02-11-19 PC Agenda ;. H,,
7800 Golden Valley Road�Golden Vailey,MN 55427 � ''�� `,J ��
763-593-3992�TTY 763-593-3968�763-593-8109(fax)�www.goldenvalleymn.gov �:�o l den
Planning Commission
��� Y � �� �'�`
Feb 11,2019—7 pm
Council Chambers
R EG U LAR M E ETI N G AG E N DA Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
1. Approval of Minutes
January 28, 2019, Regular Planning Commission Meeting
2. Discussion—Architectural and Material Standards
--Short Recess--
3. Council Liaison Report
4. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council, Board of Zoning
Appeals, and other meetings
5. Other Business
6. Adjournment
This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call
763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968)to make a request. Examples of alternate formats
may inclutle large print,electronic, Braille,audiocassette,etc.
Regular Meeting of the
Golden Valley Planning Commission
January 28, 2019
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held at the Golden Valley City Hall,
Council Chambers, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota, on Monday,
January 28, 2019. Chair Baker called the meeting to order at 7 pm.
Those present were Planning Commissioners Baker, Blum, Brookins, Johnson, Pockl,
and Segelbaum. Also present were Planning Manager Jason Zimmerman and'
Administrative Assistant Lisa Wittman.
1. Approval of Minutes
January 14, 2019, Regular Planning Commission Meeting
MOVED by Johnson, seconded by Blum and motion carried unanimously to approve the
January 14, 2019, minutes as submitted.
2. Public Hearing —Zoning Code Text Amendment— Firearm Sales — ZO00-117
Applicant: City of Golden Valley
Purpose: To amend the Zoning Code to regulate the sale of firearms
Zimmerman stated that the Planning Commission has been asked to consider new
zoning regulations for the sale of firearms and reminded the Commission that this item
has been discussed at the August 15 and November 13 Council/Manager and the
December 10 and January 14 Ptanning Commission meetings.
Zimmerman explained that State law limits the ability of local municipalities to regulate
firearms beyond State statute but cities can legislate the location of firearm sales and
some site specific items within reason. He added that the regulations must be
reasonable, nondiscriminatory, and nonarbitrary and that staff is recommending
developing regulations that address the separation of firearm sales from other uses, the
security of firearm sales buildings, and site requirements.
Zimmerman referred to the current City Code and noted that firearm sales are
prohibited as a home occupation but they are allowed in the Commercial Zoning District
and are treated like any other retail sales use. He noted that in past discussions the
Commission discussed shifting firearm sales to the Light Industrial and Industrial Zoning
Districts in an effort to move the point of sale further away from concentrations of
vulnerable populations.
Zimmerman discussed some of the separation requirements of other metro area cities
including: separation of sales from residentially zoned properties, schools, religious
institutions, libraries, parks, governmental buildings, and community centers. He
reminded the Commission that their discussions included having two tiers of separation.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
January 28, 2019
Page 2
Tier 1 which would require a greater distance between sales and places where
vulnerable populations would most likely gather and Tier 2 which would require a lesser
distance between firearm sales and residentially zoned properties. He added that the
proposed new Code language would also require 1,000 feet of distance between any
two firearm sales locations.
Zimmerman showed the Commission maps that illustrated different tier 1 and tier 2
distance scenarios and said staff feels that the scenario showing a tier 1 distance of
1,000 feet and a tier 2 distance of 500 feet seems almost unreasonable, so staff is
recommending using the scenario showing a tier 1 distance of 750 and a tier 2 distance
of 375 feet because it seems more reasonable. Baker asked why staff feels that 1,000
foot buffer seems unreasonable. Zimmerman said there would only be a total of four or
five locations left in the City for selling firearms if the larger buffer area was selected so
a smaller buffer seemed more reasonable.
Zimmerman discussed some additional restrictions that have been considered such as
security and site requirements including where and how in the building firearms can be
stored, the storage of ammunition, the requirements around alarm systems, limits on
window displays, and limiting sales to a permanent building as opposed to trailers or
other in-vehicle sales.
Zimmerman highlighted some the proposed Zoning Code`text changes which include
adding firearm sales and firing ranges as prohibited uses in the Commercial Zoning
District, and adding firearm sales with the recommended distances from other uses in
the Light Industrial Zoning District and Industrial Zoning District as restricted uses.
