pc-agenda-jun-08-20
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
This meeting will be held via Webex in accordance with the local emergency declaration made by the
City under Minn. Stat. § 12.37. The public may monitor this meeting by watching on Comcast cable
channel 16, by streaming on CCXmedia.org, or by calling 1‐415‐655‐0001 and entering the meeting
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consideration.
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of Minutes
May 27, 2020, Regular Planning Commission Meeting
4. Informal Public Hearing – Zoning Text Amendments – Proposed Adjustments to Narrow Lot
Regulations
– End of Televised Portion of Meeting –
To listen to this portion, please call 1‐415‐655‐0001 and enter meeting access code 133 279 9272
5. Council Liaison Report
6. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council, Board of Zoning
Appeals, and other meetings
7. Other Business
8. Adjournment
June 8, 2020 – 7 pm
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
This meeting was held via Webex in accordance with the local emergency declaration made by
the City under Minn. Stat. § 12.37. In accordance with that declaration, beginning on March 16,
2020, all Planning Commission meetings held during the emergency were conducted
electronically. The City used Webex to conduct this meeting and members of the public were
able to monitor the meetings by watching it on Comcast cable channel 16, by streaming it on
CCXmedia.org, or by dialing in to the public call‐in line. The public was able to participate in this
meeting during public comment sections, by dialing the public call‐in line.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 by Chair Blum.
Roll Call
Commissioners present: Rich Baker, Ron Blum, Adam Brookins, Andy Johnson, Lauren Pockl, Ryan
Sadeghi, Chuck Segelbaum,
Commissioners absent: None
Staff present: Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager, Myles Campbell – Planner
Council Liaison present: Gillian Rosenquist
2. Approval of Agenda
Chair Blum, asked for a motion to approve the agenda.
MOTION made by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Brookins to approve the
agenda of May 27, 2020, as submitted. Staff called a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Approval of Minutes
Chair Blum asked for a motion to approve the minutes from May 11, 2020.
MOTION made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve the May
11, 2020 meeting minutes. Staff called a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously.
4. Informal Public Hearing – Zoning Code Text Amendment
Applicant: City of Golden Valley
Purpose: Amending zoning districts to regulate tobacco sales
Myles Campbell, Planner, started his presentation by reminding the group that the Planning
Commission was directed by the City Council to consider new zoning regulations on the sale of
tobacco products. Amendments to the handling of tobacco sales was first raised through a work item
in the City Council’s 2019 goal setting process. The conversation with Planning Commission began at
May 27, 2020 – 7 pm
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
May 27, 2020 – 7 pm
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their January 13, 2020 meeting. A few more meetings continued this conversation and the main
points in the discussion are as follows:
Commissioners preferred to limit tobacco retailers to the City’s Commercial Zoning District.
Commissioners had a preference to handle tobacco retailers as a restricted use rather than a
conditional use, making its enforcement an administrative rather than Council action.
Commissioners agreed with proximity restrictions between tobacco retailers and uses such as
schools that had large youth populations, but did not see a need to make a similar restriction
between different tobacco retailers.
Commissioners wanted the ordinance to be cognizant of existing retailers and to limit the
economic impacts on those retailers as much as possible while still having meaningful impact
in reducing youth exposure and access to tobacco products.
The topic of proximity restrictions continued through a few meetings. This discussion covered
primarily two elements of the restriction:
o What was the correct distance to set as a buffer in between the tobacco retailer and
another use?
o How should those other uses be defined and referenced in the amended zoning
language?
Use existing zoning districts to restrict proximity
Define a new category of “Youth‐Oriented Facilities”
Based on the continued discussion, staff believes the best option for restricting the location of
tobacco retailers is to create a definition for facilities that have a large amount of youth activity.
The defined specific use has a clearer connection to the purpose of the zoning change and
the action is more clearly justified.
Impacts on commercial land are limited by excluding uses that may be zoned similarly but
have less youth activity
Selected land uses will be just as easy to track as using existing zoning designations.
At the previous Planning Commission meeting, staff proposed draft ordinance language changes
that redefined a Youth‐Oriented Facility and added language to the Commercial Zoning District.
Staff presented a map, illustrating the distance tobacco retailers will need to be from these defined
facilities. Commissioners had concerns about the lack of restrictions around Theo Wirth Park as
well as the effect on current business owners and their potential resale value.
Staff addressed these concerns and is suggesting the definition of a Youth‐Oriented Facility be
amended to read: A school, park, athletic field, or playground. The original definition included the
majority of parks within the City and this amendment adds three new parks that previously didn’t
carry this restriction – Theo Wirth, Paisley Park, and Sochacki Park. Staff responded to concerns
about mitigating the impact on businesses by analyzing the restricted distance. Their original
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
May 27, 2020 – 7 pm
3
recommendation was a 750 foot buffer but reduced that to 500 feet to leave about a city block
distance of separation between uses and thus have less of an impact on existing license holders.
A summary of actions are as follows:
Tobacco retailers become restricted use, only allowed in the City’s Commercial Zoning District.
Youth‐Oriented Facilities are added to the zoning code’s definitions and include schools, parks,
playgrounds, and athletic fields.
A 500‐foot proximity restriction between tobacco retailers and youth‐oriented facilities will be
required for new licensees.
In multi‐use properties, proximity will be measured from the portion of the property occupied
by the retailer.
Staff recommends amending Sections 113‐1 and 113‐92 of the City Code in order to restrict the
sale of tobacco in the city.
Commissioners entered into a discussion regarding this item.
Definition of “park” was discussed as was the cap on tobacco retail stores.
Chair Blum opened the Public Hearing at 7:41pm.
No public comments came in at the time of opening the hearing but the Chair suggested leaving
the line open in case a delayed call came in.
The conversation continued and supported the 500 foot buffer as many members felt the 750
buffer was too restrictive.
Commissioner Baker made a MOTION to approve the recommendations of staff, there was a
second by Commissioner Sadeghi. Staff called a roll call vote:
Ayes: Baker, Blum, Brookins, Pockl, Sadeghi, Segelbaum
Nays: Johnson
Motion carries 6:1
Chair Blum closed the Public Hearing at 7:53pm.
Televised portion of the meeting concluded at 7:55 pm
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
May 27, 2020 – 7 pm
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5. Council Liaison Report
Council Member Rosenquist updated the Commission on the Special City Council meeting that was
being held to approve the process for allowing Temporary Outdoor Service Areas in the city. She noted
that some Housing and Redevelopment Authority initiatives were on hold due to COVID‐19.
6. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council, Board of Zoning
Appeals, and other meetings
Planning Manager Zimmerman updated the Commission on the results of the Board of Zoning Appeals
meeting from the previous evening. He reported that information about proposed narrow lot
regulations was posted on the City’s web site and that some public comments were being received via
email in advance in order to help manage the virtual public hearing on June 8.
7. Other Business
Planner Campbell reported that after the recommendations on narrow lot were sent to the City
Council, the next item on the agenda for the Commission would be re‐zonings associated with the
Comprehensive Plan and other zoning updates that need to be addressed.
8. Adjournment
MOTION made by Commissioner Segelbaum, seconded by Commissioner Sadeghi and the motion
carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 PM.
________________________________
Adam Brookins, Secretary
________________________________
Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant
`
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Date: June 8, 2020
To: Golden Valley Planning Commission
From: Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager
Subject: Informal Public Hearing – Zoning Text Amendments – Proposed Adjustments to
Narrow Lot Regulations
Summary
The City Council has directed the Planning Commission to engage in discussion around the zoning
regulations for narrow lots (generally those under 65 feet in width and specifically for those 50
feet or less in width) and to propose any recommended changes to help mitigate impacts on
surrounding properties. Based on past conversations with Commissioners and subject experts
and with feedback from residents, a public hearing is being held to consider text amendments to
the Zoning Chapter of the City Code.
Background
The following is a summary of the actions taken on this topic to date:
November 14, 2017 – Initial discussion at the Council/Manager meeting on lot divisions
May 14, 2019 – Second Council/Manager discussion on concerns regarding lot divisions
October 10, 2019 – Council/Manager discussion on narrow lots; direction to staff and
Planning Commission to explore possible changes to regulations
October 14, 2019 – Planning Commission discussion of current Golden Valley regulations
October 28, 2019 – Planning Commission discussion of regulations in other cities
November 12, 2019 – Planning Commission panel of realtors
December 9, 2019 – Planning Commission panel of designers/builders
January 2020 – Online Survey targeting single‐family residential property owners
January 16, 2020 – Narrow Lots Public Forum
January 27, 2020 – Planning Commission update on results of Public Forum
February 10, 2020 – Planning Commission update on results of Online Survey; discussion of
side setback and garage issues
March 9, 2020 – Planning Commission discussion of building envelope, side wall articulation,
secondary front yard setback, lot coverage, and impervious percentage issues
May 11, 2020 – Planning Commission review and discussion of draft changes
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May 2020 – Online Presentation on proposed changes with public comment forms
Staff memos, exhibits, and minutes from these meetings can be view through links on the City’s
Narrow Lots web page: http://www.goldenvalleymn.gov/planning/housing/narrow.php
Staff has worked with the Planning Commission to identify proposed changes to eight topics
related to the regulation of narrow lots. All of these are found within the Single‐Family
Residential (R‐1) Zoning District (Section 113‐88 of the City Code). A video presentation
documenting these changes was uploaded to the Narrow Lots page on the City website in May
and advertised via a postcard sent to all single‐family property owners in the city as well as
through the City’s social media. The site includes a comment box to pose questions to staff or to
the Planning Commission and a form to provide public testimony in place of calling‐in to a virtual
meeting. All questions and comments received via this page through June 4 have been
documented in an attachment to this memo (see Narrow Lots Info Session Feedback).
