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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/10/2025 P & Z Minutes CITY OF LINO LAKES PLANNING & ZONING BOARD MINUTES DATE: September 10, 2025 TIME STARTED: 6:30 P.M. TIME ENDED: 7:44 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Isaac Wipperfurth, Nathan Vojtech, Neil Evenson Michael Root, Suzy Guthmueller, Perry Laden, Patrick Kohler MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Katie Larsen, Diane Hankee, Marissa Ertel 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Root called the Lino Lakes Planning & Zoning Board meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on September 10, 2025. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Root declared public comment open at 6:31 p.m. Jerry L’Allier, 7601 Gordon Avenue North, is concerned because his property is the one that will be affected the most by the new Peltier Ponds development. Mr. L’Allier is concerned about the potential removal of trees. Mr. L’Allier wants to consider other options for the screening. Mr. L’Allier also spoke about concerns regarding traffic to the area and would like to see the traffic study to gain a better understanding of how the area will be affected. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved as presented. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Planning & Zoning Board September 10, 2025 Page 2 Mr. Kohler moved to approve the August 13, 2025 meeting minutes. Motion seconded by Mr. Vojtech. Motion carried 7 – 0. 6. ACTION ITEMS A. Continued Public Hearing: Peltier Ponds Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, PUD Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat The applicant, U.S. Home, LLC (aka Lennar), is proposing a master planned residential development located west of CSAH 54 (20th Ave N) across from Watermark, east of Peltier Lake, and north of the City of Centerville border. The development contains four (4) parcels totaling approximately 125 gross acres and 246 housing units. The proposed development is called Peltier Ponds. The Planning & Zoning Board held a public hearing on July 9, 2025 and recommended continuing the public hearing to allow the applicant time to provide additional information. The Board continued the public hearing again on August 13, 2025. The applicant continues to work on the revised plans and needs additional time to complete. Mr. Root wanted to address concerns about the screening between the development and the existing homes, and the traffic studies. Ms. Larsen stated these should be addressed when the applicant provides updates to the plans. Ms. Hankee stated we have received a traffic study and that the study was reviewed. Ms. Larsen stated that the developer would have to redo the traffic study with the new plans that they would turn in. Mr. Laden moved to continue the public hearing to the next Planning and Zoning meeting to allow the developer time to address staff concerns. Motion seconded by Mr. Vojtech. Motion carried 7-0. B. Public Hearing: Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (City Code Chapter 1007) Relating to Cannabis Microbusiness and Mezzobusiness The applicant, 2E Reality, LLC., submitted a land use application to amend the zoning ordinance to allow cannabis microbusinesses and mezzobusinesses within the R, Rural Zoning District. In March of 2025, the City amended City Code Section 1007 (Zoning Ordinance) to provide for Cannabis Businesses within the specific zoning districts of the City. Planning & Zoning Board September 10, 2025 Page 3 Generally, the 13 license, types (now 14 based on 2025 legislation) were grouped with similar non cannabis related businesses. For example, cannabis cultivation was provided for in rural districts where agricultural uses are allowed, retail in commercial districts and production/manufacturing in industrial districts. Two of the license categories, microbusiness and mezzobusiness, allow for cultivation, production and retail sales, at different intensities. Both license types were limited to the City’s industrial districts because of the multiple use potential. Licensed businesses within these categories must also receive an “Endorsement” from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to operate a specific use such as retail on a site. The City recently rejected the certification of a microbusiness proposing to operate a cultivation business because of its location within a rural zoning district. The owner has since met with City staff to discuss the operation, which is currently a hemp growing operation in the City. While the owner has a microbusiness license from the state, they are only seeking the cultivation endorsement for the specific site. The owner has been joined by another interested party in seeking an amendment to the zoning ordinance to allow both microbusiness and mezzobusiness in the R, Rural District, limited to cultivation. Mr. Evenson had questions about whether someone with a mezzobusiness or a microbusiness could operate both retail and cultivation if they were in the right zoning district under one license. Ms. Larsen stated that they could, given they had the right endorsements. Mr. Laden had questions about what the difference is between a microbusiness or a mezzobusiness is from a retail license. Ms. Larsen stated that the main difference is that with the micro or mezzobusiness you would be able to cultivate, or do retail, but only with an endorsement. Mr. Wipperfurth wanted