DEVELOPMENT & REDEVELOPMENT
THE QUESTION I GET ASKED THE MOST IS... "Why is that land being developed and how can I be a part of the development process?" When people ask why some properties develop and others stay open for years, the most important place to start is with a simple fact: Private property carries inherent development rights. That means a landowner can pursue development at a time that suits their interests. However, a development proposal must fit within the city’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations. The city cannot deny a project simply because the land has been undeveloped for a long time. What we can do, however, is make sure every proposal follows city code and fits the city’s Comprehensive Plan, which sets the long-range vision for the city as established by the community. Chanhassen is a sought-after community due to its proximity within the broader metro, a variety of housing types, the extensive parks and trails system and access to quality schools. These community attributes have helped drive the development within Chanhassen the last several decades when areas that were once farm field are now the location of homes and businesses serving the daily needs of our community. Chances are that if you own a home in Chanhassen, your property was once a farm field or natural area before the land was developed into the place you now call home.
Eric Maass, AICP, EDFP Community Development Director
emaass@chanhassenmn.gov
(952) 227-1139 Chanhassen.info/community- development
Today we are seeing the development of properties that have been vacant for decades. In many cases, nothing changed about city policy. What changed was the level of private interest. When a landowner brings forward a development proposal, state law requires cities to review and take action on their development proposal within a specific timeline. While development rights exist, the city does set expectations through our zoning ordinance and Comprehensive Plan. Those tools help us strike a balance between growth and environmental stewardship. They also give residents meaningful opportunities to shape decisions. Every project includes public notice and chances to comment. A major part of how we plan for greenspace and future growth comes from our Comprehensive Plan, which is updated every ten years. The 2050 Comprehensive Plan process will soon be underway. The Comprehensive Plan guides where development happens, where preservation is prioritized and how we invest in parks, trails, water resources and infrastructure. The article on page 7 explains the timeline and how you can stay involved in shaping this community-wide vision for the decades ahead. The more residents participate, the better the outcomes . When residents attend open houses, share local knowledge or raise concerns early in the process, it strengthens our ability to plan responsibly and make decisions that reflect community values. Chanhassen’s character has always been defined by a balance of natural beauty and thoughtful growth. Your input helps us keep it that way.
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SPRING 2026 | CITY OF CHANHASSEN
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