Over the course of this investigation, residents most frequently listed the following concerns
regarding the (re)development of narrow lots:
The height of new homes and the impacts of height on adjacent properties
The size of setbacks and the amount of open space between structures
The impact of new construction on existing residents
The loss of trees, vegetation, and green space
Changes in neighborhood character
At the same time, some property owners and builders expressed that they feared that severe
limitations on narrow lots development could result in the construction of less than desirable
homes.
Staff and the Planning Commission primarily worked to try and address the first two points
above, while also considering generally the impacts to neighborhood character as controlled
through zoning. The City’s regulations around trees, vegetation, stormwater, and construction
are managed through other sections of the City Code, outside of the purview of the Planning
Commission.
Topics to be Addressed
There are eight specific areas of narrow lot regulation that are under consideration for
adjustment as a part of this public hearing:
Side Yard Setbacks
Garage Requirements
Building Envelope Size/Shape
a. Slope
b. Side Wall Height
c. Dormers
Side Wall Articulation
Secondary Front Yard Setbacks
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Lot Coverage
While the changes to any one of these areas may seem minor, when taken together they can
result in significant alterations to the size, shape, and character of a new home on a narrow lot.
Side Yard Setbacks
Staff recommends adjusting the minimum side yard setback for lots under 50 feet in width by
increasing it to 5 feet. When applying the current regulations, which set side setbacks at 10
percent and 20 percent of the lot width, a side yard setback on a 40 foot lot may be as little as 4
feet. This change would give slightly more yard space along the north or west side of a home –
providing more options for directing surface stormwater flow – and when combined with the side
yard setback to the south or east of the adjacent property would result in 13 to 15 feet of spacing
between structures.
Not allowing a setback of less than 5 feet also addresses an area of concern for the City’s
Inspections Division, which requires additional fireproofing of structures if they are positioned
within 5 feet from the property line.
One consideration in setting this setback side is the width of the building envelope that would
result. For a 50 foot wide lot, the building envelope would be 35 feet; for a 40 foot wide lot, the
building envelope would be only 27 feet. At the May 11 Planning Commission meeting,
Commissioners asked if a 27 foot wide building envelope (and therefore a 27 foot wide home)
was an unusual width and might in fact be encouraging only a 26 foot wide structure. Staff
consulted with the City’s Building Inspectors and discovered that while 27 foot rafters are an
uncommon length, they can be prepared on a custom basis. Even rafter lengths of 26 or 28 are
much more common.
Garage Requirements
Staff recommends adjusting the garage requirements for lots 50 feet in width or less by allowing
homes to be built with a one‐stall garage and by limiting the width of the front wall of a garage to
65 percent of the front façade. Current regulations require two garage stalls be constructed (or
prove that a second stall can legally be added) and set no limits on the amount of the front
façade that can be taken up by a garage wall. These recommended changes match what the City
allows for 50 foot wide single‐family lots in the Moderate Density Residential (R‐2) Zoning
District.
Restricting the size of the garage on the front façade allows for greater creativity in design, more
variety in floorplans, and the option of a wider front entry or other non‐garage portion of the
home. It has been the position of the Planning Commission in the past that garage‐dominated
façades are not desired. Other options, such as utilizing a garage space to the rear of the home or
constructing a detached garage, may be possible.
For a 40 foot wide lot maximizing the width of the allowed building envelope, a garage would be
limited to approximately 17.5 feet of width, leaving approximately 9.5 feet of non‐garage façade.
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Building Envelope Size/Shape
There are three elements of zoning that specifically address the size and shape of the building
envelope (the three dimensional area within which a home can be constructed).
Slope
Staff recommends adjusting the slope of the tent‐shaped building envelope for lots under 65 feet
in width and setting it at a 2:1 ratio to match the regulations applied to other single‐family lots in
the city. Current regulations allow the slope to increase to a 4:1 ratio on narrow lots, resulting in
taller roof peaks and greater shading of adjacent properties. Flattening this slope would impact
the usable second story floor space.
Side Wall Height
Staff also recommends lowering the maximum wall height at the side yard setback line and
setting it at 13 feet for lots 65 feet in width or less. Current regulations allow the wall to extend
to 15 feet.
Reducing the ratio and lowering the side wall height would provide some relief for adjacent
properties by reducing the massing and pushing any new two‐story side wall further from the
property line. It would, however, have a negative impact on the second stories of homes on
narrow lots by reducing available headroom and narrowing floor plans.
Dormers
In order to help compensate for the loss of this usable second story area, staff recommends
allowing dormers on lots 65 feet wide or less to extend outside of the building envelope. If the
height, width, and location of the dormers are successfully managed, they can be an interesting
architectural feature that creates usable second story floor space while still breaking up the
shading the might otherwise fall on an adjacent property.
Staff recommends the following restrictions on dormer location, size, and height:
In general – The total dormer length along one side of a home may be broken into more than one
section. No part of a dormer may extend above the ridge line of the roof.
Shed dormers – The total length along one side of a home is limited to 50 percent of the length of
the main wall below. The front wall of the dormer must be set back at least 2 feet from the plane
of the main wall below. The side walls of the dormer must be set back at least 4 feet from the
front or back wall of the home. The maximum height as measured to the top of the front eave
line is limited to 20 feet above average grade.
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Gable dormers ‐ The total length along one side of a home is limited to 40 percent of the length
of the main wall below. The front wall of the dormer must be set back at least 2 feet from the
plane of the main wall below. The side walls or furthest extent of the dormer must be set back at
least 4 feet from the front or back wall of the home. The maximum height as measured to the top
of the dormer peak is limited to 25 feet above average grade.
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Side Wall Articulation
Staff recommends prohibiting any structural elements used to meet the side wall articulation
requirement from extending into the side yard setback for lots 50 feet in width or less, and never
allowing them to extend any closer than 5 feet from side property lines. Current regulations allow
certain elements, such as chimney chases or bay windows, to extend into the side yard setback
area by up to 2 feet, potentially reducing the distance from a structure to a side property line to
as little as 2 feet on a 40 foot wide lot.
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Eliminating this option helps preserve the distance between the principal structure on a narrow
lot and the side property line and provides more open yard space between structures for
adjacent properties. The side wall articulation requirement would not be dismissed, but
architects/builders would need to find other ways to create articulation when a wall is longer
than 32 feet.
Secondary Front Yard Setbacks
Staff recommends the setback for secondary front yards – or what are commonly viewed as
exterior side yards on corner lots – be allowed to be reduced as lots narrow below 65 feet in
width in order to maintain a building envelope 27 feet wide, which is the minimum building
envelope width recommended above for non‐corner lots. Scaling this secondary front yard
setback to respond to the width of the lot, rather than being set at a fixed amount, was
requested by the Planning Commission during discussion at the May 11 meeting.
For some 50 foot lots, this could result in a secondary front yard setback along a street to the
north or west to be reduced to 13 feet. For some 40 foot lots along the north or west side of a
block, this could result in a secondary front yard setback of only 5 feet; however, staff identified
only eight lots of this type in the city. Corner visibility requirements would remain in effect and
ensure clear sight lines at intersections of streets and alleys.
This change would reduce the number of variances needed to develop existing corner lots that
would otherwise be unbuildable. Up until 1983, a provision in the Zoning Code explicitly carved
out an exception to the 35 foot front yard setback for a secondary front yard in order to preserve
a buildable envelope. This regulation was removed as part of a larger code clean‐up with no
details recorded as to why this particular change was made or if the ramifications were
considered.
At the May 11 meeting, the Planning Commission considered maintaining a 22 foot wide building
envelope (22 feet being the minimum building width allowed). After examining a recent variance
granted for a 40 foot wide corner lot which resulted in a 28 foot wide building envelope, staff is
suggesting this in increased to 27 feet in order to match the building envelope size for non‐corner
lots. Should the Commission choose to a width less than 27 feet, there would likely be challenges
providing garage access from the primary, or shorter, front yard. Hopefully, this would be offset
by the option to provide garage access along the secondary, or longer, front yard.
Lot Coverage
Staff recommends modifying the amount of lot coverage allowed for lots under 6,000 square feet
and setting it at 30 percent, similar to the amount set for lots over 10,000 square feet. Lots
between 6,000 and 10,000 square feet would continue to be allowed to have coverage of 35
percent. Current regulations allow up to 40 percent of some small lots to be covered by building
footprints.
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Restricting the percentage of a narrow lot covered by structures would reduce the footprint
available to construct a new home and provide additional space for stormwater to be managed.
Comments and Concerns
As of June 4, 47 comments from residents had been submitted through the Narrow Lots web
page. The full text of these comments can be found in the attached document, but in general
they can be summarized in four points:
1. The proposed regulations don’t go far enough in restricting the scale of new development
and protecting adjacent properties. Numerous residents continue to ask that no
development of narrow lots be allowed at all.
2. Open/green/landscaped/natural areas need to be protected and adding density only
hurts this.
3. Certain proposed regulations might be problematic (allowing homes to be built with just a
single‐car garage was the most common concern).
4. A handful stated the City should be promoting diversity in housing and these proposed
regulations seem reasonable for narrow lots.
The proposed changes were shared with a local builder who has designed homes for narrow lots
in Golden Valley. He expressed strong concerns with a few of the recommendations.
First, he was worried about the impact of the change to the building envelope (reducing the
allowed slope and lowering the side wall height) due to the restrictions it would place on the
design of the upper level of these homes. Although the allowance of some dormer space would
help, he believes the protrusion of dormers outside of the building envelope would have a
negative impact on neighboring properties as the massing would continue to loom over them and
perhaps be even more severe.
Second, he was very concerned that creating regulations that encouraged, or even required, a
single‐car garage design would result in homes that were unattractive to buyers. The limitations
on attached garage width, coupled with the current maximum impervious coverage amounts,
could make owning two cars impossible on some properties.
