10.06.2026 PC MinutesCHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
OCTOBER 6, 2026
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Noyes called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Eric Noyes, Steve Jobe, Jeremy Rosengren, Ryan Soller, Mike
Olmstead, Dave Grover, and Katie Trevena.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Rachel Arsenault, Planner II.
PUBLIC PRESENT:
John Anderson Brandl Anderson Homes
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. CONSIDER PIONER RIDGE SECOND ADDITION PRELIMINARY PLAT
Rachel Arsenault, Planner II, reviewed the location for the preliminary plat. She said that the
zoning was R-8 Mixed Medium Density and the land use was Medium Density Residential. The
developer requested to replat the 40 attached townhomes to extend the rear lot lines 5 feet into
the HOA lot to allow for an additional 5 feet for decks and patios. The developer originally
anticipated installing gas lines in the rear yards, but the relocation of the gas lines to the front
yards created the need for an additional 5 feet in the rear yard through a replat.
She said that the preliminary plat criteria met all the requirements for the “R-8” Mixed Medium
Density Residential District. The proposed subdivision was also consistent with all applicable
city, county, and regional plans, including but not limited to the city’s Comprehensive Plan. The
physical characteristics of the site were suitable for the proposed development. The proposed
subdivision made adequate provision for sanitary water, storm drainage, sewer disposal, streets,
erosion control, and all other improvements required by the subdivision ordinance; the civil and
site plans aren’t changing with this proposed replat. The proposed subdivision does not cause
significant environmental damage, subject to compliance with the conditions of approval. The
proposed subdivision would not conflict with the easements of record. Additionally, the
proposed subdivision was not premature.
Commissioner Jobe asked if the utilities would be stacked in one area. Mrs. Arsenault answered
that she was not sure if the other utility lines would be able to connect in the rear yard or if all the
utilities would now be connected in the front.
Chair Noyes opened the public hearing.
Planning Commission Minutes – October 6, 2026
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John Anderson, from Brandl-Anderson Homes, explained that this was an issue that came up.
They were still waiting for the overhead power line to be removed so they could continue
construction of the townhomes. They had to meet criteria, such as breaking up the roofline and
staggering the attached townhomes for visual appeal. When the gas line was planned to be
moved to the front yard, this required a shift of garages to maintain separation of the gas and
electric meters as required by code. He said that there was plenty of room in the rear setback, but
they were just requesting a lot line adjustment to maintain the deck and patio option. There
would be better-looking units with the changes.
Commissioner Olmstead asked if the two utilities were put in a joint trench. Mr. Anderson
answered that they were in a joint trench, but the gas is installed separately. He found out that
there were four fiber companies that had gone in there. They were waiting for them to finish up
because they would be digging up the boulevard again. The development company was waiting
on the utility companies before they could move forward on some site work.
Chair Noyes closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Soller asked about the proposed motion text and if there were additional
conditions of approval. Mrs. Arsenault answered that the additional condition was for the D&U
vacations to go before the City Council for approval on October 12.
Commissioner Olmstead moved, Commissioner Jobe seconded that the Chanhassen
Planning Commission recommends approval of the preliminary plat for the Pioneer Ridge
2nd Addition Subdivision subject to the conditions of approval and adopts the attached
Findings of Fact and Recommendation. All voted in favor, and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED SEPTEMBER 15,
2026
Commissioner Soller moved, Commissioner Trevena seconded to approve the Chanhassen
Planning Commission minutes dated September 15, 2026 as presented. All voted in favor,
and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
CITY COUNCIL ACTION UPDATE: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Trevena moved, Commissioner Grover seconded to adjourn the meeting.
All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0. The Planning
Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:13 p.m.
Submitted by Eric Maass
Community Development Director