Prior Lake City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Election of Planning Commission Officers
Preliminary and Final Plat for Hoff Edition
Amendments to Election Sign Regulations in City Code
Votes (3)
Election of Officers
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown Commissioner [02:15] · Seconded by Unknown Commissioner [02:16]
Commissioners discussed the annual election process for Chair and Vice Chair as mandated by bylaws. Brian expressed interest in serving as Chair, highlighting his experience. Commissioner Fencmaker volunteered for Vice Chair. The duties of these roles, including presiding over meetings and presenting to the City Council, were reviewed.
Combined Preliminary and Final Plat: Ridgemont Avenue Southeast (Hoff Edition)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown Commissioner [11:55] · Seconded by Unknown Commissioner [12:00]
Staff presented a request for the Hoff Edition plat to subdivide property into two low-density residential lots, noting conformity with the comprehensive plan and zoning. Key conditions included adherence to 30% impervious surface coverage in the shoreland district, a parkland dedication fee, dedication of utility easements (standard 5-ft and a private 30-ft), and removal of an existing shed before permits are issued. A public hearing was held, with no public comments. Commissioners inquired about specific easement dimensions, the remaining buildable area (estimated 4000-4500 sq ft), and the timeline for shed removal.
Amendments to Prior Lake City Code section 10-789, section G regarding election signs
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown Commissioner [19:55] · Seconded by Unknown Commissioner [20:00]
Staff proposed removing the 5-foot setback requirement for election signs, citing that it is overly restrictive, difficult to verify on private property, and led to numerous complaints perceived as retaliatory during the 2025 election season, diverting staff resources from more critical issues. Staff clarified that other city code sections, such as those governing sight triangles at intersections, would still ensure public safety by preventing obstructions. A public hearing was held without any public comments. Commissioners discussed the rationale for the change and its implications for enforcement and private property owner disputes.
Notable Quotes (10)
I would be honored to to step in and serve as chair along with my colleagues. Um, I believe my my record, my past record, uh, speaks for itself um, as a leader on this body.
I'd be happy to serve as vice chair.
Lisa Burnham on behalf of Kathleen Ahoff, the owner of the property is requesting approval of a combined preliminary and final plat to be known as Hoff Edition. They're currently proposing to subdivide the property to create two equally sized lots.
The property is located within the shoreland district. Um so 30% maximum impervious surface coverage applies to both lots and both lots appear to be under this 30% post posts split.
Do you know what the buildable area is then left on the lot after the easements?
prior to any building permit submitted for construction?
staff have identified a section of the city zoning code which might be over overly restrictive related to election signs which has resulted in numerous complaints uh to code enforcement staff during the 2025 election season.
Further staff doesn't feel it's a great use of time or resources to investigate collection signs on private property only to ultimately have the sign moved a few feet if it is found to be in violation of city code.
That's This hasn't been an issue in previous election seasons, but this one there was 15 or 20 complaints on signs being on private property, but the caller or the complaintant did not think they were 5t from the property line. they weren't interfering with traffic visibility. They weren't uh causing any of their obstructions. Um it seemed from a staff level that it was retaliatory against uh different candidates.
we have um in our city code a requirement essentially a sight triangle from intersections where you can't have an obstruction higher than 30 inches. So that would still apply to election sign.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
Name for the proposed combined preliminary and final plat.
Memorandum dated January 20th, 2026, outlining staff comments and conditions for the Hoff Edition plat.
Specific section of the city's zoning code pertaining to election signs.
General reference to the city's zoning regulations.