With his permission, staff has included the text of his comments below:
In my opinion, the reduction of buildable width from 28' to 27', along with a rule of a
65% garage to house, will be the biggest negative impact. While the intent of the
65% rule for garage width is to maximize front exposure of house, the net result is
actually very little has changed. In my "current rules" elevation using a 20' wide
double garage, we have 8' left for entry. In the "proposed rules" elevation using a
27' wide house and 17.5' for garage, we only grew to 9.5' for entry. It does not
accomplish diminishing garage dominance unless the design starts to really
undersize the garage down to 11'-12' wide. Homeowners will not be interested in a
garage that small.
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I took an upper level of a home we have designed that fits current rules, and
revised it to fit the proposed new height restrictions (tent), and tried to use as few
dormers as possible. It took me 3 dormers along the side walls, all roughly 18' -
20' long, in order to fit the same 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a laundry/hallway. I did
have to sacrifice room sizes somewhat to get there, but it was doable, so this rule
would depend on the limits set for using dormers. Several fairly large ones will be
needed. Those 3 dormers however create vertical walls set directly on the
minimum setback line. That will not diminish the shading impact much on the
neighboring homes.
Staff agrees that the proposed changes would strongly encourage, if not require, some single‐car
households on lots between 40 and 50 feet wide. Similarly, houses on these lots constructed with
a reduced building envelope may be forced to shrink the amount of floor area available on the
upper level and/or utilize fewer bedrooms or baths in their design. These builder comments were
submitted prior to the details of the dormer regulations being unveiled, so they may need to be
revisited given the specific language that is being proposed.
Impacts of Proposed Regulations
While the true impacts of these proposed changes on the construction of homes on narrow lots
may not fully be known until building plans are submitted, evaluated, and implemented, staff
experiences, discussions among Commissioners, and feedback from other professionals provide a
good basis for anticipating what may result.
The adjustment to the side setback requirement is small and would not dramatically impact the
spacing between homes. It would address a concern from Building Inspections staff related to
fireproofing and would maintain a sufficient building envelope width to allow flexibility in home
design.
Imposing new restrictions on the width of garages would only impact homes on 40 foot wide lots,
but should produce more attractive public‐facing façades. Some of the narrowest lots would only
be allowed to have a single‐stall garage, which would likely limit the market for potential buyers.
The changes in the size and shape of the building envelope would have the largest impact,
reducing the height of structures in the portions of a lot closest to the side property line and
breaking up the overall massing of these homes by shifting to a greater use of dormers. It is likely
that the amount of second story floor space would be reduced and it is possible that construction
costs would increase due to the design of more complicated roof lines.
Modifying the side wall articulation requirements would help maintain spacing between homes
on 40 and 50 foot wide lots, but could make designing structures with the proper articulation
more challenging.
Allowing a reduction in the secondary front yard setback would help avoid the need variances on
some corner lots and would allow redevelopment to take place that is consistent with past
practices.
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Adjusting the amount of lot coverage allowed on smaller lots is mostly a preventative measure as
recent developments on narrow lots have remained just below the proposed limit.
Overall, the proposed changes would continue to allow owners of narrow lots to take advantage
of their right to build, while dialing back on the size and scale of what could be constructed in
order to reduce the impacts to adjacent properties.
Summary of Staff Recommendations
Staff is recommending the following modifications to the zoning regulations, as documented in
the attached underlined/overstruck section of code:
1. Establish a minimum side yard setback of 5 feet, regardless of lot width.
2. Allow lots 50 feet in width or less to construct a home with only a one‐car garage. Limit
the garage to a maximum of 65 percent of the front façade.
3. Set the vertical:horizontal ratio of the building envelope at 2:1 instead of 4:1 for all lots.
4. Lower the side wall height from 15 feet to 13 feet at the side yard setback line for lots 65
feet in width or less.
5. For lots 65 feet in width or less, allow second floor dormers to extend outside of the
building envelope but with restrictions on location, size, and height.
6. Prohibit articulation elements from extending into the side yard setback for lots 50 feet
wide or less.
7. Reduce the secondary front yard setback for corner lots 65 feet in width as needed in
order to maintain a 27 foot wide building envelope.
8. Modify the lot coverage maximum for lots under 6,000 square feet to be 30 percent.
Next Steps
The proposed zoning text amendments are tentatively scheduled to be considered by the City
Council on Tuesday, July 7. The Narrow Lots web page will continue to operate and provide an
option for residents to provide on‐line comments through Wednesday, July 1.
Recommendation
Staff recommends amending the text of the Single‐Family Residential (R‐1) Zoning District as
detailed in the attached document.
Attachments
Narrow Lots Info Session Feedback (16 pages)
Underline/Overstruck Language for Sec. 113‐88: Single‐Family Residential (R‐1) Zoning District (10
pages)
Information Session Feedback 1
NARROW LOTS Info Session Feedback
Name Address Comment
John Gan-
non
1532 Boone
Ave N
Golden Valley,
MN 55427
United States
If you approve a single car garage it might be worth considering that the drive-
way be built double wide rather than rely on a single lane that would most likely
be widened at a later date. Very few households have only one car and I have
seen paved parking spots down by the street in front of a house. Not a pretty
site.
Russel
Snyder
4124 Poplar
Drive
Minneapolis,
Minnesota
55422
United States
I do like not requiring a double garage but do not like limiting the front garage
to 65% of the facade width. That should be the owners choice. The proposal is
really saying you CANNOT have a two car garage. It should be a choice, not
mandated either way. You are replacing one bad rule with another bad rule. The
reasoning stated was simply aesthetics. That is completely subjective and not
like some of the other issues being addressed which can be shown objectively
to adversely impact neighbors(shading, drainage, fire protection etc). There are
good examples of homes on 40 foot lots in my neighborhood with both single
and double car garage fronts.
Bruce Still-
man
7350 Half
Moon Dr
Golden Valley ,
Mn 55427
United States
Dear Commission,
I have witnessed allowing lots to be split in
my nearby neighborhood.
Where one home is replaced with two I am
Not For Such.
Golden Valley mustn’t become a Mpls copycat
Skinny and long homes aren’t nearly as beautiful across the landscape. Take a
look at what
Harold avenue looks like when one of these projects goes thru. Now just imag-
ine it all those lots became such. Ick Ick Ick. Please reconsider
Once we destroy the neighborhood, we can’t get it back
Respectfully submitted
Bruce Stillman
Information Session Feedback 2
Name Address Comment
Pamela
Lott
220 Sunnyridge
Lane
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
It appears that the Golden Valley city council is determined to ignore the clear
wishes of the residents of Golden Valley again despite several forums, question-
naires, and public discussions on this topic.
The only people who support changing lot size limitations are the builders
and developers eager to make quick profit from out charming neighborhoods.
PLEASE read the inputs and objections which have been raised time and again
by your constituents.. PLEASE follow the example set by Edina to control in-
appropriate out of control development by passing sensible lot size and setback
rules. In doing so they have preserved the charm and valuation of the homes
in Edina. Access to light and air and to the shelter of mature trees have a very
real effect on the continuing appreciation of our neighborhoods. Please do not
sacrifice the long term goals for a short term benefit!
Martina
Sailer
307 Sunnyridge
Lane
Golden Valley,
Mn 55422
United States
Golden Valley
The proposed regulation is not enough. We now live in the shadows of 2 enor-
mous homes both squeezed into 40 foot lots. Probably the most outrageous
issue is their height - from the back, they are approx. 40 feet high and tower over
all other homes in the area. Our grass is no longer green and my husband and
5 year old gave up their annual tomato plant tradition because of lack of sun.
Not just the width and lack of setbacks but the height (from all sides!) should be
considered with narrow lots.
Claire De-
Berg
433 Westwood
Dr N
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
Dear Golden Valley,
I have several items in this vein you must hear concerning the North Tyrol Hills
Neighborhood:
HEIGHT + SIZE RESTRICTIONS //
If someone can build a 25-foot home DIRECTLY on a property line...how is
that not a complete abuse of the term “house?” That is more distinguishable as
a 25’ fence. Please be mindful of the neighborhood and personhood impacts
of homes built to max out height and width restrictions. No one (and I mean
not one single person) likes or appreciates the abuse of the land at 312 Meadow
Lane in our city. The “builder/vulture” is squatting and seemingly not invest-
ed in the community here and is staying only until they can sell it for a profit
meanwhile our neighbor has lost her beloved Golden Valley neighborhood ex-
perience because of a 25-foot wall of a house/fence built directly to her property
line for a profit-motivated build.
It’s embarrassing to Golden Valley.
Please discover a creative way to protect neighborhood character from overde-
velopment by restriction of height and size builds on narrow lots.
Continued on next page...
Information Session Feedback 3
Name Address Comment
SUBDIVISIONS + UNCOUPLING //
Stop. This is silly. I moved to GOLDEN VALLEY (from South Minneapolis) and
it is precisely because I was no longer interested in the way South Minneapolis
operated their neighborhoods (with homes packed together with little regard
for nature, noise pollution, wildlife, quality of life and, well, life in general).
From what I understand of my neighbor across the street the uncreative plan
perpetuated by someone NOT from Golden Valley with NO interest in keeping
our neighborhood, community and Golden Valley people or wildlife safe and
healthy, the proposed lot subdivision that was proposed at 421 Burntside & 448
Westwood is in direct conflict with how you promised to lead residents.
This is madness.
Please place thoughtful restrictions on subdivisions + uncouplings + any fu-
ture word games meant to shroud what is really being delivered to the land and
people in Golden Valley: violence. Violence to the land and the people on it is
creeping into the loose codes in our city. One definition of violence is what is
being perpetuated already: damage through distortion or unwarranted alter-
ation. Please do not allow people to run fr Golden Valley offices on a violence
platform...we already have enough of that...it’s uncreative.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT GOLDEN VALLEY //
I could also title this section: WHAT IS AT THREAT IN GOLDEN VALLEY.
