Shakopee Planning Commission Regular Meeting – June 6, 2025

The Shakopee Planning Commission convened on June 6, 2025, at 7:05 PM at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street, and adjourned at 8:07 PM. The meeting included two public hearings: an ordinance amending the city code related to agricultural uses and seasonal sales stands, and a comprehensive plan amendment to re-guide 27 acres for the gravel pit redevelopment project. Both items received unanimous recommendations for approval, with the first item subject to staff clarifications on language regarding crops and livestock definitions.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The Planning Commission meeting minutes for May 8, 2025, were approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• 5A – Ordinance Amending City Code Sections 151.002 and 151.007 K (Agricultural Uses and Seasonal Sales Stands): Staff presented proposed changes to break agricultural uses into three categories: crops (permitted in agricultural district, accessory in rural residential), non-livestock (poultry and bees, accessory in rural residential), and livestock (permitted only in agricultural district). Seasonal sales stands would be allowed as an accessory use in rural residential, limited to May 1–October 1, and only for products grown on the property. Commissioner Ranillo raised concerns about the definition of crops (e.g., vegetables not listed), the classification of poultry and bees as “non-livestock” (noting USDA defines them as livestock), and restrictions on selling honey from multiple properties. Current code limits: 8 beehives and 12 poultry (hens) in rural residential; a separate ordinance (016) would increase poultry limits to 12 on larger lots but is not under commission purview. The commission discussed the need for clearer language and directed staff to refine definitions before the City Council meeting on June 17, 2025. A motion to recommend approval with staff clarifications passed unanimously (7-0).

• 5B – Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Figures 4.11 and 4.12 (Residential Development Potential and Planned Land Use): Staff explained that the amendment re-guides 27 acres (PID 279160102 and 27916010) from mixed-use commercial center to suburban residential and mixed residential to align with the approved gravel pit redevelopment project (Eagle Point Estates). The change is needed because the Metropolitan Council raised concerns about the previous density change and its impact on housing policy and Livable Communities Act funding. The actual development layout (number of homes, lot sizes) is not affected. Staff confirmed they have received assurances from the Met Council that the revised amendment is acceptable. A motion to recommend approval passed unanimously (7-0).

Other Business

• Commissioners discussed scheduling a tour of local projects in late summer or early fall 2025.

Key Outcomes

• 5A Motion: Approved unanimously (7-0) to recommend the ordinance to the City Council with direction for staff to clarify language regarding crop definitions (including vegetables) and to properly classify poultry and bees (e.g., using “livestock” with subcategories) before the June 17, 2025 council meeting.
• 5B Motion: Approved unanimously (7-0) to recommend the comprehensive plan amendment to re-guide 27 acres, amend Figures 4.11 and 4.12 accordingly, and forward to the City Council.
• Next Steps: The amendments will be presented to the City Council on June 17, 2025, and the comprehensive plan amendment will be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for final approval.