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic). The amendments focus on parking and outdoor storage regulations, specifically adding 'trailers' to existing provisions and clarifying that prohibitions on commercial vehicle parking extend to public rights-of-way, not just private property. Staff recommended approval, noting consistency with state standards and City Council support for the related Title 6 changes.
Notable Quotes (10)
So we're just asking for height variance uh for basketball court, not commercial use, just strictly residential. Um we're going to be going to 20 ft instead of you know the typical 15 uh just for the directory of the basketball.
So staff is recommending approval of the conditional use permit with the five stipulations that were listed in your staff report and the findings of fact that were emailed to you as well and this is expected to go to the October 19th city council meeting.
I' I've lived in the house for 18 years. So, I regularly talk to my neighbors, see my neighbors, uh, spend time with my neighbors, and so they've been well aware, even before the construction started that this was going to happen to bring more space to our house.
These little pool houses have gotten very popular. Um I'm not necessarily a fan all the time, but they've gotten very popular. So, we're kind of putting one in after the fact in this case as uh number of the residents or potential residents have expressed a desire for it.
Is it a freshwater pool, saltwater pool? Um, times of use. When will it be open? When will it be closed? And then the maintenance. Pools require daily chemical checks. So, who's doing that and what's What does that look like?
But yeah, in terms of one of the things I think is super important is we do have unlike a situation where be bringing a pool house in before anyone who lives out there. We've got people who live out there already. they absolutely love the right to either opt in or out.
The way the ordinance reads is that private recreation centers and amenities are a conditional use permit in residential districts. So, we have a number of these... the pool we've kind of lumped that all together. It's part of that private recreation for those residents.
Members of our police department have been working with our code enforcement officer on a variety of issues related to parking and storage of commercial vehicles, recreation vehicles, trailers, etc.
So, as a part of that, there are some minor amendments we would like to make in title 11 to ensure that the zoning is in is consistent with those changes that would be proposed for title six.
So, the amendment would say uh may not be parked or stored on any property or public street rightway in the city. So, it's just the addition of that clarifying language. It's very helpful.
Ordinances & Resolutions (8)
Permit for accessory structure height exceeding 15 feet (Blackburn).
Permit for private recreation building (Twin Cities Land Development).
Proposed amendments regarding parking and outdoor storage of vehicles and trailers.
Related city code changes (not subject to PC review, but referenced).
Staff report for the Blackburn conditional use permit.
Staff report for the Twin Cities Land Development conditional use permit.
Minnesota Department of Transportation standards referenced for consistent definitions in city code amendments.
Planned Unit Development, referenced by staff regarding conditional use permit applicability.