Zimmerman noted that the current Zoning Code doesn't list many prohibited or
restricted uses and explained the Zoning Code structure which lists principal uses that
are permitted by right, accessory uses which are secondary uses permitted by right,
restricted uses which are permitted by right, but must follow specific restrictions listed in
the Zoning Code, conditional uses which are permitted uses but the City reviews them
and retains the ability to establish conditions that mitigate impacts to neighboring
properties, and prohibited uses which are uses that are not allowed. Baker asked for
some examples of restricted uses. Zimmerman explained that a restricted use may limit
the size of a use or distances from other uses such as a bar or restaurant.
Segelbaum referred to the maps of the buffer areas and asked if an applicant would be
able to ask for a variance from the buffer requirements. Zimmerman said no because
variances are not allowed in regard to use.
Pockl questioned if the sale of firearms should be specifically listed as a prohibited use
in the residential zoning districts or if that wasn't necessary because of the proposed
residential buffer areas. Zimmerman said he doesn't think that is necessary and that it
was only called out in the Commercial Zoning District language because other retail
sales are allowed in that zoning district. Segelbaum asked if that would be the same for
firing ranges because those would only be allowed as a recreational use in certain
zoning districts. Zimmerman agreed.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
January 28, 2019
Page 3
Baker questioned how to make it clear that firearm uses aren't allowed in the
Institutional Zoning Districts and used a school that wanted to do trap shooting as an
example. Zimmerman stated that there are other sections of the City Code that deal
with the discharge of firearms.
Johnson asked about firearm service in additional to sales. Zimmerman said the word
"service" could be added anywhere the word "sales" is used.
Baker opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one wishing to comment,
Baker closed the public hearing.
Segelbaum questioned if more prohibited uses should be listed in the Light lndustrial
and Industrial Zoning Districts unless staff thinks there is a loophole in t'he language.
Baker suggested that issue be reviewed with the City Attorney.
Baker asked the Commissioners how they felt about using scenario 6 which is a 750-
foot tier 1 buffer and a 375-foot tier 2 buffer. Johnson referred to the map and said there
would be approximately seven areas where firearms could be sold and in a couple of
those areas it is highly unlikely so he thinks they should be sensitive to what properties
and businesses are in those areas. Baker noted that there are approximately 11
properties.
Baker referred to scenario 5 which shows a 1,000-foot tier 1 buffer and 500-foot tier 2
buffer and said there would be five or six properties available properties with this
scenario. Zimmerman noted that two or three properties shown is this scenario might be
owned by LubeTech and probably won't change for some time.
Segelbaum referred to the State Statute and said he thinks thus far they've been
nonarbitrary and nondiscriminatory, but he is not sure how "reasonable" is defined.
Baker stated that an extreme view of reasonable would be that as long as there is one
location for firearm sales it is reasonable and that allowing none would be
unreasonable. Segelbaum noted that the City Council will also be examining what is
reasonable. He asked Zimmerman about the City Attorney's opinion. Zimmerman stated
that there isn't a lot of clarity around what is reasonable and that the City should be able
to defend the rationale behind what is adopted and base its definition of reasonable on
something rather than arbitrarily picking numbers.
Blum said he thinks any of the scenarios they've been discussing allow for multiple
properties where firearm sales could locate and that none of the maps are overly
restrictive. He said he thinks they've given their basis for reasonableness which are on
record from their prior two meetings and that the staff report also summarizes a lot of
those reasons.
Zimmerman asked the Commissioners if any of them feel that any of the scenarios
shown aren't reasonable. Segelbaum said scenario 2 (500 feet/250 feet) is the least
restrictive and is not reasonable when he considers the areas they are trying to protect.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
January 28, 2019
Page 4
He said scenario 5 (1,000 feet/500 feet) and scenario 6 (750 feet/375 feet) seem more
reasonable. Blum agreed and said the more restrictive scenarios are more likely to
accomplish their goals and still be reasonable. Johnson agreed.
Pockl said she agrees more with the scenarios that are more restrictive. She said she
thinks they've done a good job of being nondiscriminatory and nonarbitrary and have
described how they've gotten to the point of making a decision as to the populations
and areas they want to protect. She said there is a good amount of space shown on the
maps in scenarios 5 and 6 that would allow for firearm sales which is another indication
of reasonableness.
