Laserfiche WebLink
STAFF REPORT <br /> DATE: March 9th 2026 <br /> Item#: 4a – Public Hearing <br /> Motion <br />TO: Planning Commission <br />FROM: Sophia Jensen, Senior City Planner <br />AGENDA ITEM: Preliminary Plat and OP-PUD - Granvia Preserve <br />REVIEWED BY: Jason Stopa, Community Development Director <br /> Nathan Fuerst, Bolton and Menk Planning Consultant <br /> <br /> <br />CORE STRATEGIES: <br />☒ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☒ Efficient, reliable, innovative services <br />☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future <br />☒ Managed Growth ☒ Resilient Infrastructure <br /> <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: <br />Twin Cities Land Development (TCLD) Land Holding LLC is requesting Preliminary Plat and <br />Open Space Planned Unit Development (OP-PUD) approval for a 58-unit development on <br />approximately 110 acres of land. The project is to be called Granvia Preserve and is located North <br />of 50th Street and South of the Sanctuary Development. The developer is requesting flexibility <br />from the Rural Residential zoning regulations to allow for an Open Space development. <br /> <br />The City of Lake Elmo has not approved an OP-PUD since 2006. OP-PUD’s provide greater <br />development flexibility for projects, such as increased development density, in return for a <br />minimum of 50% of a project being dedicated for open natural areas which are preserved into <br />perpetuity through conservation easements. This project makes three requests for flexibility <br />beyond what is provided for in the City’s OP-PUD ordinance. Such requests must be approved <br />through a supermajority vote of the City Council. <br /> <br />This tract of land has been reviewed throughout the years, most recently in 2024 with a layout <br />proposed by Landucci Development. At its regular workshop meeting on March 12th, 2024, the <br />City Council reviewed the concept plan for this project and was generally supportive of the <br />request with modifications. Since that workshop the City Council has updated the OP PUD <br />ordinance to be more in line with current practices and standards. With a greater level of detail <br />in the proposed plans, staff have provided an assessment in this report and appended memos <br />about conformance with the City’s requirements and policies. <br /> <br />ISSUE BEFORE THE COMMISSION: <br />The Planning Commission should review and make a recommendation to the City Council for <br />the Preliminary Plat, and Preliminary Open Space Planned Unit Development (PUD). <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />