2006-03-27 EC Jt meeting agenda packetAGENDA
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
AND
PLANNING COMMISSION
Joint Meeting
Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road
Council Conference Room
Monday, March 27, 2006
6:00 P.M.
Joint Meeting
I. Lighting Plan/Ordinance (Feedback and Input; Attachments)
Individual Commissions Adiourn to Seaarate Rooms
I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Minutes — February 27, 2006
III. Election of Vice Chair
IV. Annual Report (review attached draft)
V. Property Maintenance Code (review attached draft)
VI. Recycling Motion (feedback, if available)
VII. Program/Project Updates —
Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants
1/1 Study
r Three Rivers Park District Trail (Regional Bicycle Plan)
➢ Ad Hoc Deer Task Force
➢ "Wrench Out Buckthorn" (attachment)
➢ Proposed Developments
VIII. Commission Member Council Reports
IX. Other Business
X. Adjourn
GAEnvironmental Com miss ion\Agendas\2006\032706.doc
Joint Meeting of the
Golden Valley Planning Commission and Golden Valley Environmental
Commission
March 27, 2006
A joint meeting of the Planning Commission and Environmental Commission was held
at the Golden Valley City Hall, Council Conference Room, 7800 Golden Valley Road,
Golden Valley, Minnesota, on Monday, March 27, 2006. Environmental Chair Baker
called the meeting to order at 6 pm.
Those present were Mayor Loomis, Council Member Scanlon, Planning Commissioners
Cera, Eck, Keysser, Schmidgall and Waldhauser and Environmental Commissioners
Baker, Hill, Kaisershot, Pawluk, St. Clair and Sipala. Also present was Director of
Planning and Development, Mark Grimes, City Engineer, Jeff Oliver, Environmental
Coordinator, Al Lundstrom, Planning Intern, Aaron Hanauer and Administrative Assistant,
Lisa Wittman.
I. Presentation and Discussion of Lighting Regulations.
Hanauer discussed the previous joint meetings between the Commissions and explained
that the goal of this meeting if to hear from the Commissioners what they would like to
see in an outdoor lighting ordinance. He showed the Commissioners a PowerPoint
presentation and discussed the purpose of a lighting ordinance. He discussed various
types of lamps, fixtures and lenses and showed examples of overillumination, glare, light
trespass and up lighting.
Hanauer discussed various parking lots and driveways, including auto dealerships, and
showed examples of darkly lit parking and overly bright parking lots. Baker asked if both
of the auto dealerships could be seen from the highways. Loomis said yes. Waldhauser
added that a lot of people look at cars at night when sales people aren't around.
Baker asked if there was much difference in the pole heights in the examples shown.
Hanauer stated there was some difference in the pole heights and that is another area
where he would like feedback from the Commissioners.
Hanauer showed examples of accent lighting and up lighting and stated that some cities
put restrictions on such lighting such as only allowing it for flags.
Keysser asked Hanauer if he had any examples of residential lighting. Hanauer stated
that is an issue he also wants the Commissioners to discuss.
Baker asked about the nature of the complaints the City has received over time. Grimes
stated that he doesn't hear a lot of complaints about lighting but he does hear from
residents if there is a lighting situation that is really over the top such as a couple of the
car dealerships and the MRI clinic. Loomis added that she has received complaints about
lighted ball fields as well.
Schmidgall said he would support a very restrictive ordinance especially as businesses
change or new buildings are built. He said the energy savings would be great and that
there is way more lighting than is needed.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
March 27, 2006
Page 2
Pawluk stated that he doesn't want to impinge on ball fields because there is a very
limited amount of time to play on these fields and it is next to impossible to get games in
before it gets dark. He said he is concerned that there will be a whole new set of
problems if lights can't be on at ball fields. Grimes suggested that language could be put
in the ordinance that would games to finish they just could not start after 10 pm.
Sipala referred to residential lighting and stated that he doesn't think most people would
talk to the City about motion lights but maybe a reminder or some "good neighbor"
education would help.
Kaisershot referred to page 11 in Hanauer's materials and questioned the lighting
ordinance causing more energy to be used. Hanauer explained that if the City were to
require people to use full cut-off fixtures they would need to use more of them. He stated
that is something to be aware of. Waldhauser stated that promoting energy efficiency is
one of the City's goals and there is an environmental impact that goes beyond dollars and
cents and communicating that would be helpful to people.
St. Clair suggested talking to insurance companies about any suggestions they may have
about lighting levels in parking lots.
Hanauer referred to the City of Plymouth's lighting ordinance and stated that they've
divided their city into three zones, one for parks, one for residential and one for industrial
and commercial.
Waldhauser referred to street lights in residential areas and stated that it is not very
aesthetically pleasing and she would like to see them at a more human scale. Baker
asked about the life of street lights. Oliver explained that a lot of street lights are replaced
when streets are reconstructed. He stated that residential street lighting is done by
petition so people have the option to have standard light fixtures or decorative ones for a
higher cost.
Hanauer stated that he understands the Commissioners concerns to be uplighting,
energy consumption and education for residents. He gave the Commissioners a survey
and asked them to rank their top concerns. He explained that the next step would be to
hire a consultant to write a draft ordinance and bring it back to this same group.
The meeting was adjourned at 7 pm.
GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Minutes
March 27, 2006
Present: Richard Baker, Dawn Hill, Christopher Kaisershot, Jon Pawluk,
Siah St. Clair, Mauno Silpala
Absent: Tracy Anderson
City Staff: Al Lundstrom, Environmental Coordinator; Jeff Oliver, City Engineer;
Tracy Pharr, Administrative Assistant
I. Call to Order
Baker called the meeting to order at 7:08 pm. New member, Silpala, introduced
himself. Commission Members also introduced themselves and welcomed both Silpala
and St. Clair.
II. Approval of Minutes - February 27, 2006
No changes.
MOVED by Pawluk, seconded by St. Clair, and the motion carried unanimously to
approve the minutes of the February 27, 2006 meeting as submitted.
III. Election of Vice Chair
Some discussion about the expiration of Commission Members' terms took place.
Pharr will provide this information in the next agenda packet. The agenda item was
tabled until the April 24 meeting.
IV. Annual Report (review attached draft)
Baker had drafted a preliminary annual report of the Environmental Commission's
activities, which was included in the March 27 agenda packet. Commission Members
discussed several changes and additions, including energy conservation and green
building, that they wished to incorporate into the report. Baker said he would revise the
report right away and e-mail it to Pharr for inclusion in the April 24 agenda packet.
Commission Members will attempt to finalize the report at this meeting.
Pharr will e-mail the dates of the City Council meetings in May so that a date may be
selected for the Commission's presentation of their annual report.
1
V. Property Maintenance Code (review attached draft)
Lundstrom said the City is in the process of developing a property maintenance code. A
summary of the draft code was enclosed in the agenda packet for the Commission's
information. Lundstrom added that the code is being developed by the Building, Public
Safety and Planning Departments, and he had attended a couple of meetings to speak
to a few shade tree ordinance issues.
Kaisershot asked what the specifics were about the inclusion of "Woodpiles" to the
code. Lundstrom replied that this encompasses uniformity in size, distance from
property lines and keeping them free from rodents. Kaisershot asked for additional
details about the woodpile size and location. Lundstrom stated he could certainly give
copies of the complete draft code to the Commission Members if they wanted to receive
it. He continued that the draft would be reviewed at the next Council/Manager meeting
(April 11), and if Commission Members wanted to provide input they should do so by
March 31.
Baker said it seems like several of the Commission Members would like copies of the
draft, and he asked Lundstrom to provide them. Oliver said that if individual members
wanted to come to the Council/Manager meeting, they would need to speak as
residents, not members of the Environmental Commission, because the City Council
has not asked the Commission to review and comment on the draft code. Baker and
Kaisershot took offense to this statement. Baker said if members of the Commission
wanted to review the code in preparation for the meeting, they should be able to do so.
Oliver said that this isn't a problem; he was not saying that the code could not be
reviewed. He added that, at this point in time, the Council has not formally requested
the Commission review and provide comment. Lundstrom said he probably would not
have brought the draft code to the Environmental Commission in the first place, as it is
not specifically an environmental concern, however, the Commission has pointed out to
staff that they want to be involved in everything there is to do with the City. Lundstrom
also added that it was up to the City Council to decide in what they want the
Commission to be involved.
MOVED by Pawluk, seconded by Silpala, and the motion carried unanimously to
petition the City Council to include the Environmental Commission in the review process
of the residential property maintenance code prior to any public hearings.
Hill asked if the draft property maintenance code, in its entirety, could be included in the
next agenda packet. Lundstrom said staff would do so. Baker asked the Commission
Members if anyone could attend the April 11 Council/Manager meeting. No one was
able to commit to attending.
