2019-04-22 EC Agenda Packet
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of March 25, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes
5. Old Business
A. Solid Waste Collection Update (25 min)
B. Pollinator Protection Resolution (10 min)
(Action requested)
C. Annual Report and 2019 Work Plan (10 min)
D. Removing Barriers to Local Food Production (25 min)
(Action requested)
6. New Business
A. Program/Project Updates (10 min)
B. Council Updates (5 min)
C. Other Business
7. Adjournment
April 22, 2019 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
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REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Chair Hill.
2. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Tracy Anderson, Tonia Galonska, Lynn Gitelis (arrived 6:40pm), Dawn Hill,
Scott Seys, Jim Stremel and Debra Yahle
Commissioners absent: Joseph Ramlet
Council Liaison: Larry Fonnest (arrived 6:40pm)
Staff present: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor and Claire Huisman,
Administrative Assistant
3. Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Anderson to approve the agenda of
March 25, 2019 as submitted and the motion carried.
4. Approval of Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Says, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve the minutes of
February 25, 2019 as submitted with one spelling correction for the name “Seys” and the motion carried.
5A. Draft Pollinator Protection Resolution
Eckman reviewed the draft Pollinator Resolution with the Commission. The following remarks and edits
were suggested:
• #2c – omit the word “forthcoming”
• #2d – change the number 32 to read 30
• #3a – add the word “City” before the word “campuses”
• Add as “3i” language to include: “Coordinating pollinator efforts with county, state and federal
agencies as appropriate.”
• #4 – it was agreed that no group shall be named in the resolution but a MOU will be drafted to
work with a specific organization.
• #6 – add at the end for those receiving copies of the resolution to include: “MPCA, DNR and other
appropriate agencies.”
• It was suggested that the City put a notice of the Pollinator Resolution on the website and in the
city newsletter to alert residents of this new policy once it is approved by Council.
March 25, 2019 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
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5B. Draft Annual Report and 2019 Work Plan
Eckman reviewed the draft annual report and 2019 Work Plan with the Commission requesting approval
of the content. Suggested edits included:
• Define the dates as “term expires” on pg. 2 which follow the Commissioners names.
• Make note that the Commission’s year runs from May 1st to April 30th.
• Rearrange bullets on pg. 4 “2018 Accomplishments” in order of importance. GreenStep Cities
accomplishments should be moved to the top of the list as bullets 1 & 2 with the Comprehensive
Plan listed after that as bullet 3. Solid Waste Collection, Recycling and Curbside Textile Recycling
will fall in line after the Comprehensive Plan as bullets 4 thru 8. The draft pollinator resolution
will come in next as bullet 9.
• Add the words “and scooter” to the bullet referring to LimeBike bike and scooter share program.
• Name the chapters of the Comprehensive Plan that the Environmental Commission helped to
develop in the bullet referring to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
• Pg. 6 2019 Proposed Work Plan – replace the word “host” with a more appropriate word such as
“endorse or sponsor” or “assist the City with hosting” under bullet 2.
• Pg. 6 – move bullet 7 regarding Natural Resources Management Plan to become bullet 5.
• Cover page should include picture of solar array from Resilience and Sustainability Plan. Also,
include pictures of Bassett Creek Restoration Project and other pictures of water areas.
MOTION by Commissioner Gitelis, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to approve draft Annual Report and
2019 Work Plan with the suggested amendments and the motion carried.
6A. Removing Barriers to Local Food Production
Eckman presented the report which identified the different classifications of local food production. The
Commission was asked to provide feedback on the various types of farms and gardens and recommend
which type of operations should be allowed in the City. Classifications included Home Garden,
Community Garden, and Urban Farm (including outdoor, rooftop, indoor, aquaponics, and aeroponics
facilities). The Commission provide the following feedback:
Home gardening
Backyard gardening on single-family properties was seen as acceptable, but there was no consensus on
whether or not front yard gardening was okay.
