At the forefront was the application by PCL Construction Services for a conditional use permit to construct a temporary canopy structure at their leased warehouse in Lakeville, located at 21435 Humboldt Court. The proposal involved erecting a fabric hoop shed on shipping containers within the I1 light industrial district. This structure deviated from the current zoning ordinance, which requires accessory buildings to match the principal building’s masonry and steel siding. The Planning Commission scrutinized this request, particularly the temporary nature of the proposed structure, which was intended to be used throughout an initial five-year lease term, with options to extend for additional five-year periods.

Concerns arose regarding the potential permanency of the temporary structure, despite its initial designation as a short-term solution. While planning staff assured commissioners of ongoing maintenance checks to ensure compliance, some commissioners were hesitant to approve the removal of a stipulation that would have reinforced the structure’s temporary status. This led to a divided roll call vote, reflecting discomfort among some commissioners about setting a precedent for similar future applications. The proposal’s approval, with amendments, will now proceed to the City Council’s agenda.

Parallel to this, the commission held a public hearing for the Cedar Hills North project, a significant residential development by Lenar, which aims to introduce 88 single-family homes and 144 townhomes. The development covers 148 acres north of 200th Street, and the plan includes three phases of construction. The project has already received zoning map and comprehensive plan amendments, and its layout considers existing constraints such as a wide gas easement and a waterway undergoing restoration.

A notable aspect of the hearing was the traffic concerns articulated by Joe Samson, a resident of the Cedar Hills community. He highlighted challenges at the intersection of 200th Street and Cedar Avenue, where increased traffic has led to safety issues. The Planning Commission acknowledged these concerns, and it was noted that Dakota County, which has jurisdiction over the roads, is monitoring the situation. The county plans to implement traffic management measures, including installing right-turn lanes and possibly more changes post-development.

The commission voted to recommend approval of the Cedar Hills North preliminary plat, with specific stipulations to mitigate traffic impacts and ensure the development aligns with existing community standards. The proposal will be reviewed by the City Council on November 18th.