Shakopee Public Utilities Commission (SPUC) has made application requesting approval of a rezoning of property to single family residential (R-1B Zone) and approval of the Preliminary & Final Plat of LA TOUR TERRACE. The subject property is approximately 117 acres, and is located north of CSAH 78 and both east & west of the proposed extension of Zumbro Avenue to the north of CSAH 78.

Presently, the property is guided as single-family, but does not have a zoning district established (situation that occurred prior to 2009). Property surrounding the LATOUR FARMS L.P. site is guided and zoned for single family development (with the exception of the property north of the proposed SPUC site, which is located in Jackson Township; therefore, does not have city zoning), which is consistent with what is proposed with this application. The proposal is also generally consistent with the 2040 Envision Shakopee Comprehensive Plan. At this time, the only proposed development of this property is for SPUC to construct in multiple phases an elevated water tank, multiple wells, pump house and a treatment plant facilty to serve existing and future water users of this part of the community. A Conditional Use Permit for this proposed development was reviewed and approved by the BOAA on September 5, 2019, contingent on receiving the rezoning and Plat approval.

Attached to this report is the applicant’s narrative and current concept plan for this development. If approved, the plat would create a 7.019 acre lot for the SPUC site, with the balance of the property to be in outlots, which will require future approval of a new plat.

Considerations:
The City Council may grant a zoning ordinance amendment when it finds that one or more of the following criteria exists:

1. The original zoning ordinance is in error.
2. Significant changes in goals in community goals and policies have taken place.
3. Significant changes in city-wide or neighborhood development patterns have occurred.
4. The comprehensive plan requires another provision.

Staff believe revising the zoning for this property meets more than one of the criteria. As the property is presently unzoned, establishing this property as R-1B zoning is consistent with the existing and proposed land guiding of both the 2030 and 2040 Comprehensive Plans. The proposed platted lot is consistent with the R-1B standards, and the balance of the property should be developed consistent with those standards as well.

Staff, the applicant and outside agencies have spent considerable time reviewing and discussing this submittal, specifically regarding locating the best site for the proposed water tank. This site provides the appropriate elevation, without requiring additional height to the tank, that will most effectively serve the existing and future development in this area of the community.