Council approves High Point Crossing rezoning and variances for 18‑lot rural estate development

The Lake Elmo City Council voted on May 5 to rezone roughly 78 acres as residential estate and approve the preliminary plat for the High Point Crossing development. The developer (Rachel Development) originally proposed a larger open‑space PUD; the current proposal calls for 18 single‑family lots with individual septic systems and a gross density of about 0.23 units per acre.

Staff described three variance requests: a front‑yard setback reduction (from 100 to 50 feet), a reduced tree‑planting requirement (from five to about three trees per disturbed acre), and a subdivision variance to waive sidewalks to match adjacent Imperial road sections. The Valley Branch Watershed District has issued a permit for the stormwater design and staff noted five of six wetlands will be preserved, with one small wetland (under 800 square feet) impacted and subject to mitigation and buffer easements.

Planning commission members heard public comment at their April hearing and unanimously recommended approval with conditions. Council adopted the rezoning ordinance and the preliminary‑plat resolution and approved the three variances, with staff’s recommended findings and 14 standard conditions attached.

Next steps: the developer will continue to work with city engineering and landscape staff to resolve plan comments and satisfy conditions before final plat and construction permitting.

Sources: staff presentation, planning commission report and council votes during the May 5 meeting.