2025-07-22 MIN BZA Meeting w.Attachment
MEETING MINUTES
1. Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement
• Chair Orenstein called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and read the Land Acknowledgement.
a. Members Present: Corrado, Orenstein, Tapio, Commissioner Sicotte
b. Member Absent: Brookins
c. Student Member: Vacant
d. Staff Members Present: Jacquelyn Kramer, Senior Planner, Steven Okey, Associate Planner
e. Council Liaison: Denise LaMere-Anderson
2. Consent Agenda
2.a. Approval of the agenda
2.b. Approval of May 27, 2025 Meeting Minutes
• Corrado made a motion to approve.
• Tapio seconded.
• Voted unanimously for approval.
3. Public Hearings
3.a. 521 Indiana Avenue
Applicant: Jon Miskowiec on behalf of property owner Paul Johnson
Request: Request for a variance from the City Code Section 113-88 Single-Family Residential R-1
Zoning District, subsection (e).(1).c.3 to reduce the required side setback by 2 feet 6 inches for a
portion of the structure above 13 feet from the 8-foot requirement to 5 feet 6 inches. The
variance, if approved, would allow for construction of a new two-story single-family dwelling.
• Okey presented the staff report.
• Corrado asked for clarification on the soil study.
• Okey stated that a full study was done, but they just didn’t include it in the packet.
• Architect Austin Watanabe spoke on behalf of the applicant:
o He stated his relation to the applicant.
o He discussed the sidewall requirements and the issues they are having with this
property.
o He explained the soil report. He noted that the soil report speaks to the
practical difficulty of this request.
o He presented the diagrams of the property.
• Orenstein noted that since this is a new build, they could explore other options.
• Austin Watanabe explained that there are issues they run into with other options.
• Tapio asked what accommodations this build will provide and if they need all 2250 sf for
this property.
• Austin Watanabe stated that design is custom to what the property owner likes. He
noted that they are not doing anything palatial on this property.
July 22, 2025 – 7 pm
City Hall: Council Chamber
City of Golden Valley BZA Meeting Minutes
July 22, 2025 – 7 pm
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• Orenstein asked if they could make any adjustments to the layout of the home to better
fit the kitchen.
• Austin Watanabe stated that they could make those adjustments, but it would not be
ideal in a new build.
• Okey clarified that setbacks are measured to the exterior wall, not the framing.
• Orenstein opened the public hearing.
• Orenstein stated that the applicant provided a letter from the neighbors in support (see
attachment A).
• Orenstein asked if there was anyone online who wished to speak.
• Kramer confirmed no one was online who wished to speak.
• Orenstein closed the public hearing.
• Orenstein asked staff for feedback to adjust the setback as mentioned.
• Kramer noted that staff have discussed this as a path forward. She reviewed the options
that they have when moving forward with the application.
• Orenstein noted that this property does not meet the criteria in many places.
• Corrado stated that he understands many of the points that the applicant has brought
up, but he does not see that this property meets the criteria enough to recommend
approval.
• Orenstein noted that this is a tough decision, and they usually like to find a solution for
each application.
• Builder Jon Miskowiec spoke on behalf of the applicant:
o He explained the issues with the foundation of the home that increase the risk
of flooding on the current property.
o He also noted that digging into the basement creates a risk that is unnecessary
and creates hardship.
• Sicotte stated that he does not see an issue with enlarging the building to the west. He
added that there should be a planning solution that could keep the overall idea.
• Kramer provided further information on other paths they could take on this item
without approval or denial tonight.
• Orenstein stated that he is not comfortable approving this item.
• Sicotte stated agreement on not moving forward with approval.
• Tapio asked staff for details on the reasons why the 13-foot rules might be
implemented.
• Okey explained that this is due to concerns from the public about narrow properties and
getting very tall walls next to them.
• Orenstein asked for a motion.
• Orenstein motioned to deny the variance request.
• Corrado seconded.
• Voted unanimously for denial.
4. Commissioner Updates: LaMere-Anderson
• LaMere-Anderson updated the Board on the recent City Council action.
• LaMere-Anderson stated that the City is the recipient of a Step 5 GreenStep City Award.
She explained what the award recognizes in each City.
• LaMere-Anderson noted that the City has declared August 5 as National Night Out.
City of Golden Valley BZA Meeting Minutes
July 22, 2025 – 7 pm
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• LaMere-Anderson provided an update on a recent water pressure system issue in the
City.
• LaMere-Anderson noted that the window for running for City Council is open from July
29-August 12. She stated that two seats will be open. The election is on November 4th.
5. Staff Comments
None.
6. Adjourn
• Chair Orenstein adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
Attachment A