HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-01 Regular Meeting Minutes1
City of Apple Valley
April 1, 2026, Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Planning Commission of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota,
held April 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., at the Apple Valley Municipal Center.
Present: Kurtz, Scanlan, Schindler, Mahowald, Sandahl, Prewitt, and Hlas
Absent: None
City staff members present were: City Attorney Hills, City Planner Dill, Planner Hayes, Assistant City
Engineer Acosta, and Department Assistant Vincent.
1. Call to Order
Chair Kurtz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Approve Agenda
Chair Kurtz asked if there were any changes to the agenda. No changes were noted.
Motion: of Scanlan, seconded by Hlas, approving the agenda including the updated agenda. Ayes -
7 - Nays - 0.
3. Consent Agenda
Motion: of Schindler seconded by Scanlan, approving the minutes of March 18, 2026, regular
meeting. Ayes - 7 - Nays - 0.
4. Public Hearings
A. Moe’s Southwest Grill Conditional Use Permit and Variance for Class II Restaurant in the RB
Zoning District
Chair Kurtz opened the public hearing.
Planner Hayes provided a brief presentation.
Commissioner Scanlan asked if any comments were received from Grace Lutheran Church. Planner
Hayes stated that no public comments have been received. Commissioner Scanlan asked for clarification
on the landscaping. Planner Hayes stated that the approved landscaping plan from 2020 will be re-
evaluated.
Commissioner Scanlan asked if there were any options for mitigation of any smells and exhaust from the
restaurant. Planner Hayes stated that a condition was added requiring vent hoods to be pointed east and
away from neighboring properties and deferred to the applicant on any specifics related to the proposed
ventilation systems.
Chair Kurtz asked who was in the space previously. Planner Hayes stated that it was a tobacco store.
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Commissioner Hlas asked for clarification on the adjacent businesses. Planner Hayes identified Panda
Express, Bruegger’s Bagels, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Taco Bell.
Lisa McCormick was present on behalf of Moe’s Southwest Grill for any questions. In response to
questions about ventilation, Ms. McCormick stated she did not have the specifics, but that there is a state
mechanical code that must be followed.
Commissioner Hlas asked about the hours of operation. Ms. McCormick stated the hours are 10:00 a.m.
– 11:00 p.m.
Resident Pat Peterson, 818 Fireside Dr., shared concerns about parking, traffic, and pedestrian safety in
the area. Planner Hayes said that the restaurant will have 36 indoor seats, which would require 12 parking
spaces, and combined with the existing uses, a total of 26 spaces would be required. There are currently
35 spaces on site.
In response to parking availability, Ms. McCormick pointed out that customers typically use the drive -
through at Dunkin rather than parking. Traffic will also not be coming in directly off Pennock Lane, as the
entrance is on an internal private drive. There is also a sidewalk connection with a crosswalk from
Pennock Lane where pedestrians can access the site.
Assistant City Engineer Acosta stated that staff is confident traffic will not be a concern requiring
mitigation. The square footage or the restaurant and indoor seating are considered when modeling traffic.
Staff are looking at Pennock Lane and traffic concerns separate from this application.
With no further comments, Chair Kurtz closed the public hearing.
Motion: of Scanlan, seconded by Hlas, to recommend approval of a resolution approving a
conditional use permit and variance to operate a Class II restaurant in an RB – Retail
Business zoning district and attaching conditions. Ayes - 7 - Nays - 0.
6. Land Use/Action Items
None
7. Other Business
The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The next
City Council meeting is Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
8. Adjourn
Motion: of Scanlan, seconded by Hlas, to adjourn. Ayes - 7 - Nays - 0.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Breanna Vincent, Department Assistant
Approved by the Apple Valley Planning Commission on July 1, 2026.
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