VI. Recycling Motion (feedback, if available)
Lundstrom stated that the Director of Public Works requested he research the history of
recycling in Golden Valley parks. He said that recycling in parks, thus far, has been
2
done by request for specific events. There haven't been any requests within the last
two years. However, bee problems occur almost immediately. Contamination of the
recyclable materials has also been an issue. Lundstrom said he called surrounding
communities and questioned them about their practices, and they echoed Golden
Valley's findings.
Lundstrom said St. Louis Park, to this point, has had similar issues related to recycling
in their parks. They have recently received a $12,000 grant from Hennepin County, and
will be working with Waste Management this summer to install a multitude of different
recycling containers in 12 parks. St. Louis Park will assess the pilot project mid -way
through the summer, will share the data with surrounding communities and have to
submit a final report by September 29.
Lundstrom stated that he had also called Waste Management to inquire about their
results with recycling in parks. Waste Management had similar comments; communities
they have worked with have had complaints about bees, contaminated materials and
labor intensity issues.
The Commission's motion at the January 23 meeting, requesting recycling receptacles
be installed in all City parks, is on the agenda for the May 9 Council/Manager meeting.
Kaisershot asked if any feedback had been received about installing trash receptacles
at the entrances of all nature area trails (also a part of the motion). Lundstrom said no
feedback had been relayed. Baker asked if someone would commit to attending this
Council/Manager meeting. No one volunteered. This will be added to the agenda and
discussed again at the April 24 Commission meeting.
VII. Program/Project Updates
Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants — No new information.
1/1 Study — No new information.
Three Rivers Park District Trail (Regional Bicycle Plan) — An agreement with Three
Rivers Park District has been signed. The goal is to have the portion from the west City
limits to Douglas Drive constructed in 2006.
Ad Hoc Deer Task Force — The task force's first meeting was held on March 13.
Introductions were made; Chair and Vice Chair positions were elected; and preliminary
data was reviewed. The next meeting is scheduled for April 6.
"Wrench Out Buckthorn"— Lundstrom noted the article on page 14 of the CityNews
informing residents of their ability to borrow weed wrenches to remove buckthorn on
their property.
Proposed Developments — Staff is still working with the Colonnade and Olympic Printing
on their development proposals. Traffic issues have yet to be resolved.
3
VIII. Commission Member Council Reports
No Council reports were given. Baker did not assign the April Council agendas for
review.
IX. Other Business
Items of Other Business:
Pharr will include a revised copy of the members' contact information in the next
agenda packet.
Lundstrom referred to the quick reference guides for earth -friendly landscaping
that Pawluk had mentioned at a previous meeting. He said that he had ordered a
variety of these brochures, but has not yet received them.
April agenda items include election of a new Vice Chair, assignment of a
Commission Member to attend the May 9 Council/Manager meeting for feedback
on the recycling and trash receptacles motion, review of the revised draft annual
report to the City Council (by Rich Baker) and discussion of the property
maintenance code.
Lighting Plan/Ordinance will be added to Program/Project Updates on the April
agenda.
No additional business was addressed.
X. Adjourn
The next scheduled meeting will be on April 24, 2006 at 7:00 pm. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:52 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
��
Tracy E. Pharr
Administrative Assistant
Department of Public Works
10
2006 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
NAME AND ADDRESS YEAR APPOINTED TERM EXPIRES
Tracy Anderson 04/07/04 03/01/08
2001 Hillsboro Avenue North, 55427
Rich Baker 04/18/00 03/01/06
224 Janalyn Circle, 55416
Dawn Hill 04/18/00 03/01/06
2000 Kelly Drive, 55427
Christopher Kaisershot 04/07/04 03/01/07
2200 Ensign Avenue North, 55427
Jon Pawluk, Chair 04/07/04 03/01/06
1845 Major Drive, 55422
Siah St. Clair 03/06/06 05/01/07
7801 Western Avenue, 55427
Mauno Silpala 03/21/06 05/01/08
2000 Rhode Island Avenue North, 55427
Staff Liaisons
Jeff Oliver, City Engineer 763.593.8034
Al Lundstrom, Environmental Coordinator 763.593.8046
Tracy Pharr, Administrative Assistant 763.593.8027
Meeting Dates: Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 7 pm at City Hall.
Revised 03/06
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Living Green Expo
living Green
0 IAW Exhibitor _information
Page 1 of 1
10' This year's event: May 6-7, 2006 10 a.m. - 5 p.m
Minnesota State Fair Grounds, Grandstand Building
Admission is free.
Map and Directions
The 2006 Living Green Expo will feature over 230 exhibitors
of products, resources, and services on a variety of topics.
Here's what you can expect at this year's Living Green
Expo:
a Free and convenient parking
01 Even more exhibitors
► Exciting entertainment
New ideas and products
The Living Green Expo also features 66 free workshops on
a variety of sustainability and "living green" topics.
Activities for families and children and youth
Sinn up to volunteer online!
Media Room
► Spread the word: promotional tools for the Expo
► About us
Become a sponsor
► Our sponsors for the 2006 Expo
► What does "living green" mean?
What makes the Expo a green event?
Sign up to volunteer online!
► Workshop presenter registration
0
10'2006 Living Green Expo: May 6-7 (Sat. and Sun.)
Who's exhibiting this year (as of April 14)
► Why exhibit at the Living Green Expo? (PDF)
We're full! Applications to be an exhibitor are no longer
being accepted for the 2006 Living Green Expo.
The Living Green Expo brings together many aspects of our
lives, including:
10, Transportation
► Energy
► Building and remodeling
• Food and Aq
► Yard and garden
► Lifestyles and recreation
00, Household products and practices
0, Sustainability education
Arts and culture
What does "living green" mean?
This year at the Expo
Will Steger talks about
global warming, 1 p.m.
Saturday.
Hear Simple Living's
Wanda Urbanska,
1 p.m. Sunday.
http://livinggreen.org/ 04/20/2006
`olden galley
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
Meeting Agenda
Brookview Community Center
Monday, April 24, 2006
7:00 p.m.
I. Call to Order
I. Roll Call
Chuck Cahill _
Bob Mattison
Jim Vaughan, Vice Chair _
III. Welcome and Introductions
IV. Agenda Changes or Additions
V. Approval of Minutes — April 3, 2006
Jim Johnson
Roger McConico
Tom Zins
VI. Park and Recreation Facility Study
A. Description of History, Process and Goals
B. Break-up Into Small Groups
1. Establish Tasks and Goals
2. Set-up Meeting Schedule
C. Return to Large Group for Wrap-up
VII. Adjournment
Kelly Kuebelbeck
Jerry Sandler, Chair
Gity
'Golden
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Brookview Community Center
Monday, April 3, 2006
7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Sandler called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
11. ROLL CALL
Present: Chuck Cahill, Kelly Kuebelbeck, Bob Mattison, Roger McConico, Jerry Sandler, Jim Vaughan, Tom
Zins, Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeanne Andre, Assistant City Manager;
Jeanne Fackler, Senior Coordinator; Brian Erickson, Recreation Supervisor; Sue Cook, Recreation
Supervisor; Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Secretary; Paul Snyder, ATS&R Architects and
Golden Valley Rotary; Bob Gunderson, ATS&R Architects; and Diane Nimmer and Sharon Janzen,
Golden Valley Federated Women's Club.
Absent: Jim Johnson
111. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS
Jacobson announced the city received the Governor's Fit City designation.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES— February 27, 2006
MOTION: Moved by Mattison and seconded by McConico to approve the minutes of the February 270'
meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
V. BROOKVIEW PERFORMANCE AREA
Snyder gave an overview of previous proposed performance area structures, which were additions to the
current small picnic shelter. He explained no decision had been made on previous proposals and the
Commission asked ATS&R to get recommendations from the AD HOC Committee. The AD HOC Committee
felt none of the plans were appealing. They recommended doing something in conjunction with the large
picnic shelter that would work into the existing landscape between the shelter and the pond.
Gunderson then presented the current proposed plan. The plan includes a bowl -shaped, natural sloped
landscape of concrete and grass facing the pond and a simple staging area which could be designed with or
without a cover. The plan also includes a natural, bowl -shaped entry located on the north end of the large
shelter off the large parking lot which would coincide with the curved -shape theme of the performance area.
The trail from the large parking lot to the large shelter would be made wider and would travel down to the side
of the staging area to accommodate an unloading/loading area. Gunderson said the proposed performance area
will be able to accommodate a couple hundred people.
Sandler asked how much land would be graded. Gunderson said grading would be kept to a minimum.
Vaughan expressed concern over youth using the performance area for skateboarding. He suggested designing
the area so it will discourage such use.
Cahill asked about views of the performance area from different angles. Snyder and Gunderson said the area
would be set up to be visually pleasing from various angles. They also explained how plantings would be
situated around the area.
The Commissioners and guests all agreed they like the new proposed plan.
The proposed plan will now be going to the Performance Area Task Force for their input.
VI. PARK AND RECREATION FACILITY STUDY
Jacobson reviewed a draft of the proposed Citizen Participation Plan/Inventory of Recreation Facilities, which
includes recruiting additional citizens to assist the Commission with work in presentations, survey of youth
sports associations and a general citizen survey.