Community gardens
Would need considerations for location (zoning district), size of garden and property, parking, storage of
tools, smell, noise, aesthetics, screening from other uses, site conditions like topography, soils, and
availability of water and sunlight, and public demand for garden, among other things. Also, need to
clarify whether or not food from community gardens can be sold.
Multi-family residential - The Commission supports community gardens on these properties.
Employee gardens at businesses – The Commission cited examples of employee gardens in
the community. The Commission generally supports these types of gardens if there are
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rules like setbacks and screening. There was a question about whether a restaurant can
grow food on site for use in its business.
Institutional properties (like schools, religious facilities) – The Commission supports gardens
in these locations “by right” but with some rules. An example cited was Valley Presbyterian
Church community garden.
City-owned properties like parks and campuses – The Commission did not feel that
community gardens should be allowed “by right” on City properties. The City should first
consider location, site conditions, and demand before allowing a garden.
Urban Farming
The Commission liked the idea of urban farming, as it can feed thousands, while home gardens and
community gardens feed hundreds. The Commission preferred indoor farming and rooftop farming
operations to larger outdoor farms which use valuable land for a short growing season. The Commission
did not support outdoor operations over 1 acre in size. The Commission thought it was appropriate that
indoor and rooftop farming operations be located in business zones such as industrial, light industrial,
commercial. The City would also have to consider impacts on the community and other properties such
as lighting, smell, and retail sales. For example, should retail sales be allowed only by CUP.
Other comments provided by the Commission:
• Consult the Community Garden Resource Guide (online, but website may no longer be supported)
6B. Program/Projects Update
The complete Program/Project Update is on file.
6C. Council Updates
Council member Fonnest stated that the League of Women Voters will be presenting their Solid Waste
Report to the Council. The Council may wait for the Commissions review of the report before any final
decisions are made.
6D. Other Business
Chair Hill reminded the Commissioners that letters were due for those who wished to continue as a
Commissioner for another term. Also, election of officers will be during the May meeting.
7. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Yahle to adjourn the meeting at
8:35pm and the motion carried.
________________________________
Dawn Hill, Chair
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant
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Date: April 19, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Subject: Solid Waste Collection Update
Physical Development Director Marc Nevinski will be in attendance to discuss the City’s plans
with respect to solid waste collection.
Prior to the meeting, Commission members should review the memo and attachments provided
in the April 9 Council Manager packet and the report provided by the League of Women Voters
emailed to you on April 3.
Link to April 9 Council Manager packet:
http://weblink-int/weblink/0/doc/789883/Page1.aspx
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Date: April 19, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: Pollinator Protection Resolution
The Environmental Commission’s 2018 Work Plan includes the creation of a Pollinator
Resolution. The goal of the resolution is to summarize the City’s current efforts regarding
pollinators, habitat, and education/awareness, and to expand on these efforts to include new
policies and actions established in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan that reflect the community’s
values. It also opens the door to partnerships with non-profits or citizen groups to work with
the City to help provide educational opportunities.
Attached is a draft resolution that reflects the Commission’s comments provided at its March 25 meeting
as well as additional input from the People for Pollinators Golden Valley citizen group. Please review and
be prepared to discuss at the meeting.
Following discussion, the Commission is requested to make a motion to support the resolution and
forward it to City Council for consideration.
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Resolution 19-xx May 21, 2019
Member introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ENDORSING POLLINATOR PROTECTION AND
PROMOTING POLLINATOR HABITAT
WHEREAS, pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial
insects and wildlife species, are an indispensable component of a healthy and
resilient ecosystem. Pollinators support Minnesota’s economies, providing food for
humans and wildlife and sustaining plants which improve water and air quality,
prevent soil erosion, and store carbon; and
WHEREAS, scientific research has shown that pollinator populations are in
rapid decline in the State of Minnesota, and across the United States; and
WHEREAS, research has shown that the decline is a result of multiple,
interacting factors, including loss of food and habitat, pathogens and parasites, and
the exposure to pesticides, including neonicotinoids; and
WHEREAS, neonicotinoids are a class of systemic chemical insecticides that
have been shown to impair pollinators at low doses and kill them at higher doses;
and
WHEREAS, Minnesota state law preempts municipalities' ability to regulate
pesticides, but does not restrict a municipality's treatment of the land it manages;
and
WHEREAS, Golden Valley citizens are concerned about the well-being of
pollinators; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Comprehensive Plan includes goals, policies and
implementation actions that protect and improve pollinator health, increase pollinator
habitat, reduce the use of chemicals such as pesticides, and lower maintenance inputs
and costs; and
WHEREAS, we find these actions to be in the public interest and demonstrates
the City’s commitment to a safe and healthy environment for people, pollinators, and
other wildlife.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Golden Valley that:
1. The City of Golden Valley is hereby declared a Pollinator Friendly Community.
2. The City celebrates its existing policies, practices, and actions that protect and
promote pollinator health, including but not limited to:
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a. Adopting a Natural Resources Management Plan and a Resilience and
Sustainability Plan.
b. Protecting, enhancing, restoring, and creating new pollinator and
wildlife habitat through the construction of public projects and private
developments.
c. Creating a pollinator garden within a landscape island in the City Hall
parking lot with educational signage.
d. Managing an annual contract with a native vegetation company to monitor
and maintain over 30 native vegetation buffer areas in the City utilizing an
integrated plant management strategy which uses chemicals as a last
resort.
e. Employing adaptive management strategies within City nature areas
and open spaces including the removal of invasive species and
planting more diverse and resilient native species.
f. Converting non-programmed spaces within City parks and golf course
areas from high-maintenance turf to low-maintenance turf alternatives,
and naturalizing shoreline areas along creeks and ponds.
g. Refraining from using insecticides containing neonicotinoids to treat City
property.
h. Applying phosphorus-free fertilizer and herbicide on high-use turf
areas (athletic fields, Brookview park, city campuses) on a limited, as-
needed basis and utilizing technology to more efficiently and effectively
target and apply product.
i. Staff overseeing chemical application are trained and certified by the
Minnesota Department of Agriculture and all products are applied
according to state and federal law and label recommendations.
j. The City retains Hennepin County Sentencing to Service crews to perform
tasks including weeding rain gardens, planters, and medians, and
controlling buckthorn and other non-native plants within nature areas and
open spaces, reducing the need for chemical treatment in these areas.
k. A significant amount of milkweed growing in public spaces and along
rights-of-ways is retained and has been planted in planters, medians and
along roadways.
l. Encouraging developers and contractors, through codes, permits, and
development plan reviews, to plant more diverse native species and
pollinator habitat.
m. Working with the City’s Environmental Commission to provide public
education and awareness about pollinators, habitat, and sustainable
yards and gardens via articles, social media, workshops, and other
community events.
3. The City shall undertake its best efforts to promote healthy environments including
food sources, clean water and habitat for pollinators through existing programs and new
opportunities, including:
a. Increasing the amount of native vegetation cover and pollinator habitat
throughout the City, including parks and open spaces, along streets, and
in City campuses and parking lots.
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b. Preserving and protecting natural areas and open spaces to maintain and
attract pollinators and other desired wildlife species.
c. Reviewing its current land management practices with respect to pollinator
health and habitat.
d. Continuing to reduce and better target the application of chemicals, such
as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides while providing high quality turf in
its high-use areas.
e. Undertaking its best efforts to avoid application of chemicals in City parks
and campuses when such spaces are in use by the public.
f. Taking inventory of the chemicals used on City property and making that
list available to the public.
g. Establishing land management standards and best management practices
that lower inputs and cost and maximize resilience (i.e. utilize low
maintenance turf alternatives, replace turfgrasses with native and resilient
species wherever possible)
h. Undertaking its best efforts to purchase plants, directly or through
contract, that have not been pre-treated with pesticides, specifically
neonicotinoids.
i. Educating residents about the importance of creating and maintaining
pollinator friendly habitat and encourage residents and businesses to use
pollinator friendly practices.
j. Encouraging residents to participate in City volunteer programs that
improve pollinator habitat and contribute to a safe environment.
k. Coordinate pollinator efforts with County, State, and Federal agencies as
appropriate.