Brookins said he agrees that scenario 6 (750 feet/375 feet) does a nice job of protecting ,
the populations they've discussed while still allowing the sale of firearms.
Baker summarized that he feels that the Commission would like to state that they
support all of the recommendations made by staff and that they have a'slight differing of
opinion between scenarios 5 and 6. Johnson suggested that they take a vote regarding
preference between all three proposed scenarios. Baker said he would like it noted that
all of the Commissioners find scenario 6 acceptable. Segelbaum suggested voting on if
the Commissioners find each scenario reasonable. Baker asked the Commissioners if
scenario 2 (500 feet/250 feet) is reasonable. Commissioner Johnson said yes. Baker
asked the Commissioners if scenario 6 (750 feet/375 feet) is reasonable. All of the
Commissioners (Baker, Blum, Brookins, Johnson, Pockl, and Segelbaum) said yes.
Baker asked the Commissioners if scenario 5 (1,000 feet/500 feet) is reasonable.
Commissioners Baker, Blum, Pockl, and Segelbaum said yes. Commissioners Brookins
and Johnson said no.
MOVED by Segelbaum, seconded by Johnson and motion carried unanimously to
recommend approval of staff's proposed Zoning Code language that regulates the sale
of firearms and adopt staff's findings for reasons as to why the recommendations are
nondiscriminatory, nonarbitrary, and reasonable including the vote above taken by the
Commission.
Brookins noted that the words "or service" should be added anywhere "sales" is
mentioned.
Blum questioned if the word "firearm" should be defined. Baker suggested that question
be referred to the City Attorney.
--Short Recess--
3. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City
Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings
Zimmerman stated that architectural and materials standards will be discussed at the
next two Planning Commission meetings. He stated that future discussions will include
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
January 28, 2019
Page 5
pedestrian overlay districts starting with Douglas Drive, creating tables of uses in each
zoning district, and re-vamping the Mixed Use Zoning District.
4. Other Business
• Council Liaison Report
Councilmember Schmidgall gave an update on the last City Council meeting where the
Fire Department recognized a resident for saving the life of a co-worker using an AED
machine. Segelbaum questioned if the City requires businesses of a certain size to
have AEDs.
Schmidgall reported that there are three or four more years left in the Pavement
Management Program and stated that the City Council approved an architectu`ral
contract to improve the Council Chambers. He reminded the Commissioners about the
Joint Board/Commission meeting on January 29 and U'nder Pressure Brewery's grand
opening on February 1.
5. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 pm.
Ron Blum, Secretary Lisa Wittman, Administrative Assistant
�.;���� ���` �;
�r:
��� �� � ��� �
. ��� ,, � � �
�'h sic�l ��evel�a �.n.ent �+� ��trn.en�k
Y � �`
7b3-5�93-8035/7+�3-593-8'1t�9{��x}
Date: February 11, 2019
To: Golden Valley Planning Commission
From: Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager
Subject: Material Standards Discussion
Summary
Planning staff has been directed to research the guidelines of comparable cities that regulate
exterior building materials and provide architectural standards in their zoning codes. These
standards are usually adopted in order to establish minimum acceptable levels of design or to
ensure a minimum level of quality in materials. Depending on feedback from the Planning
Commission and the City Council, amendments to the City's Zoning Code may be recommended
for targeted zoning districts.
Background
The Planning Commission was presented with a summary of this topic in July of 2018 and was
generally supportive of moving forward with the development of architectural and material
standards. Staff has prepared this memo on material standards; a memo on architectural
standards is forthcoming.
The type and amount of various exterior materials used in construction may be regulated
through zoning. The current I-394 Mixed Use Zoning District requires exterior walls to be faced
with "glass, exterior cement plaster (stucco), natural stone, brick, architectural concrete, non-
corrugated metal, or an equivalent or better." At least 20 percent of the fa�ade facing a primary
street must be faced with Kasota stone or other indigenous dolomitic limestone, and up to 15
percent of the exterior wall surface may be wood, metal, EIFS, or other equivalent materials.
