Development Proposal Process
Last updated 11/14/25
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 is currently at the very beginning stages of reviewing the first completed applications. With the first applications being received on October 27, 2025, the City will be reviewing them during the month of November. The applications were also sent to different agencies such as Goodhue County Public Works, utility companies, MnDNR, Pine Island Township, and MnDOT. Currently, the City is planning on holding the first public hearings for the preliminary plat and the preliminary development plan on Tuesday, December 9th before the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Due to the high public interest in this development, the City held an informational work session, with no approvals or voting considered, with the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday, November 10th. This work session was livestreamed and recorded for anyone to view on the City’s YouTube channel. The work session was an introduction of the project and initial discussion about the applications prior to any public hearings taking place.
What happens if the developer is unable to complete the project due to unforeseen circumstances?
Prior to any development occurring, the developer and City would need to enter into a development agreement (DA). A DA would include safeguards for the City by outlining who is responsible for different costs of the project. It would also include details pertaining to the development, road maintenance and improvements, off-site utility improvements, and much more. A development agreement is typically entered into after the final plat is approved.