HomeMy WebLinkAbout5a - PC Report Animal Inn Extension1
STAFF REPORT
DATE: 3/24/2025
MOTION
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Sophia Jensen, Senior City Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Conditional Use Permit and Variance Extension Request – Animal Inn
BACKGROUND:
The City Council adopted Resolution 2014-044 and Resolution 2024-043 on April 16th, 2024,
approving a structure setback variance and conditional use permit amendment for the expansion
of the Animal Inn facilities. The ordinance requires substantial construction within 12 months of
the date on which the conditional use permit and variance was granted. Otherwise, the council,
after receiving recommendation from the planning commission, may extend the permit for such
additional period, as it deems appropriate. The current conditional use permit deadline is April
16th, 2025.
Katie and Corwin Cheng of Animal Inn (the “Applicants”) are making progress on the conditions
of approval but will require additional time to achieve the substantial construction requirement.
The applicants submitted a 24-month extension request to the City on February 26th, 2025. The
applicants have had to delay their project implementation due to construction costs. The logistics
of connecting new and existing buildings has also proven to be time consuming. The extension
will allow the small business additional time to prepare for project expenses and to create water
connection plans with contractors.
ISSUE BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
The Planning Commission is being asked to make a recommendation to City Council to consider
the extension of the conditional use permit and variance deadline to April 16th, 2027?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
The applicants are requesting a 24-month extension of their conditional use permit to work
through the conditional use permit conditions. As part of the conditional use permit extension the
variance must also be extended.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
OPTIONS
1) Recommend extension the conditional use permit deadline to April 16th 2027
2) Recommend rejection of the extension request.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission approve the request to extend the
Conditional Use Permit Deadline.
2
“Move to recommend approval of an extension of the conditional use permit and variance
deadline for the Animal Inn project to April 16th 2027.”
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft Resolution 2025-XX
2. Original Approvals - Resolutions 2014-044 and Resolution 2024-043
3. Extension Letter Request
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
WASHINGTON COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN EXTENSION OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND
VARIANCE FOR ANIMAL INN
WHEREAS, the City of Lake Elmo is a municipal corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, Corwin and Katie Cheng of Animal Inn Pet Resort and Spa Inc 8633 34th St
Lake Elmo MN 55042 (the “Applicant”), submitted an application to the City of Lake Elmo (the
“City”) for an amendment to their existing conditional use permit and variance to expand their
facility capacity on the property located at 8611 24th St (PID 16.209.21.43.0013,
16.029.21.43.0001, and 16.029.21.42.0011) (the “Property), a copy of which is on file in the City
of Lake Elmo Community Development Department; and
WHEREAS, on April 16th 2024, the Lake Elmo City Council adopted Resolution 2014-
044 approving the conditional use permit; and
WHEREAS, City Code also requires substantial completion of the project within twelve
months of approval to remain valid; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has submitted a request for an extension to the conditional
use permit and variance deadline to allow for additional time to address remaining conditions of
the conditional use permit;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council does hereby
approve an extension to the deadline for recording the conditional use permit deadline to April
16th 2027
Passed and duly adopted this 1st day of April 2025, by the City Council of the City of Lake
Elmo, Minnesota.
______________________________
Charles Cadenhead, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Julie Johnson, City Clerk
From:Katie Cheng
To:Sophia Jensen
Cc:Corwin Cheng; Ashley Monterusso
Subject:Re: Animal Inn CUP and Variance Progress
Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2025 11:33:34 AM
Attachments:image001.png
Caution: This email originated outside our organization; please use caution.
Hi Sophia,
Sorry, trying again!
With the current building materials pricing increase and with having to figure out the logistics of
how to connect the entire facility to city water and not just the new build we would like to ask
for a two year extension on our CUP and variance.
If you need anything else from me let me know! Thank you again for your help!
Katie