Big Lake, Minnesota Development News
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July 15, 2026 Big Lake City Council Meeting
Published: Jul 16, 2026
Prairie Rose Development Approved with PUD Amendments
The City Council held a public hearing and considered a PUD amendment, final plat, and final stage PUD application for the Prairie Rose development, a request from Capstone for phase one of a project originally approved in 2022. Several minor amendments to the development stage PUD were discussed, including eliminating lawn maintenance and snow removal for individual lots from HOA scope, eliminating HOA maintenance of trees within the street right-of-way (with the developer agreeing to move them to individual lots), eliminating maintenance of the entrance monument (as none is proposed), allowing temporary development signs beyond typical limits (with staff recommending removal after 90% of building permits are issued), exempting Siberian elms from tree replacement requirements (with staff recommending an ordinance amendment if approved), and allowing a fence in lieu of a landscape buffer along Marketplace Drive (with staff recommending a neutral color tone). The final plat is for 50 lots, with the remainder being outlots for preservation or future development. The city engineer's comments noted drainage and utility conflicts to be addressed. The council approved the resolution approving the final plat and planned unit development with minor amendments, and the development contract contingent upon city attorney review.
Big Lake Population Grows 1% to 12,882; Long-Time Employee Honored
The City Administrator reported the 2025 population and household estimates from the state demographer. As of April 1st, 2025, Big Lake's estimated population was 12,882 with 4,468 households, reflecting approximately 1% growth over 2024. These estimates are used for state aid calculations. Additionally, 30 years of dedicated service by Sandy Petrowski was recognized and thanked.
Eagle Scout Project to Improve Garbage Disposal at River Oaks Park Approved
Lucas Volna presented his Eagle Scout project proposal to install new garbage bin holders with lids at River Oaks Park's Disc Golf Course. The holders will be 27 inches wide, 37.5 inches tall, made of deck boards (cedar tone treated), and secured with two-foot posts. The lids are intended to keep animals out and prevent garbage from scattering. The project was approved by the City Council.
Price Lake Preserves Edition Approved: Rezoning and Platting for 31-Lot Subdivision
The City Council reviewed applications for the Price Lake Preserves Edition, including a comprehensive plan amendment, zoning map amendment, development stage PUD plan, and preliminary plat. The request from Zach Brown of BK Land Development LLC is to construct a 31-lot subdivision on Outlot A of Big Lake Marketplace North Edition. The comprehensive plan amendment seeks to change the land use from medium and high-density housing to low-density housing. The zoning map amendment requests rezoning from R2 (medium density residential) to PUD (Planned Unit Development). The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. The property is in the shoreland overlay district. The applicant requested PUD flexibility to waive certain Shoreland Overlay District requirements, including lot size, lot width, and side yard setbacks. The applicant will preserve 50% open space, maintained by the HOA. The council approved the preliminary plat and development stage PUD, and the comprehensive plan amendment, subject to conditions.
Public Hearing Called for TIF District Establishment
The City Council called for a public hearing on September 16th, 2026, regarding the modification of Municipal Development District Number One and the establishment of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Number 1-8. This action is a statutory first step and does not establish the TIF district itself. Northland Securities will conduct the financial analysis, with findings to be presented at an August 19th workshop. The council confirmed they are not obligated to approve TIF but must hold a public hearing before making a decision.
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