09-22-2025 CC WS1
CHANHASSEN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
September 22, 2025
Mayor Ryan called the work session to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ryan, Councilmember McDonald,
Councilmember von Oven, Councilmember Kimber, Councilmember Schubert
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Hokkanen, City Manager; Matt Unmacht, Assistant City Manager;
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Eric Maas, Planning Director; Patrick
Gavin, Communications Manager; Jenny Potter, City Clerk; Kelly Grinnell, Finance Director;
Jamie Marsh, Environmental Specialist; Andrew Hegar, Fire Chief
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Heritage Tree Ordinance Discussion
Jamie Marsh, Environmental Specialist, gave an overview of a proposed Heritage Tree Ordinance.
Ms. Marsh presented a draft ordinance that would define Heritage Trees as deciduous trees at least
25 inches in diameter and coniferous trees at least 30 feet tall, and outlined potential regulations
for their preservation, removal, and replacement.
The City Council directed staff to narrow their focus at this time on heritage tree protections related
to subdivision developments rather than individual private properties. The goal would be to craft
recommendations that would modify existing regulations that require developers to account for
large, mature trees during new subdivision projects, including increased replacement requirements
when heritage trees are removed. This approach will allow the city to balance preservation efforts
with growth and development, while deferring any broader regulations for existing private lots.
The Council referred the matter to the Planning Commission.
Market Blvd Improvement Project Update
Charlie Howley, Public Works Director/City Engineer presented an updated layout for the Market
Boulevard Improvements and provided details on the project schedule and budget.
The City Council did not reach consensus on how best to move forward. Members weighed the
competing goals of easing traffic flow, improving pedestrian safety, and leveraging TIF funding,
but several noted that the timing may not be right for a major project. With ongoing construction
already affecting downtown, some council members expressed concern that residents may be
weary of roadwork and that it could be better to revisit a larger reconstruction when traffic
impacts from future downtown development are clearer. The City Council opted against
pursuing a full-scale overhaul of Market Boulevard at this time and instead directed staff to plan
City Council Work Session Minutes – September 22, 2025
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a more modest set of improvements. The upgrades would focus on adding an enhanced
pedestrian/bicycle path on the east side, repaving the street, traffic signal replacement at 78th
Street and Market Boulevard, extending street repaving north of 78th Street (including Chan
View), and making improvements at the railroad crossing.
Accessory Structure Ordinance Discussion
Eric Maas, Planning Director, talked about a resident request to construct an additional
agricultural building on actively farmed land, which highlighted limitations in the current code
that caps total accessory structure space on residential properties at 1,000 square feet. Staff has
researched how comparable cities regulate accessory building size and prepared draft ordinance
language that would exempt agricultural properties zoned A2 from the square footage maximum
while still requiring compliance with setbacks and lot coverage standards.
Mr. Maass recommended that if a broader amendment is pursued, the standard should not be
based on a percentage of the principal structure’s gross floor area or the lot area. Instead, a
specific total square footage limit should be maintained.
After reviewing staff’s findings and draft language, the City Council agreed to move the
proposed amendment forward in the process. The draft ordinance will now be sent to the
Planning Commission for review.
Mayor Ryan recessed the work session at 6:46 P.M.
Mayor Ryan reconvened the work session at 8:20 P.M.
Permitted Burns Ordinance Discussion
Andrew Hegar, Fire Chief, gave an overview of the current ordinance on permitted burns. Under
existing code, burn permits are allowed only on rural properties—generally interpreted as those
south of Lyman Boulevard—and require applicants to meet strict conditions, such as maintaining
distance from buildings and showing no practical disposal alternatives. Chief Heger stated that
while only a small number of permits are issued each year, both permitted and unpermitted burns
have led to challenging incidents that strain fire department resources and raise resident concerns
about smoke and safety. City Council feedback was sought on whether to clarify eligible properties
for permits or to eliminate permitted burns altogether, except when managed by a DNR-approved
contractor.
During the discussion, the City Council directed Chief Heger to draft updated ordinance language
that would give the city flexibility to be more restrictive on permitted burns when necessary, while
still allowing permits in cases that meet clear safety thresholds and receive fire department
approval.
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Mayor Ryan adjourned the work session at 9:12 P.M.
Submitted by Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
Prepared by Jenny Potter
City Clerk