Commission recommends approval of Lennar's Highview preliminary plat after neighbor raises wetland/berm concerns

The Lakeville City Planning Commission on Aug. 6 recommended that the City Council approve Lennar's Highview preliminary plat, a proposed 34-lot single-family subdivision on roughly 20.14 acres. Developer David Ternberg said the community would include 34 two-story homes with three-car garages, priced from about $450,000 to $570,000 and ranging roughly 1,860 to 2,460 square feet.

Planning staff (Baughton) said the parcel was rezoned earlier in the year, described the net developable area (9.19 acres) and noted that the proposed lot yield (34 lots) equals about 3.7 units per acre, consistent with the comp plan and RST-2 zoning. Staff reported two wetlands within the project boundary and said no wetland impacts are proposed. Baughton also reviewed the tree inventory and noted the developer proposes removing a portion of the inventoried tree inches; staff recommended approval with eight stipulations in the planning report.

Neighbor Anne Wood told the commission a construction berm and grading have changed water flow and that "all the water is backing up into our property," asking that the berm and channel be fixed. Planning staff and commissioners discussed responsibilities for off-site conditions: staff said Lennar is responsible for work on its property and will coordinate a meeting with the city engineer and neighbors, and Commissioner Swenson urged adding a condition requiring the issue be resolved prior to City Council consideration. The commission added that condition (to have city engineering work with neighbors to resolve the berm/wetland concern) and then voted to recommend approval to the City Council; the council is scheduled to consider the item on Aug. 17, 2026.