4. The City may work with a non-profit or citizen group to help accomplish its goals
involving education, awareness, and outreach, including hosting community
events and workshops. In such case, a memorandum of understanding shall be
executed to clarify the relationship.
5. The City shall post a copy of this resolution on the City website and provide
information and a link to the website in the CityNews.
6. The City shall transmit copies of this resolution to the Minnesota Department of
Agriculture, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources, the Governor of Minnesota, State Representatives and
Senators, U.S. Representatives and Senators, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and other appropriate agencies.
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_____________________________
Shepard M. Harris, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Kris Luedke, City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Member
and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
and the following voted against the same:
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the Mayor
and his signature attested by the City Clerk.
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Date: April 19, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Subject: Draft Annual Report and 2019 Work Plan
A draft annual report and work plan was approved by the Commission at its March 25 meeting.
Communications staff updated the document based on Commission’s comments and the final
version is attached for reference.
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DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
2018 ANNUAL REPORT AND
2019 WORK PLAN
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2018 Environmental Commission
Commissioners
Dawn Hill, Chair (2021)
Tonia Galonska, Vice-Chair (2019)
Tracy Anderson (2020)
Lynn Gitelis (2020)
Scott Seys (2021)
Jim Stremel (2020)
Debra Yahle (2019)
Joseph Ramlet, Student (2019)
Note: Terms run May 1-April 30
Council Liaison
Larry Fonnest
City Staff
Eric Eckman, Development and Assets Supervisor
Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Claire Huisman, Administrative Assistant
Purpose and Mission
The Environmental Commission has been established to advise and make recommendations to the
City Council in matters relating to and affecting the environment.
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Table of Contents
2018 Accomplishments page 4
2019 Proposed Work Plan page 6
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2018 Accomplishments
GreenStep Cities
• Completed Steps 3 and 4 of the GreenStep Cities
Program, including metrics and measures in the
following topic areas:
o buildings and lighting
o renewable energy
o land use
o transportation and fleet
o surface water
o green buildings
A link to the summary of the Golden Valley’s
GreenStep Cities progress is located at
https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/
cityInfo.cfm?ctu_code=2394924
• Reviewed and documented additional 2018
GreenStep projects and actions, including:
o installation of the City’s first EV charging
station in City Hall parking lot
o conversion of all Xcel Energy street lights to
3000K LED
o participation in the Lime bike/scooter-share
program
o installation of metered water filters on City Hall
drinking fountains
• Supported the City’s application for a MN GreenCorps
Member for 2019-2020 to complete GreenStep Cities
actions related to waste reduction, recycling, and
composting/organics management.
Comprehensive Plan
• Worked with the community and staff on the final
recommendation of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan,
specifically Chapter 5: Water Resources, Chapter 6:
Parks and Natural Resources, and Chapter 7:
Resilience and Sustainability.
Council Members accepted Golden Valley’s
GreenStep Cities Step 3 designation in June.
(Photo by GreenStep Cities)
An EV charging station was installed on the City
Hall Campus in 2018.
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Solid Waste And Recycling
• Continued to assist staff and City Council with the community’s solid waste collection
discussion.
• Toured the Republic Services recycling facility and provided a summary of the tour.
• Reviewed and provided feedback on the City’s recycling contract.
• Initiated the City’s new curbside textile recycling program.
Natural Resources Management
• Drafted a comprehensive pollinator protection resolution for Council consideration.
• Toured the City’s nature areas and developed a prioritization matrix for guiding improvements.
• Facilitated a discussion on the status of the City’s Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan.
Energy Use
• Worked with staff to provide an update on the City’s energy consumption.
