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Andover Planning and Zoning Commission
MeetingAgenda
March 24, 2026
Andover City Hall
Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.
1.Call to Order
2.Pledge of Allegiance
3.Approval of Minutes –March 10,2026, Regular Meeting
4.Public Hearing:Consider a Sketch Plan for a master planned development, using a Planned
Unit Development (PUD), for the 31-acre property at 17613 Ward Lake Drive,Andover, MN
PID#: 12-32-24-22-0007, (Applicant:Team Fair).
5.Other Business
6.Adjournment
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #3
TO: Planning and Zoning Commissioners
FROM: Peter Hellegers, City Planner
SUBJECT:Approval of Minutes
DATE: March 24, 2026
REQUEST
The Planning & Zoning Commission is requested to approve the March 10, 2026, regular
meeting minutes.
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2
3
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5
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7
8 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULARMEETING –MARCH 10,
9 2026
10
11 The RegularMeeting of the Andover Planning and Zoning Commission was called to
12 order by Chairperson Loehleinon March 10, 2026, at7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall,
13 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
14
15 Commissioners present:Chairperson Nick Loehlein, Commissioners Roger Grout,
16 Scott Hudson, Chuck Naughton, Jonathan Weinhold, Nicole
17 Wicklund, and Ryan Winge.
18
19 Commissioners absent: None.
20
21 Also present: City Planner Peter Hellegers and Community Development
22 Director Joe Janish.
23
24
25 CALL TO ORDER
26
27 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
28
29 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
30
31 Commissioner Grout noted he was absent from the February 24, 2026, meetings.
32
33 Motion. The Chair assumed a motion to approve the February 24, 2026, Regular Meeting
34 Minutes as presented. The Motion passed on unanimous consent,with Commissioner
35 Grout voting present.
36
37 Motion. The Chair assumed a motion to approve the February 24, 2026, Workshop
38 Meeting Minutes as presented. The Motion passed on unanimous consent, with
39 Commissioner Grout voting present.
40
th
41 PUBLIC HEARING – Consider variance for rear setback – 1545 154Lane NW,
42 Andover, MN PID#23-2-24-23-0055 (Applicant: Michael Summerbell).
43
44 Mr. Hellegers reviewed this request for a 3-foot rear setback variance for the property at
th
45 1545 154Lane NW for a covered porch addition. The minimum rear setback in the R-4
46 zoning district is 30 feet. Mr. Hellegers indicated the property on a map.
47
RegularAndover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes – March 10, 2026
Page 2
1 City Code 12-15-9 establishes review criteria for considering variance requests and states
2 that variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes
3 and intent of the official control and when the variances are consistent with the
4 comprehensive plan. Variances may be granted when the applicant for the variances
5 establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with the official control.
6 “Practical difficulties” are used in connection with the granting of a variance, which
7 means:
8
9 1. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not
10 permitted by an official control.
11 2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to their property, not
12 created by the landowner.
13 3. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
14 4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties.
15
16 Materials submitted by the applicant were provided for Commission review.
17
18 Mr. Hellegers reviewed the analysis of the variance request. The subject property is part of
19 the Chesterton Commons Second Addition development,and a building permit for the
20 dwelling was issued on August 21, 2001. The subject property is approximately 87 feet
21 wide by 125-133.6 feet deep. The existing dwelling appears to meet the minimum setback
22 requirements within the development and other minimum requirements established by the
23 City Code,including applicable development standards such as minimum lot size and lot
24 frontage. The City does not have a record of a building permit for the deck that was
25 removed,and where the proposed addition is now located.
26
27 The addition proposed by the applicants resembles what is commonly referred to as a
28 screen porch or three-season porch. These structures are classified as additions onto the
29 dwelling by the Minnesota State Building Code and have different standards than a
30 traditional deck. While traditional decks are allowed to encroach up to 8 feet into the rear
31 yard setback by the City Code, additions onto the dwelling are required to meet the rear
32 yard setback since they are treated by the Building Code as being an addition onto the
33 dwelling.
34
35 Mr. Hellegers noted in the applicant’s narrative and as seen in the picture attached to the
36 narrative, the structure has already been built without a building permit. A building permit
37 application was submitted to the building department on September 24, 2025, but it was
38 determined to be incomplete, and the applicant/builder was notified on September 26,
39 2025. Upon discovery of the construction and potential setback issues, the applicant was
40 requested to obtain a survey if they would pursue a variance and make modifications to
41 what has been built to meet setbacks, along with showing the Building Department how it
42 was constructed. A building permit cannot currently be issued as the structure does not
43 comply with the setback requirements.
