02-17-26 City Council Meeting Packet

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The developer is asking for flexibility to construct a rural section roadway and drainage ditch system for this subdivision instead of the City standard urban section roadway with underground storm sewer pipe. The roadway will connect to the adjacent Lake Elmo Heights neighbrhood at Imperial Avenue (urban section roadway). Access along Inwood Avenue N will be required to be permitted by Washington County. The Washington County review memo dated January 26, 2026, indicates a preference for access to this development to come from Imperial Avenue (via 26th St), and that if an access is located on Inwood, turn lanes will be required. The street section is proposed as a rural road. Rural road sections are typically defined by the presence of drainage swales along the roadway instead of curb and gutter. Public Works and the City Engineer recommend that the City standard urban street section be required. An urban street section will provide an improved service life for the roadway due to the improved drainage system capabilities. . Other considerations informing this preference are as follows: • Rural section roadways require increased maintenance efforts while exposing the pavement section to drainage vulnerabilities and greater potential for freeze‐thaw damage. • Overland drainage systems and culverts require regular grading, mowing, and erosion control as well as greater potential for homeowner conflict over ditch and vegetation maintenance expectations, and maintenance of private driveway culverts. • An urban section street provides a more durable, contained drainage system that requires lower and more efficient maintenance efforts. Standardized curb and gutter provides a stabilizing edge control to prolong pavement service life. Parkland Dedication Development of new residential housing creates a demand on the City of Lake Elmo’s parks and trails systems. City staff continue to recommend that the City accept cash in lieu of parkland dedication for this project given close proximity to the Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Review at the City’s Parks Commission is planned at the Commission’s regular meeting on February 18, 2026. Review Comments City Engineer – The City Engineering memo dated January 26, 2026 provides a thorough evaluation of the concept against relevant engineering standards and requirements. Key comments are summarized below: • An urban section roadway is strongly recommended to be installed in this development. • Stormwater BMPs for this subdivision should be required to be placed in Outlots dedicated to the City as required by City Design Standards. • Grading and Stormwater Management Plan revisions will be required.. • Individual septic system drain field locations must be strategically placed and protected to ensure the long-term sustainable function for each SSTS. Minimum horizontal and vertical separation between SSTS locations and all stormwater management basins and drainage ways must be maintained at the discretion of the City Engineer, and individual lot grading may be required as part of the subdivision to ensure SSTS compliance.. City Fire Department - The Lake Elmo Fire Department memo dated January 26, 2026 provides comments on compliance with applicable fire codes and requirements. Washington County – Washington County review staff provided a memo dated January 26, 2026 with comments on vehicle access, required turn lanes and right of way, and permitting. City of Oakdale - The City of Oakdale staff provided comments on the concept via email on January 21, 2026. The comments are summarized as follows: