Lake Elmo City Council — Transcript
Monday, September 28, 2026
Comprehensive Plan Amendment: 4455 Olsen Lake Trail North
Variance Request: 11055 32nd Street North (Impervious Surface Coverage)
Consistency Review: Sale of Old Fire Hall and Parks Building Parcels
Votes (3)
4455 Olsen Lake Trail North 2040 Comprehensive Plan Amendments (Public Hearing)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown Commissioner [00:12:37] · Seconded by Commissioner Char [00:12:48]
The discussion centered on the necessity of extending the MUSA boundary and reguiding the property to Rural Single Family Sewer due to a failing septic system. It was noted that the property owners had declined connection in 2017 when infrastructure was first installed. Questions arose about proactively extending sewer to neighboring properties, but staff confirmed Oakdale requires formal requests from property owners. The proposed amendment was found to be compliant with density requirements.
11055 32nd Street Variance (Public Hearing)
Dissent: Commissioner Tom and other commissioners voiced strong opposition to the original motion to approve the variance, leading to the decision to table the item.
Moved by Chair [00:39:27] · Seconded by Unknown Commissioner [00:39:40]
The property owners sought a variance for impervious surface coverage to build a larger garage and relocate their driveway. Staff acknowledged the property already exceeded the 25% limit at purchase and the proposal would reduce it from 32.9% to 30.9%. Commissioners questioned the definition of 'hardship' for boat storage and emphasized the importance of upholding the 25% standard, citing a neighbor's recent compliance through garage removal. Concerns were raised about setting a precedent and the enforceability of conditions like native vegetative buffers. The applicant offered to explore permeable driveways. The discussion highlighted a strong desire to balance property owner flexibility with adherence to city regulations for shoreline protection.
New and Unfinished Business: Old Fire Hall and Parks Building Purchase
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown Commissioner [00:41:41] · Seconded by Unknown Commissioner [00:42:15]
Staff presented the consistency review for the proposed sale of the old fire station and parks building parcels. The review confirmed that the current Village Mixed Use zoning and proposed future use (two restaurants) are consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission had previously approved a minor subdivision on the site earlier in the year.
Notable Quotes (8)
The reason for this request is the property currently has a non-compliant septic system on it and connecting to sewer is the best long-term solution given the proximity to the lake.
the infrastructure for this home is already in place. So, we'd be simply just directional drilling a private utility line from their backyard into the existing manhole. So, no um extension of any mains or anything like that in the rightway.
To me, it's a safety issue and it's it's been pretty much identified a long time ago and this site was already supposed to be included originally, so I have no problems with it.
The property currently exceeds the zoning district's impervious surface limits and by removing the existing garage, the property will be brought closer to compliance with those requirements... Proposed impervious surface is 30.9%.
I don't see hardship in boat storage... I think 25% is something we need to hold to um as an expectation of the city... if you want to do something property, I think this my my feeling is the standard should be met or a very strong effort to get there.
is there something more I can do? Um like one one thing that we did look at, but it seemed kind of cost prohibitive was to take a look at like permeable um driveways and is that an option where I could look to the compromise because I know this still counts as impervious service.
The issue before you all tonight is to determine if the disposal of the old fire station and the parks building properties is consistent with the comp plan.
restaurant uses are permitted in the village mixeduse zoning district.
Ordinances & Resolutions (8)
City's current comprehensive plan, subject to amendments and consistency review.
Municipal Urban Service Area boundary, requested to be extended for sewer service.
Future comprehensive plan, mentioned for density targets and potential future planning.
Agreement needed with the City of Oakdale for sewer services.
County permit needed for applicable road work related to sewer connection.
Regulations from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for moving PAS soils.
Governing document for zoning, impervious surface limits, and permitted uses.
Resolution adopted to find the disposal of city property consistent with the comprehensive plan.