Sustainability And Resilience
• Used the Environmental Commission annual budget to host a MetroBlooms workshop on
resilient yards and gardens at Brookview.
• Began working with the Planning Commission and staff to review city code and remove barriers
to producing local food (vertical greenhouses, urban farms).
Protecting pollinators is an Environmental Commission
priority.
The City’s 2015 Bassett Creek Restoration Project
provides a guide for further nature area improvements.
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2019 Proposed Work Plan
Proposed work plan priorities for 2019 are based on goals in the Resilience & Sustainability, Water
Resources, and Parks & Natural Resources chapters of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and the
GreenStep Cities Program.
• Begin work on GreenStep Cities Step 5 metrics to address climate-related impacts, improve the
environment, and reduce energy consumption and costs.
o Prioritize the order in which the 12 Step 5 topic areas are completed.
• If the City is successful in its application for a MN GreenCorps Member for 2019-2020, work with
member to complete GreenStep Cities actions related to waste reduction, recycling, and
composting/organics management.
o Assist the City in hosting one zero-waste community event.
• Assist Council with the solid waste collection discussion.
o Review and comment on the League of Women Voters solid waste collection report.
o Provide input and feedback on any proposed changes to the City’s current system.
• Explore options for citywide curbside organics collection.
• Continue to assist in implementing the Natural Resources Management Plan.
o Support the restoration of the Bassett Creek Nature Area in 2019-2020.
o Address the issue of encroachment into City Parks and Nature Areas, beginning with the
Bassett Creek Nature Area in 2019.
• Use the Environmental Commission’s $3,500 budget to host an educational workshop on
sustainable yards and soils.
• Continue to work with Planning Commission and staff to revise City Code to remove barriers to
producing local food (vertical greenhouses, urban warming).
• Complete a ready and resilient guide for the community focusing on weather and climate
impacts.
• Implement a comprehensive buckthorn management program.
• Review solar and wind ordinances and update as needed.
• Review City Code with respect to wood burning and update as needed to protect and maintain air
quality.
• Research strategies to lower the emissions of City fleet.
• Explore the potential to revise City Code to allow for temporary use of goats for vegetation
management on public and private properties.
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Date: April 19, 2019
To: Environmental Commission
From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist
Subject: Removing Barriers to Local Food Production
As part of its 2018 work plan, the Environmental Commission identified removing barriers to local
food production as a priority. Local food production can provide increased access to fresh, high
quality food, reduce the costs and emissions associated with storage and transport, and increase
the socioeconomic value of cities. It is outlined in the City’s Resilience and Sustainability Plan to
“Promote local food production, sales, and consumption” and to “review City Codes to remove
barriers for urban farming.”
Attached is a memo from planning staff providing an analysis of the potential barriers to local
food production in the City’s current zoning code.
Following discussion, the Commission is requested to make a motion summarizing its
recommendations with respect to local food production and possible changes to City code.
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Date: April 22, 2019
To: Golden Valley Environmental Commission
From: Emily Goellner, Senior Planner/Grant Writer
Subject: Zoning Code Analysis of Local Food Production
Summary
Planning staff has investigated how different methods of local food production (home gardens,
community gardens, indoor and outdoor farming) are regulated in the Golden Valley Zoning Code.
History
The Zoning Code was adopted in the 1930s to regulate the arrangement of buildings and manage the
density of the population in order to promote the health, safety, order, convenience, prosperity, and
general welfare in the Village of Golden Valley. The Zoning Code was rather simple back then, but it
has grown into a large, complex document. Originally, there were 3 Zoning Districts. That has grown
to 10. There are also 27 sections of supplemental regulations.
Other Regulations
In addition to Zoning, there are also sections of Code that manage stormwater, erosion, trees,
landscaping, building construction, parks, utilities, public rights-of-way, solid waste, lawn
maintenance, native vegetation, building maintenance, and animal control. This memo focuses only
on the Zoning Code regulations specifically.