44
RegularAndover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes – March 10, 2026
Page 3
1 The survey provided by the applicant shows that the dwelling is located just over 40 feet
2 from the rear property line at the closest point, up to approximately 43 feet at the other
3 side of the dwelling. The minimum rear yard setback in the R-4 zoning district is 30 feet.
4 In the area where the addition is shown, those setback requirements would allow a
5 property owner to utilize 11-12 feet from the back of their house for the construction of an
6 addition without needing a variance.
7
8 If a traditional deck wasbuilt rather than an addition, the property owner could have that
9 deck encroach into the rear setback,provided no portion of the deck extends more than
10 eight (8) feet into the otherwise required rear yard setback. This means that on the subject
11 property, which has a 30-foot minimum rear setback, a deck must be at least 22 feet from
12 the rear property line. Based on the survey provided by the applicant, the property owner
13 could utilize 19-20 feet from the back of their house for the construction of a deck without
14 needing a variance.
15
16 City staff has informed the applicant that practical difficulties need to be established for
17 variance cases and that the City would need to review the application against those
18 practical difficulties provisions. The applicant’s narrative addresses how they believe the
19 proposed variance meets the practical difficulties standards.
20
21 The Planning and Zoning Commission is requested to:
22
23 1. Conduct a public hearing on the proposed request, and
24 2. Compare the variance requests with the review criteria of City Code 12-15-9 and
25 make a recommendation to the City Council based on findings of fact.
26
27 Also provided for Commission consideration were Draft Resolutions of Approval and
28 Denial, Location Map/Aerial Photos, City Code §12-3-5 – Minimum District
29 Requirements, City Code §12-4-3 –Encroachments, City Code §12-15-9 – Variances, and
30 Applicant’s Application Materials.
31
32 It is anticipated that the City Council will review the Variance request at their meeting on
33 Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
34
35 Commissioner Grout asked what the distance is to the back lot line, and Mr. Hellegers
36 stated the requirement is 30 feet, and the drawing shows 27.1 and 28.0.
37
38 Commissioner Naughton asked when the building permit was applied for, and Mr.
39 Hellegers stated the application was submitted on September 24, 2025, and was deemed
40 incomplete, and the applicant was notified on September 26, 2025. Commissioner
41 Naughton asked when construction began. Mr. Hellegers stated he does not know when it
42 began, and it is very close to completion now.
43
RegularAndover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes – March 10, 2026
Page 4
1 Commissioner Weinhold noted the criteria and asked if the Comprehensive Plan is
2 affected,and asked Mr. Hellegers for an example. This would not conflict with the
3 Comprehensive Plan.
4
5 Commissioner Naughton asked Mr. Hellegers what would happen if the recommendation
6 was not to approve the variance. Mr. Hellegers stated that if the Council denies the
7 variance, the applicant will need to work with the Building Department to obtain permits
8 and inspections. Part of the structure may need to be pulled back. The Building Permit
9 process would dictate the timeline.
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11 Chair Loehlein opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.
12
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13 Mr. Mike Summberbell, 1545 154 Lane NW, and Seth Marshall, owner of Marshall
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14 Brothers, 650 217 Avenue NE, East Bethel. Mr. Marshall is the contractor hired to build
15 the porch. There was an existing deck on the property. They applied to the City for the
16 permit. The City was happy with the existing deck but had some concerns about the
17 roofing. There was a difference of opinion on how racking was going to be prevented on
18 the roof. He met with the State Building Professionaland the City in November. They
19 referred to the Ordinance and saw that a deck could go into the setback by 8 feet.
20 Construction has stopped, and the photograph shows the current state. The footings are on
21 the ground. The footprint of the deck was not changed. If the variance is not approved, it
22 will be removed. The lot line is not square due to the curve in the road. It took over 2
23 months to receive the permit from the City, so the deck was built.
24
25 Commissioner Grout asked if there was a permit issued for the deck portion,and Mr.
26 Marshall stated that the deck,and roof would be under one permit. A hot tub had been
27 purchased for the deck.
