Planning Commission Approves Two Development Projects, Denies Sign Variance
The Lakeville Planning Commission approved two development projects but denied a sign variance request during its January 23 meeting.
The commission unanimously approved the Antlers Ridge Second Edition preliminary plat, which will create 26 twin home lots east of Kendrick Avenue and west of Kenfield Trail. Developer Tamarak Land Lake Maran Commons LLC received approval for the project, which includes a conditional use permit for a shoreland impact plan within Lake Maran's overlay district. Civil engineer Nate Herman said the second phase follows the completed first phase, with Lar Home Building serving as the builder.
Commissioners also approved the Airlake DEA preliminary plat, creating two industrial outlots on property north of 225th Street and east of Cedar Avenue. Dakota Electric Association plans to develop the southern outlot for a new headquarters facility after nearly 50 years at their current location. The 115-acre site was annexed into the city in 2021 and zoned for general industrial use.
However, the commission denied a sign variance request from Midwest ENT Specialists to exceed the number of wall signs permitted on one building elevation. The medical practice sought approval for five wall signs on their new clinic's west elevation to identify different service lines including ENT, allergy, hearing, facial plastics and cosmetic services. CEO Tony Benusa argued the multiple signs would help patients identify the correct entrance and services.
Senior Planner Heather Boton said staff recommended denial because the request did not meet variance criteria requiring proof of practical difficulty. The building, located in the Sundance Lakeville development, falls under freeway corridor district regulations that allow larger signs but still limit the number per elevation. Commissioners encouraged Midwest ENT to work with city staff on potential ordinance updates that could address similar situations for all businesses.
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Votes (3)
Antlers Ridge Second Edition Preliminary Plat and Conditional Use Permit
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown Commissioner [13:19] · Seconded by Unknown Commissioner [13:38]
The developer presented a revised plat for twin homes, incorporating lessons from Phase One construction and potential future expansion onto an adjacent property. Staff highlighted compliance with Shoreland overlay district requirements for impervious surfaces. Commissioners inquired about potential screening between the proposed homes and a neighboring business, and about stormwater drainage, which the engineer confirmed met all requirements.
Airlake DEA Preliminary and Final Plat
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown Commissioner [20:12] · Seconded by Unknown Commissioner [20:22]
The plat establishes two outlots for industrial development, including one intended for Dakota Electric Association's new headquarters. Speakers emphasized the long-term industrial park development and Dakota Electric's need for a larger facility due to 50 years of growth. Staff confirmed the project aligns with the city's comprehensive plan and zoning, noting that specific site development will require further review.
Midwest ENT Sign Variance
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown Commissioner [56:17] · Seconded by Unknown Commissioner [56:31]
Midwest ENT requested a variance to place five wall signs on its new Lakeville building, citing the need to differentiate multiple distinct medical services for patient clarity. Staff recommended denial, stating the request did not meet the 'practical difficulty' criteria required by state law for variances, as it was a new construction and alternatives (like combining signs) were available. Commissioners expressed sympathy for the applicant's branding goals but felt constrained by the legal requirements for variances, suggesting future dialogue with staff for potential ordinance updates.
Notable Quotes (10)
We um you know you know kind of kind of in in summary but the the developer was able to you know have have conversations with with the neighbor at the at the towing company and you know there there was some interest that you know potentially they could find a new parcel and we could add add this to to the development.
I just asked to potentially consider it and work with staff on potentially maybe thinking about whether some screening is appropriate in that location as we move forward.
so basically we got we got you know water run off comes from from the south properties Down Stone Brook and um there's a you know city pond that Outlets through the property uh the way the way the site's been designed and graded um you know we primarily focused in in one one large pond and every everything you know on our site except for a couple backyards routes through that pond and um so and we we mimic existing conditions and um certainly pass and meet all the storm water requirements for Quality Vol volume or abstraction and rate control.
We've been in our current site for almost 5050 years we've outgrown it and we're excited about building a new headquarters.
I too want to just tell you how excited we as owners and operators of this industrial park that has been in development for going back to Jack matowski and then his predecessors 70 some years...
I think the the fact of our business is that uh we have many different business units and um business divisions that are not intuitive to our consumers and as such it's important for people to ensure that they know that they are in the right location and at the right building...
staff does not find that there's any unique circumstances to the parcel or practical difficulties that would warrant a variance to permit additional signs.
we like to provide a very consistent experience for our patients and the members of your community who as we do the ZIP code analysis are coming to see us in Woodberry in Badness Heights even and in Egan right now because we're not here we just want to make sure that they have the same experience when they see us in their own Community as they do when they come to see us elsewhere.
I mentioned that option within the staff report that if they you know put the signs in a in a different uh Arrangement and we can put you know one box around there and that box is 150 square feet that is how we have traditionally and I've Been Working On signs for almost 20 years in Lakeville...
our hands are also somewhat tied with the variance process because what we have to consider is the variance that's in front of us and it's a very specific process that's laid out in statute and there's an application for it and everything so there's not really an opportunity to kind of you know work on this on the Fly.
Ordinances & Resolutions (12)
Application for Antlers Ridge second edition
Application for Antlers Ridge second edition within the Shoreland overlay District
Zoning overlay impacting Antlers Ridge second edition
Single and two-family residential district zoning for Antlers Ridge second edition
Action related to Antlers Ridge second edition plat, to be addressed by City Council
General industrial district zoning for Airlake DEA
Overlay district affecting sign allowances for Midwest ENT
Request to exceed number of wall signs for Midwest ENT
Commercial zoning for Midwest ENT building
City regulation governing signage, central to the Midwest ENT variance discussion
Document outlining the criteria for evaluating a variance request, used for Midwest ENT
City planning document referenced in all three agenda items
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Antlers Ridge Second Edition Preliminary Plat & Conditional Use Permit
Airlake DEA Preliminary and Final Plat
Midwest ENT Sign Variance Request
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