Home Gardens
Garden beds that are privately owned and maintained are not specifically regulated in the Zoning
Code. If a complaint is received, the City references the Property Maintenance Code to address any
nuisance issues. There have been no complaints about home gardens in the past 5 years if not more.
Community Gardens
There are no regulations about community gardens in the Zoning Code. Planning staff sees potential
issues with allowing them in R-1 and R-2 Zoning Districts, but they may be appropriate in other
districts. If allowed and added to the code, potential nuisances could be avoided by requiring
minimum setback requirements and ensuring that users have adequate water access, equipment
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storage, and parking. A few churches in the community have inquired about building community
gardens. The City knows of a few privately operated community gardens. Staff is not aware of any
issues with the gardens. If complaints were received, the City would work with the property owners
to address them.
Rooftop Gardens
The only Zoning Code regulation that could pertain to rooftop gardens would be building height
restrictions. The Building Code requires fall protection (like railings) on rooftops in cases like these,
and railings are counted in the measurement of the building height. The Property Maintenance Code
would be utilized to address unsightly or nuisance conditions.
Greenhouses
Definition: A glass or similarly transparent or translucent structure used for the cultivation and
protection of plants which cannot be grown outside during all seasons.
Greenhouses are permitted in every Zoning District as an “accessory structure”, meaning a structure
that is subordinate to the principal structure on the same lot. However, in non-residential districts,
there is a regulation that practically limits greenhouses by saying that “Accessory structures not used
solely for storage and related activities shall have open sides from floor to ceiling, except that they
may have railings and temporary screening (used only on two sides at a time). This regulation was
adopted by City Council when the smoking ban went into place because the Council did not want
businesses to create “smoking shacks.”
Greenhouses with no outside storage, including an outside growing area no larger than the
greenhouse building area, is allowed with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in Industrial and Light
Industrial Districts.
Indoor and Outdoor Commercial Food Production
No food growing or production is currently allowed in City Code. The only indoor food related uses
allowed by Code are food packaging and processing. These are permitted in the Light Industrial and
Industrial Zoning District, but a CUP (Conditional Use Permit) is required if processing involves any
cooking, heating, smoking, soaking, or marinating procedures.
Accessory retail sales related to the food processing can be conducted in an area that is less than 10%
of the building’s gross floor area with a CUP. In this case, retail sales may be permitted only where
located inside and incidental to a wholesale business.
The Institutional Zoning District (specifically the I-1 Sub-District that allows schools and churches,
allows seasonal farm produce sales). There is a farmer’s market at City Hall every summer. The
market at Golden Valley Shopping Center is allowed through the Planned Unit Development (PUD)
that is specific to that property.
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Outdoor farms for commercial operation as the principal use of a lot is not permitted anywhere in
Golden Valley.
Garden Structures
A garden structure is defined as “A permanent outdoor fireplace or grill, or a freestanding or attached
structure such as a pergola or arbor, which serves a primarily aesthetic purpose customarily incidental
to the principal structure.” In 2010, the City Council adopted new language for the R-1 and R-2 Zoning
District to allow residents to construct reasonably sized garden structures without negatively
impacting neighboring properties. They must be located no closer than 5 feet to any lot line and
cannot exceed 10 feet in height. Most garden structures are not associated with food production, but
it is possible. Garden structures are not addressed in the other Zoning Districts.
Conclusion
In writing regulations for the City Code, the goal is to balance competing interests and eliminate or
minimize nuisances in a way that protects the common good. In the case of local food production
regulations, the goal is to ensure that residents’ livability is protected (clean, safe, quiet, etc.) while
eliminating barriers to producing and accessing local food. Planning staff’s assessment is that local
food production is not highly regulated in this community, but that there are some barriers, especially
as it pertains to indoor farm operations. Planning staff will be evaluating all of the allowed uses of
land in every Zoning District this summer. The goal is to modernize the Code and ensure that the list
of uses matches the purpose and vision of each Zoning District. A comprehensive analysis of the Code
has not been completed in several decades. Planning staff welcomes any input from the
Environmental Commission during this process.