28
29 Commissioner Winge asked about the distance the deck is from the property line. Mr.
30 Marshall stated 27.1 feet approximately and 27.5 or 28.5 feet on the other side.Mr.
31 Marshall stated that when the deck was removed, it was replaced exactly asit was.
32 Commissioner Winge asked what the dimensions of the deck are, and Mr. Marshall stated
33 12 x 20 feet.
34
35 Commissioner Weinhold asked if the deck was built as part of the house. Mr. Summerbell
36 stated that no permit was obtained when the original deck was built in 2002. It was a 3-
37 foot deck, andthey were told they did not need a permit. The extra footing has nothing to
38 do with the roof.
39
40 Commissioner Naughton asked why extra footing was needed, and Mr. Marshall stated
41 that it was to accommodate the hot tub load. A 10-foot deck would not be usable.
42
43 Chair Loehlein stated this appears to be an example of asking for forgiveness rather than
44 permission. This is clearly a screened or covered porch, Mr. Marshall continues to refer to
RegularAndover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes – March 10, 2026
Page 5
1 it as a deck. Mr. Marshall stated there is no protection on the sides other than the screen. It
2 is a covered deck. It will not be enclosed. The structure will be completely open.
3
4 Commissioner Grout stated he shares some of the same confusion. There is a door,and
5 Mr. Marshall stated it is a screen door to access the backyard.
6
7 Chair Loehlein stated that this is an addition to the dwelling according to the State Code.
8 Mr. Marshall stated that this is not how an addition is built. This is a deck with a roof
9 system over it.
10
11 Commissioner Wicklund asked who drew the blueprint and whether it was included in the
12 original application. Mr. Marshall stated they had it done, and it was included in the
13 application materials. City staff were aware that there was going to be a roof, and they did
14 not want the roof to twist. City Staff suggested having walls constructed. Mr. Summerbell
15 did not want walls. Commissioner Wicklund asked when construction began, and Mr.
16 Marshall stated sometime in September. Normally, permits are issued within 5-10 days
17 after application.
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19 Commissioner Winge asked about the dimensions of the screened porch, and Mr. Marshall
20 stated 22 x 14 feet. He asked what the City considers to be an addition, and whether that
21 information was available prior to the beginning of the project. Mr. Marshall stated that
22 they are required by law to have permits,and he has made many attempts to get the permit
23 from Andover, and they continue to try to work with the City.
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25 Chair Loehlein closed the public hearing at 7:45 p.m.
26
27 Mr. Hellegers stated the addition piece is through the Minnesota State Building Code. He
28 read the definition of a deckfrom the 2006 Ordinance.
29
30 Commissioner Weinhold referred to the word “unenclosed”. He asked Mr. Hellegers if
31 this project is enclosed, and it is assumed to be enclosed by a roof and screens. This would
32 not meet the definition of a deck.
33
34 Commissioner Grout asked if there was notice on September 26, 2025, advising the
35 applicant of incomplete information for the permit. Mr. Hellegers stated that an email was
36 sent to the permit applicant.
37
38 Commissioner Winge spoke to whether the proposed structure was a deck or a porch and
39 stated he could read this as unenclosed. There is a door, and the intention is for it to be
40 screened.Commissioner Winge read through the practical difficulties criteria.
41
42 Commissioner Naughton stated the applicant was told there was no problem with the
43 deck. The roof structure seemed to cause the issues. It appears on the drawing it is largely
44 enclosed. He reviewed the criteria. He does not feel a variance is appropriate for this
45 project.
RegularAndover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes – March 10, 2026
Page 6
1
2 Commissioner Weinhold referred to the plight of the landowner. The deck was built, and
3 the City said it was ok. He feels this is the landowner'splight due to the fact that until
4 City/State officials tried to redefine the project.
5
6 Commissioner Grout stated there are 2 issues, whether it is enclosed or not enclosed. This
7 is a technical review. He agrees with the consensus of the criteria. Construction continued
8 without a permit.
9
10 Commissioner Winge asked why a variance is being requested and could the project have
11 been built without a variance?
12
13 Chair Loehlein, this is an addition to the dwelling, but that should not affect the decision
14 on whether or not to grant the variance. A permit needs to be obtained before construction
15 can occur. This does not meet the criteria for variance.
