In 2025, the City initiated a study for development of the southwest portion of Prior Lake and the Orderly Annexation Area (OAA) within Spring Lake Township. To prepare this area for future development, and as an alternative to required environmental review of individual developments, the City elected to prepare an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) for the Study Area so the city and future developers can predict approval processes, potential impacts to both public infrastructure and the environment, and mitigation needs for identified impacts. 

The AUAR Study Area encompasses approximately 2,730 acres located in the southwest corner of Prior Lake, Scott County, Minnesota. The Study Area includes the Orderly Annexation Area of Spring Lake Township as well as adjacent areas within the City of Prior Lake. Two development scenarios are being studied. Scenario 1 is consistent with the land uses in the existing Comprehensive Plan and Scenario 2 involves a higher density of residential development. Both scenarios also include varying amounts of retail, business park, and industrial development.