10-08-12 PC Minutes Workshop Meeting of the
Golden Valley Planning Commission
October 8, 2012
A warkshop meeting of the Planning Commission was held at fhe Golden Valley City Hall,
Council Chambers, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota, on Monday,
October 8, 2012. Chair Waldhauser called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.
Those present were Planning Commissioners, Cera, Kisch, Kluchka, McCarty,
Segelbaum and Waldhauser. Also present were Directar of Planning and Qevelopment
Mark Grimes and City Planner Joe Hogeboom. Commissioner Schmidgall was absent.
1. Approval of Minutes
September 10, 2012 Regular Planning Commission Meeting
MOVED by Waldhauser, seconded by Kisch and motion carried unanimously to
approve the September 10, 2012 minutes as submitted.
2. Brainstorming
Hogeboam introduced the Planning Commission Brainstorming Session. Hogeboom
explained that the Planning Commission is holding an informal brainstorming session to
discuss various topics related to the duties of the Planning Commission. The following
issues were discussed.
A. 2013 Planning Commission Meeting Schedule
Hogeboom explained that staff is currently creating the 2013 Planning Commission
meeting schedule. Ta eliminate confusion with development project scheduling, as
well as to better coordinate public hearings with City Council meetings, staff
proposed to reduce the number of monthly Planning Commission meetings to one
meeting per month.
The Planning Commissian agreed to publish one meeting per month in 2013, which
would be the first monthly Planning Commission meeting, which is typically held on
the second Monday of the month. The Commission then proposed to leave the
second monthly meeting on its schedule in case it is needed. Staff and the Planning
Commission will determine, on a case-by-case basis, if a second "back-up" monthly
meeting is needed.
B. PUD Process
Hogeboom stated that staff has received feedback from several of the Planning
Commissioners regarding the PUD process and whether or not it could be modified
to allow the Planning Commission to have greater control over development site
design elements and landscaping requirements. Hogeboom clarified that the
Preliminary PUD approval process allows the Planning Commission and the City
Council to approve the concept of a development, but that design modifications can
still be made during the Final PUD process.
The Planning Commission agreed to study current design requirements (which exist
for the I-394 Mixed Use Zoning District) in greater detail and see if they should be
applied mare broadly to development. The Planning Commission discussed the
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
October 8, 2012
Page 2
possibility of expanding its role as a "Design Review Board" and agreed to bring the
matter for discussion at the upcoming HRA/Planning Commission workshop.
C. Solar Access Ordinance
Mark Grimes shared that he recently became aware of an opportunity to receive free
assistance in drafting a solar energy access ordinance. Grimes explained that
current City regulations may need to be updated as trends and technology change,
and it may now be a goad opportunity to evaluate current ordinances.
The Planning Commission showed an interest in evaluating solar energy regulations
and requested staff to contact Brian Ross, CR Planning, for more information. Staff
will provide an update of the scope of work available from CR Planning at a future
meeting.
D. Tree House/Play Structure Regulations
Hogeboom stated that he has been receiving complaints about tree houses, play
forts and swing sets that are perceived to be too tall and too close to property lines.
Hogeboom stated that the City does regulate "accessory structures" in the R-1
Single Family Zoning District, but it typically does not regulate play structures.
Hogeboom further explained that City Code currently does not define play
structures.
Waldhauser stated that she believed that it would be worthwhile for staff to study this
issue and introduce a draft ordinance that would regulate play structures. She
suggested that staff evaluate play structure and other accessory and dwelling unit
regulations in neighboring communities. She also suggested that staff get an opinion
about play structure regulations from the City Attorney. Grimes agreed and stated
that he would provide an update to the Planning Commission at a later meeting.
3. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City
Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings
No reports were given.
4. Other Business
No other business was discussed.
5. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm.
David A. Cera, Secretary