16
17 Commissioner Winge stated that the applicant can propose an amendment to the City
18 Code for consideration.
19
20 Motion by Commissioner Grout, seconded by Commissioner Hudson, to recommend to
21 denial of the variance to the City Council as the application did not meet the variance
22 criteria. Motion carried on a 5-aye and 2-nay (Winge and Weinhold) vote.
23
24 OTHER BUSINESS
25
26 Mr. Janish reviewed the draft AUAR for Fields of Andover, which is posted on the City
27 website. There will be an Open House on March 23, 2026, to review the draft.
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29 Mr. Hellegers stated that groundbreaking for the Bank of Elk River occurred last week.
30
31 ADJOURNMENT
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33 Chair Loehlein adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
34
35
36 Respectfully Submitted,
37
38
39 Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary
40 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #4
TO: Planning and Zoning Commissioners
FROM: Joe Janish, Community Development Director
SUBJECT:Public Hearing: Consider a Sketch Plan for a master planned development, using
a Planned Unit Development (PUD), for the 31-acre property at 17613 Ward Lake
Drive, Team Fair, (applicant).
DATE: March 24, 2026
REQUEST
The Planning Commission is asked to review a sketch plan for a single-family PUD residential
development as proposed by Landmark Development. The applicant submitted a narrative for the
proposed Sketch Plan which is attached for your review.
What is a Sketch Plan / PUD Concept Plan?
A Sketch Plan / PUD Concept Plan is used to provide feedback to the developer through
Andover Review Committee (ARC), Planning and Zoning Commission, Park and Recreation
Commission, and City Council but formal action is not taken at this stage. The intent of the
Sketch Plan process is to view the concept plan for a proposed development and to discuss
big picture concerns or areas of consistency with code. An applicant would need to develop
detailed plans that address the concerns prior to their application for Preliminary Plat and
PUD.
Purpose of PUD?
The purpose of a PUD is to encourage more efficient allocation of density and intensity of
land use where such arrangement is desirable and feasible by providing the means for greater
creativity and flexibility in environmental design than provided under the strict application of
this code. It must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the City Council that a higher quality
development will result than could otherwise be achieved through strict application of this
code.
PROJECT SUMMARY
The City has received an application for a sketch plan showing a 9-lot single-family rural
residential development on approximately 31 acres. The site is located in the northeast quadrant
of the community, approximately one mile north of the intersection of Ward Lake Drive NW and
Crosstown Blvd NW. Ward Lake itself is located on the northern boundary of the parcel.
Holmberg Addition consisting of 7 lots is located to the south and was platted in 1992.
The proposed development is located within the shoreland overlay district due to Ward Lake
which is classified as a Recreational Development Lake.
WARD LAKE
DISCUSSION
This section will review some of the site characteristics and processes for the proposed This section will review some of the site characteristics and processes for the proposed
development shown on the sketch plan.
For this development to move forward, several actions would need to occur including:
Conditional Use Permit/Planned Unit Development (CUP/PUD)–Public Hearing required
Preliminary Plat–Public Hearing required
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Final Plat
Building Permits
GENERAL
Conformance with Local and Regional Plans and Ordinances
1.The approximately 31-acreproperty (12-32-24-22-0007) is located outside of the
Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) boundary –meaning,private wells and
private septicsare proposed to be utilized.
2.The property is guided in the 2018 Comprehensive Plan as RR –Rural Residential, a
designation that calls for gross densities of 0.00 to 0.4 units per acre.
3.The property is within the Shoreland Overly District.
4.The proposed development includes deviations from City Codes that are proposed to be
addressed through the PUD process.
Future Land Use
Zoning
SITE
R-1 Single Family Rural Residential &
Shoreland Overlay
SITE CHARACTERISTICS
Access
The proposed sketch plan shows one access point and an emergency access/trail. The access
would be from Ward Lake Drive. Ward Lake Drive is an existing street. The proposed homes
would not have driveways onto Ward Lake Drive.
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A–Road Access Ward Lake Drive
B-Emergency Access Ward Lake Drive
C–Future Access to East
C
A
B
Block Length
Due to environmental constraints on the property, and existing development to the south the
block length is expected to exceed the city code maximum length. The applicant is proposing a
Homeowners Association Emergency Access from Ward Lake Drive to the temporary cul de sac
in order to provide additional access to the property.
Tree Preservation Plan
If the applicant determines to move forward after obtaining input, they will identify the location
of the home sites and provide a tree preservation plan with the next applications.Tree clearing is
proposed to be done within proposed road right of way and stormwater ponding requirements.
