26-14 6680 Lotus Trl Presentation_FinalPlanning Case #2026-14
6680 Lotus Trail
Planning Commission –October 20, 2026
Applicant/Owner: Elizabeth & Todd Williams
Requesting a variance to the maximum hardcover
regulations to install various site improvements.
Location: 6680 Lotus Trail
Zoning:
•Residential Single-Family (RSF)
Land Use:
•Low Density Residential
Lot Attributes:
•0.28 acres
Overlay District:
•Located in the Shoreland Overlay
District for Lotus Lake
Existing Conditions
RSF
Requirements
Existing
Lot Area 15,000 sf 12,055 sf
Lot Coverage 25%/30%4,082 sf
(33.9%)
Lot Width 90 ft 120.27 ft
Lot Depth 125 ft 100.24 ft
Proposed Conditions - Additions
Proposed Removals
(orange)
Proposed Additions
(blue)
Driveway 544sf Retaining Walls 281 sf
Shed 115 sf Stone Steps 59 sf
Timber Steps 59 sf Patio 286 sf
Timber Walls 50 sf
Total 768 sf Total 626 sf
Existing Proposed
Lot Coverage 4,082 sf
(33.9%)
3,736 sf
(31%)
Stormwater Management
•City Code Sec. 20-485 allows for RSF
lots platted before January 1, 1976, to
have impervious coverage up to 30%
subject to stormwater requirements,
including treatment of runoff from
impervious area above 25%
•Proposed lot cover over 30% requires a
variance
•The proposal includes two filtration
basins with an underdrain which are
piped to the city storm sewer system to
capture and treat excess stormwater
Stormwater Management
•The proposed design appears feasible,
but staff comments must be
addressed prior to permit issuance
•Staff acknowledge that a reduction of
lot cover by 119.5 sf would void the
need for a variance
•Reasonable alternatives exist such
as a decreased patio size or a
platform deck
•On site stormwater management
would still be required without the
proposed variance.
Variance Criteria - Approval
1.Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and
intent of this chapter and when the variances are consistent with the comprehensive plan.
2.When there are practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. "Practical
difficulties," as used in connection with the granting of a variance, means that the property
owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by this chapter.
Practical difficulties include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar
energy systems.
3.That the purpose of the variation is not based upon economic considerations alone.
4.The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the
landowner.
5.The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
6.Variances shall be granted for earth-sheltered construction as defined in M.S. § 216C.06, subd.
14, when in harmony with this chapter.
Planning Commission
Discussion
Public Hearing
Planning Commission
Discussion
Proposed Motion
“The Chanhassen Planning Commission,
acting as the Board of Adjustments and
Appeals, approves the requested hardcover
variance for various site improvements at
6680 Lotus Trail subject to the conditions of
approval and adopts the attached Findings
of Facts and Decision.”
Proposed Removals
Proposed Removals
Driveway 544 sf
Shed 115 sf
Timber Steps 59 sf
Timber Walls 50 sf
Total 768 sf
Proposed Conditions - Additions
Proposed Additions
Retaining Walls 281 sf
Stone Steps 59 sf
Patio 286 sf
Total 626 sf
Existing Proposed
Lot
Coverage
4,082 sf
(33.9%)
3,736 sf
(31%)
Variance Criteria - Denial
1.Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this chapter
and when the variances are consistent with the comprehensive plan.
2.The requested variance has no practical difficulty in complying with the zoning ordinance as there are
reasonable alternatives that would void the need for a variance. In replacement of the proposed approximate
17-foot by 14-foot patio, a 10-foot by 11-foot patio or a platform deck of the requested size could be
constructed without the need for a variance from City Code.
3.That the purpose of the variation is not based upon economic considerations alone.
4.While the property is substandard to current city zoning regulations, the proposed improvements could be
constructed in such a way that they would adhere to current zoning regulations regardless of the lawful
nonconforming lot area.
5.The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
6.Variances shall be granted for earth-sheltered construction as defined in M.S. § 216C.06, subd. 14, when in
harmony with this chapter.
Proposed Motion
“The Chanhassen Planning Commission,
acting as the Board of Adjustments and
Appeals, denies the requested hardcover
variance for various site improvements at
6680 Lotus Trail subject to the conditions of
approval and adopts the attached Findings
of Facts and Decision for Denial.”