Revised October 25, 2024
On October 1 the Planning Commission held a public hearing to amend the R-3 Zoning District to higher density development, consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, as submitted to the Metropolitan Council. Read the planning commission packet, with complete background here.
Specifically, the zoning change applies to three parcels on Smithtown Road, west of the American Legion. One of these parcels is currently being considered for a townhome development. See parcel map below.
As explained in Ordinance 1201.18 “The R-3B District is intended to provide a greater variety in the type of housing units available within the community by allowing construction of two-family, townhouse, quadraminium and apartment dwellings at a density ranging up to ten units per acre.”
Although Shorewood planned for this density in the Comp Plan, the Zoning Code and map were not in sync. In these instances, as proven in an application for townhome development on one of the parcels, the code did not match the Comp Plan. The Comp Plan has precedence. It is important that both documents match to avoid complications.
For residents concerned about higher density, there was a public hearing on this section of the Comp Plan several years ago. More recently, the planning commission held a public hearing on October 1, 2024. No members of the public testified. The planning commission recommended approval.
Next step is for the Council to vote on the ordinance change scheduled for October 28. This council discussion and vote is typically done with no further public input.
What you can do:
SIGN UP for notifications from the city, residents too often hear about these important changes after the fact.
SHOW UP for public hearings and meetings. There are members of the council who count noses, and have said “a few” don’t matter.
CALL UP or email your city leaders:
Council Members
Dustin Maddy (612) 293-6727 dmaddy@ci.shorewood.mn.us
Jennifer Labadie (952) 836-8719 jlabadie@ci.shorewood.mn.us
Scott Zerby (952) 905-4444 szerby@ci.shorewood.mn.us
Guy Sanschagrin (952) 217-1289 gsanschagrin@ci.shorewood.mn.us
Paula Callies (763) 546-8020 pcallies@ci.shorewood.mn.us