Wetlands/Floodplains
The parcel does have wetlands and floodplain on the property. Currently the sketch shows the
location based on data available. The applicant will be required to go through a field verification
process if they continue to move forward with development of the property. It should also be
noted that wetlands and floodplain are also on properties around this parcel which makes it
difficult to meet some of the standards city code has (block length, cul de sac length).
Street Improvements
As part of the PUD request, the applicant is asking for flexibility with street construction
standards. The applicant is requesting to construct a rural residential roadway with 18-inch
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ribbon curb. The ribbon curb has been used in developments such as Hartmans Meadows,
Petersen Farms, and Preserve at Oak View.
Rural Street:
The 18 inches of concrete ribbon curbing on each side of the street will maximize the
protection of the edge of paved surface from the wear and tear of vehicle parking and
snow removal. Since storm water will be treated within the ditch area, the ribbon curb
will allow the flow of water into the ditches yet support the edging of the paved area.
Hartmans Meadows, Petersen Farms and Preserve at Oak View have created similar
roadways.
The ROW will be 50 feet within the development along the new roadway(s), and an
additional 10-foot drainage and utility easement will be provided along the roadways
constructed. This is yet again similar to Hartmans Meadows, Petersen Farms and
Preserve at Oak View.
Utilities
Each of the lots will be served by private wells and private septic systems.
PROCESS
Andover Review Committee
The Andover Review Committee (ARC) conducted a review of the PUD and has submitted these
comments to the applicant. These comments have been attached for review.
Public Notice
In accordance with the City Code, public hearing notice is published in the Anoka County Union
Herald and mailed notice was provided to properties within 700 feet of the site located outside of
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the MUSA boundary, using GIS data provided by Anoka County. In addition, a signhasbeen
posted along Ward Lake Drive to alert passersby of the proposed public hearing. The City’s
practice is more generous than Statute which only requires the published notice and mailed
notice to properties within 350 feet.
Park and Trail Dedication –(Park and Recreation Commission)
The Park and Recreation Commission is expected to review this sketch on April 2, 2026,at their
regular meeting. The current Master Park Plan does not identify parkland in this area.
Shoreland Management
Ward Lake is located to the North of this development and is classified as a Recreation
Development Lake.Lake Leeman, to the East is also classified as a Recreation Development
Lake.
WARD LAKE
LAKE LEEMAN
The applicant will need to provide a “PUD Development Plan Shoreland Density.”As part of the
Shoreland Ordinance, the applicant is required to verify the proposed density by creatinga tier
system of 267 feet. Density is then compared to City Code within these tiers. The Shoreland
Ordinance also allows for a density increase if a developer provides a larger setback (125 feet vs.
100 feet from the waterbody Ordinary High Water (OHW) and placing vegetation requirements
around the recreational lake. The applicant is not seeking additional density.
Due to the Shoreland Overlay District and seeking a PUD, additional responsibilities are required
of the developer. These include a Mandatory HomeownersAssociation (HOA) and City code
provides requirements of the HOA.
Residential Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) within a shoreland area require a
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property owner association agreement (for residential PUDs) with mandatory
membership, and addresses the following within City Code 13-4-9 F:
1. Maintenance and Design Criteria;
All 9 lots in this proposed project are on track to be built by a local, reputable, high
end custom home builder – Hanson Builders. Each lot has the flexibility to be
uniquely designed to the end buyers architectural preferences. A homeowners
association will be established and duties performed will be the maintenance and
snow removal of the trail, and ongoing maintenance and preservation of the outlot
and conservation easement.
2. Open Space Requirements: Planned Unit Developments must contain open space;
As part of the PUD criteria, we are proposing that 50% of the overall project be
placed under a conservation easement.
Erosion Control And Storm Water Management; and
The City of Andover and Lower Rum River Watershed Organization will review
erosion control and storm water management as part of future applications.
3. Centralization And Design Of Facilities.
The proposed homes will not have centralization of sewer. The homes would have
private septic and wells.
OTHER Shoreland Management Items:
25% max impervious coverage for each lot.
25-foot max building height.
50% open space preservation within the Shoreland Overlay area.
Zoning and Lot Size (w/in Shoreland Management)
The subject property is zoned R-1: Single Family Rural Residential. The property is located
within the shoreland overlay district. Shoreland regulations include additional regulations for
lots.
