Eden Prairie City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Rear Yard Setback Variance Request
Highway 5 Business Center Zoning Change and Site Plan
Votes (2)
Variance Number 20252 Boa at 9030 High Point Circle
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Kirk [00:15:37] · Seconded by Commissioner Taylor [00:16:04]
The applicant, Jason Harlson, requested a variance to allow a deck 17 feet from the rear property line, deviating from the 20-foot city code setback. He explained that a former 'outlot' behind his property caused confusion regarding the true property line, resulting in an irregularly shaped existing deck. The staff report, presented by Planner Barner, recommended approval, citing the property's unique characteristics (the outlot), the modest nature of the 3-foot encroachment, and the practical difficulties of redesigning the house entrance as justification for the variance under city criteria. Commissioners found the request straightforward and supported the staff's recommendation.
Highway 5 Business Center: Zoning District Change, Site Plan Review, and Preliminary Plat
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Duncan [00:44:03] · Seconded by Commissioner Grody [00:44:26]
Evan Matson, representing Endeavor, presented plans for a 51,966 sq ft modern business center on a 3.98-acre site previously owned by MnDOT. The proposal included rezoning from I-General to the new Flex Service district (consistent with the 2040 plan) and a preliminary plat as the property was unplatted right-of-way. Planner Barner confirmed the project meets all design standards, including setbacks, parking, and landscaping, and noted it would be the first project utilizing the new Flex Service zoning. Commissioners acknowledged the building's prominent visual impact on Highway 5 but praised the design, the developer's reputation, and the fact that no waivers were required. Discussions included right-of-way width, potential lighting glare on Highway 5, EV charging preparedness, and truck access routes.
Notable Quotes (6)
we are requesting a variance to uh build a standard sized deck he currently has a deck that is uh unique to the setback of the property there used to be an outlaw behind this uh property line that he was kind of unaware of uh when he moved in in 2009
the staff's analysis of this with that Unique Kind of configuration in the backyard with that Outlaw that's kind of for a shared open space within the neighborhood we still achieve those goals of an open space type of separation between the buildings on either side of that out lot so um the purpose and intent of the overall goal of a of rear setback is met
shifting a door like that um is pretty is a pretty substantial practical difficulty based on the scope of the project and and what we're really trying to preserve so staff didn't see that as a viable alternative to the variance
we're proposing to develop a new 51,966,000 foot modern Business Center we're excited about the project the size of it um it's a perspect it's a um spective project at this point we are requesting a reone to flex service after the property was acquired from mind do it was right away and then it defaulted back to I which was the former zoning We are rezoning to flex service to make it consistent with the aspired 2040 plan
this building in site was designed with the goal of of not requiring any waivers and they were were successful in doing that uh the building meets the required setbacks uh required number of parking spaces required Landscaping um materials all of those standards that are included in our Flex service zoning District um are met with this uh with this project should note that this is our first flex service Zone uh that we're creating
personally I think this project is an exemplary uh test case on this new flex Service District and uh the site is challenging uh because of its Frontage on multiple streets um uh looks like they're taking down all those trees and taking care of it with the cash andl of policy as well as adding additional Landscaping um the foresighted architecture was for a project like this is almost unheard of so I think they did a excellent job with the design um as well as staying away from any variances so um I support this project wholeheartedly
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Variance number for the deck setback request at 9030 High Point Circle.
Original zoning district of 9030 High Point Circle.
Zoning district explicitly stated in the motion for the 9030 High Point Circle variance.
Guiding document referenced by staff to assess consistency of variance requests.
Staff report referenced for both business items detailing project analysis and recommendations.
Former zoning district of the Highway 5 Business Center property after it was reclaimed from MnDOT.
Newer zoning type requested for the Highway 5 Business Center, consistent with the 2040 plan.
City plan referenced to show consistency of the Flex Service zoning request.
Previous project by the same applicant in the metropolitan area.
Recently approved building by the same applicant, similar in design but smaller than the Highway 5 Business Center proposal.
Another previous building reviewed by the commission, designed by the same applicant.