Planning commission approves recommendation for Launch Park Fourth preliminary plat and garage‑condo development

The Lakeville Planning Commission on Sept. 18 voted to recommend City Council approval of the Launch Park Fourth preliminary plat, a one‑lot/one‑outlot subdivision that would create an approximately 8‑acre lot for a four‑building garage‑condo complex and a roughly 12‑acre outlot. Jim French, the applicant and developer, told the commission the plan calls for about 98 individual units across the buildings, with units of roughly 1,200 square feet and an anticipated sale price of about $185,000 per unit.

French said the development would be organized as a common interest community (CIC) with covenants and restrictions to control uses, require property‑management enforcement of exterior maintenance, and prohibit overnight residential occupancy. “No. No. No. These are strictly industrial spaces. There is no, you can and that is, like, in in in the covenants, but it’s also, not required or, not permitted anyways,” French said when commissioners asked whether people could live in the units. He said the CIC will also address parking management, rental or sublease review and security measures such as cameras.

Planning staff said the property is zoned I‑2 (general industrial) and guided for industrial uses in the comprehensive plan. Lot 1 would be about 8 acres and Outlot A approximately 12 acres; the proposed buildings meet or exceed setback requirements. Staff identified required revisions prior to council approval: four guest parking spaces must be shown on revised plans to meet the City Code requirement (the code requires three spaces plus one per 100 units for guest parking), and the applicant must submit final engineering, stormwater and landscaping details. Staff recommended approval subject to the nine stipulations in the planning memo dated Sept. 8, 2025.

Commissioners asked about unit count, price point and typical uses. French said the product serves a range of buyers — small business owners, hobbyists and people who need workshop/secure storage — and that units are commonly used for a mix of storage, light work and office functions. Commissioner Tinsley moved the recommendation; the motion passed by roll call. No members of the public spoke at the hearing.