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Shoreland Regulation Proposed
Lot Area
Riparian Lots108,900 (2.5 acres) 2.55+
Nonriparian Lots108,900 (2.5 acres) 2.77+
Lot Width
Riparian Lots300 175
Nonriparian Lots300 300
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
The applicant is currently requesting a Planned Unit Development (PUD) sketch review. The applicant is
requesting flexibility as depicted in the following table:
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Proposed Conceptual PUD Standards
City Code Standards:
No. Item (R-1: Single Family PROPOSED Notes
Rural)
1)*Lot Width (min.)300’ min.175’
Lot Width – on cul-de-sac
160’ min
Temporary cul de sac is
2) (lacking municipal sanitary N/A
(max 2 lots of this width on
proposed
the CDS)
sewer max 2 lots reduced)
3) Lot Depth (min.) 150’ min 150+
Exceeds R-4 standard/ Exceeds
4) Lot Area (min.) 2.5 acres. 2.55+ Shoreland standard.
1-acreoutlot owned by HOA.
5)* Block Length (max.) 1,320’ max. 1,489+ No new streets are proposed.
An emergency access trail is
6)* Cul-de-Sac Length (max.) 500’ Temp 1,489+
proposed.
Front Yard Setback Shoreland requires the same
7) 40’ 40’
(Shoreland) setback as R-1
Side Yard Setback –
8) 40’ 40’
Adjacent to Local Street
Side Yard Principal
9) Structure from Interior Lot 10’ 10’
Line
Side Yard Principal
Structure for Garage over
10) 10’ 10’ R-1 zoning requires 10 feet
20 feet wide from Interior
Lot Line
Side Yard Setback - Interior
11) 10’ 10’
(min.)
Rear Yard Setback
12) 50' 50’
(Shoreland)
Setback –County Road
13)50'50’
(Shoreland)
Max Structure Height
14) 25’ 25’
(Shoreland)
Max Lot Coverage
15) 20% 20%
(structure)
Impervious Coverage
16) 25% 25%
(Shoreland)
17) Right of Way 60’ 60’
Driveway Access (from an
18) 60’ 60’+
intersection)
31.31 acre/2.5 acre = 12.5 Lots
19) Density 0.40 units per acre (upa) 0.29 upa Proposal is less lots than
permitted
20) Upland per lot 8,600 square feet per lot 8,600+
*Red text indicates deviation from City Code
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PUD Review
The following City Code standards exist for PUD’s with responses in italics provided by the
applicant (see also narrative information)
Applicable Ordinances
City Code 13-3-9 regulates the findings that are required for a PUD to be approved:
1. The proposed development is not in conflict with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan
for the City.
The proposed project is guided as RR Rural Residential. This comprehensive plan land
use is consistent with the surrounding land uses which are all RR Rural Residential. The
proposed development will be consistent with the goals of the comprehensive plan.
Current Comprehensive Plan Goals that may be relevant which are found in
Chapter 1: Foundation of the Comprehensive Plan.
Overarching Goals, Objectives and Policies
Goal 1: Maintain and enhance the quality of life in Andover
Land Use Goals, Objectives and Policies
Goal 4: Allow residential growth while maintaining the quality of natural
resources and amenities.
Goal: Reduce maintenance and energy costs for public facilities and
infrastructure.
Housing Goals, Objectives and Policies
Goal: Provide a variety of housing types to accommodate the life cycle
needs of all residents.
Transportation Goals, Objectives and Policies
Goal: Minimize impacts of the transportation system on the natural
environment.
2. The proposed development is designed in such a manner as to form a desirable and
unified environment within its own boundaries.
We are proposing a low impact development utilizing the minimal amount of infrastructure
to serve the proposed lots and extend to the property line for future development
opportunities of adjacent property owners if they choose. An emergency access trail is
proposed as the area does exceed the 500-foot cul de sac requirement in city code.
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3. The proposed development demonstrates how each modified or waived requirement
contributes to achieving the purpose of PUD.
1. Cul de sac length – limited access due to environmental constraints (flood & wetlands)
2. Lot width – less overall roadway not needing a cul de sac
3. Ribbon Curb – Low impact development
4. Block length – Environmental constraints
City Code 13-3-11 identifies Desirable PUD Design Qualitie s that are sought in any PUD
proposal as listed below.