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PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES – April 2019
GREENSTEP CITIES
Lime Bike/ Scooters- Lime will be adding additional scooters to the fleet this spring, in addition to the fleet that was
released last summer.
RECYCLING
WasteZero Simple Recycling Program Start- The Simple Recycling curbside textile pickup service is scheduled to begin
on May 31st. The pickup will occur during residents’ regularly scheduled recycling pickup. Informational postcards and
the bags for the program will be mailed out approximately two weeks prior to program start. Residents should fill the
supplied bags and place bags alongside their recycling containers on recycling pick up day.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Bassett Creek Nature Area Native Vegetation Restoration Project – Survey work to begin delineating the Nature Area
has begun, and signs denoting the nature area boundary will be installed this summer. The invasive species control is
expected to commence this fall. Native species restoration and planting is scheduled for spring 2020. Boundary marker
signs have been designed and will be ordered and installed in key locations within the nature area. In addition, new
entry signage will be installed at the 3 entry points
Addressing encroachment into public spaces- As outlined in the City’s Natural Resources Management Plan, in 2018 the
Commission requested that staff advance plans to address physical encroachments into the City’s park and nature areas.
The City will be implementing a combination of education, outreach, and signage to inform residents that there is public
land adjoining their property. The first location where this approach will be tested is the Bassett Creek Nature Area as
part of the 2019 Native Vegetation Restoration Project (discussed above).
WATER RESOURCES
DeCola Ponds B and C Improvement Project
The second and final public open house for this flood mitigation project was held on April 10, 2019 from 5:00-7:30 pm at
Brookview to review 90% plans. Several people attended the meeting and were generally supportive of the project. Final
plans will be completed in May with construction beginning in September 2019.
A public hearing on the temporary dewatering plan for DeCola Ponds A, B, and C was held on April 16, 2019. The hearing
was required as part of a work permit application to the MnDNR. Two people spoke at the hearing and provided
comments for the record. The comments will help inform the final design and permitting process.
Flood Mitigation Cost Share Reimbursement Program
City Council recently approved a cost share reimbursement policy to help eligible property owners in the floodplain
further protect their homes from flooding. Under this program 40% of the eligible flood proofing costs, up to a cap of
$50,000, may be reimbursed to property owners following successful completion of their project. Information will be
mailed to residents living in or near the floodplain in the coming weeks.
PLANNING AND ZONING AND DEVELOPMENTS
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Apr 8, 2019
Mixed Use Zoning District—Discussion regarding the planned revisions to the I-394 Mixed Use zoning district to allow
its use in various locations throughout the city. Scheduled for the April 8 meeting.
1345 Natchez Ave S—A Lot Consolidation of a single-family residential property with excess right-of-way associated
with the construction of I-394. The City would like to reduce its inventory of vacant parcels and the applicant would
like to expand a side yard. Scheduled for the April 22 meeting.
Architectural and Material Standards—Discussion regarding potential Zoning Text Amendments to regulate exterior
building materials and to require certain architectural features on new or remodeled buildings. The Planning
Commission discussed draft standards on March 25 and will hold a public hearing at the April 22 meeting.
Telecommunications Facilities—A Zoning Text Amendment to make aesthetic standards for small wireless facilities
(small cell equipment) on private property consistent with recently adopted regulations around small cell equipment
in the public right-of-way. Scheduled for the April 22 meeting.
Downtown Study Scope/Update—Discussion of the draft scope for the upcoming Downtown Study, including
planned tasks and expected outcomes as well as anticipation of future phases of work. Scheduled for the April 9
meeting.
8043 Lewis Road (American Rug Laundry)—Conditional Use Permit to allow the operation of a laundry in a Light
Industrial zoning district. An existing building would be renovated. The City Council approved the CUP (5-0) on April 2.
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