(Sec. 113-97 (k)(5))
Generally, codes that utilize material class systems break down building materials into different
categories—often categorized as Class I, Class II, Class III, etc., with Class I containing the highest
quality materials. Regulations dictate what types of materials (by class) are required or prohibited
on a fa�ade and may also include minimum (or maximum) percentages of specific classes. These
percentages may be altered for different zoning districts to meet the desired aesthetic quality.
1
Through conversations with other cities regarding their standards, it is important to note that
material standards should focus primarily on material aesthetics rather than the durability and
the structural nature of materials as this moves from a zoning code concern to a building code
issue.
Research
In 2018, staff gathered information from the codes of 15 neighboring cities. 13 of these cities
utilize material standards with varying levels of detail. Previous discussion with the Planning
Commission resulted in staff being asked to provide more information about the zoning codes
that use material class systems so that similar regulations could be considered for Golden Valley.
Below is a summary of five of the most detailed material class systems and two others that use
material lists:
Brooklyn Center All four sides of commercial buildings must have at least 50% Class I
materials*
Class I Brick or acceptable brick-type material
Marble, granite, other natural stone or acceptable natural looking stone
Textured cement stucco
Copper
Porcelain
Glass
Architectural textured concrete pre-cast panels
Other materials including masonry units with enhanced detailing such as
patterns, textures, color, dimension, banding, and brick inlay as approved
by the City Planning Commission and City Council
Class II Exposed aggregate concrete panels
Burnished concrete block
Integral colored split face (rock face) and exposed aggregate concrete block
Cast-in-place concrete
Artificial stucco (E.I.F.S., Drivit)
Artificial stone
Fiber-reinforced cement board siding with a minimum thickness of% inch
Canvas or vinyl awnings
Prefinished metal
Other materials not listed elsewhere as approved by the City Planning
Commission and City Council
Brooklyn Park Office, service, and retail buildings must have at least 65% Class I on all
sides visible from public rights-of-way and must use two types of materials
Industrial and warehouse buildings must have at least 65% Class on the
front fa�ade and at least 50% Class I on the side and read facades visible
from public rights-of-way
2
Class I Brick
Natural or cementitious stone
Glass, or other glazing materials
Masonry stucco
Architectural metal panels
Specialty concrete block (including textured, burnished block or rock faced
block)
Architecturally textured concrete precast panels
Other materials not listed elsewhere as approved by the City Manager or as
recommended by the Planning Commission
Class II Industrial grade concrete precast panels
Wood
Tile (masonry, stone or clay), ceramic
Other materials not listed elsewhere as approved by the City Manager or as
recommended by the Planning Commission
EFIS in conformance with the ICC ES report
Roseville
No less than Brick
60% Natural or cultured stone
Pre-colored, factory stained, or stained-on-site textured precast concrete
panels
Textured concrete block
Stucco
Glass
Fiberglass
Similar materials
No more than Pre-finished metal
40% Cor-ten steel
Copper
Premium grade wood with mitered outside corners (e.g., cedar, redwood,
and fir)
Fiber cement board
St. louis Park For each building face visible from off the site, need at least 60% Class I, no
more than 10% Class III.*
Class I* Brick
Marble
Granite or other natural stone
Textured cement stucco
Copper
Porcelain
Glass
Class II Exposed aggregate concrete panels
Burnished concrete block
3
Integral colored split face (rock face) and exposed aggregate concrete block
Cast-in-place concrete
Artificial stucco (E.I.F.S., Drivit)
Artificial stone
Fiber reinforced cement board siding with a minimum thickness of% inch
Prefinished metal
Class III Unpainted or surface painted concrete block (scored or unscored)
Unpainted or surface painted plain or ribbed concrete panels
Unfinished or surface painted metal
Woodbury
Class I Conventional brick, nominal four-inch width
Natural or cultured stone
Glass
Copper
Class II Specialty concrete block such as textured, burnished block or rock faced
block
Architecturally precast textured concrete or brick panels
Masonry stucco
Ceramic
Class III Exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS)
Opaque panels
Ornamental metal
Fiber-cement exterior siding
Thin brick veneer
Class IV Smooth concrete block
Smooth scored concrete block
Smooth concrete tip up panels
Glass block
Wood
Coon Rapids No more than 35% of any one material on a fa�ade visible from the public
right-of-way (commercial and institutional uses); no more than 65%for
industrial uses