Because the slope has already been prepared by those who came before you and
it is getting very slippery as each day passes. If developers are allowed to come
to Golden Valley and open up their virtual trench coat to sell us rotten junk in
the form of aesthetically tone deaf houses that kill plants, trees, ecosystems and
community, imagine the power of goodness that could come from soulful lead-
ers who can open up their hearts to us in order to create a more beautiful future!
That said...here is what I love about beautiful Golden Valley:
I love the space...my neighbors are not on top of me, I’m not on top of them.
One of the reasons we moved here was looking ahead to our daughter’s high
school graduation party. Truly. Now we have the yard that can bring all these
wonderful people to wonderful Golden Valley.
I love the architecture...we love modern architecture. Some people say
“Mid-Century Modern” but that is redundant because modern architecture
means that implicitly. ANYway, we chose our 50s home in order to maintain the
beauty of its simplicity and architecture (not to knock it down and rework it in
some cheap approach to a dwelling to make a quick buck).
Continued on next page...
Information Session Feedback 4
Name Address Comment
I love the trees...my goodness the trees! I learned more than 20 trees were CUT
DOWN to make way for some of these obnoxious, heartless new builds in the name
of convenience. It’s embarrassing and wrong. Come on. Everyone knows we need
trees.
I love the fox...he roams around my neighborhood and let’s me see him on occasion
for which I am so grateful. He is joined by buck, turkeys, fawns, does, snapping
turtles, geese, hawks, kites, opossum, raccoon, pileated woodpecker, hummingbirds,
coyote, butterflies and the myriad songbirds, birds of prey and yard animals hop-
ping around. They were here first.
I love the traffic...or lack thereof. My son is a scooter maniac. He’s 8. He kicks
around the neighborhood on his scooter any chance he gets. With MORE hous-
es (and by the looks of the lax hold Golden Valley has on development that could
mean 3 houses per LOT!?) that means more traffic, more cars in the streets and
more opportunities for my son to be hit or killed while he’s scooting around the
neighborhood. It’s just ludicrous. Stop.
I love my neighbors...they care and they connect. North Tyrol Hills is not so sprawl-
ing that we’re disconnected yet not so close together that we’re apathetic.
Please keep the neighbors, the city that voted you in, here. Please keep my son and
the other neighborhood children alive. Please let the wildlife live. Please keep our
air and nature clean by preserving and planting more trees. Please appreciate the
architecture. Please let the land breathe.
Make these issues a priority.
With respect,
Claire DeBerg
Information Session Feedback 5
Name Address Comment
Susan Eder 1635 KELLY
DR
Golden Valley,
Minnesota
55427
United States
I am in favor of allowing construction of new homes on narrow lots, and I am
in favor of allowing for lots of 40 - 79 feet to be platted from existing lots. I
believe this will serve the purpose of providing affordable housing, allow ag-
ing residents to downsize within the community, and provide diversity in the
housing stock and overall population of Golden Valley. This is in direct align-
ment with the City of Golden Valley’s stated equity plan, which was adopted in
January 2018. https://www.goldenvalleymn.gov/about/pdf/Equity-Plan-Updat-
ed-7-16-18.pdf
In addition, this would increase the tax base for the City, which would in turn
benefit all residents. This would also increase the stock of modern housing in
our City, which will be needed as people move out of Minneapolis and look for
a first-ring suburb to live. Our aging population is increasing - over 40% of our
residents are over age 55 - and they will need to downsize to stay in this com-
munity. In addition, diversifying the housing stock will also allow for inclusion
within our suburb by creating housing that is affordable to a larger demograph-
ic, which will in turn promote diversity among our neighbors and within the
City staff.
This zoning change - allowing for lots less than 80 fee wide - would affect me
personally. I am interested in dividing my current 164 x 146 lot into a 99 x 146
foot lot and a 65 x 146 foot lot, so that I am able to sell my current 4 Bed 2 Bath
home and build a smaller 2 Bed 2 Bath home on the smaller lot, which would
afford me the opportunity to age in place. I grew up in Golden Valley, and want
to stay here. I imagine there are other property owners like me who would like
this opportunity, and I believe that our aging population would benefit from
being able to age in place.
We are a first-ring suburb of a major metropolitan city, and I believe that we
have the opportunity to improve diversity and modernize the housing stock in
our City through the promotion of small lots.
Whitney
Clark
4224 Glencrest
Road
Golden Valley,
MN 55416
United States
“Reducing side setbacks further starts to impact floor plans”. This is what the
City Planning Manager said for why they did not increase side yard setback
by more than one foot. What an atrocious reason- the city does not work for
developers so that they can have their desired floor plans, the city works for the
current, tax-paying residents. Many residents have spoken that they want lots to
be kept larger- please keep it that way; or else come up with a better reason that
doesn’t make he City Planning office sound bought and paid for by developers.
Information Session Feedback 6
Name Address Comment
Katrina
Busick
832 Utah Ave S
Golden Val-
ley, Hennepin
55426
United States
When we requested a variance for our property last year we were asked how we
would ensure that the aesthetic of the neighborhood wouldn’t be changed by
our project. Has this question been asked? An integral part of Golden Valley
single family homes is that there is a substantial amount of green space. Has
there been any impact study on how this loss of green space will affect wildlife/
insects? How about the added use of public systems like roads and sewers? It
goes far beyond aesthetic changes when you look into it, and for us to have to
prove due diligence for a second garage stall is understandable, for the city (and
developers) to not answer that question, as well as many others is not.
Harry
Pulver
105 Meadow
Lane N orth
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
Please do not make any further changes to lot sizes and setbacks in Golden
Valley. If anything, make the lot sizes and set backs larger. Please support your
residents wishes.
Patricia
Lucas
Address is 225
Dakota Ave S,
golden valley,
MN 55416
we are writing here because we see no other option for submitting public tes-
timony that is regarding changing lot size regulations. We wish to voice our
strong objection to a zoning change of lot size. Lot size is what keeps our neigh-
borhood in its pastoral manner. Decreasing lot size does not contribute enough
to density issues. Instead it allows developers to maximize dollars at the expense
of homeowners quality of life. Let’s work to increase a tax base and provide
housing for more people with other more, appropriate measures; as urban plan-
ners can study to solve this issue. Giant houses right next to each other are ugly
and negatively create a picture of excess and a lack of respect for nature. Patricia
and John Lucas
John
Broadhurst
n/a Looking at the narrow lot problem, I would like to suggest a requirement sim-
ilar to the English “ancient lights” rule. That says that a new building must nor
subtend an angle of more than 45 degrees from the sill of the the window of
lowest occupied room off an existing building. (garages, store rooms therefore
not included). This avoids a narrow but tall building badly blocking light from
an existing building. but avoids having to specify an absolute height. for new
construcyion
Daniel
Sheran
3339 Lee Ave N
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
When the 80 feet wide limitation was enacted, the City of Golden Valley either
knew or should have known of its impact on future development. The un-
derlying rationale for opposing development on small lots is even more valid
today. Those reasons include environmental impact; quality of life issues; traffic
congestion; economic strain on existing water, gas and sewage systems; noise
pollution; interference with existing homeowners views and sunlight exposure
(among many other reasons). Inviting a law that allows development on small
lots could also invite costly litigation from angry residents. The City has a duty
to promote and protect the general health and welfare of its residents. Allowing
development on small lots is a breach of that duty.
Information Session Feedback 7
Name Address Comment
Dan
Browdie
7001 Olson
MemorialHigh-
way
Golden Valley,
MN 55427
United States
Hello. We are against any zoning change that allows structures to be built closer
to the property line or larger or taller than is currently code. This includes total
footprint of the structure and garage and driveway. We have a lot next to us and
are concerned that any change to the code will result in a structure closer and
larger then is currently allowed.
Thank you,
Dan and Kim Browdie
Mary
Sanderlin
2565 Vale Crest
Road
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
These seem well thought out. I don’t have any particular reservations. It seems
that some residents really dislike the “oddball” house on the street and would
favor some regulation.
Philosophically speaking I am of the opinion that Golden Valley needs to have a
variety of housing options. Some people love a big yard, some don’t. We should
have all kinds of options available.
Bruce Pap-
pas
20 Ardmore Dr
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
I would encourage the Planning Commission to limit houses on narrow lots to
one story, per the suggestion of the builder during the public forum. It’s hard for
a layperson to understand what the suggestions will do to create housing that
is in keeping with surrounding buildings. But I would encourage you to create
such a document.
I also encourage you to consider replatting all of the affected areas, so that own-
ers commit to making their lots into one or putting their multiple lots on the tax
records as such.
Staff Response:
Bruce,
Thank you for offering your comments. While the proposed changes would not
prohibit a second story on these narrow lots, they would make constructing a
full second story much more difficult – especially on lots as narrow as 50 or 40
feet wide. If you’ve followed along with the extensive discussion that has been
conducted at Planning Commission meetings, you’ll recall that the costs of con-
struction tend to be such that creating a larger footprint to gain square footage
is disproportionately more expensive than building up to gain square footage.
Therefore, the Commissioners have tried to craft solutions that allow for some
second story height while trying to reduce impacts on neighboring properties.
I encourage you to watch the informational video and tune in to the Planning
Commission public hearing on June 8 for more.
Individual property owners are certainly welcome to replat their properties in
order to create 80 (or 100) foot lots, rather than owning two 40 (or 50) foot lots.
They are already identified this way by Hennepin County for tax purposes, but
I have yet to find anyone interested in limiting their future options by going
through an “official” replatting. The City does not have the ability to force any-
one to take this action.
