SUNFISH LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
October 16, 2025
7:00 P.M.
Attendants
Chair: Kevin Wu
Commissioners:
Present: Ginny Beckett, Jeannine Nayes, and John Oakman
Absent: Claire Noble
City Planner: Lori Johnson
City Attorney: Kori Land
City Clerk: Christy Wilcox
Members of the General Public.
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wu called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. ADOPT AGENDA: Chair Wu asked if there were any additions to the agenda and there was no response.
Commissioner Beckett moved to adopt the agenda as presented, seconded by Commissioner Oakman. Motion carried (4-0)
3. APPROVE MINUTES, September 23, 2025, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: Chair Wu asked if there were any additions or corrections to the September 23, 2025, Planning Commission meeting minutes.
Commissioner Oakman moved to approve the minutes of September 23, 2025, Planning Commission meeting, seconded by Commissioner Beckett. Motion carried. (4-0)
4. CONTINUED ITEM – REVISION TO THE CITY’S ZONING ORDINANCE
Chair Wu opened the meeting for public comments. Chair Wu went over the items that were brought back to the Planning Commission for additional comments.
Residents spoke regarding the following concerns:
· Residents would like the Shoreland Management Overlay District to include the original setbacks on the lakes. The City can exceed the DNR model ordinance guidelines. They inquired as to whether or not the City could we have different setbacks for each lake, specifically Sunfish Lake.
· Residents feel that it is important to try to maintain the rural character of the city and when it comes to the lakes it includes the natural environment. Reducing the setbacks would change the aesthetics of the lake and neighborhood.
· There was concern with septic systems being placed closer to the lake city wide.
· It appears that the city is trying to come up with a blanket solution, however, the city has some unique properties around Horseshoe Lake, and we are trying to make it easier for those unique circumstances. There are some other great alternatives and other options that have been already discussed.
· Things have worked fine over the past several years and residents would like things to stay the same. They would like to possibly streamline the variance process.
· Discussed the proposed change in driveway distance from the setback moving from 25 feet to 15 feet. Asked if there is a way to consider a priority when several variances are being considered for a property. A resident asked what the rules are for when the City Council overrides the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission discussed the questions and concerns that were raised by the residents. The City Attorney and City Planner addressed and summarized the questions raised by the residents and the Commission. Attorney Land noted that the city can set different standards for each of the lakes.
After much discussion, the consensus of the Planning Commission was that the proposed zoning ordinance include the proposed setback requirement for Horseshoe Lake, while going back to the original building and septic setback for the other lakes within the City. The Planning Commission also recommended that the driveway setback for residential properties remain at 25 feet. The City Attorney will make the appropriate change for the next meeting. The Planning Commission discussed side and front yard setbacks. At this time, there is no recommended change being proposed. The Planning Commission reviewed the changes made regarding non-conforming uses and the Planning Commission agreed with the new language as proposed by the City Attorney. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council investigate ways to require applicants for building permits for new homes or additions to provide notice to adjacent residents.
The Planning Commission will meet in November to review all the final changes.
OTHER/NEW BUSINESS:
5. ADJOURN
Chair Wu moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Nayes. Motion carried. (4-0)
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Christy Wilcox, City Clerk
We are a small community proud of our heritage and committed to the preservation of our pristine, rural character. We cherish our privacy, yet know we are part of a thriving Dakota County and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area. With these partnerships in mind, we strive to preserve that unique spirit which is Sunfish Lake, Minnesota.