Exterior Building Brick or similar custom masonry unit having brick like appearance
Materials* Natural or cementitious stone
Architectural glass (i.e., curtain wall)
Architectural, single skin roll formed profiles metal panel, minimum 22
gauge
Masonry stucco, or EFIS in conformance with ICC ES report
Integrally colored split face (rock face), burnished or glazed concrete
masonry units
4
Integrally colored architecturally precast concrete panels having an exposed
aggregate, light sandblast, acid etch, form liner, natural stone veneer,
brick face and/or cast stone type finish (excluding single-T or double-T
panels, plain, uncolored, or raked finish)
Plymouth
Exterior Building Brick
Finishes* Natural stone
Integral colored split face (rock face) concrete block
Cast in place concrete or pre-cast concrete panels
Wood, provided the surfaces are finished for exterior use or wood of
proven exterior durability is used, such as cedar, redwood, or cypress
Curtain wall panels of steel, fiberglass and aluminum (nonstructural, non-
load bearing), provided such panels are factory fabricated and finished
with a durable non-fade surface and their fasteners are of a corrosion
resistant design
Glass curtain wall panels
Stucco
Vinyl
Other materials determined as acceptable by the Zoning Administrator
*Various exceptions and additional regulations exist for different zoning districts
In order to help the Commission visualize how the Class percentages translate to facades, Staff
has prepared exhibits of three building elevation plans in St. Louis Park along with the completed
structures. These images will be displayed at the meeting.
The Commission previously considered if material standards should address green or recycled
materials. This topic is included as a goal in the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the
Environmental Commission will be working to develop green infrastructure design standards
which will include recommendations for sustainable construction practices.
Discussion Questions
The Planning Commission has already indicated it believes Golden Valley should use a material
class system. There was consensus at the previous meeting that it should initially be applied to
commercial, office, industrial, and multi-family uses, but not to single family homes or duplexes
in the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts. Institutional zoning districts were not discussed specifically.
A number of questions remain for discussion before zoning text language can be drafted:
• How many classes should be used?
• Which materials should be included in each class?
• What are the minimum and maximum percentages required for each class?
• Should these percentages vary depending on type of fa�ade (front/rear/side, visible from
public right-of-way)?
• Should these percentages vary depending on zoning district?
5
• How should additions to existing (non-conforming) buildings be handled?
Staff Recommendations
While area municipalities have adopted a wide variety of zoning regulations regarding all aspects
of materials, staff has attempted to sift through the many options and is proposing the following
requirements as a starting point for consideration:
Golden Valley
Class I Brick
Natural stone
Glass
Copper
Porcelain
Masonry/textured cement stucco
Other materials not listed elsewhere as approved by the City Manager or as
recommended by the Planning Commission
Class II Specialty concrete block
Architecturally textured concrete precast panels
Artificial stone
Artificial stucco (E.I.F.S., Drivit)
Fiber reinforced cement board siding
Prefinished metal
Cast-in-place concrete
Other materials not listed elsewhere as approved by the City Manager or as
recommended by the Planning Commission
Class III Unpainted or surface painted concrete block
Unpainted or surface painted plain or ribbed concrete panels
Unfinished or surface painted metal
Wood
Glass block
Other materials not listed elsewhere as approved by the City Manager or as
recommended by the Planning Commission
Prohibited Sand lime brick
Concrete brick
Unfinished structural clay tile
Unfinished sheet metal
Exposed unfinished concrete
Elevations shall consist of at least 60% Class I, no more than 10% Class III for: Medium Density
Residential (R-3), High Density Residential (R-4), Commercial, Office, Institutional, Mixed Use
• Fa�ades not visible from the public right-of-way: reduce Class I minimum to 50%
6
Elevations shall consist of at least 50% Class I, no more than 20% Class III for: Light Industrial,
Industrial
• Fa�ades not visible from the public right-of-way: reduce Class I minimum to 40%
Every fa�ade must use a minimum of two types of Class I materials.
Any building additions or expansions must consist of at least 90% Class I materials until the
minimum Class I percentage requirement has been met.
Action Requested
Staff would like feedback on the proposed material standards so that draft language for a zoning
text amendment can be prepared for a future public hearing.
