# Cottage Grove Planning Commission Meeting 10-26-26


**Body:** City of Cottage Grove MN
**Date:** October 25, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Energy & Utilities, Construction & Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding


The Cottage Grove Planning Commission’s October 26, 2026 meeting considered New Horizon Energy’s proposed 2.3 MW community solar garden and the city’s 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The commission voted 6–0 to approve the solar project’s variance from the 300-foot property-line setback and, separately, its interim use permit; the items are scheduled for City Council consideration. The project includes underground wiring except for the utility interconnection, site screening and vegetation-management measures, and a decommissioning letter of credit equal to 125% of the estimated decommissioning cost. No contract award or vendor selection was made.

The commission also voted 6–0 to recommend that the City Council approve the CIP as consistent with the comprehensive plan. The five-year plan schedules building, park, utility, and roadway improvements, including the 100th Street/County Highway 19A reconstruction, anticipated to start in fall 2027 and finish in 2028. That county-led project has $13.7 million in federal grants and nearly $10 million in state bonding, with remaining costs shared by the county and city. The CIP also includes water-treatment and utility work, Mississippi Dunes Park improvements, and a new public works facility planned for 2031; project timing may change with funding and priorities. A Kwik Trip developer-funded turn-lane project is included because the city will manage and bid the work. No bids were approved at this meeting.

**Source:** City of Cottage Grove MN