Eagan planning commission recommends rezoning for Lewis House shelter at 4345 Nichols Road
March 19, 2026 | Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Eagan Advisory Planning Commission on March 19 unanimously recommended that the City Council rezone 4345 Nichols Road to Planned Development and approve a preliminary plan to allow a Lewis House residential shelter with 14 units serving up to 50 residents.
City planner Ms. Duzyak told commissioners the 2.18-acre site (Lot 1, Block 1, Cedar Ridge, first edition) currently houses a shelter established in 1985 and that the applicant, 360 Communities, proposes a new building with expanded on-site supportive services. The proposed structure measures about 44 feet 2 inches—exceeding the Neighborhood Business 30-foot height limit—and requests deviations for building height, parking configuration and exterior materials that staff said are policy questions appropriate to the Planned Development process.
"The applicant is requesting approval of a rezoning from limited business to planned development and to recommend approval of the preliminary planned development for the residential shelter with 14 units serving up to 50 people," Ms. Duzyak said, summarizing the staff recommendation and noting required site improvements including grading, a future trail alignment, a stormwater filtration pond, and utility upgrades.
Jeff Mortensen, president and CEO of 360 Communities, described the project as the result of more than a decade of planning and said the organization serves thousands annually in Dakota County. "Fifty is the right capacity for us," Mortensen said, adding the new building will permit continuous shelter operations during construction by building on the west half of the property while the existing facility remains occupied.
Commissioners asked staff and the applicant several clarifying questions. Commissioner Wagner asked whether staff counsel applicants on design before the commission when a project proposes heights above the zoning standard; Mr. Schultz (city staff) explained that the Planned Development route was chosen to accommodate a residential-style building that would otherwise not conform to Neighborhood Business height and design standards and that a conforming design would require a larger footprint. Chair Schwanke asked whether grading for a future trail meant the trail would be built now; staff replied grading reserves the alignment but actual trail construction timing is not specified.
Mortensen said the expanded facility will include a survivor support center and increased security features informed by survivor feedback, noting examples such as a covered garage to preserve anonymity for arriving residents. Ms. Duzyak said the landscaping, lighting and tree mitigation plans meet city standards; staff recommended a cash dedication for tree mitigation and listed 29 conditions associated with the preliminary plan.
There was no public testimony at the hearing. A motion to recommend rezoning to Planned Development was moved, seconded and passed on a unanimous voice vote, and a separate motion to recommend approval of the preliminary plan development (with the staff-recommended conditions) was likewise approved unanimously. Mr. Schultz confirmed the item will be considered by the City Council at its April 7 meeting.
The commission’s recommendations are advisory; final approvals and any changes to conditions will be decided by the City Council at that meeting.
City planner Ms. Duzyak told commissioners the 2.18-acre site (Lot 1, Block 1, Cedar Ridge, first edition) currently houses a shelter established in 1985 and that the applicant, 360 Communities, proposes a new building with expanded on-site supportive services. The proposed structure measures about 44 feet 2 inches—exceeding the Neighborhood Business 30-foot height limit—and requests deviations for building height, parking configuration and exterior materials that staff said are policy questions appropriate to the Planned Development process.
"The applicant is requesting approval of a rezoning from limited business to planned development and to recommend approval of the preliminary planned development for the residential shelter with 14 units serving up to 50 people," Ms. Duzyak said, summarizing the staff recommendation and noting required site improvements including grading, a future trail alignment, a stormwater filtration pond, and utility upgrades.
Jeff Mortensen, president and CEO of 360 Communities, described the project as the result of more than a decade of planning and said the organization serves thousands annually in Dakota County. "Fifty is the right capacity for us," Mortensen said, adding the new building will permit continuous shelter operations during construction by building on the west half of the property while the existing facility remains occupied.
Commissioners asked staff and the applicant several clarifying questions. Commissioner Wagner asked whether staff counsel applicants on design before the commission when a project proposes heights above the zoning standard; Mr. Schultz (city staff) explained that the Planned Development route was chosen to accommodate a residential-style building that would otherwise not conform to Neighborhood Business height and design standards and that a conforming design would require a larger footprint. Chair Schwanke asked whether grading for a future trail meant the trail would be built now; staff replied grading reserves the alignment but actual trail construction timing is not specified.
Mortensen said the expanded facility will include a survivor support center and increased security features informed by survivor feedback, noting examples such as a covered garage to preserve anonymity for arriving residents. Ms. Duzyak said the landscaping, lighting and tree mitigation plans meet city standards; staff recommended a cash dedication for tree mitigation and listed 29 conditions associated with the preliminary plan.
There was no public testimony at the hearing. A motion to recommend rezoning to Planned Development was moved, seconded and passed on a unanimous voice vote, and a separate motion to recommend approval of the preliminary plan development (with the staff-recommended conditions) was likewise approved unanimously. Mr. Schultz confirmed the item will be considered by the City Council at its April 7 meeting.
The commission’s recommendations are advisory; final approvals and any changes to conditions will be decided by the City Council at that meeting.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