Attachments
Minutes from the Planning Commission meeting of July 9, 2018 (5 pages)
7
Regular Meeting of the
Golden Valley Planning Commission
July 9, 2018
gular meeting of the Planning Co mission was held at the Golden Valley City Hall,
Co ' Chambers, 7800 Golden Vall Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota, on Monday,
July 9, . Chair Baker called the eting to order at 7 pm.
Those present w lanning Commi ioners Angell, Baker, , Blum, Brookins,
Johnson, and Segelb . Also prese was Planning ger Jason Zimmerman,
Planning Intern Amy Mor , and Ad inistrative ant Lisa Wittman. Commissioner
Pockl was absent.
�
1. Approval of Minutes
June 11, 2018, Regula annin Co ission Meeting
Blum referred to the � sentence o age four� '`� asked that the word "electric" be
removed. He als sked that collect , restored, an onstructed vehicles be added to
the list of thi that are "not allowed to be stored in a f� ard rather than saying that
they "ma " stored in a front yard.
M D by Segelbaum, seconded b Brookins and motion carried 5 �` approve the
ne 11, 2018, minutes with the abo noted corrections. Baker abstaine� voting.
2. Discussion — Material and Architectural Standards
Zimmerman stated that the Physical Development Director, City Manager, and City
Council are interested in exploring the possibility of adding material and architectural
standards to the Zoning Code. �
Baker questioned the issue trying to be fixed. Zimmerman stated that generally, there
have been few problems and that developers typically want to build high quality buildings.
The concern is builders who might not want to do that so the City is considering regulating
and overseeing materials and architectural standards.
Zimmerman explained that development is typically subject to up to three types of
aesthetic controls. The first is site design, which regulates where site elements such as
structures, access points, parking, and landscaping can be located on a property. The
second type of aesthetic control is architectural standards which usually dictate building
elements that must me included, or prohibited in the design of new buildings, such as
variations in wall depth, the presence of windows, doors, massing, and screening. The
third type of aesthetic control is regulating the type and amount of various exterior
materials used in construction.
Baker referred to the research regarding other cities' requirements and stated that no
cities appear to have material or architectural standards in their single family residential
zoning districts. Zimmerman said he does not know of any cities that have regulations in
their single family zoning districts. He stated that staff is looking for feedback from the
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
July 9, 2018
Page 2
Commission if this is something they'd like the City to regulate and a sense of what is
practical. Blum stated that since he has been on the Planning Commission he has heard
residents say that they want variety. He said he doesn't want to decide what is good or
bad, but he does want variety, not sameness in the R-1 Zoning District.
Morgan stated that the majority of surrounding cities have some sort of architectural
standards and that some have massing standards which dictate architectural design
elements such as height, building articulations, rhythm of openings, etc. She added that
cities primarily look at the quality of materials and that they need to be something
quantifiable and not subjective. She explained that cities typically break down building
materials into different categories, often categorized as Class I, Class II, and Class III
materials. Class I is the highest quality such as brick and stone and Class III is the lowest
quality.
Segelbaum asked if the classes are based on durability or aesthetics. Morgan stated that
the classes are based on both. She noted that some cities state what they won't allow
rather than listing everything they do allow and a lot of cities require different percentages
by zoning district. She reiterated that the question is if the City wants to regulate by using
materials or massing standards and if there should be a list of materials the City wants
people to use, or if it should be regulated by zoning district. She suggested starting small
and developing the sfandards over time.
Segelbaum questioned if people have been able to get around the standards. Morgan
noted that most cities have a discretionary phrase in their codes that grant exceptions or
allow other suitable materials. Blum said he likes Brooklyn Park's language that states
"Other materials not listed elsewhere as approved by the City Manager or as
recommended by the Planning Commission."
Segelbaum questioned how grandfathering in existing buildings would work. Zimmerman
stated that the City could have regulations that would apply to any new buildings or
additions, but not to existing buildings. Morgan added that the language in the existing I-
394 Mixed Use Zoning District requires buildings to be brought up to code if they are
making changes that affect more than 500 square feet or 10% of gross floor area of the
building. Blum said he likes the idea of requiring buildings to be brought up to code in a
fair and reasonable way by a certain date even if that date is far in the future, because
then a building wouldn't be left as-is or non-compliant forever. Zimmerman stated that this
would require a sunset provision be added to the code language.