to clarify that the number of retail licenses would not change with this amendment. Ms. Larsen stated that the number of retail operator licenses would stay the same, but cultivation is unlimited. Mr. Vojtech wanted clarification on the onsite consumption of cannabis since the state license for microbusiness states you can have onsite consumption. Ms. Larsen stated that this ordinance would include language that would prohibit onsite consumption. Ms. Guthmueller is frustrated with the language and confusion from the state regarding the types of licenses. Ms. Guthmueller worries that the microbusinesses and mezzobusinesses would be able to sell years down the road. Ms. Guthmueller would like the City to push back on these licenses and have applicants apply with the other license Planning & Zoning Board September 10, 2025 Page 4 types. Ms. Larsen stated that microbusiness and mezzobusiness licenses are a lower fee than the other license types, allowing for more small business owners and growers. Ms. Larsen stated that the endorsement is the most important part of the microbusiness and mezzobusiness conversation. Mr. Wipperfurth voiced concerns regarding where cultivation could occur in the City and whether there would be language regarding indoor and outdoor cultivation. Mr. Root opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. th Jared Anderson, 2230 80 Street East, is the applicant for the microbusiness for cultivation. Mr. Anderson thanked staff for meeting and discussing this. The fee difference between a microbusiness and a cultivation license is approximately $28,000.00. Mr. Anderson stated he would be happy to answer questions for the board. Mr. Evenson motioned to close the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Wipperfurth. Mr. Evenson moved to approve the Zoning Ordinance Text amendment with the recommendation that language regarding cultivation in an industrial zoning districts be included for indoor cultivation only. Motion seconded by Mr. Laden. Motion carried 6 - 1. C. Public Hearing: Lake Amelia Woods Preliminary Plat Application Amendment The applicant, TJB Homes, Inc, submitted a land use application to amend the preliminary plat application for Lake Amelia Woods. The applicant proposes to revise the grading plan related to the existing four (4) lot rural subdivision. Since the grading plan is part of the preliminary plat application, any significant change to the grading plan requires a formal preliminary plat amendment. No additional lots are being created. Mr. Laden had questions regarding the water that the ponds would have been collecting and where the water would go without the ponds. Ms. Hankee stated that the size of the pond had to do with impervious surfaces. Ms. Hankee stated that the water would be directed towards the ditches. Mr. Root opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. There was no one in attendance for the public hearing. Mr. Wipperfurth motioned to close the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Mr. Kohler seconded. Motion carried 7 – 0. Planning & Zoning Board September 10, 2025 Page 5 Mr. Wipperfurth moved to approve the Preliminary Plat Application Amendment with staff recommendations. Motion seconded by Mr. Kohler. Motion carried 7-0. D. Wilkinson Waters PUD Final Plan/Final Plat The applicant, Anoka Holdings, LLC., submitted a land use application for Wilkinson Waters PUD Final Plan/Final Plat. The PUD Final Plan/Final Plat is for Phase 1A and 1B multi-family and townhome development. Mr. Wipperfurth had questions regarding the setback recommendations. Ms. Larsen stated that the setbacks were part of the PUD flexibility and was put before City Council and approved. Mr. Vojtech wanted to know where the development would be getting water. Ms. Larsen stated that the developer needs to obtain a JPA since they would be getting water from White Bear Township. This will not be brought before City Council until the JPA is executed. Mr. Root had questions regarding the engineering report and had questions about the parking garage and the lights shining into homes. Ms. Larsen stated that the developer is putting in a fence to prevent headlights from shining across the road. Mark Houge, Anoka Holdings, was available for questions. Mr. Houge stated that they are lowering the building one foot for the time being while working with their engineer. Mr. Kohler moved to approve the PUD Final Plan/Final Plat with staff recommendations. Motion seconded by Mr. Evenson. Motion carried 7-0. E. Hampton Addition Final Plat The applicant, Hampton Companies, submitted a land use application for final plat for a residential subdivision called Hampton Addition. The preliminary plat was previously titled Erickson Property. The applicant proposes to subdivide the existing lot located at th 7590 20 Avenue into 14 single family lots. Zeke Peters, Landform, was available for questions. The applicant has been working on addressing engineering and environmental concerns. Mr. Laden moved to approve the Final Plat with staff recommendations. Motion seconded by Mr. Vojtech. Motion carried 7-0. Planning & Zoning Board September 10, 2025 Page 6 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Project Updates Ms. Larsen and Ms. Hankee provided project updates to the Board. Mr. Wipperfurth moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Mr. Kohler. Meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marissa Ertel – Community Development Administrative Assistant