Shakopee Board of Adjustment and Appeals Regular Meeting – June 5, 2026

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM, but the provided date for this summary is June 5, 2026. This discrepancy is noted per the instruction.

The Shakopee Board of Adjustment and Appeals convened on June 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. Chair Noreen Rutting presided. Roll call was taken; Commissioners Forsyth, Weiler, Sandu, Redding, Vanderveen, and Robbins were present. Commissioner Cheris was absent. The agenda was approved unanimously. The consent agenda (approval of the May 7, 2026, minutes) was approved with a correction to the chair's first name; one commissioner abstained.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke on items not on the agenda.

Discussion Items

Appeal of Staff Denial – Home Occupation Permit for Dog Daycare/Boarding (1424 Primrose Lane)

• Staff presentation: Mr. Kersky explained that Alison Newstadter, owner of Barks, Belly Rubs, and Beyond Pet Sitting, applied for a home occupation permit to board up to four dogs (not her own) plus her two dogs. The city code allows such use with a permit and annual license. Neighbors within 500 feet were notified; staff received four emails and one phone call opposing, citing concerns about noise, barking, odors, safety, traffic, and commercial activity in a residential area. Staff denied the permit per code, which bases approval on neighbor feedback since home occupations are a privilege, not a right.
• Applicant's testimony: Ms. Newstadter argued that the denial was unjust. She stated staff did not discuss concerns with her before denial, as outlined in the process. She noted only one neighbor had ever complained about barking years ago, and no police calls were recorded. She described operating the business since March 2025 without issues, with systems for meet-and-greets, trial stays, cameras, and separation of dogs. She limits capacity based on her work schedule and has denied aggressive dogs.
• Supporting public comment: Gary Youngs, a Shakopee resident and client, testified that he observed no unsanitary conditions, excessive traffic, or barking. He noted the operator responsibly limits boarding.
• Commissioner discussion: Commissioners noted the applicant's responsible practices and lack of verified complaints. Some expressed concern that the process gives neighbors veto power, but the applicant's track record showed no actual nuisance. Staff clarified that if complaints arise, the permit can be revoked. The board voted to reverse the staff decision.

Conditional Use Permit (CUP) – Exterior Storage at 4500 Valley Industrial Blvd South

• Staff presentation: Applicant Pat Mason (Associated Mechanical Contractors) requested a CUP for exterior storage of construction equipment on a 6-acre parcel in I-2 Industrial zoning. Plans include a crushed granite surface for tracked equipment, landscaping, and screening.
• Public hearing: No one spoke.
• Outcome: Approved unanimously (6-0) with conditions per Resolution PC 2026-014.

Conditional Use Permit – Telecommunications Tower at 7700 County Road 101 East

• Staff presentation: Buell Consulting (on behalf of TowerCo LLC) requested a CUP for a 115-foot monopole (105 ft + 10 ft lightning rod) on a 14.64-acre property in I-2 Industrial. Verizon Wireless will be the first carrier; the tower is designed for future co-locations. The lease area is 60x40 ft.
• Public hearing: Justin Gardner (TowerCo) answered questions, noting the tower is expected to be built in 2027 but could be accelerated.
• Commissioner Redding recused himself due to a conflict of interest, reducing the voting board to five members.
• Outcome: Approved (5-0) with conditions per Resolution PC 2026-015.

Conditional Use Permit – Vehicle Repair at 1515 Maras Street

• Staff presentation: Royal Imports, currently in Cannon Falls, seeks to relocate to Shakopee. Services include fluid changes, tire work, powertrain repair, suspension, and body work (no painting). The building previously housed a tenant whose CUP was revoked due to junk vehicles; the space is now vacant. Recommendation to approve with conditions.
• Public hearing: Oscar Brody, co-owner, confirmed the shop handles regular passenger vehicles and small business trucks, not heavy trucks or vans.
• Outcome: Approved unanimously (6-0) per Resolution PC 2026-017.

Key Outcomes

• Appeal (1424 Primrose Lane): Board reversed staff denial and approved the home occupation permit for dog daycare/boarding (motion by Commissioner Robbins, seconded by Forsyth; voted 6-0). No roll call needed; all ayes.
• CUP – Exterior Storage (4500 Valley Industrial Blvd S): Resolution PC 2026-014 approved (motion by Vanderveen, seconded by Forsyth; roll call 6-0).
• CUP – Telecommunications Tower (7700 County Road 101 E): Resolution PC 2026-015 approved (motion by Robbins, seconded by Weiler; roll call 5-0, Commissioner Redding abstained).
• CUP – Vehicle Repair (1515 Maras Street): Resolution PC 2026-017 approved (motion by Forsyth, seconded by Robbins; roll call 6-0).
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned to July 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM (motion by Robbins, seconded by Sandu; 6-0).