Andre then talked about the professionally administered citywide survey which will include questions on all
city services with several of the questions pertaining to park facilities. The plan is to have the survey
completed by the end of 2006.
Sandler explained the commitment needed from the Commission in the participation of the surveying process
and the different committees needed to get the process accomplished. Discussion then focused on deciding
who was going to participate on each committee, as well as ways to survey citizens and Youth Athletic
Associations. Having neighborhood meetings or open houses at city parks was suggested. Vaughan asked if
city staff would be present at the neighborhood meetings and Jacobson said they would.
The Commission discussed ways to make citizens aware of these meetings. The City Newsletter, the SunPost,
inserts in utility bills and an advertisement at the parks were options discussed.
Discussion then focused on individual responsibilities within the three committees. Commissioners
volunteered for committees as follows: 1) Survey Youth Athletic Associations — Cahill, Mattison, McConico;
2) Survey Citizens — Johnson, Kuebelbeck, Zins; 3) Presentations in the Parks — Sandler, Vaughan.
A work session has been scheduled for Monday, April 24"h.
Sandler thanked the Commission for their efforts and participation in the surveying process.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
a) Deer Task Force Update
Vaughan reported that the task force has met once and the next meeting will be Thursday, April 6"'. They
have been discussing aerial survey counts, deer/vehicle collisions, resident feedback, adjacent cities
policies and a time table for reporting back to the Council. Vaughan added that the DNR has final
authority before certain actions can take place. A representative of the DNR will be invited to a future
meeting. Mattison said within the last three weeks there have a large number of deer in his area.
b) Regional Trail Update
No information to report.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Moved by McConico and seconded by Kuebelbeck to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
2005 Report of the Golden Valley Environmental Commission
Prepared by Rich Baker, Chair
March 21, 2006
In accordance with Section 2.50, Subd. 4 of the Golden Valley City Code, the Golden Valley
Environmental Commission submits the following report of its 2005 Activities and 2006 Proposed
Activities, organized by the Commission's Duties and Responsibilities.
2005 Activities
Recommendations regarding public environmental education
• (See Buckthorn Control initiative, below)
Recommendations regarding city programs and initiatives
• Received briefing on, and monitored renewal of City's recycling contract
• Received briefing on City's NPDES Annual Report
• Received briefing on, and subsequently assigned membership on City's Deer Management Task Force
• Received briefing on, and subsequently assigned membership on City's Sidewalk Committee
Recommendations regarding city ordinances, policies, and guidelines
• Saw completion of initiative focused on encouraging Buckthorn Control on City properties. This lead to a
revision of city code and a change to city insurance coverage that will facilitate a wide range of volunteer
activities on City properties. This also lead to development of buckthorn kits, purchase of weed wrenches
for use by citizens, and development of an application form for citizen -initiated projects on City properties.
• Expressed interest in development of City Lighting Plan/Ordinance, and presently assisting Planning
Commission in guiding its development.
Recommendations regarding management of nature areas and other properties
• (See Buckthorn Control initiative, above)
Recommendations regarding environmental activities of other agencies
• Recommended City Council communicate with Metropolitan Council Transit Operations regarding City's
desire that the existing transit service levels be maintained for the City. Council subsequently passed
resolution.
Tasks assigned by City Code or Council
• Reviewed Envision Guide. Investigated four supporting themes, identified action item/s for each, and
submitted a report to the City Council:
o Waste and Pollution — light pollution reduction; fine-tuning recycling program
o Green and Open Spaces — reducing litter and dog waste
o Surface Water — educating public regarding reducing run-off contaminants
o Urban Design and Beauty — increasing use of native vegetation; creation of buffer zones
• Assisted City Council in updating city code and council guidelines on Boards and Commissions
• Elected new Vice Chair — JP Pawluk
Miscellaneous Activities
• Received presentation on environmental sustainability by Mr. Greg Klave
• Received presentation on design standards by Mr. Barry Petit
• Received monthly updates, and monitored relevant city programs and projects including:
o Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminant Cleanup
o TH55/Boone Ave/General Mills Blvd Project
o Wirth Lake Berm Repair
o Golden Ridge Development Planning
o Allianz Expansion
o Luther Expansion
o 2005 Pavement Management Project
o Medley Park Bank Stabilization Project
o I/I Study
o 5222 Minnaqua Drive Project
o Three Rivers Park District Trail
o Douglas Drive Pedestrian Improvements
o Mighty Tidy Day
• Assigned members to attend City Council sessions as necessary
2006 Proposed Activities
Recommendations regarding public environmental education
• Develop plan for educating public regarding reducing run-off contaminants (follow-up to Envision)
• Discuss strategies for green building and other energy conservation awareness efforts
Recommendations regarding city programs and initiatives
• Identify ways to improve recycling program (follow-up to Envision)
• Continue participation in Deer Task Force
• Continue participation in Sidewalk Task Force
Recommendations regarding city ordinances, policies, and guidelines
• Work with Planning Commission to develop lighting plan/ordinance (follow-up to Envision)
• Assist staff with evaluating M study outcomes
Recommendations regarding management of nature areas and other properties
• Develop strategies for improving use of native vegetation (follow-up to Envision)
• Develop strategies for creation of buffer zones (follow-up to Envision)
Recommendations regarding environmental activities of other agencies
• No activities planned
Recommendations assigned by City Council
• Review CIP and other City programs and projects
• Participate in issues as assigned by City Council or as requested by City staff
Date: March 27, 2006
Planning
763-593-8095 / 763-593-8109 (fax)
To: Environmental and Planning Commissions
From: Aaron Hanauer, Planning Intern
Subject: Outdoor Lighting Ordinance
The third joint Environmental and Planning Commission meeting to discuss a city
outdoor lighting ordinance is scheduled for Monday, March 27 at 6pm. The purpose of
the meeting is to receive feedback from the Environmental and Planning Commission
on the following:
What is considered good and bad lighting?
What are your primary concerns with outdoor lighting and having an
outdoor lighting ordinance?
What do you want addressed in an outdoor lighting ordinance?
This information is important as the city moves forward in adopting an outdoor lighting
ordinance. Reading materials enclosed in this packet summarize the past two joint
meetings as well as provide background information on outdoor lighting. The two main
sources of information were the International Dark -Sky Association and Wikipedia
websites.
It would be helpful if members of the commissions drove around Golden Valley and/or
surrounding communities at night and provide examples of good and bad lighting, by
either describing them at the meeting, bringing pictures with them, or submitting digital
images by Monday afternoon to Aaron Hanauer(ahanauer(a�ci.golden-vaIley. mn.us).
Please call Aaron Hanauer, planning intern, before Monday's meeting with questions.
Table of Contents
MeetingSummaries......................................................................................................... 1
Whatis Light Pollution?................................................................................................... 2
LightingIssues..................................................................................................................2
Lamps, Fixtures, and Lenses Used in Outdoor Lighting ............................................ 6
What is an Outdoor Lighting Code?............................................................................ 11
What Makes a Lighting Code Effective?................................................................ 11
Should a Lighting Code Limit Pole Height?........................................................... 13
MEETING SUMMARIES
AUGUST 8, 2005 JOINT EC AND PC MEETING
Grimes stated that there is money in the budget for writing an outdoor lighting
ordinance and the Council sees the need. Hanauer provided research found on
other city outdoor lighting ordinances and provided examples of Bloomington and
Plymouth. Eck noted that there is a lot of technical information in the Plymouth
ordinance and asked if they have someone on staff who can analyze their
development plans to make sure they meet the requirements. Rasmussen stated
that there hasn't seemed to be too many huge concerns about lighting and she
would be interested in knowing what some of the concerns are because she
doesn't want to make it more difficult for people to do developments.
OCTOBER 10, 2005 JOINT EC AND PC MEETING
A joint meeting of the Planning Commission and Environmental Commission.
The purpose of the meeting was to bring in other cities to talk about their
experience with lighting ordinances. The Golden Valley City Code doesn't
address lighting regulations and that the City Council has directed the
Commissions to look at some other cities ordinances and come up with a lighting
code. It was noted that lighting standards for public property can not be adopted,
but a city can have a lighting policy regarding public property lighting. Guests that
were present were Barb Senness, Planning Director for the City of Plymouth,
Londell Pease, Associate Planner for the City of Bloomington and Mark Mlazgar,
owner of R. L. Mlazgar Associates
Plymouth Ordinance
Plymouth used the International Darksky Association model lighting ordinance
(MLO) as their base. Enforcement takes place through connection with the state
inspector for rehab and new development. Plymouth requires developers to submit an
as -built survey to the City as well as the state electrical inspector so they can do enforcement.
Remodeling projects need to comply when more than 50 percent of site is changed. Hill and
Baker had concerns about the use of wattage and that there will be brighter light
as light bulbs get more efficient if the watt formula is used which would create the
need to change the ordinance. Another concern is safety, and Senness
mentioned that that their lighting consultant showed their police department a lot
of examples of various properties which really helped them accept their
ordinance
Bloomington Ordinance
Bloomington has had their ordinance in place for 11 years. Developers in their
City can't do anything without a plan review and that they require any fixture
being replaced has to be replaced with a code compliant fixture. They require
that all non-essential lights be turned off one hour after a business closes.
Additional Information
Mark Mlazgar, owner of R.L. Mlazgar Associates stated the lighting ordinances
are really dynamic, not static and need to be frequently reviewed. Two concerns
from the Environmental Commission included the need that a wattage based
ordinance would have to be updated as lights become more efficient and that
cities seem to be reinventing the wheel with lighting ordinances.
WHAT IS LIGHT POLLUTION?
Light pollution is excess or obtrusive light created by humans. Light pollution can
be construed to have two main branches: (a) annoying light that intrudes on an
otherwise natural or low light setting and (b) excessive light, generally indoors,
that leads to worker discomfort and adverse health effects. Since the early
1980s, a global dark -sky movement has emerged, with concerned people
campaigning to reduce the amount of light pollution.
Since not everyone is irritated by the same lighting sources, light pollution has a
measure of subjectivity. It is common for one person's light "pollution" to be light
that is desirable for another. Differences in opinion over what light is considered
reasonable, and who should be responsible, means that negotiation must
sometimes take place between parties. Authorities have also taken a variety of
measures for dealing with light pollution, depending on the interests, beliefs and
understandings of the society involved. Measures range from doing nothing at all,
to implementing strict laws and regulations about how lights may be installed and
used.
LIGHTING ISSUES
2
There are a number of reasons why lighting is addressed in an ordinance. The
following explains four main reasons.
CLUTTER
Clutter refers to excessive groupings of lights. Groupings of lights may generate
confusion, distract from obstacles, including those that they may be intended to
illuminate, and potentially cause accidents. Clutter is particularly noticeable on
roads where the street lights are badly designed, or where brightly lit advertising
surrounds the roadways. Depending on the motives of the person or organisation
who installed the lights, their placement and design may even be intended to
distract drivers, and can contribute to accidents.
OVERILL UMINA TION
Overillumination is the excess use of unnecessary light. Overillumi nation stems
from several factors:
• Improper design, especially of workplace spaces, by specifying higher
levels of light than needed for a given task.
• Incorrect choice of fixtures or globes, which do not direct light into areas
as needed .
• Improper selection of hardware to utilize more energy than needed to
accomplish the lighting task.
• Incomplete training of building managers and occupants to use lighting
systems efficiently.
• Inadequate lighting maintenance resulting in increased stray light and
energy costs.
Most of these issues can
be readily corrected with
available, inexpensive
technology; however,
there is considerable
inertia in the field of
lighting design and with
landlord/tenant practices
that create barriers to
rapid correction of these
matters. Most importantly
public awareness needs
to improve dramatically for
industrialized countries to
realize the enormous payot
Local example of overillumination
3
GLARE
Glare is the result of excessive contrast between bright and dark areas in the
field of view. For example, glare can be associated with directly seeing the
filament of an unshielded or badly shielded light. Light shining into the eyes of
pedestrians and drivers can obscure night vision for up to an hour after exposure.
Caused by high contrast between light and dark areas, glare can also make it
difficult for the human eye to adjust to the differences in brightness.
Glare is particularly an issue in road safety, as bright and/or badly shielded lights
around roads may partially blind drivers or pedestrians unexpectedly, and
contribute to accidents. According to Bob Mizon, coordinator for the British
Astronomical Association's Campaign for Dark Skies, there are three types of
glare. Blinding Glare describes effects such as that caused by staring into the
sun. It is completely blinding and leaves temporary vision deficiencies. Disability
Glare describes effects such as being blinded by an oncoming cars brights,
significant reduction in sight capabilities. Discomfort Glare does not typically
cause a dangerous situation in itself, and is annoying and irritating at best. It can
potentially cause fatigue if experienced over extended periods.
WASTED ENERGY
Energy is wasted when light does not fall on its intended target, as when lighting
fixtures allow light to go up instead of (as is generally preferred) downward.
Waste also occurs when more light is generated than needed.
Local example of wasted energy
11
LIGHT TRESPASS
Light trespass occurs when unwanted light enters one's property, for instance, by
shining over a neighbor's fence. A common light trespass problem occurs when a
strong light enters the window of one's home from outside, causing problems
such as sleep deprivation or the blocking of an evening view.
Local example of light trespass
UP LIGHTING/SKY GLOW
Sky glow refers to the "glow" effect that
can be seen over populated areas. It is
the combination of light reflected from
what it has illuminated and from all of
the badly directed light in that area,
being refracted in the surrounding
atmosphere. This refraction is strongly
related to the wavelength of the light.
Rayleigh scattering, which makes the
sky appear blue in the daytime, also
affects light that comes from the earth
into the sky and is then redirected to
become sky -glow, seen from the
ground. As a result, blue light
contributes significantly more to sky -
glow than an equal amount of yellow
light. Sky glow is of particular irritation to
astronomers, because it reduces
Local example of up lighting
contrast in the night sky to the extent where it may even become impossible to
see the brightest stars.
LAMPS, FIXTURES, AND LENSES USED IN OUTDOOR LIGHTING
LAMPS AND BULBS
There are many types of lamps used in outdoor lighting, a much greater variety
than are familiar to most lighting users. Each type has applications where it is
appropriate. Lighting designers must evaluate a variety of factors when choosing
lamps, including available luminous outputs, output maintenance (how the lamp's
output decreases with time), efficiency, capital costs, life cycle costs, color, size,
lifetime, turn -on characteristics, environmental factors such as hazardous
materials and effects on wildlife, and availability of fixtures. When decisions are
made about what kinds of lamps to use in a project or to require in a lighting
code, a consideration of all factors, both those advantageous and
disadvantageous for any given type, must be made.
Below are descriptions of the principle lighting types used for outdoor area
lighting and decoration.
Incandescent
Incandescent lamps are the lamps most familiar to
homeowners; they are commonly used for the majority of
residential lighting, both indoor and outdoor. They are
commonly used in applications where such low outputs are
needed and where the lighting is often switched off and on.
More than 95% of the energy used by incandescent lamps
goes into the production of heat. (It has been said that
incandescent lamps are really heat sources that happen to
produce a little light.) Advantages include low capital cost
for lamps and luminaires, wide availability, wide variety of
both lamp and fixture types, lack of a warm-up period, and
lack of hazardous wastes. Disadvantages include short
lifetimes (most less than a few thousand hours), low
efficiency (about 8-20 lumens/watt) with resultant high per -
lumen energy use and life cycle cost, attraction of insects, and high heat
production.
Fluorescent
Fluorescent lamps are also seen in residential lighting, and they predominate in
indoor retail and office uses, and are occasionally seen in outdoor area lighting,
usually in smaller or older installations. A current -limiting device (ballast) is
required to operate these lamps, but they can typically be easily and immediately
0
switched on and off like incandescent lamps, and they reach nearly full output
almost immediately. Fluorescent lamps are also available in the so-called
"compact" styles. These "PL" fluorescents can make highly efficient and cost-
effective replacements for low -output residential lighting uses that are not too
frequently cycled off and on. Outputs up to about 8000 lumens are available
(about 2000 Im in "PL" styles). Advantages include low initial costs for lamps and
fixtures compared with the lamp types below, low life cycle costs and high
efficiency compared to incandescent (40-70 lumens/watt mean output), no warm-
up period, good color rendition, and long lifetimes (10,000 - 20,000 hrs).
Disadvantages include higher initial costs compared to incandescent lamps,
large lamp size, low efficiency (compared to lamp types below) and poor output
maintenance, attraction of insects, and potentially hazardous mercury waste.
Mercury Vapor (MV)
Mercury vapor lamps (sometimes called high-pressure mercury, as distinguished
from fluorescent) were the first widely used high-intensity discharge (HID)lamps.
Though highly efficient and long-lived compared to the incandescent lighting
technology they displaced after the second World War, they have many
disadvantages compared to other lighting sources available today, including low
luminous efficiency, poor color rendition, and high ultra -violet output. Mercury
vapor lamps have now been almost completely replaced in new applications by
the more efficient metal halide and high-pressure sodium lamps. Several lighting
codes prohibit their use, though with mixed effectiveness. The technology is
moribund, and not often specified for any extensive commercial or public outdoor
lighting.
Metal Halide (MH)
Metal halide lamps are HID lamps, similar to mercury vapor lamps but with the
addition of small amounts of various metallic halides, such as scandium, sodium,
dysprosium, holmium and thulium iodide. A ballast is required, and full output is
not reached for 2-10 minutes after power is applied. The many different varieties
of metal halide lamps give a wide variety of slightly different color characteristics,
though generally they
are white or blue -white
sources. The
technology is still
evolving, and new
types are appearing
regularly. Besides a
relatively steep fall-off
in intensity with time
(compared to high-
pressure sodium; see
below), many metal
halide lamps also
7
change their color as they age. Metal halide lamps are very commonly used in
commercial outdoor lighting where white light with good color rendition is
required or simply desired, such as car dealer display lots, sports lighting, and
service station canopies. Advantages include a wide variety of moderate to high
luminous output lamps (3500 - 170,000 lumens mean output), high efficiency
compared to incandescent and mercury vapor (45 - 90 lumens/watt mean), and
good color rendition. Disadvantages include lower efficiency and output
maintenance compared to high- and low-pressure sodium, shorter lamp lifetime
compared to high-pressure sodium, color changes, ultra -violet output if not
adequately filtered, and potentially hazardous mercury waste.
High -Pressure Sodium (HPS)
High-pressure sodium lamps are
currently the most widely used HID
lamps for roadway and parking lot
lighting, though in some areas metal
halide is becoming more popular.
Warm-up period is about 10 minutes.
Advantages include a long lifetime, a
wide variety of moderate to high
luminous output lamps (2000 -
120,000 lumens mean output), high
efficiency and good maintenance of
luminous output compared to all
lamp types except low-pressure
sodium, moderate color rendition
compared to low-pressure sodium,
and widil
U avaability and modert
ae
cost of lamps and luminaires. Disadvantages include poorer color rendition than
metal halide, fluorescent and incandescent, poorer output maintenance and
efficiency than low-pressure sodium, and potentially hazardous mercury waste.
Low -Pressure Sodium (LPS)
Low pressure sodium lights have low color rendition and are not common in the
United States. Low-pressure sodium lighting is favored where energy
consumption and costs are a major concern and where color discrimination is
either not needed or is supplied by other lighting. Advantages include the highest
luminous efficiency and lowest energy use, low glare associated with the large
lamps, good visibility and low scattering, minimal effects on insects and other
wildlife, and lack of hazardous mercury wastes. Disadvantages include the lack
of color rendition, shorter lamp lifetime and higher lamp replacement costs
compared to HPS, and large lamp size in the higher output lamps.
Summary of Common Outdoor Lamp Types
LIGHTING FIXTURES AND LENS
Lighting Fixtures
Cobra head
Shoe box
Wall pack
Lenses
Halogen outdoor lamp
High -
Factor
Incandescent
Fluorescent
Metal Halide
Pressure
Sodium
Wattage
25-150
18-95
50-400
50-400
Output
210-2700
1000-7500
1900-30000
3600-46000
(lumens)
Lamp Life
750-2000
10000-20000
10000-20000
18000-24000
(hours)
Energy Use
high
medium
medium
low
Color
good
good
good
moderate
Rendition
LIGHTING FIXTURES AND LENS
Lighting Fixtures
Cobra head
Shoe box
Wall pack
Lenses
Halogen outdoor lamp
Full -cut off flat lens
Full -cut off verse drop -lens
Drop lens
Full -cutoff flat lens is preferable for reducing light pollution. It ensures that light is
only directed below the horizontal, which means less light is wasted through
directing it outwards and upwards.
Drop lens allows light to escape sideways and upwards, where it may cause
problems.
Most campaigners for the reduction of light pollution advocate the use of full
cutoff lighting fixtures as much as possible. It is also commonly recommended
that lights be spaced appropriately for maximum efficiency, and that lamps within
the fixtures not be overpowered.
A full cutoff fixture, when correctly installed, reduces the chance for light to
escape above the plane of the horizontal. Light released above the horizontal
may sometimes be lighting an intended target, but often serves no purpose.
When it enters into the atmosphere, light contributes to sky glow. Some
governments and organisations are now considering, or have already
implemented, full cutoff fixtures in street lamps and stadium lighting.
By preventing light from escaping unnecessarily, the use of full cutoff fixtures
may help to reduce sky glow. Effects of glare may also be reduced, since by their
nature, full cutoff fixtures usually prevent luminaries from being directly visible. It
is also commonly argued by campaigners that full cutoff fixtures are more
efficient than other fixtures, since light that would otherwise have escaped into
the atmosphere is instead directed towards the ground.
The use of full cutoff fixtures may allow for lower powered bulbs to be used in the
fixture with the same, or sometimes better effect due to being more carefully
controlled. In every lighting system, some sky glow also results from light
reflected from the ground. This reflection can be reduced, however, by being
careful to avoid overpowering the lamp within the fixtures, and setting spacing
between lights appropriately ([NYSERDA-Planners], 2002).
10
A criticism of full cutoff lighting, particularly in the USA, is that luminaires with full
cutoff distributions typically have to be closer together than other light
distributions used to meet the same roadway lighting requirements specified by
the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, of light level, uniformity
and glare (Keith, Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society, 2000, 2002 and
2003). This means that using full cutoff luminaires corresponds to increased
initial costs, maintenance costs, operating costs, energy use, energy pollution,
and possibly light pollution, compared to using other distributions to meet the
same roadway lighting requirements
WHAT IS AN OUTDOOR LIGHTING CODE?
An outdoor lighting code is a legal document that establishes permitted and
prohibited lighting practices, with an emphasis on limiting obtrusive aspects of
lighting more than an emphasis on good lighting practices per se. Most lighting
codes are concerned primarily with limiting the wide -reaching effects of stray light
that causes glare, light trespass, sky glow, and limits the ability of persons to use
property in ways that do not want or need lighting. Lighting codes are often
included as a chapter of the zoning or land -use code, though zoning codes may
severely restrict enforcement options. The standards of a lighting code are
applied to new construction of all kinds in much the same way as a building code,
electrical code, or plumbing code, and consideration should be given to enacting
the lighting code using a similar legal structure to these. Lighting codes often
require some previously installed lighting to be brought into compliance
immediately or at some future date.
Lighting codes may be enacted at different governmental levels -- from state to
county or township and city and even development project or neighborhood.
State -level codes usually address only very general issues, though they may
nonetheless serve a valuable role, enabling the adoption of more comprehensive
codes at local levels. State -level codes also generally address lighting built with
state funding, such as state highways or for state-owned facilities that are often
legally exempt from local codes. They can also establish a basic code for areas
of the state that do not yet have or may never have more comprehensive codes.
At the development or subdivision level, lighting codes or restrictions can be
included in design standards or Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions
(CC&Rs) to be applied only to the homes or developments within the subdivision.
Such codes are often the most effective vehicle to address specific residential
lighting issues such as shielding of low -output lighting that are often exempted in
higher-level lighting codes for practical reasons.
WHAT MAKES A LIGHTING CODE EFFECTIVE?
11
The goal is the actual, real-life elimination of the adverse effects from outdoor
lighting, such as light trespass, glare, energy waste, and sky glow. A good
lighting code is a vital step toward these goals, but actually achieving them
requires not only a lighting code, but also effective implementation and
enforcement of the code on an ongoing basis. After adoption, the code must lead
to quality lighting practices in the real world or it does not accomplish anything.
The actual adoption of a good lighting code for your community takes you
through the first steps, but other steps must be accomplished if the overall goal is
to be realized.
1. Define the Problem
In most communities, even before you can hope to draft a lighting code, an
awareness of the issues and of the characteristics of quality lighting must be
built. This process starts first with any group that is especially motivated or
sensitive to the issues, including persons sensitive to the aesthetic character of
dark skies and/or the many values of quality lighting.
Through efforts at education this initial group then broadens the community's
awareness, in general and especially of the legislative bodies (councils or county
supervisors, for examples). Through this process a broad consensus will develop
both that there is a problem and that there are effective solutions.
2. Draft and Enact a Lighting Code
Only then can the process begin to draft a code appropriate for the community,
and to take this code through the process of community review, enactment, and
implementation.
If careful consideration is not given in these first steps to the practical issues of
enforcement, adoption of a good lighting code will not achieve the goal of quality
lighting and dark skies. To have a code that will be effective requires not only
careful consideration of the implications of the way the code standards are
written and compliance evaluated, it also requires that awareness and interest of
the community in the issues is maintained. Breakdown on these factors has been
the downfall of many otherwise technically correct lighting codes.
3. Enforcement and Monitoring
4. Stay Involved!
Practicality of implementation, application and enforcement are emphasized
again and again in this Handbook. Definitions must be clear and understandable;
rules must not only be technically correct and effective, they must also be
understandable and easily interpretable and enforceable; forms for
12
implementation and administration must be clear and understandable to lighting
users, lighting designers, and planning staff. Achieving these complex and
interrelated goals is challenging, but they must be successfully meshed if the
community is to see real improvements.
SHOULD A LIGHTING CODE LIMIT POLE HEIGHT?
Some communities have specified limits on the heights of lighting poles, either
through a lighting code or otherwise in development design standards. There can
be two intentions here, but the results of such restrictions may not be what is
intended.
If the intention is to limit the daytime visual impact of tall light poles against
landscape views, then shorter poles may help, but lighting uniformity goals of the
designer may offset the gains from shorter poles by causing an increase in the
number of poles. More poles also are likely to cost more money to install and
operate.
If the intention is to limit the nightime visual impact of lights, in particular the
spread of light from high luminaires into surrounding areas (light trespass),
results may be much less than hoped. Again, since most area lighting has certain
target uniformity levels, shorter poles will mean that more must be used, which
may increase the visual impact at night as well as in the daytime. While these
poles will be shorter, a community must carefully evaluate whether the trade-off
of more poles might compromise the original intent to reduce visual clutter.
Unfortunately, in attempts to reduce costs, some designers will avoid increasing
the number of poles by using luminaires that have greater high -angle luminance,
that is, luminaires that throw more light to the side. These luminaires would
achieve the illuminance and uniformity specifications sought with fewer poles, but
will do so at the cost of increased glare. This will lead to increased light trespass,
just the opposite of what the goal may have been in restricting pole heights.
Visibility is likely to be compromised as well.
In general, it is not recommended that a lighting code limit pole heights. With
good designs using fully shielded luminaires, poles with standard heights (up to
about 11 meters or 35 feet) are in most situations minimally obtrusive. If there is
trouble in your community due to unusual circumstances or practice with the use
of unusually tall poles (over about 14 meters or 45 feet), then pole height
restrictions may be considered to address the problem, though it is not
recommended to restrict heights to much below about 8 meters (25 feet).
13
DRAFT 2005 Report of the Golden Valley Environmental Commission
Prepared by Rich Baker, Chair
March 21, 2006
In accordance with Section 2.50, Subd. 4 of the Golden Valley City Code, the Golden Valley
Environmental Commission submits the following report of its 2005 Activities and 2006 Proposed
Activities, organized by the Commission's Duties and Responsibilities.
2005 Activities
Recommendations regarding public environmental education
• (See Buckthorn Control initiative, below)
Recommendations regarding city programs and initiatives
• Received briefing on, and monitored renewal of City's recycling contract
• Received briefing on City's NPDES Annual Report
• Received briefing on, and subsequently assigned membership on City's Deer Management Task Force
• Received briefing on, and subsequently assigned membership on City's Sidewalk Committee
Recommendations regarding city ordinances, policies, and guidelines
• Saw completion of initiative focused on encouraging Buckthorn Control on City properties. This lead to a
revision of city code and a change to city insurance coverage that will facilitate a wide range of volunteer
activities on City properties. This also lead to development of buckthorn kits, purchase of weed wrenches
for use by citizens, and development of an application form for citizen -initiated projects on City properties.
• Expressed interest in development of City Lighting Plan/Ordinance, and presently assisting Planning
Commission in guiding its development.
Recommendations regarding management of nature areas and other properties
• (See Buckthorn Control initiative, above)
Recommendations regarding environmental activities of other agencies
• Recommended City Council communicate with Metropolitan Council Transit Operations regarding City's
desire that the exiting transit service levels be maintained for the City. Council subsequently passed
resolution.
Tasks assigned by City Code or Council
• Reviewed Envision Guide. Investigated four supporting themes and identified action item/s for each:
o Waste and Pollution — light pollution reduction; fine-tuning recycling program
o Green and Open Spaces — reducing litter and dog waste
o Surface Water — educating public regarding reducing run-off contaminants
o Urban Design and Beauty — increasing use of native vegetation; creation of buffer zones
• Assisted City Council in updating city code and council guidelines on Boards and Commissions
• Elected new Vice Chair — JP Pawluk
Miscellaneous Activities
Received presentation on environmental sustainability by Mr. Greg Klave
Received presentation on design standards by Mr. Barry Petit
Received weekly updates, and monitored relevant city programs and projects including:
o Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminant Cleanup
o TH55/Boone Ave/General Mills Blvd Project
o Wirth Lake Berm Repair
o Golden Ridge Development Planning
o Allianz Expansion
o Luther Expansion
o 2005 Pavement Management Project
o Medley Park Bank Stabilization Project
o I/I Study
o 5222 Minnaqua Drive Project
o Three Rivers Park District Trail
o Douglas Drive Pedestrian Improvements
o Mighty Tidy Day
Assigned members to attend City Council sessions as necessary
2006 Proposed Activities
Recommendations regarding public environmental education
• Develop plan for educating public regarding reducing run-off contaminants (follow-up to Envision)
Recommendations regarding city programs and initiatives
• Identify ways to improve recycling program (follow-up to Envision)
• Continue participation in Deer Task Force
• Continue participation in Sidewalk Task Force
Recommendations regarding city ordinances, policies, and guidelines
• Work with Planning Commission to develop lighting plan/ordinance (follow-up to Envision)
Recommendations regarding management of nature areas and other properties
• Develop strategies for improving use of native vegetation (follow-up to Envision)
• Develop strategies for creation of buffer zones (follow-up to Envision)
Recommendations regarding environmental activities of other agencies
Recommendations assigned by City Council
PROPOSED
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE
CHANGES
MARCH 23, 2006
NEW ORDINANCES
WOODPILES
Summary
Residential woodpiles are common in Golden Valley; they are also a frequent
neighborhood complaint. The complaints consist of: extra large and
unorganized woodpiles, the placement of woodpiles near the property line, and
the hindering of visibility. The woodpile ordinance addresses and provides a
proactive approach to prevent: the harborage of rodents, fires that occur in the
woodpile from spreading to adjacent structures, nuisances to the public eye
(untidy appearance), and the excess storage for home usage. Currently, the City
Code does not address woodpiles in the outdoor storage ordinance Section
11.21 Subdivision 16 (Attachment 2).
GRAFFITI
Summary
There are a number of instances of graffiti on public and private property in
Golden Valley. Even though graffiti is not prevalent, this ordinance will address
graffiti in a proactive and prompt manner. Complete abatement of graffiti is the
best way to reduce additional graffiti and discourage tagging. Currently, graffiti
is not addressed in the City Code. The proposed ordinance ensures that
abatement is done in a timely manner and that it matches the existing exterior of
the property affected.
REVISED ORDINANCES
SECTION 4.06 HOUSE AND BUILDING NUMBERING
Summary
Staff has prepared a revised house and building numbering ordinance. The
existing ordinance states that numbers shall be three inches in height and visible
from the street. The proposed changes are: numbers shall be permanent in
nature, of contrasting color to the background, readable from the street, and
GAEnvironmental Commission\Miscellaneous\Other\Draft RPMC Ordinance Notes.doc 1
Arabic format. These changes will help ensure that emergency respondents and
others are able to clearly view housing numbers from the street
SECTION 6.35 COLLECTION OF GARBAGE
Summary
At Council's direction, staff has looked at coordinating garbage hauler pickup.
Currently, there is garbage pickup in residential districts Monday through Friday
from the six licensed haulers. Friday is the largest day for pickup with 60 percent
of household, another 20 percent of residents have their garbage picked up on
Mondays.
Examination of the hauler daily route coverage areas shows that Friday is the
only day that there is consistent overlap of routes. If garbage pickup was moved
to Fridays alone, two haulers would be impacted significantly; Master Waste and
Mike Hall. Some city haulers have expressed the negative impact this would
have on their company and the hardship to their customers.
Currently, Roseville divided their city into zones. Their ordinance states that solid
waste from the residential dwellings within each zone shall be collected on the
same day. This approach is recommended for Section 6.35.
Two other points of importance: First, haulers must renew their city contracts
annually and each license expires April 1. Second, all residential recycling is
picked up on Fridays. The city's recycling contract with Waste Management is
through 2008
SECTION 10.40 COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF GARBAGE
Summary
Section 10.40 addresses container placement for the residential zoning districts.
Staff receives complaints regarding resident garbage containers placed at the
curb for long periods of time. The current ordinance allows for garbage
containers to be at the curb for more than 48 hours. The proposed revisions
would shorten that time frame.
A second proposed revision to the ordinance is to mandate that commercial and
multiple- dwelling solid waste containers be screened. Currently, Golden Valley
has no regulations on screening for these dumpsters and these containers are
often left in clear view. Other cities in the metropolitan area have this provision,
examples are: Edina and Fridley.
GAEnvironmental Commission\Miscellaneous\Other\Draft RPMC Ordinance Notes.doc 2
SECTION 10.50 SHADE TREE DISEASES
Summary
Staff concluded that the City's Shade Tree Diseases Ordinance needed to be
rewritten for multiple reasons. The existing ordinance contains outdated or
incomplete scientific names for current pests and disease organisms. Also, the
certified tree inspector needs authority to identify and abate hazardous or
nuisance trees on private property due to mechanical defects (e.g., dead trees
and branches, cracks, weak branch unions, decay, poor tree architecture, root
problems, and cankers) and other problems beyond the insect and disease
orientation to which it is limited to in the existing ordinance.
Clarification is needed for the authority of City staff to enter private property with
no interference to inspect and identify diseased, infested, or hazardous trees.
And finally, the ordinance needs to incorporate flexibility in its scope to permit the
effective and timely management or control of new or exotic pests and diseases
in the future (e.g., gypsy moth, emerald ash borer, Asian long horned beetle,
etc.).
SECTION 10.70 COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Summary
To improve clarification of what commercial vehicles are allowed in residential
districts, staff has prepared multiple changes to Section 9.08 and 10.70 that deal
with commercial vehicles. Section 9.08 deals with commercial vehicles on
streets, and Section 10.70 handles vehicles on property.
There are a number of changes proposed for Section 10.70. First, the title of the
ordinance should reflect that it pertains to commercial vehicles. Second,
increasing the definition of what is a commercial vehicle will help distinguish
between commercial and non-commercial vehicles. Third, adding a maximum
height and length requirement of which type of commercial vehicles are allowed
in residential districts. Currently, Section 10.70 only provides a gross vehicle
weigh rating (GVWR) and maximum towing capacity for allowable commercial
vehicles in residential districts. This makes it difficult for staff to enforce because
a GVWR is not always apparent by viewing a commercial vehicle. The
commercial vehicle definition would then be used in Section 9.08.
GAEnvironmental Comm ission\Miscellaneo us\Other\Draft RPMC Ordinance Notes.doc 3
SECTION 11.21 SUB 13 TEMPORARY OUTDOOR STORAGE
Summary
Staff has prepared one change to Section 11.21 Subdivision 13 temporary
outdoor storage. The proposed change defines what a hard surface is and
prevents temporary outdoor storage outside of a driveway.
SECTION 11.72 FENCES
Summary
Staff has prepared a revised fence ordinance to correct an error. The proposed
changes would not significantly alter the content of the ordinance.
The current fence ordinance states that berms shall be in compliance with
Chapter 7 of City Code, but berms are not addressed in this chapter. Berms are
mentioned twice in this ordinance and it is proposed that it be changed with
landscaping which is also defined in this section.
GAEnvironmental Comm ission\Miscellaneous\Other\Draft RPMC Ordinance Notes.doc 4
PAGE 14 MARCh APRIL 2006 GOLdEN VALLEY CITyNEWS
Review Roof Replacement
Options And Requirements
The roof is probably one of the most important weatherproofing elements in your home.
If your roof is 20 years old or older, has cracks, curled or cupped shingles, worn mineral
coatings, exposed nails, previous patches, holes, exposed underlayment or sheathing, or
if it leaks (and not simply from the flashing), chances are you may need a new one.
Two AppROAChES TO
ROO[ REPLACEMENT
Generally speaking, there are
two different types of roof
replacement—total and partial.
Here's an abbreviated explana-
tion of both.
• A tear -off roof replacement
occurs when existing shingles,
underlayment, and flashing are
completely removed and a
new roof is installed.
An overlay roof replacement
occurs when a second layer
of asphalt shingles is placed on
top of the existing shingles (for a total of no more than two layers of shingles). If the
existing roof surface is warped, curled, or badly weathered so it cannot provide a
level surface or if the roof structure cannot support the additional load, the existing
roofing must be removed. Some shingle manufacturers may not allow an overlay.
IMPORTANT CONSIdERATIONS
ICE PROTECTION -All roofs require an ice protection membrane that has at least two
layers of 15# felt underlayment cemented together or a self -adhering polymer modi-
fied bitumen sheet. This membrane is known
by a variety of generic and trade names, such
as ice protection underlayment, self -adhered
membrane, self -adhering modified bitumen
sheet material, WeatherLock°, Ice & Water
Shield", etc. Ice protection membrane, or its
code approved equivalent, must be installed
according to manufacturers instructions.
EXhAUST FANs—Exhaust vents must be
installed the same as other attic vents and
vent pipe flashings. Take care to ensure that
kitchen and bathroom exhaust fan ducts are
connected to the appropriate clampered
xhaust roof cap with no openings into the attic
that would allow exhaust air back into the attic space.
When re -roofing around furnace flues, be careful not to dislodge the joints of the flue
pipe within the attic or interior chases this pipe might pass through. If in doubt, consult
a licensed heating contractor.
Roof ANd WhT VENTS—Additional roof and soffit vents must be installed if neces-
sary. For details, consult the City's Residential Roofing Information Sheet (see below).
For more information on roof replacement, contact Golden Valley Inspections at 763-
593-8090 or pick up the Residential Roofing Information Sheet available at City Hall
(7800 Golden Valley Rd) or online at www.ci.golden-valley.mn.us/yourkome/improve.
htm.`4`
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Home > Environment, Property, & Transportation > Environment > Household > Composting & Yard Care > Quick
Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home Landscaping
Quick Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home Landscaping
UPdated in 2005, this Guide is a great place to start for information on
earth -friendly home landscaping practices.
The Guide includes:
1. Landscape Design - On the path
to an environmentally -friendly
landscape
2. Plant Selection - A critical step in
creating a successful landscape,
includes numerous plant lists from
shrubs to wildflowers
3. Practices to Improve Water
Quality
4. Rain Gardens - Designed to
collect and filter rain water,
includes a plant list
5. Home Composting - Turning
waste into a material to improve
your soil
6. Creative Uses for Yard Waste -
Ideas to reuse woody yard waste
7. Mulching - Mulches hold moisture, deter weeds, moderate soil
temperature and protect the environment
8. Watering and Rain Barrels- Efficient watering reduces
maintenance costs and conserves water
9. LILAC: Low Input Lawn Care - A strategy of lawn care that
reduces water, fertilizer, and labor inputs necessary to maintain a
healthy lawn
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid - The basic principles to earth -
friendly landscaping
This Guide can be downloaded as a PDF chapter by chapter below
or you can request a printed copy by filling in a literature request form
This resource was produced by Hennepin County Environmental Services
in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension Service of
Hennepin County. Portions were reproduced with permission from Dakota
County Environmental Management and the Dakota County Soil and
Water Conservation District.
Quick Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home Landscaping: Landscape
Design
Quick Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home Landscaping: Plant
Selection
Quick Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home Landscaping: Practices to
Improve Water Quality
Quick Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home Landscaping: Rain
Gardens
Quick Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home Landscaping: Home
Composting
Quick Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home Landscaping: Creative
Uses For Yard Waste
RELATED LINKS
County Links View All
Backyard Composting Basics
Eco -Yard in Brooklyn Park
Yard Waste Drop Off Sites in Metro Area
Think Clean Air Landscaping
vermi-Composting
Eco -Yard Midtown
External Links View All
Hennepin County Master Gardeners
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
DNR
U of M's Sustainable Urban Landscape
Information Series
University of Minnesota Extension Service
Clean Air Minnesota
GreenGuardian.com
Reduce.org
DEPARTMENT
Environmental Services
CONTACT INFORMATION
E -Mail DESMail@co.hennepin.mn.us
Phone 612-348-9266
TDD 763-478-4030
FAX 612-348-8532
Location
Environmental Services Building
http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us/vgn/portallintemetlhcdetailmaster/0,2300,1273_83232_ 10... 03/20/2006
Hennepin County > Quick Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home Landscaping
Quick Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home Landscaping: Mulching
Quick Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home_ Landscaping;_ Watering
and Rain Barrels
Quick Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home Landscaping: Low Input
Lawn Care
Quick Reference Guide to Earth Friendly Home Landscaping: Common
Mistakes to Avoid
The above attachments require the use of the following viewers. If you
do not already have them installed, click on the links below to download:
• PDF (.pdf): Adobe Acrobat Reader
Printer -Friendly Version REFERENCE
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http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us/vgn1portallintemetlhcdetailmaster/0,2300,1273_83232_ 10... 03/20/2006
In Minnesota, we only have a
short time to enjoy our yards.
As a result, we take advantage of
them as play areas, gardens and
as places to gather with friends
and family. We also spend a great
deal of time and money making
sure our shrubs, trees, flowers
and lawns look great. Traditionally,
this high -maintenance type of
yard care may have included
large quantities of inputs -water,
fertilizers, pesticides, weed control
and money; not to mention our
own sweat and time.
Enter environmentally -friendly
landscaping, otherwise known as
sustainable landscaping. This
type of landscaping employs
some basic principles that can
reduce the impact we have on
the environment and the amount
of time and labor while still
creating a functional, aesthetically
pleasing landscape that can be
easily maintained in the years to
come. These principles include
such practices as improving your
soil, choosing the right plant
according to conditions, replacing
lawn areas that are difficult to
maintain with better adapted
shrubs and trees and reducing
inputs into the environment.
A sustainable landscape is
nota no -maintenance" land-
scape and some of these
changes will take time to get
established. Your landscape will
still require some level of care, but
not as much because you are
working with the environment
instead of against it.
:;d`7
�i.E
�..
�`:
,'e�.
GETTING STARTED: CREATE A BASE MAP
The first step to creating a new landscape design is to assess what you have and
consider how you would like to use your yard.
TO DO/What are your current conditions?
• How much sun does the area receive each day? Keep track of how many hours of sun
different parts of your yard receive during spring and summer days. Is it morning sun or
afternoon sun?
• What is the soil like? Heavier, sticky clay? Lighter, more porous sand? Or is your soil
rich, black loam? (see Improving Soil, pg 4)
• What is the moisture level of the area? Does it remain damp after a rainstorm or watering,
or does it dry quickly? Are there low areas that may make for great rain garden locations?
(see Rain Garden, pg 19)
• Are there plants or other features that you would like to keep?
• Where are your utility lines (above and below ground)? What planting restrictions apply to
these areas? (see TO DO/Call before you dig, pg 4)
• Do you have an underground irrigation system? If so, where are the lines/sprinkler heads?
TO DO/How would you like to use your space? (What are your needs?)
• Where are your high traffic areas?
• How much open space do you need for yard activities? (play areas)
• Which views would you like to enhance?
• Would you like to create areas for wildlife? A butterfly garden, a bird feeding station?
• Would you like more privacy?
• Would you like to add features to improve water quality?
(see Practices to Improve Water Quality, pg 15)
TO DO/Drawing the Base Map:
Now that you have answered the basic questions, create a map to build from. First
measure the dimensions of any permanent structures (home, shed, fence, etc.) and your
lot. Include locations for major doors and windows. This will help as you develop views
from inside your home, and determine available plant space. Then measure from a fixed
location, the corner of the house, to the street, to the property line, to the driveway etc.
Plot these measurements on a large sheet of graph paper. Next draw in the features
DESIGN
Look at your yard. Wouldn't it be great to
do all this and more, take a look at the
spend more time enjoying it rather than
following tactics for turning your yard into
working on it? You'd no doubt have a lower
an environmentally -friendly and sustain -
water bill, while minimizing the use of pes-
able landscape. It's your chance to make
ticides and fertilizers. To learn how you can
a positive impact on the environment.
GETTING STARTED: CREATE A BASE MAP
The first step to creating a new landscape design is to assess what you have and
consider how you would like to use your yard.
TO DO/What are your current conditions?
• How much sun does the area receive each day? Keep track of how many hours of sun
different parts of your yard receive during spring and summer days. Is it morning sun or
afternoon sun?
• What is the soil like? Heavier, sticky clay? Lighter, more porous sand? Or is your soil
rich, black loam? (see Improving Soil, pg 4)
• What is the moisture level of the area? Does it remain damp after a rainstorm or watering,
or does it dry quickly? Are there low areas that may make for great rain garden locations?
(see Rain Garden, pg 19)
• Are there plants or other features that you would like to keep?
• Where are your utility lines (above and below ground)? What planting restrictions apply to
these areas? (see TO DO/Call before you dig, pg 4)
• Do you have an underground irrigation system? If so, where are the lines/sprinkler heads?
TO DO/How would you like to use your space? (What are your needs?)
• Where are your high traffic areas?
• How much open space do you need for yard activities? (play areas)
• Which views would you like to enhance?
• Would you like to create areas for wildlife? A butterfly garden, a bird feeding station?
• Would you like more privacy?
• Would you like to add features to improve water quality?
(see Practices to Improve Water Quality, pg 15)
TO DO/Drawing the Base Map:
Now that you have answered the basic questions, create a map to build from. First
measure the dimensions of any permanent structures (home, shed, fence, etc.) and your
lot. Include locations for major doors and windows. This will help as you develop views
from inside your home, and determine available plant space. Then measure from a fixed
location, the corner of the house, to the street, to the property line, to the driveway etc.
Plot these measurements on a large sheet of graph paper. Next draw in the features
that you would like to remain or that cannot be moved (utility fixtures, large trees, sand-
box). Use a piece of tracing paper to overlay the base map. Draw your new designs
and ideas on the tracing paper Using multiple sheets of tracing paper will allow you to
create different landscape options without damaging or redrawing your base map.
WORK FROM THE GROUND UP: IMPROVING SOIL
The soil is the basis of your entire yard and garden. Consider it the foundation of your
landscape similar to the foundation of your house. If you have a weak foundation, your
house will have maintenance problems in the future. If you have a strong foundation,
your house will endure.
Poor soil may be compacted, lacking in nutrients and organic matter and may
have poor water -holding capacity. Healthy sal is loose, contains organic matter and
holds water easily, yet allows it to easily drain excess water. We tend to pay more
attention to our plants and lawns, forgetting that plant care begins with the soil. Here
are some basic steps you can take to start improving your soil:
TO DO/Call before you dig:
Before you dig, call Gopher State One at 800-252-1166 statewide or 651-454-0002.
Gopher State One will notify your local utilities and they will mark their electric, gas lines,
and cable lines that are buried in your yard. Always be careful of lines installed by
previous homeowners (e.g., from the house to an external garage), Gopher State One
does not mark these lines.
TO DO/Do a soil test:
Find out the condition of your soil before you do anything. Your local county extension
service can provide you with the proper instructions and bags used to collect soil
samples. Be sure to collect samples from various parts of your lawn. The University
of Minnesota Soil Laboratory (soiltest.coafes.umn.edu, 612-625-3101) will be able to
give you valuable information on the current condition of your soil - nutrient levels,
sal structure, and pH - and make recommendations for improvement.
TO DO/Aerify your soil:
Maintaining a healthy soil will improve short and long term lawn health. Where soils
are hard and compacted, core aerifying can be used to improve plant health, increase
rooting volume and improve infiltration. Aerification is done using a machine that can
usually be rented from dealers in your area. The machine pulls 2-3" cores of soil from
your yard, enabling air to be incorporated into the sal. Aerification will also allow greater
access to soil water and nutrients, as well as improving plant stress tolerance.
4
DESIGN
TO DO/Add organic matter:
Organic matter is an important component of soil health. It increases the soil's capacity
to absorb and release nutrients. It improves moisture -holding capacity of sandy soils and
the drainage capability of heavy clay soils. It also improves the structure of soil by pro-
viding a good environment for root growth and by encouraging earthworms and microor-
ganisms that are beneficial to plant health. You can easily add organic matter by using
compost as a mulch on your garden soil and around shrubs and trees. To do this, mix
1-2 inches of well -decomposed compost into the top 6-8 inches of soil around your plants.
You can also improve the health of your lawn by top -dressing. This means lightly spread-
ing compost (about 1/4" maximum) over your lawn and gently raking it into the lawn.
TO DO/Amend soils:
Many lawns, especially those where the soil has been compacted by heavy machinery
during housing construction are impervious and provide little infiltration of water. Tilling
the soil to at least 4 to 6 inches with a garden tiller and incorporating 1 to 2 inches of
well -decomposed compost will increase infiltration. Remember to lightly compact the
soils before planting or seeding. A good rule of thumb is to measure how deep an
impression your foot makes when stepping on the soil. Your foot impression should
not be more than 1/4 inch deep. Choosing plants that develop a deep root structure
(>4-6") will further increase the potential for water to infiltrate. (see Plant Selection, pg 7)
PLANT THE RIGHT PLANT
Choosing the right plant material for your yard is an important step in creating a land-
scape that is sustainable. It's easy to get caught up in the beauty of a plant you discover
at the garden center, only to find it requires conditions that don't match your yard.
By selecting plants that are suited to the conditions of your location, you will
reduce the work required to establish and maintain the plants and they will survive
longer and look better in your landscape. Be sure to consider the location's sal,
moisture, available light, and mature size when selecting plants.
The same goes for your lawn. The fine -leaved fescues as well as the older, common
types of Kentucky Bluegrasses are better suited to lower inputs than turf -type perennial
ryegrasses and many of the newer, improved types of Kentucky Bluegrasses.
75
LESS 15 MORE: ALTERNATIVES TO GRASS
Let's make it clear up front: there is nothing wrong with having a lawn. Grass is one of
the toughest, most successful ground covers available. It is easy to grow, reduces dust,
cools the surrounding air, and it prevents wind and soil erosion.
However, sometimes we establish grass in areas that we don't actively use or in
areas that grass doesn't grow well, or are difficult to mow and maintain. These are the
areas where less is more. It is often better to utilize other plant materials for these areas:
flower beds, shrubs, no -mow ground covers, or mulch, such as wood chips. This makes
the area functional, maintainable, and environmentally -friendly. Pan: of a sustainable
landscape is analyzing how you use your lawn and the areas in which a different
type of ground cover would be better.
REDUCE INPUTS, REDUCE IMPACT
Inputs are anything you put into a landscape. This would include: pesticides, fertilizers,
water, money and labor. At times, we will need to rely on these inputs to help our plants
through weather, disease, insect infestation, or we may have to replace a plant aftogeth-
er. The goal of sustainable landscaping is to reduce the need for these inputs as much
as possible, by working with basics - soil, plant selection, lawn use - and by thinking
ahead.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Visit the University of Minnesota Extension Service's Sustainable Urban Landscape
Information Series at www.sustiand.umn.edu
- Visit the University of Metro Watershed Partner's "Tips for Keeping Minnesota Water
Clean" at www.cleanwatermn.org