Lake Elmo approves landscape supply business expansion unanimously
The Lake Elmo City Council unanimously approved zoning changes and a permit expansion for a landscape supply business at 9591 60th Street on July 14, clearing the way for the company to nearly double its operational footprint from 2.95 to 6.21 acres.
The council voted 7-0 to approve both a zoning text amendment that formally defines "landscape supply sales" in city code and a conditional use permit amendment allowing the expansion of the existing business. The votes came after staff determined the proposal was consistent with the property's agricultural zoning and the city's 2040 comprehensive plan.
The expansion involves adding a tree nursery and storage area but includes no new buildings and maintains existing operating hours. The business will be limited to 30 parking spaces and must sit on a minimum 15-acre lot. According to applicant Jamele Gonzalez, employees will park personal vehicles on-site and depart in work trucks, staying within the parking limit.
Public comments raised several concerns. Resident Harvey Taipel worried that the broad definition of "property maintenance services" could allow previously rejected activities in the future. A commissioner responded by explaining the city would keep the zoning text general and narrow down specifics through individual permit conditions. Resident Pat Barrett expressed concern about potential runoff from fertilizers or other materials affecting nearby Cowwater Pond's water quality, which he said is already declining. Gonzalez clarified the business uses organic practices and has no plans to store fertilizers or pesticides on-site.
Highway 36 traffic safety and impacts on a residential parcel at 9597 60th Street that is surrounded by the applicant's property also came up during discussion. The city engineer and watershed district provided agency review comments on stormwater management and access, which staff incorporated into the permit conditions. The landscape ordinance requires 6-foot-tall screening that is 90% opaque year-round to protect neighboring properties.
One commissioner noted the expansion was "pretty modest" and praised the applicants for "trying to do it the right way," acknowledging this was their second attempt at the approval process. The permits are now approved and the business can proceed with its expansion plans.
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