Information Session Feedback 8
Name Address Comment
Karen Hills 6533 Winsdale
St
Golden Valley,
Minnesota
55427
United States
I am concerned about the height of new builds on narrow lots. A house being
built next door to us is going to block out sun and make us feel more boxed in
by the new build. I also wonder if there is any concern of how the new house fits
into the neighborhood. Ours is rather modest with a mix of houses of all ages
and styles. Does a “mcmansion” fit into the neighborhood? Will it affect taxes
and property values?
Of course, maybe a “fancy” new house might encourage the neighborhood to
keep their properties in better shape.
Information Session Feedback 9
Name Address Comment
Stephen
Glomb
4116 Beverly
Avenue
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
If the city cannot prevent existing lots from being split into two narrow lots,
then the city should at least put in place some measures to ensure that these new
homes 1) respect the size/scale of the lots on which they sit, 2) are nor nega-
tively impacting the surrounding homes on the block, or in the neighborhood,
3) ensure accessibility to all types of buyers to increase the diversity of Golden
Valley neighborhoods, and 4) protect existing residents’ rights to things like
privacy, sunlight, etc. The modifications to the code that are being proposed are
extremely minor, and will not accomplish these objectives, nor will they prevent
unfortunate and irreversible outcomes like what we’ve seen on Meadow Lane,
and in other areas of the City.
The number one concern among survey respondents was the “impact of con-
struction on directly abutting properties,” and the modest restrictions that are
currently being proposed will do little to prevent builders from coming into
North Tyrol, splitting large lots in half, and then building two of the biggest
houses that they possibly can in order to increase their profits. The unfortunate
situation we’ve all seen unfold on Meadow Lane is going to be repeated over and
over again, and all of this planning and discussion will be for naught if these
minor revisions are approved and codified.
The Planning Commission has an opportunity to propose a stricter zoning code
for these narrow lots that will allow current residents to develop their narrow
lot properties, while at the same time, protect neighboring residents from the
ill effects of over-building and development. Specifically, I encourage you to
reconsider the current proposal around side yard setbacks and increase them to
ensure a more reasonable amount of space between homes on narrow lots. Add-
ing one additional foot on one side isn’t going to accomplish anything. Similarly,
I would encourage you to consider absolute height limits on homes to ensure
that builders aren’t simply building “up”, since they can’t built “out” (the builder
that you invited to give testimony on your panel made a public recommenda-
tion that Golden Valley not allow two story homes on narrow lots; it seems as
though you’ve chosen to ignore this recommendation).
After reading literally every single open-ended comment contained in the
Public Input Report, the prevailing neighborhood sentiment is clear; Golden
Valley residents want protection from overbuilding on narrow lots, and they are
frustrated that developers have gotten away with ruining our neighborhoods
with their profit-driven projects. I feel that the proposed recommendations
show more concern for the interests of builders and developers of the communi-
ty than they do for the Golden Valley residents who have been living and paying
taxes in this City for decades.
Information Session Feedback 10
Name Address Comment
Dan
Leavitt
436 Westwood
Drive N
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
My main concern continues to be that this is being driven by developers, build-
ers, and realtors that are simply interested in maximizing profits. Most if not all
do not live in Golden Valley or the neighborhoods that are being impacted. I
could be more understanding if a homeowner remodeling their home wanted
this but that does not seem to be the case. We continue to live in a great city and
I think there are plenty of people who would be looking for a large lot to build
on and not one that was subdivided. In fact I know this is true as we have had
numerous new homes build in the past few years on lots that could have been
subdivided but were not.
Amy Le 105 Westwood
Drive South
Golden Valley,
MN 55416
United States
I am perplexed by the disconnect between resident input and the proposal. I
attended multiple open meetings that the committee and council, respectively,
hosted, and completed and reviewed the resident survey. What is now, finally,
presented in these recommendation is not a reflection of the majority of resi-
dents perspective and seems disappointing in its minimalist approach to con-
cerns and wishes.
Amanda
Zweerink
400 WEST-
WOOD DR S
GOLDEN
VALLEY, MN
55416-3347
United States
My family and I moved to North Tyrol Hills in Golden Valley three years ago
from South Minneapolis, where the homes are too close together, and getting
closer by the day thanks to developers who are cramming enormous homes
onto tiny lots. We loved the space we found in North Tyrol, the sense of priva-
cy, the individual character of the mid-century homes. Since we’ve moved in,
the neighborhood has started changing in ways that sadden us. Developers are
starting to take over in the same way we saw in S. MPLS — also, neighborhoods
like Linden Hills and Edina are beyond belief in terms of enormous houses on
tiny lots. I do not want my neighborhood to become like those. I do not want
my neighbor’s home demolished and an enormous home tossed up that leaves
my house in a shadow and kills my grass. I do not want to look out across my
front lawn and see two enormous homes where there was once one. I’m be-
ing dramatic because I believe that the wimpy narrow lot restrictions the city
council is considering now will lead us down this path. I believe developers and
tax dollars are driving decisions, and that the city council is not interested in
preserving the character of our neighborhoods, the very reason why so many
people desire to live here! I urge you to look at these restrictions again, and
make them more aggressively in favor of homeowners and not developers.
Casey
Pavek
109 Maddaus
Lane
Golden Valley,
MN 55416
United States
Let’s welcome new build families into our neighborhood, not shun them for
the appearance of their home, or their decision to buy or build what they want.
Kinda feels like high school, and there’s some club that they can’t join.
John Mag-
ers
105 Westwood
Drive South
Golden Valley,
MN 55416
United States
I am disappointed and concerned by the lack of representation of resident input
on the recommendations, Many of us invested time to learn, listen, and share
our perspective as residents. The proposal favors developers’ input over ours and
makes the process feel disingenuous. I honestly cannot see how the committee
got from the various sources of input it sought to this set of recommendation,
For those of us who took it seriously and have taken time to seek and to consid-
er multiple stakeholder positions and different perspectives and who believed
elected and appointed officials were honoring the process and their electorate’s
input, this is disappointing at best.
Information Session Feedback 11
Name Address Comment
Eva Jensen 4010 Roanoke
Circle
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
The narrow lot subdivision that is now deemed allowable within Tyrol Hills,
based on historic property registrations is a surprise that has the potential to
significantly and negatively impact residents on adjacent properties. In addition,
the negative impact on the highly valued quality and historic design of Tyrol
Hills is certain (values documented and confirmed in the 2005-6 neighborhood
surveys and meetings). In order to mitigate these impacts, it is crucial to in-
crease side-yard setbacks and height restrictions on construction and remodels
on small lots. It is crucial to stop the practice of “grandfathering” in exceptions
that allow building codes to be violated. Air-space rights, natural light rights,
and privacy rights must be valued and protected by codes that are developed
and adopted.
Alexandra
Cervenka
4205 Beverly av
Golden Valley ,
MN 55422
United States
Definitely disapprove on dividing lots and building on narrow lots ugly build-
ings! ( Meadow lane N)
Jeff
Hanscom
212 Natchez
ave n
Golden valley,
Mn 55422
United States
Please put moratorium on reducing current lot size in Golden Valley.
Heather
Fraser
115 Maddaus
Ln
Golden Valley,
MN 55416
United States
--Do not allow regular building setbacks on corner lots less than 60 feet wide. If
this makes a narrow corner lot unbuildable, it will need to remain as part of the
adjoining lot.
--40-foot lots platted “back in the day” should have homes built on them that
are no larger or more massed than moderate homes of that time would have
been.
--It’s unnecessary to mandate a single-car garage for narrow lots. That’s not the
problem.
--No more than 2 building permits per 40-foot lot per year, per block, for blocks
that include 40-foot lots. This will help preserve the quiet of the neighborhood
for other residents.
--Side yards must be at least 5 feet and must total at least 17 feet. So 5/12, 6/11,
7/10, 8/9, etc.
Kent John-
son
324 Sunnyridge
Ln
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
Ideally I would like current lot sizes to stay intact. By creating two or more
narrow lots on an existing lot only adds to detract from the ambiance of this
beautiful neighborhood. Obviously a developer wants to maximize their profits.
They finish and move on. They don’t live here. Let’s try and keep the integrity of
this neighborhood. It’s one of the reasons most of us moved here and why this
neighborhood is in high demand.
Information Session Feedback 12
Name Address Comment
David
Knaeble
227 Sunnyridge
Lane
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
To PC and CC -
As a resident of Golden Valley, a Professional Civil Engineer, a Licensed Real-
tor and having done a couple of small development projects in the west metro,
I have some concerns regarding the proposed code revisions for small lots in
Golden Valley. I think the current codes that are in place do a great job of bal-
ancing the rights of the property owners to remodel or build a modest house on
their property while limiting the impacts to the surrounding houses and neigh-
borhood.
Regarding the specific recommended code revisions, the one I am most con-
cerned with is the current recommendation to limit the ability to build a two car
garage on the front of a house on the small 40’ wide lots. In my experience, this
would be very detrimental to the value of the property and would be undesir-
able for most buyers. Most people looking to either buy a home or build a home
will not even consider a house unless it has a two car garage.
The other concern I have are about the suggested revisions is the recommended
change to not allow the City required side house bump-out in the setback. This
can greatly impact the amount of living space that people could have on their
property. I am not a builder or a house designer, but I know that this would be
very detrimental to a person or family who was looking to remodel or build a
house on one of the small lots.
Before any decisions are made regarding the code changes, I would recommend
that you know exactly what type of house would fit on these lots after any of
these changes are implemented. The City would not want to inadvertently limit
the ability for a current resident to be able to remodel or build a home in this
City and require them to do that in another surrounding community.
Thanks,
David Knaeble
Debra
Whalen
4116 Glencrest
Road
Golden Valley,
MN 55416
United States
Lot size must have height and width proportional balance. Far too many homes
are constructed/remodeled beyond proportion to lot size and existing neighbor-
ing structures. I live next to one of these teardown reconstructs. Reduced natu-
ral light and airflow, not to mention excess roof run off and height has negative-
ly affected our property enjoyment and possibly value. Please consider the fabric
of the existing home structures when ruling on new height width restrictions,
our community is counting on it.
Valerie
Dahlman
117 Meadow
Ln So
Golden Valley,
MN 55416
United States
PLEASE do not allow narrow/smaller lots in North Tyrol. We have lived here for
almost 40 years and consider the heavily treed, large, irregular lots to be a big
part of the beauty of this area. It is heartbreaking to see older homes leveled and
2 (or more) homes going up on the same lot. Thank you for hearing and honor-
ing my voice and the voices of so many of our neighbors.
Information Session Feedback 13
Name Address Comment
Heidi An-
nexstad
4009 Roanoke
Circle
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
I appreciate your efforts to increase side yard minimums and would encourage
you to consider a six foot minimum. In close quarters, every foot makes a differ-
ence.
One wonderful thing about GV and particularly the North Tyrol area where
I live is the huge variety of architectural styles, including modest mid-centu-
ry ramblers, cottage-style 2 stories, and some very fine modernist houses. I’m
concerned that the emphasis on dormer windows for additional mass will lead
developers to build very uniform, many-dormered houses (as in the Meadow
Lane/Sunnyridge area). Is there any way we can continue to encourage architec-
tural diversity, perhaps by offering incentives for smaller, bolder houses? Con-
sider the Rapson house on Glenwood between Meadow Lane & Ardmore.
STUART
Kaufman
15 westwood
drive south
GOLDEN
VALLEY, MN
55416
United States
I am a resident of North Tyrol neighborhood of Golden Valley for the past 26
years. We residents enjoy a bucolic setting within minutes of downtown Min-
neapolis. We are a neighborly group and seem to get along well together. We
do not want lots to be made smaller, and new large homes built on smaller
lots, which would change the character of our neighborhood. I am against any
changes in zoning that permit building on lots smaller than the current stan-
dard.
To increase population density requires apartment buildings in neighborhoods
zoned for apartments.
We have many areas of Golden Valley where those buildings can and are being
built. I am against zoning changes that will change the housing density in North
Tyrol.
Sincerely,, etc,
Stuart Kaufman
jennifer
Rubin
615 parkview
terrace
golden valley,
mn 55416
United States
As a senior citizen and someone who has lived here for 35 years, it has been a
hardship to have so many warm seasons ruined by construction noise, flat tires,
lost trees, greenspace, lost skyline and natural light (even GV building height
regulations ingnored), difficult street parking and navigating my own driveway
due to vehicle congestion, and, not least, surging taxation. Residential properties
in Tyrol Hills, which began in the late 1930s, were designed to be in harmony
with Wirth Park, the wildlife, and the ecology of this unusual corner of the
metropolitan region. There is a big difference between thoughtful and elegant
design versus the ostentatious, almost palatial, residences being developed on
yards that are not palatial in size or, in many cases, on divided lots for the devel-
opers and speculators to create even more wealth when they purchase a proper-
ty instead of a traditional home purchase.
Information Session Feedback 14
Name Address Comment
STUART
Kaufman
15 westwood
drive south
GOLDEN
VALLEY, MN
55416
United States
Having just seen the video of the 9 zoning elements, I need to amend
my previous comments.
How about NOT allowing larger homes to be built on the small lots that
are currently build on?
The new homes would have to be built on a similar percentage of the lot
as the previous older home is built on.
John
Lehman
104 Maddaus
Lane
Golden Valley,
MN 55416
United States
Please do not allow the division of lots in North Tyrol. We bought here due to its
charm, space, nature, and proximity to
the city. We have lived here four years and I regularly walk and run the neigh-
borhood. I have not seen a single instance
of dividing lots/narrow lots have a positive impact on aesthetics or property
values. Please fight to protect the integrity
of our neighborhood. It would be an irreversible travesty to permit this. We pay
A LOT in property taxes, and I hope and
pray that these requests to eliminate and/or prohibit narrow lots do not fall on
deaf ears. The highest earners, highest
tax paying residents in our neighborhood feel the same way. Please protect what
we paid for. Thank you.
Cindy Wit-
tkowske
1827 Toledo
ave n
Golden Valley,
mn 55422
United States
I am not in favor of narrow city lots. Our streets are already too busy
with cars. More development=more demand on city services, water etc.
Although narrow lots may offer increased tax revenue, I don’t believe it
would be enough to justify squeezing more housing into a tiny lot and
changing the appeal of Golden Valley.
Neal Kielar 4121 Beverly
Avenue
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
This process is a sham, from the inadequate communications and poorly con-
structed survey to the inappropriate developments the city already has allowed
in many neighborhoods. We see these monstrosity houses every day and
witness the damage they’ve done to existing neighbors, the excessive loss of tree
cover and other environmental harms. The pro-developer bias is so palpable
that it should lead people to wonder what money is changing hands to
slide these changes through. The mayor, many council members and the plan-
ning staff already have decided that money trumps quality of life and communi-
ty character.
David
Welter
2800 Kyle Ave-
nue North n/a
n/a, Minnesota
Golden Valley
United States
I live next door to a narrow lot, I do not want to see a McMansion built
on it. I do feel for the current residents not having a garage and other
things. But I do not want a new house over shadowing my house.
Information Session Feedback 15
Name Address Comment
Barbara
Klaas
309 Meadow
Ln S
Golden Valley,
MN 55416
United States
Please, don’t allow building and plot divisions that take away the light
coming into existing homes. Not only is space between houses
important, especially given the characteristics of lots and houses as
currently spaced, but also the height of new housing in retaliation to
surrounding houses. I understand that current owners have rights,
given the property specifications for their property, but any new
development or construction must Take into consideration the loss of
light and privacy of the houses abutting the site.
Brian
Taylor
4113 Beverly
Ave
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
I oppose any adjustments to current city lots sizes. Predatory builders
must be kept out of our beautiful, unique neighborhoods. Let them
build their ugly McMansions somewhere else, not here
Jon Mehus 4121 Beverly
Avenue
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
Based on your conclusions, once again you ignore the residents who actually
live in the community. I must remind you the planning commission doesn’t give
a damn about bettering our neighborhood. When the city invited developers &
realtors to speak to the planning council, every member was there. It was ex-
tremely important to hear the viewpoints of these people. When the community
was invited to express our concerns, you couldn’t be BOTHERED to show up,
oh I’m sorry, two of you did. Its a rigged & dirty city hall, you care only about
the developers & the pockets they can fill. When the community showed up,&
there were more than 80 of us, we wanted something that actually will have an
impact. You chose to ignore us & any input we had. These houses that they are
proposing & building are too big for these small lots. they unfairly infringe on
housing that is already there.
Rebecca
Goldberg
4113 Beverly
Ave
Golden Valley,
Minnesota
55422
United States
Don’t allow predatory builders to invade Golden Valley.
vicki
mcginty
4500 sunset
ridge
Gv, Mn 55416
United States
I can only think that with all of the meetings and input and concerns it
must be so clear that so very few are NOT against the small lots, I truly
do not know what else could be said. The neighborhood is desirable
because of what we are not what we would be. Thank you for listening
to all of us passionate souls.
Information Session Feedback 16
Name Address Comment
Jon Mcaab 501 Burntside
Dr
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
I feel that Golden Valley with North Tyrol Hills in particular is very well orga-
nized and dense enough. There really is not enough resources to warrant dens
urban living in this neighborhood.
If it were more mixed use with businesses and options for walkable work life
balance, it could make sense for more density in housing and buildings.
It is not setup that way. It is a respite from dense urban living.
Let’s keep it that way. Let’s keep it with room to breath. Let’s keep it with nature.
Let’s keep it from becoming too developed.
The wildlife will not have a place to be and the water runoff will not have any
natural places to go. It’ll detract from our living experience and force the city to
come up with expensive ways to deal with the added water runoff.
I don’t think north Tyrol needs more density than it already has.
Emma
Charleswo-
rth-Seiler
6610 GLEN-
WOOD AVE-
NUE
GOLDEN
VALLEY, MN
55427
United States
From reading the Community Input Report, it seems that many of the concerns
with allowing development of narrow lots is the impact it will have on neigh-
boring houses (crowding, sunlight, construction noise, etc). Much of this could
be addressed if the zoning codes included regulations for house size on these
lots. In particular, I would highly suggest considering changing codes to allow
tiny homes on wheels in these spaces. These dwellings are typically just 12-30
feet long and 13.5 feet tall which would address the issue of crowding space and
blocking sunlight from neighbors. They are almost always already constructed,
so there would be no construction nuisance. They are single family homes and
the lots would not be in danger of being developed by people intending to sell
large houses or changing the “character” of the neighborhood with monochro-
matic mansions. In addition, allowing tiny homes in Golden Valley would be a
first for the Twin Cities area and would put our city at the forefront of a growing
movement. There are many people with tiny homes on wheels who would love
to live near the cities in a community like ours.
I’m happy to share further information on specific zoning and building code
recommendations for change if the interest
arises. There are many other cities across the country that have changed their
zoning requirements and building codes
to legalize tiny homes.
mark stan-
ley
213 janalyn
circle
golden valley,
mn 55416
United States
please consider more space between houses on small lots, and more
restrictions on height. the current proposed changes do little to address
this communities concerns.
Information Session Feedback 1
Info Session Feedback
Name Address Comment
Steven
Shapiro
219 Meadow
Lane N
Minneapolis,
MN 55422
United States
I support take an active role in controlling micro-subdivision which leads to
houses that a very oversized for their lots. Developers are very adept at regrad-
ing lots to make houses that meet the letter of the zoning code from the front,
but very much skirt the spirit of the code from the sides and back. Meadow
Lane North has atleast three examples of the this extensive regrading to put big
houses into small spaces.
There has been much concern about “McMansions” in the past. McMansions
are houses greatly overized for their lots These micro-subdivisions are their own
form of McMansions because they are also grossly oversized for their micro lots
and deserve as much regulations of a traditional McMansion
Paul
Schneck
122 Burntside
Drive
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
My view of the plans is that they cater too much to the input of the realtors and
builders, and not enough to the interests of the people who plan on continu-
ing to make Tyrol the place where they live. We need to protect the beauty and
integrity of our neighborhood and what makes it unique. We do not need to
sacrifice all of that so builders and realtors can make money.
Barbara
Lund
4010 Roanoke
Circle
Golden Valley ,
MN 55422
United States
1-The city needs to STOP allowing exceptions and variances!!! No more grand-
father in -- this is a manipulative process.
2-The side yard setbacks MUST be increased !
3-Focus on protection of air, sunlight, and privacy rights for neighbors.
4- Protect and honor nature--mature trees, planting trees, and open space.
5-Limit and reduce height allowance of contruction--NO DORMERS!!
6-
Information Session Feedback 2
Name Address Comment
Carrie
Schneider
416 Westwood
Drive N
Golden Valley,
MN 55422
United States
I absolutely do not agree with narrowing lots. Our North Tyrol Hills neighbor-
hood is amazing because of the lot sizes and space that we have between houses.
It’s why we moved here and why we fell in love with the neighborhood. North
Tyrol Hills would NOT be the same if you let people and builders profit off of
dividing lots. THEY WILL NOT LIVE HERE and only care about the money.
The rest of us suffer from the loss of trees. The loss of space. The loss of the tran-
quility we purchased our homes for. We would have stayed in South Minneap-
olis if we wanted to be living on top of people. Let’s care about the environment
and stop allowing profits and selfishness to infiltrate our neighborhoods. I abso-
lutely disagree with allowing this horrific practice continue—think about it—the
people diving won’t live here. They won’t have the impact is their decision to live
with, just their greedy money in their banks. I 100% feel that the neighborhood
we live in will only remain this gorgeous one-of-a-kind area to live in if we keep
these amazing large lots and keep the neighborhood charming and full of green
space and trees. We could be one of those houses to divide our lot, but we would
NEVER DO THAT, because we know it will destroy the integrity of the entire
neighborhood we live in. We are not that selfish and greedy. Please, do not allow
people to destroy more for profit. Keep our neighborhoods the ones we all fell in
love with. Keep them for the people that live here, not the ones that are leaving.
Please do not allow lot splitting. Save the trees. Save the beautiful homes. Save
our neighborhood.
Brian
Schneider
416 Westwood
Dr N
Golden Valley,
Minnesota
55422
United States
I don’t think there’s a need for more narrow lots in North Tyrol Hills or any-
where for that matter. There are already so many small lots in so many cities
and neighborhoods around the metro. Why can’t we preserve some of the larger
lot areas where there are less houses close together and more green space? Why
allow this just for developers or owners looking to sell their property who only
care about increased profits? There are already good profits to be made when
selling or flipping a house. This could bring down property values for those of
us still living in the neighborhood by increased congestion of people, car traf-
fic, and street parking. This seems to only be about making more money off the
land and not caring so much about the consequences. Notice how I emphasized
more money and not just starting to make a profit. I don’t think I’ve heard a
good argument for adjusting the narrow lot regulations. Base your judgement
on there being very few positive points for only a select group of people and far
more negative points for the vast majority of us who want to keep our neighbor-
hood spread out, numerous old growth trees, and neighbors not almost within
reach of the next house. I appreciate your time and trust you to make the right
ethical decision to not adjust the city’s narrow lot regulations to allow for nar-
row lots.
Information Session Feedback 3
Name Address Comment
Ashley
Raak
119 Edgewood
Ave N
Golden Valley,
MN 55427
United States
Overall, the proposed adjustments seem okay. The more we can tighten the rules
on narrow lots, the better. I’m all in favor of more emphasis on yard/green space
on lots vs home.
A lot of this could be avoided if we stopped allowing builders/investors/home-
owners to sell lots and then replace one home with 2 or 3. You’re making our
city more dense, which takes away from the allure and what’s special about
Golden Valley. If I wanted to live on top of my neighbors, I’d move to Minne-
apolis or St Louis Park. Plus, it breaks my heart to see a perfectly good home be
torn down so some cookie cutter nonsense can go in its place. I’ve seen this a
lot, especially in my neighborhood
Sec. 113-88. - Single-Family Residential (R-1) Zoning District.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of the Single-Family Residential (R-1) Zoning District is to provide for
detached single-family dwelling units at a low density along with directly related and
complementary uses.
(b) District Established. Lots shall be established within the R-1 Zoning District in the manner
provided for in Section 113-29. The district established and/or any subsequent changes to such
district shall be reflected in the Official Zoning Map of the City as provided in Section 113-56.
(c) Principal Uses. The following principal uses shall be permitted in the R-1 Zoning District:
(1) Single-family dwellings, consistent with the City's Mixed-Income Housing Policy
(2) Residential facilities serving six or fewer persons
(3) Foster family homes; and
(4) Essential services, Class I.
(d) Accessory Uses. The following accessory uses shall be permitted in the R-1 Zoning District:
(1) When the property owner resides in the dwelling, rental of single sleeping rooms to
not more than two people for lodging purposes only; and
(2) In-home child care licensed by the State.
(3) Home occupations, as governed by the following requirements:
a. The use of the dwelling for the occupation or profession shall be incidental and
secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes.
b. The exterior appearance of the structure shall not be altered for the operation
of the home occupation.
c. There shall be no outside storage or display of signage or anything related to or
indicative of the home occupation.
d. An accessory structure, including a garage, shall not be used for a home
occupation.
e. A permitted home occupation shall not result in noise, fumes, traffic, lights,
odor, excessive sewage or water use or garbage service, electrical, radio, or TV
interference in a manner detrimental to the health, safety, enjoyment, and general
welfare of the surrounding residential neighborhood.
f. No physical products shall be displayed or sold on the premises those incidental
to the permitted home occupation.
g. No signs or symbols shall be displayed other than those permitted for
residential purposes.
h. Clients, deliveries, and other business activity where persons come to the
home shall be limited to the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
i. No more than 20 percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling shall be used for
the home occupation.
j. Parking related to the home occupation shall be provided only on the driveway
of the property where the home occupation operates.
k. A home occupation shall not generate more than eight client trips per day and
serve no more than two clients or customers at a time.
l. There shall only be one outside employee allowed on the premises at which a
home occupation is located.
m. All other applicable City, State, and Federal licenses, codes and regulations
shall be met.
n. The following uses are prohibited home occupations:
1. Repair, service, building, rebuilding or painting of autos, trucks, boats,
and other vehicles
2. Repair and service of items that cannot be carried by one person and
repair and service of any item involving an internal combustion engine or
motor
3. Retail sales
4. Medical/dental clinic or similar
5. Restaurants or cafes
6. Animal hospital
7. Veterinary clinic
8. Stable or kennel
9. Funeral home, mortuary, or columbarium; and
10. Sale or repair of firearms.
(e) Conditional Uses. The following conditional uses may be allowed after review by the Planning
Commission and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and procedures
set forth in this chapter:
(1) Residential facilities serving from seven to 25 persons; and
(2) Group foster family homes.
(f) Principal Structures. Principal structures in the R-1 Zoning District shall be governed by the
following requirements:
(1) Setback Requirements. The following setbacks shall be required for principal
structures in the R-1 Zoning District. Garages or other accessory structures which are
attached to the dwelling or main structure shall also be governed by these setback
requirements, except for stairs and stair landings of up to 25 square feet in size and for
accessible ramps.
a. Front Setback. The required minimum front setback shall be 35 feet from any
front lot line along a street right-of-way line. Decks and open front porches, with
no screens, may be built to within 30 feet of a front lot line along a street right-of-
way line. This requirement shall not reduce the building envelope on any corner
lot to less than 27 feet in width.
b. Rear Setback. The required rear setback shall be 25 feet.
c. Side Setbacks. Side yard setbacks are determined by the lot width at the
minimum required front setback line. The distance between a structure and the
side lot lines shall be governed by the following requirements:
1. In the case of lots having a width of 100 feet or greater, the side
setbacks for any portion of a structure 15 feet or less in height shall be 15
feet. The side setbacks for any portion of a structure greater than 15 feet
in height shall be measured to an inwardly sloping plane at a ratio of 2:1
beginning at a point 15 feet directly above the side setback line (see figure
below).
2. In the case of lots having a width greater than 65 feet and less than 100
feet, the side setbacks for any portion of a structure 15 feet or less in
height shall be 12.5 feet. The side setbacks for any portion of a structure
greater than 15 feet in height shall be measured to an inwardly sloping
plane at a ratio of 2:1 beginning at a point 15 feet directly above the side
setback line (see figure below).
