11-17-2025 - Agenda Packet Planning Commission - Full Packet

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FILE # LA25-000033 17 Nov 2025 Page 3 of 8 Site Plan Summarv: Parking. One of the primary functions of the site is a surface parking lot to support the lake access boat launch. Currently the site contains 48 standard (passenger vehicle) parking stalls, 5 accessible stalls, and 14 boat trailer parking stalls resulting in 67 total parking stalls for the site. The proposed plan indicates 64 total stalls made up of 18 standards parking stalls, 5 accessible stalls, and 41 boat and trailer parking spaces. The proposed site plan reflects a 3 fewer parking stalls overall but increases the boat trailer spaces by an additional 27 stalls. The applicant has noted that the new design should be more functional. Additionally, the parking stalls will be constructed with a TrueGrid System. This is a grid system that will hold rocks in packet to allow parking and walking on, while operating as a stormwater management system for the site. The water is able to pass through the rocks into sand and drain tile. This facilitates filtering of the stormwater by detaining the water under the surface. Additionally, as part of the parking plan, a new accessibility lift is proposed on the site to facilitate ADA access to Lake Minnetonka. The lift in located in the northwest corner of the site and utilized a parking stall for loading and unloading patron into boat and trailers. The county has partners with Wheelchairs and Walleyes to facilitate and promote ADA access for Lake Minnetonka. Staff finds the new parking configuration with the additional trailer parking spaces will improve the maneuverability, safety, and use of the site. The additional amenities with the design of parking areas that incorporate stormwater management and ADA accessibility improve the functionality of the site. Planning Commission should request additional testimony from the application relating to the fluctuating parking demands on the site and provide plans for their enforcement of the parking on site. Circulation. Traffic circulation systems shall be designed to accommodate anticipated traffic demands. Vehicular traffic generated by industrial (commercial/barge) uses shall be channeled and controlled in a manner which will avoid congestion or interference with other vehicular transportation systems and pedestrians and which will avoid creating traffic hazards and excessive traffic. A traffic circulation and maneuverability plan was originally provided when the applicant was including a vertical access lift in the scope of the project. The vertical access lift has been removed from project which lowers the traffic safety and congestion concerns for the site. Staff finds the layout of the proposed plan to be reasonable and should adequately support functional traffic circulation. Lighting. Any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area shall be hooded and so arranged as to reflect the light away from adjoining property, abutting residential uses, and public rights -of -way. The applicant submitted a lighting plan that shows pole lights around the parking area and fishing piers. The applicant notes that lighting will be "kept to a minimum". The applicant received input from Starry Skies North on ways to reduce light pollution. A total of five, single fixtured, 20 foot tall light poles will be installed. Additionally, five light bollards will be placed along the northern fishing area. Lights will automatically turn on one hour before sunset, dim to half intensity after 10 PM, and turn off at sunrise. A warmer color temperature lighting will be used throughout the site. These lights will be downcast and screened. It is important for the safety and maneuverability of the site that lighting on the site be provided. Fencing. The applicant is proposing minimal fencing around the property. Outside of the 75-foot lake yard setback there will be a temporary/seasonal restroom where new fencing will screen the space from being viewed from the lake. Within the 75-foot setback, the fencing is proposed around a variety of utility areas to screen the utility infrastructure from the lake, including around the Met Council's generator. 11