Angell stated that Brooklyn Center uses the materials class system in different areas as
they redevelop and it works very well. He added that he would like to see the City require
Class I materials and a variety of styles.
Zimmerman showed the Commissioners some photos of different buildings that used a
variety of materials and different architectural styles. The Commissioners discussed what
the liked and didn't like about the photos.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
July 9, 2018
Page 3
Blum asked if there would be similar requirements for signage and if there would be
requirements regarding the screening air conditioning vents.
Baker said he doesn't want to eliminate the ability to provide affordable housing.
Blum questioned if the same quality of building materials should be used on all sides of a
building and not just on the front facade. Zimmerman stated that requiring the same
quality of building materials on all sides of a building usually depends on the activities
occurring such as a loading dock area on an industrial building.
Blum questioned if landscaping requirements are a part of this discussion. Zimmerman
stated that Golden Valley has a section of Code regarding landscaping and noted that
some cities require more landscaping than others.
Blum asked if burying utilities would be addressed because he would like to see that as a
requirement in every zoning district. Segelbaum said he thinks requiring power lines to be
buried in the Commercial zoning district makes sense, but he doesn't think the City
should make the developer of one new house bury the power lines.
Baker said he thinks any proposed requirements should use fewer, precise words and not
get too prescriptive. Blum suggested having design rules that create diversity but don't
restrict development from happening.
Brookins questioned if the materials they received at the recent TOD meeting could be
used. Zimmerman said that could be used along with the language that already exists in
the Zoning Code for the Mixed Use Zoning District.
Baker asked about addressing sustainable energy, energy efficiency, and the use of
recycled materials. Zimmerman stated that many of those types of items are addressed in
other sections of the City Code and in the Building Code, but any new Zoning Code
language could help to incentivize the use of recycled materials and energy efficiency.
Blum asked about the City of St. Paul's requirements regarding carbon-neutral buildings.
Baker said he'd like Golden Valley to do that as well.
Segelbaum said he would like to be in the middle of the most restrictive cities and the
lease restrictive cities. He stated that the information they received at the TOD
presentation seems to be the future and he would like to start by applying some of those
regulations then get into recycled materials, etc. because he doesn't want the City to
legislate itself out of development.
Johnson questioned if they are looking at the right things and said Golden Valley is a fully
developed city. He said the City should have a lowest common denominator and be on
the same wave length as other cities but he feels it is hypocritical to tell companies what
do and if energy efficiency is the route the City wants to take they should be looking at the
whole city, including residential and not just commercial buildings. Blum agreed and said
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
July 9, 2018
Page 4
the requirements should be thoughtful and reasonable and look at diversity rather than
more prescriptive methods.
Baker said the consensus seems to be that the Planning Commission is willing to
embrace some of the standards from all three of the types of aesthetic controls
Zimmerman discussed. He said he would also like to include residential properties in the
discussion. Zimmerman stated that discussion seemed more about energy efficiencies
and less about aesthetics.
Baker reiterated that he would like to see some sustainability language added. Blum said
he would like to see a carbon-neutral deadline date even if it is way out in the future.
Black questioned if it is economically efficient to make every house sustainable. Baker
said that they could look at certain features in the residential zoning districts that move
the City toward energy efficiency.
Brookins said he thinks the Mixed Use area should be the first area addressed since
there are already some regulations in that district. He added that he is less inclined to do
anything in the residential zoning districts.
Johnson suggested looking at what has built within the last five years and how they would
fit in with the recommended standards.
Brookins said he would recommend grandfathering in every property until it gets
redeveloped.
Black questioned if these standards are required for minor changes or remodels if the City
would be de-incentivizing developers. Segelbaum said people want to do developments
in Golden Valley and that there should be some requirements regarding materials and
architecture.
Reports on Meeti s of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City
Council, Board of oning Appeals and other Meetings
No re rts were given.
4. Oth usiness
Zimmerman re ' ded e Co sioners about the Downtown Study kick-off on July 18.
• Council Liais eport
No report w iven.
5. journment
e meeting was adjo ' ned at 8:25' .