Development Proposal Process

Last updated 6/30/2026

What is the city’s process for development, including land annexation, rezoning, platting, etc.?

The City of Pine Island received its first complete development applications on October 27, 2025. These applications represent the first phase of the development of the AUAR area and is consistent with the technology center uses considered in the development scenarios evaluated as part of the AUAR. However, it is noted that the AUAR evaluated the maximum buildout of the AUAR area which is not currently proposed.

The applications submitted to the City were for a conditional use permit, planned unit development and preliminary plat. Once a city receives applications related to land use, it has 60 days to process those applications per MN State Statute 15.99. The City of Pine Island may extend the timeline by 60 days with written notice to the developer and must state the reasons for the extension.

The proposed project must undergo many reviews and approval steps prior to any development occurring including the following (not in any particular order):

  • Preliminary Plat
  • Preliminary Development Plan Review for a Planned Unit Development
  • Annexation
  • Rezone
  • Final Development Plan Review for a Planned Unit Development
  • Conditional Use Permit
  • Final Plat
  • Development Agreement

Much of the proposed project area is located outside of City limits. The City has an orderly annexation agreement with Pine Island Township for the land within the proposed development. The developer can request that the project area be annexed into the City of Pine Island conditionally upon approval of the final plat and zoning. City Council would review and approve the request by resolution, and the MN State Office of Administrative Hearings provides an order approving the annexation.

The City’s development process is outlined in the Land Use Regulation (zoning) and the Subdivision Regulations (platting) portions of the city code.

Development and land use applications are reviewed by city staff, engineers, and our city attorney to prepare reports for review by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Most of the applications require a public hearing prior to any votes being held, however some do not. All applications would be considered during public meetings.

After holding the required public hearings and reviewing the information, the Planning and Zoning Commission issues a recommendation on each application to the City Council. The City Council then reviews the submittals with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation and issues an approval/denial of the application(s).

 

Where are we at in this process?

 The City of Pine Island approved all of the following land use applications:

Preliminary Plat - December 16th, 2026
Preliminary Development Plan - December 16th, 2026
Annexation - January 20th, 2026
Zoning Amendment - January 20th, 2026
Final Play - January 20th, 2026
Final Development Plan - January 20th, 2026
Tax Abatement Agreement - February 4th, 2026

The developer is now pursuing the required permits through various state agencies.

 

What happens if the developer is unable to complete the project due to unforeseen circumstances?

The City has entered into a Development Agreement (DA) with the developer which outlines the responsibilities of the developer. Part of this agreement is that the developer must procure and maintain a performance bond(s) in the amount of $4 million. This security can be used by the City to complete the development if the developer does not complete the necessary site improvements. Essentially, this ensures that the City does not bear any costs associated with the project, even if the project fails to move forward due to unforeseen circumstances.