A.Achieves efficiency in the provision of streets and utilities and preserves area to achieve
the elements of design qualities described in this Chapter.
We have proposed the minimal amount of infrastructure to serve the proposed lots and
extend to the property line for future development opportunity by adjacent properties. A
permanent cul de sac was eliminated from the original design to reduce long term
maintenance and created the most efficient use of the land while still coming in under
maximum density for the overall site.
B.Provides convenient and safe access for vehicles and pedestrians and all types of activity
that are anticipated to be a part of the proposed development.
Proposed road to be constructed to City design standards. Proposed trail to be constructed
to City design standards, which will allow safe travel of emergency vehicles if needed.
Trail will be able to be utilized for pedestrian usage and public enjoyment.
C.Provides a buffer between different uses, adjacent properties, roadways, between
backyards of back-to-back lots.
The proposed design has only 2 of the lots back to back with the existing neighborhood to
the south, including a trail and existing tree cover as a buffer. Additional screening /
landscaping is shown on the plan along the south side of the project. These two lots are
conforming to the R1 City Code.
D. Preserves existing stands of trees and/or significant trees.
In the event that this concept plan receives positive discussion and feedback, our design
engineer will be working directly with the custom home builder to identify the best, most
efficient house pad location on each lot thus reducing the need to eliminatelarge stands of
trees within the project. Tree clearing is proposed to be done within proposed road right
of way and stormwater ponding requirements.
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E. Provides considerable landscaping treatments that complement the overall design and
contribute toward an overall landscaping theme.
A landscaped, entrance monument is in the design process for the area adjacent to Ward
Lake Drive and the proposed new road into the project. This is projected to be a high end
neighborhood, therefore landscaping enhancements will be required, along with necessary
screening along the south side of the project. An outlot is proposed on the south side of
the entrance, which is approximately 1 acre in size. This outlot will remain in its natural
condition and preserved as passive open space.
F. Preserves significant usable space on individual lots or through the provision of open
space within the development.
As part of the PUD criteria, we are proposing that 50% of the overall project be placed
under a conservation easement.
G. Provides an attractive streetscape through the use of undulating topography, landscaping,
decorative street lighting, decorative mailbox groupings, retaining walls, boulders,
fencing, area identification signs, etc.
As mentioned previously, the proposed entrance will include a landscaped monument
identifying this proposed high end neighborhood. Retaining walls will be utilized as
needed along the streetscape, stormwater ponding areas, and house construction with
grading plan and existing topographical conditions. Conservation easement signage can
be installed in accordance with City requirements. Of recent, the Andover Post Office
has required the installation of cluster mailboxes versus individual mailboxes in the
residential neighborhoods.
H. The proposed structures within the development demonstrate quality architectural design
and the use of high-quality building materials for unique design and detailing.
All 9 lots in this proposed project are on track to be built by a local, reputable, high end
custom home builder –Hanson Builders. Each lot has the flexibility to be uniquely
designed to the end buyers architectural preferences.
I.The lasing quality of the development will be ensured by design, maintenance and use
guidelines established through an owners’ association.
A homeowners association will be established and duties performed will be the
maintenance and snow removal of the trail, and ongoing maintenance and preservation of
the outlot and conservation easement.
12
NEXT STEPS
The Park and Recreation Commission will provide input on April 2, 2026, at their regularly
scheduled meeting. The City Council is expected to provide input on the sketch on April 7, 2026,
at their regularly scheduled meeting. The applicant will then make a determination if they will
proceed with additional applications, moving towards development of the property.
ACTION REQUESTED
The Planning and Zoning Commission is asked to conduct a Public Hearing related to the sketch
plan. After the Public Hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission is asked to provide input
related to the development for the applicant to consider as they determine if they will continue
with the development of this property.
Attachments
1) Applicant’s Narrative
2) Applicant’s Responses to PUD Questions
3) Potential Landscape Entrance Monument (artist rendering)
4) Sketch Plan
5) Location Map
6) Public Comments – (Received by March 19, 2026)
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WARD LAKE PRESERVE -CONCEPT PLAN
XXX WARD LAKE DRIVE, ANDOVER, MN 55304
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WARD LAKE PRESERVE – PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD) GUIDELINES
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Site Location –Parcel ID: 12-32-24-22-0007
SITE
Date CreatedMarch 13,2026
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