Adopting a Resolution approving Major Land Subdivision No. CD2026-021PLAT by DR Horton, Inc - Minnesota, with two conditions, to be known as Graham Acres, for a subdivision consisting of 580 single-family residential lots on 185 acres within an R-2 (Low Density Residential – Small Lot) zone district.

The applicant is proposing a Major Land Subdivision, to be known as Graham Acres, to subdivide 185 acres into 580 residential lots. The subject property represents the entirety of the Graham Acres GDP (CD2026-002GDP), a general development plan running concurrently with this Major Land Subdivision Preliminary Plat. The general development plan is tentatively approved at present, with full approval subject to finalization of the property configuration for a parkland dedication parcel located at the northeast corner of the project, and which is identified as “Outlot E” on this Major Land Subdivision Plat.

The property was a part of the Cascade Township Orderly Annexation Agreement with the City. Annexation of the subject site was approved by Council in April of 2026 (CD2026-002ANX), which was recently approved by the state. The subject property is part of the area included to be served by the West Zumbro Sanitary Sewer 6G Expansion approved by Council in April of 2023. West Zumbro 6G sewer trunk line improvements have since been developed in the northern portion of this property.

The 6G sanitary sewer trunk line is anticipated to serve about 70% of this development. A future sanitary sewer line on the south side of the development will serve the remaining 30% of the project. Water will be extended through the development from the existing 16” watermain stub from the Prairie Ridge neighborhood northeast of this site.

Storm water will be collected through a series of four wet sedimentation basins, which will be designed to meet water quality and volume requirements due to increased impervious coverage associated with the development. Approximately 65% of the site will be routed easterly to KR-6, the City Reservoir. The southern area of the site will be routed through existing culverts under 19th St. Compensatory storage will be provided within the City's Flowage Easement, located in the northeast corner of the site.

Park dedication will be fulfilled via land dedication of Outlot E, which is nearly 9 acres. The proposed park is in the northerly area of the site and accessible from both the sidewalk system and public roads. The park location provides continuity with the City-owned property directly east of the project boundary. Graham Acres will have an extensive sidewalk system throughout, which will connect to the northeasterly Prairie Ridge neighborhood. It is anticipated that the City will develop a trail which will be constructed on the public park property with a final layout to be determined by the City.

There are two proposed collector streets for this proposed development. The first provides circulation, generally in a north-to-south direction (“Susan Kay Rd” & “Road F”). This collector alignment extends from the Prairie Ridge development at the northeast corner of the site to the southern limit of the project at 19th St NW. The second collector street (“Road H”) extends east to west from the future 50th Ave NW street improvement to the west side of the development. The internal collector street network shall be designed to Local Collector standards, and the intersection of the two routes shall be designed as a compact roundabout with a 75 ft inscribed circle diameter and traversable 3” central island and 4” splitter islands, for traffic calming and intersection control. The proposed development meets the 1.5 connectivity score required by the UDC. The project provides 52 links and 29 nodes, generating a connectivity index score of 1.79.

The proposed subdivision consists of a total of 177 homes, identified as the Traditional Series product type. These homes will be developed on lots having a 65’ wide typical lot frontage. The Traditional Series units are 1- & 2-story homes that are 1,800 to 3,100 square feet in size. Foundation types will include full basement, walkout basement, and partial basement homes.

The development will also contain a total of 245 units on 50’ wide lots. This home product series is identified as Select Homes. This home product type consists of 1- & 2-story homes that are 1,500 to 2,600 square feet in size. Foundation types will include slab-on-grade homes, walkout basement homes, and partial basement homes.

There are a total of 158 homes identified as the Cottage Homes product series. These homes will be located on the 40’ wide lots. Home products will consist of two-story units that are 1,500 to 1,860 square feet. This product type will consist of slab-on-grade construction.

The proposed development is intended to be developed in phases. A concept phasing plan has been included with the Major Land Subdivision submittal documents. Generally, the site is anticipated to develop in four phases over the next few years and will be dependent on market conditions. Final Plats for the development can be submitted in phases per the UDC, subject to the inclusion of the phasing as part of the development agreement. An approval period of up to 10 years may be approved through the Development Agreement. The concept phasing plan submitted with this application demonstrates infrastructure for the project being completed by 2029.

Both the Planning Commission and the Development Review Committee are recommending that Council approve the subject application, subject to two conditions of approval. At their September 30, 2026 meeting, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of CD2026-021PLAT, by a 6-0 vote. 

Conditions:

1. No development will be allowed to occur until Council has determined that all required public facilities are adequate for said development. In lieu of waiting for all facilities to be in place, the Owner may request that the City prepare a Development Agreement for Owner’s execution to memorialize terms and obligations specific to development of this Property. If an agreement is requested, Owner execution and recording of the document would be required prior to the submission of a Final Plat.
2. Prior to Final Plat submission, Civil, Grading & Storm Water Management Plan approvals will be required prior to submitting for each phase of development.

The proposed Major Land Subdivision is consistent with an active General Development Plan and achieves the Comprehensive Plan Core principles of Economic Vibrancy and Growth Management and Fiscal Responsibility & Sustainability.

April 2, 2026: Neighborhood Informational Meeting - Graham Acres Major Land Subdivision

September 30, 2026:  Planning and Zoning Commission Report and Recommendation

October 9, 2026:  Public Notice for Council Public Hearing mailed to surrounding properties and forwarded for newspaper publication

All development costs will be the responsibility of the developer and will be outlined in a Development Agreement and/or City-Owner Contract.

No alternative actions are suggested at this time.