SUNFISH LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
September 23, 2025
7:00 P.M.
Attendants
Acting Chair: Ginny Beckett
Commissioners:
Present: Claire Noble and John Oakman
Absent: Jeannine Nayes and Kevin Wu
City Planner: Lori Johnson
City Attorney: Kori Land
City Clerk: Christy Wilcox
Members of the General Public.
Prior to the regular meeting, the Planning Commission held a public information meeting at 6:00 p.m. on the proposed new zoning ordinance. Planner Johnson provided a short presentation on the major changes proposed to the ordinance.
1. CALL TO ORDER: Acting Chair Beckett called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. ADOPT AGENDA: Acting Chair Beckett asked if there were any additions to the agenda and there was no response.
Commissioner Noble moved to adopt the agenda as presented, seconded by Commissioner Oakman. Motion carried (3-0)
3. APPROVE MINUTES, August 21, 2025, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: Acting Chair Beckett asked if there were any additions or corrections to the August 21, 2025, Planning Commission meeting minutes.
Commissioner Oakman moved to approve the minutes of the August 21, 2025, Planning Commission meeting, seconded by Commissioner Noble. Motion carried. (3-0)
4. PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed New Zoning Code
Planner Johnson indicated that since she already went through the presentation earlier at this time she asked that the Acting Chair open the public hearing. Prior to opening the hearing, Attorney Land went over the one correction in the Planner’s summary which dealt with fences. The correction is in the new zoning ordinance as presented. Acting Chair Beckett opened the public hearing for comments.
Residents spoke regarding the following concerns:
· Did the City effectively communicate with the residents of the new proposed changes and how the changes affect the residents?
· They sought a clearer understanding about the lake setback section. Residents strongly feel that these setbacks don’t change and remain the same as they are today.
· Residents had issues with the non-conforming section of the proposed ordinance. This new, proposed ordinance represents a major change from the existing ordinance.
· Residents asked for an outline of the variance process as it relates to the new proposed zoning ordinance
· Residents questioned the septic section of the code, and the requirements for setbacks and locations. Staff informed residents that septic system installation is not regulated by the Zoning Ordinance, but rather the Code of Ordinances, which are separate documents. The proposed new Zoning Ordinance is the only document being reviewed at this time.
· Residents asked if there would be any notice to adjacent neighbors when a building permit is issued for significant changes to a property.
· There were questions about property rentals. Staff noted that there is no rental license requirement in the city at this time.
· There were concerns about the removal of trees and asked if there is a way to help with communication on this issue and understanding the enforcement process.
The City Planner noted that there were fifteen (15) other comments that were received and are a part of the packet this evening.
Acting Chair Beckett closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Oakman noted that it is important and essential that the Planning Commission take the information from tonight’s public hearing from the residents and staff for further review. The other members of the Commission agree that we need to continue the discussion.
Attorney Land reviewed some of the comments received and staff will provide a more in depth memorandum for the issues that were brought forward tonight.
OTHER/NEW BUSINESS:
5. ADJOURN
Commissioner Oakman moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:36 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Noble. Motion carried. (3-0)
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.