3. In the case of lots having a width of 65 feet or less, the side setbacks
for any portion of a structure 1513 feet or less in height along the north or
west side shall be 10 percent of the lot width and along the south or east
side shall be 20 percent of the lot width (up to 12.5 feet). In no case shall
a side setback be less than 5 feet. The side setback for any portion of a
structure greater than 1513 feet in height measured to an inwardly sloping
plane at a ratio of 42:1 beginning at a point 1513 feet directly above the
side setback line (see figure below).
d. Corner Lot Setbacks. To determine the side yard setback, use the shorter front
lot line.
e. Building Envelope. Taken together, the front, rear, and side setbacks and the
height limitation shall constitute the building envelope (see figures below). No
portion of a structure may extend outside the building envelope, except for:
1. Cornices and eaves, no more than 30 inches
2. For lots greater than 50 feet in width, Bbay windows or chimney chases,
no more than 24 inches but no closer than 5 feet from the side property
line
3. Chimneys, vents, or antennas
4. Stairs and stair landings up to 25 square feet in size; or
5. Accessible ramps.; or
6. For lots 65 feet in width or less, dormers, subject to the following
requirements:
a. In general. The total dormer length along one side of a structure
may be broken into more than one section. No portion of any
dormer shall extend above the ridge line of the roof.
b. Shed dormer. A dormer with a flat eave line that runs parallel to
the primary roof line.
i. The total length of all shed dormers along one side of a
structure is limited to 50 percent of the length of the main
wall below.
ii. The front wall of a shed dormer shall be set back a
minimum of two feet from the plane of the main wall below.
iii. The side walls of a shed dormer shall be set back a
minimum of four feet from the plane of the main wall below
on each end of the structure.
iv. The maximum height of a shed dormer shall be 20 feet
as measured from the average grade to the front eave line
of the dormer.
c. Gable dormer. A dormer with a peaked roof.
i. The total length of all gable dormers along one side of a
structure is limited to 40 percent of the length of the main
wall below.
ii. The front wall of a gable dormer shall be set back a
minimum of two feet from the plane of the main wall below.
iii. The side walls or furthest extent of a gable dormer shall
be set back a minimum of four feet from the plane of the
main wall below on each end of the structure.
iv. The maximum height of a gable dormer shall be 25 feet
as measured from the average grade to the dormer peak.
(2) Height Restrictions. No principal structure shall be erected in the R-1 Zoning District
with a building height exceeding 28 feet as measured from the average grade at the front
building line. The average grade for a new structure shall be no more than one foot higher
than the average grade that previously existed on the lot.
(3) Structure Width Requirement. No principal structure shall be less than 22 feet in width
as measured from the exterior of the exterior walls.
(4) Side Wall Articulation. For any new construction, whether a new dwelling, addition, or
replacement through a tear-down, any resulting side wall longer than 32 feet in length
must be articulated, with a shift of at least two feet in depth, for at least eight feet in
length, for every 32 feet of wall.
(5) Decks. Decks over eight inches from ground level shall meet the same setbacks as
the principal structure in the side and rear yards.
(6) Kitchens. No more than one kitchen and one kitchenette shall be permitted in each
dwelling unit.
(7) Manufactured Homes. All manufactured or modular homes must meet the provisions
of the zoning and building codes.
(g) Accessory Structures. Accessory structures in the R-1 Zoning District shall be governed by
the following requirements:
(1) Location and Setback Requirements. The following location regulations and setbacks
shall be required for accessory structures in the R-1 Zoning District:
a. Location. A detached accessory structure shall be located completely to the
rear of the principal structure, unless it is built with frost footings. In that case, an
accessory structure may be built no closer to the front setback than the principal
structure.
b. Front Setback. Accessory structures shall be located no less than 35 feet from
the front lot line.
c. Side and Rear Setbacks. Accessory structures shall be located no less than
five feet from a side or rear lot line.
d. Cornices and Eaves. Cornices and eaves may not project more than 30 inches
into a required setback.
e. Separation Between Structures. Accessory structures shall be located no less
than 10 feet from any principal structure and from any other accessory structure.
f. Alleys. Accessory structures shall be located no less than five feet from an alley.
g. Fences. For the purposes of setbacks, fences are not considered structures.
(2) Height Restrictions. No accessory structure shall be erected in the R-1 Zoning District
with a height in excess of one story, which is 10 feet from the floor to the top horizontal
component of a frame building to which the rafters are fastened (known as the "top
plate"). For the purposes of this regulation, the height of a shed roof shall be measured to
the top plate.
(3) Area Limitations. Each lot is limited to a total of 1,000 square feet of the following
accessory structures: detached and attached garages, detached sheds, greenhouses,
and gazebos. Swimming pools are not included in this requirement. No one detached
accessory structure may be larger than 800 square feet in area and any accessory
structure over 200 square feet in area requires a building permit. No accessory structure
shall occupy a footprint larger than that of the principal structure.
(4) Zoning Permits. The following shall require a zoning permit to ensure a conforming
location on the lot:
a. Fences
b. Patios
c. Any accessory structures less than 200 square feet in area; and
d. Decks and platforms that do not require a building permit.
(5) Garage Provisions. Garages in the R-1 Zoning District shall be governed by the
following requirements:
a. Minimum Garage Stalls. For lots greater than 50 feet wide, Nno building permit
shall be issued for a single-family dwelling not having a two-stall garage unless
the registered survey submitted at the time of the application for the building
permit reflects the necessary area and setback requirements for a future two-stall
(minimum) garage. Lots 50 feet in width or less may be constructed with one
garage stall.
b. Maximum Garage Width. For lots 50 feet in width or less, the width of the front
wall of an attached garage shall not exceed 65 percent of the width of the
dwelling's front facade. For purposes of this subsection, a dwelling's front facade
means that portion of the dwelling's building facing a front lot line that includes
any front wall of a garage and provides vehicular access to the garage.
1. Measurement of Front Facade. The width of the front facade shall be
the direct, linear, horizontal distance between the dwelling's exterior side
walls at the front facade's widest point.
2. Measurement of Front Garage Wall. For purposes of this subsection,
the front wall of a garage shall be the wall of the garage facing the front lot
line, including any door providing vehicular access to the garage. The
width of the front wall shall be the direct, linear, horizontal distance
between the exterior or outermost location of the garage's two side walls
at their intersection with the garage's front wall.
(6) Roof Style. Gambrel and mansard roofs are not permitted on any accessory structure
with a footprint of more than 200 square feet.
(7) Decks. Freestanding decks or decks attached to accessory structures shall meet the
same setback requirements for accessory structures.
(8) Garden Structures. Garden structures shall be located no closer than five feet to any
lot line. Garden structures shall not exceed 10 feet in height.
(9) Play Structures. Play structures shall be located no closer than five feet to any lot line.
Play structures shall not exceed 10 feet in height.
(10) Swimming Pools. Swimming pools shall meet the same setback and location
requirements for accessory structures. Setbacks shall be measured from the lot line to
the pool's edge. Decks surrounding above-ground pools shall meet setback requirements.
(11) Photovoltaic Modules. Freestanding photovoltaic modules, including solar panels
and other photovoltaic energy receivers, which are in excess of three square feet shall
meet the same setback, location, and height requirements for accessory structures.
(12) Central Air Conditioning Units. Central air conditioning units shall be prohibited in a
front yard.
(h) Temporary Storage Units. Temporary storage units in the R-1 Zoning District shall be
governed by the following requirements:
(1) Duration. Temporary storage units shall not be stored on a lot for more than 14 days.
(2) Location. Temporary storage units shall be stored on a hard surface and be located
completely on private property.
(i) Pre-1982 Structures. For all existing structures constructed in the R-1 Zoning District prior to
January 1, 1982, the following structure setbacks shall be in effect:
(1) Front Yard. The structure setback for principal structures shall be no closer than 25
feet to the front lot line.
(2) Side Yard. The structure setback for principal structures shall be no closer than three
feet to the side lot line.
(3) Rear Yard. The structure setback for principal structures shall be no closer than 10
feet to the rear lot line.
(4) Accessory structures. The structure setback for accessory structures shall be no
closer than three feet to the side or rear Lot lines. At the discretion of the City Manager or
his/her designee, a property owner may be required to move an accessory structure if it is
located in a public easement area.
(j) Pre-April 15, 2015, Structures, Building Permits and Applications. For all structures
constructed and building permits issued or applied therefor in the R-1 Zoning District prior to April
15, 2015, if the height and side setbacks were deemed by the City to be compliant with the
zoning code at the time a building permit was issued or applied therefor, the height and location
shall be deemed conforming to current zoning code. However, in all cases, new construction and
additions to such properties must comply with current requirements of the zoning code.
(k) Buildable Lots. No dwelling or accessory structure shall be erected for use or occupancy as a
residential dwelling on any tract of unplatted land which does not conform with the requirements
of this section, except on those lots located within an approved plat. In the R-1 Zoning District a
platted lot of a minimum area of 10,000 square feet and a minimum width of 80 feet at the front
setback line shall be required for one single-family dwelling.
(l) Lot Coverage. No lot or parcel in the R-1 Zoning District shall have lot coverage of more than
30 percent for a lot or parcel over 10,000 square feet or greater in area, 35 percent for a lot or
parcel betweengreater than 56,000 square feet and less than 9,99910,000 square feet in area
and 430 percent for a lot or parcel less than 56,000 square feet or less in area. This requirement
excludes swimming pools.
(m) Impervious Surfaces. The total amount of impervious surfaces on any lot shall not exceed 50
percent of the area.
(n) Paved Areas. Paved areas in the R-1 Zoning District, including those constructed of concrete,
bituminous pavement, or pavers, are governed by the following provisions:
(1) Driveways. Driveways built or reconstructed on or after January 1, 2005, shall be
paved.
(2) Setbacks. Paved areas shall be set back three feet from a lot line, except for shared
driveways used by multiple property owners pursuant to a private easement.
(3) Coverage. No more than 40 percent of the front yard may be covered with concrete,
bituminous pavement, or pavers.
(4) Street Access. Each lot may have only one street curb cut access, except the
following lots may have up to two street curb cut accesses:
a. A lot that contains two legally constructed garages.
b. A lot of a resident who requires additional driveway access qualifying for a
reduced class rate for homestead property as defined by Minn. Stats. § 273.13,
subd. 22, Class 1b.