Shakopee Board of Adjustment and Appeals Regular Meeting - May 7, 2026

The Board of Adjustment and Appeals met on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street, Shakopee, Minnesota. Chairperson Noreen Redding presided. Commissioners Forsyth, Weiler, Sandu, Redding, and Vanderveen were present (Commissioners Cheris and Robbins were not recorded as voting). The meeting covered two public hearings: a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for outdoor pickleball courts and a CUP for exterior storage.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the March 2026 and April 2026 meetings were approved. The March minutes passed with one abstention; the April minutes were approved unanimously (all ayes, no abstentions noted for April).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pickleball CUP (1100 Shakopee Town Square):
  • Rachel Dubay, a resident directly adjacent to the proposed courts, spoke in opposition. She cited land use incompatibility with nearby homes, noise (pickleball averages 70–80 decibels), light pollution, proposed hours (6 a.m. – 10 p.m., conflicting with city quiet hours of 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.), privacy loss, increased foot traffic, litter, and potential future alcohol service. She requested noise modeling and mitigation measures. She also noted that Takada Learning Center, an alternative high school, is nearby and expressed concerns about traffic and bus access.
  • Kyle Dubay, also a resident, supported his wife's opposition, emphasizing the continuous, year-round noise impact (though noted courts would be used seasonally, roughly six months).
  • Michael Gomer, another adjacent resident, raised similar concerns and questioned city sound ordinances. He asked about sound assessments post-construction.
• Exterior Storage CUP (1555 Maras Street): No public opposition; the landlord, Eugene Hanson, provided background.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing 1: CUP for Commercial Recreation (Pickleball Courts)

  • Applicant Justin Harak of Drop Shot Pickleball LOC proposed up to four outdoor pickleball courts (each 64' x 30') and an outdoor patio on the north side of their existing indoor facility in the B-1 Highway Business Zoning District. The courts would be enclosed with an 8-foot black coated chain-link fence with 90% opaque privacy/wind block screening. Lighting would be on the building aimed inward, with shields to prevent spill. Hours proposed until 10 p.m. The applicant agreed to consider noise-reducing fencing and starting outdoor play later than 6 a.m. if required. The applicant noted positive community contributions (e.g., partnership with Takada Learning Center, charity events). Staff recommended approval with conditions.
  • Board discussion centered on noise mitigation. Commissioners supported requiring acoustic deadening fencing (e.g., sports sonic guard) on the north and east sides facing residences, and retaining the 6-foot evergreen trees (as per staff minimum) due to better survival rates. The board also noted that the B-1 zone permits many uses, and the applicant was already meeting code.
  • Motion: Commissioner Forsyth moved to approve Resolution PC 2026-011 with the condition that acoustic deadening fencing be installed on the north and east sides. Seconded by Commissioner Weiler. Vote: 5-0 (all present aye).

• Public Hearing 2: CUP for Exterior Storage at 1555 Maras Street for Biff's

  • Applicant (landlord Eugene Hanson) requested a CUP for Biff's to store portable toilets on a designated 170' x 235' area (southeast corner) in the I-1 Light Industrial district. The previous broader CUP was revoked in February due to a problem tenant; this new CUP is tied to Suite 3 tenant only. Conditions: no unlicensed/inoperable vehicles, service work must be indoors, and existing landscaping screening must be maintained. No public opposition.
  • Board had no questions. Motion to adopt Resolution PC 2026-013 by Commissioner Forsyth, seconded by Commissioner Weiler. Vote: 5-0 in favor.

Key Outcomes

• Pickleball CUP Approved (Resolution PC 2026-011): Conditional use permit granted for up to four outdoor pickleball courts and an outdoor patio, subject to the installation of acoustic deadening fencing on the north and east sides. Other conditions from city code and staff recommendations apply.
• Exterior Storage CUP Approved (Resolution PC 2026-013): Conditional use permit granted for Biff's to store portable toilets in the designated area, with conditions tied to Suite 3 occupancy.
• Next regular meeting scheduled for June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM.