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BZA Meeting Minutes - 04.14.25 MEETING MINUTES 1. Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement • Vice Chair Orenstein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and read the Land Acknowledgement. a. Members Present: Corrado, Orenstein, Parkes, Commissioner Segelbaum b. Student Member: Vacant c. Staff Members Present: Jacquelyn Kramer, Senior Planner Steven Okey, Associate Planner d. Council Liaison: Councilor Rosenquist 2. Consent Agenda • Corrado made a motion to approve. • Parkes seconded. • Voted unanimously for approval. 3. Public Hearings 3.a. 2120 Unity Avenue Applicant: Brad Schmertman, on behalf of the property owner Request: requests a variance to reduce the side yard setback of the principal structure from 15 feet to 12 feet. • Kramer presented the staff report. • Orenstein opened the public hearing. • Jim Ramsey lives directly across from Unity Avenue stated that he supports the application. He noted that it in no way diminishes the property value of his home or any neighbor’s homes. • Orenstein asked if there were any written statements or anyone online who wished to speak. • Kramer confirmed that there were no written statements or any online comments. • Orenstein asked the applicant to speak. • Kramer stated that there is technical difficulty with the applicant being able to speak online. • Orenstein closed the public hearing. • Orenstein asked if there were any other questions or comments. • Parkes stated that she has no issue with the variance. • Corrado stated that it is a very minor variance and he has no problem with it. • Segelbaum stated that the variance request seems to meet the prongs of the practical difficulties test that staff laid out. The two-car garage seems like a reasonable use. He also noted that there are unique circumstances that are not the fault of the landowner. He added that he appreciates the applicant only asking for a 3’ variance. April 22, 2025 – 7 pm City Hall: Council Chamber Hybrid Meeting: Teams/Phone City of Golden Valley BZA Meeting Minutes April 22, 2025 – 7 pm 2 • Orenstein added that he agrees with most of the comments made tonight. He noted that the Committee has a long history of approving these types of variances. He stated that all of the criteria seem to be met, so he is on board. • Orenstein made a motion to approve the variance request. • Parkes seconded. • Vote was taken and approved unanimously. 4. Commissioner Updates: Councilor Rosenquist • Rosenquist updated the Board on the City Council’s action to approve the variance request for 6601 Plymouth Avenue North after it was appealed to the Council, which was previously denied by the BZA at their last meeting. • Rosenquist updated the Board, stating that there are a lot of bills before the legislature that would eliminate local control of zoning and land use to some extent in residential areas. She added that the City has signed a letter that the League of Minnesota Cities has submitted opposing these bills for various reasons. She read aloud the letter and stated some concerns regarding these bills. 5. Staff Comments • Kramer stated that May 1 is the orientation and appreciation dinner for all Boards and Commissions; they should have all received an invitation to this. She stated that in May they will have new Board members. • Parkes stated that this will be her last meeting. 6. Adjourn • Vice Chair Orenstein adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m.