pc-minutes-feb-22-21
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.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 by Chair Blum.
Roll Call
Commissioners present: Rich Baker, Ron Blum, Andy Johnson, Noah Orloff, Lauren Pockl, Ryan
Sadeghi, Chuck Segelbaum
Commissioners absent: Adam Brookins
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 Segelbaum, seconded by Commissioner Baker, to approve the
agenda of February 8, 2021. 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 February 8, 2021.
MOTION made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to approve minutes.
Staff called a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously.
4. Informal Public Hearing – Zoning Text Amendment to Modify the Moderate Density Residential
(R‐2) Zoning District to Allow Rowhouses
Applicant: The City of Golden Valley
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, introduced the topic, recapped the current R‐2 regulations,
and revisited the consideration of adding rowhouses as a use in the R‐2 zoning district. Zimmerman
went on to define rowhouses as well as show images of traditional rowhouses and contemporary
versions.
February 22, 2021 – 7 pm
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
February 22, 2021 – 7 pm
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Proposed Zoning Text Changes involve three sections of code (plus one section of the Subdivision
Chapter):
Sec. 113‐1. – Definitions
Sec. 113‐89. ‐ Moderate Density Residential (R‐2) Zoning District
Sec. 113‐157. – Architectural and Material Standards
Sec. 109‐123. – Minor Subdivisions for a Residential Zero Lot Line Home
Zimmerman reviewed each section during the meeting presentation and details are in the agenda
packet.
Staff recommendations
Amend the text of Section 113‐1: Definitions, Section 113‐89: Moderate Density Residential (R‐2)
Zoning District, and Section 113‐157: Architectural and Material Standards in order to allow for the
construction of rowhouses in the R‐2 Zoning District.
Request the Planning Commission provide comments in support of proposed changes to Section 109‐
123: Minor Subdivisions for a Residential Zero Lot Line Home in order to allow owner‐occupied
dwelling units in rowhouses.
Chair Blum opened the public hearing at 7:35pm.
There were no callers.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the garages, their location, and the connection
between multiple curb cuts. If garages were tuck under, then each rowhouse could have its own curb
cut and driveway. If there were two detached garages for two units to share, then there would be two
curb cuts on the two sides to facilitate shared drives. Commissioner Segelbaum asked if the
architectural and material standards were consistent with other zoning districts and staff confirmed
they were. Segelbaum followed by asking if these standards were only applicable to rowhouses in R‐2,
not other home types; staff confirmed this as well. Chair Blum added he would have liked the material
standards to echo those of the Institutional and Mixed Use districts rather than R‐3 and R‐4.
Commissioners and staff discussed material classification specifics.
The conversation moved on to language specifics and word change suggestions were made to staff.
Commissioner Johnson congratulated staff on their work, stated the importance of being cost
effective, and feels the group put standards together that are reflective of the City and process.
Johnson added that he feels the group performed their role in the task designated to them and he’s
ready to vote in favor of staff recommendation. Commissioner Pockl asked staff if the definition of a
rowhouse had been changed since the previous meeting. Zimmerman stated that the definitions was
tweaked and the definition in the packet is what will be used moving forward. Commissioner Baker
expressed satisfaction with the edited definition and added it alleviated concerns he had with the
previous version.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
February 22, 2021 – 7 pm
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Blum mentioned the difference in height/setback ratio as compared to R‐1. Zimmerman discussed the
differences as well as the structural setback being greater for rowhouses. The conversation continued
to cover lot coverage, material costs, accessory space, and aesthetic quality.
Chair Blum closed the public hearing at 8:07pm.
MOTION made by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Baker, to follow staff
recommendation and amend the text of Section 113‐1, Section 113‐89, and Section 113‐157 to allow
for the construction of rowhouses in the R‐2 Zoning District.
Staff called a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Discussion – 2020 Land Use/Zoning Study – Institutional Uses
Myles Campbell, Planner, reminded Commissioners the goal of this item is to update the zoning code
to match the land use policies of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. This will also help modernize the code
and make it more approachable and accessible for residents/business owners. Staff is currently
revising Institutional Zoning code language and uses.
The purpose of the Institutional Zoning District is to establish areas where both public and private
institutional uses such as schools, hospitals, parks, golf courses, nursing homes, and public buildings
may be located.
Campbell presented the current breakdown of sub‐districts within the Institutional District and
presented staff‐suggested uses for realigned sub‐districts.
Institutional‐Assembly (I‐A)
Permitted Uses:
Places of Assembly
Public and Private Schools
Libraries
Museums
Essential services, Class I
Conditional Uses:
Adult day care centers
Child care centers.
Institutional‐Medical (I‐M)
Permitted Uses:
Convalescent homes, nursing homes, clinics,
and other buildings incidental to the
operation thereof
Essential services, Class I
Conditional Uses:
Congregate housing
Hospitals and outpatient surgical facilities
Residential facilities
Senior and disability housing
Institutional‐Civic (I‐C)
Permitted Uses:
City offices, fire stations, and other lands
incidental to the operation of the City
Cemeteries
Essential services, Class I
Institutional‐Parks and Natural Areas (I‐P)
Permitted Uses:
Parks and Playgrounds
Golf courses, country clubs, and other
Recreation Facilities
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
February 22, 2021 – 7 pm
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Essential services, Class I
Campbell then gave a list of items staff would like to review with the Commission for next steps in the
larger Use Table discussion. Next items include revisiting pawnshops and precious metal dealers as
well as RLUIPA considerations. Also, once the rowhouse discussion is complete, staff would like to
include it in the residential uses discussion. When those items are complete, staff would like direction
on the table layouts with the provided permitted, conditional, and restricted uses.
Prior to this meeting, Commissioner Johnson sent comments to staff and Campbell stated he was
generally against the realignment changes that staff suggested for this use table. Based on comments
sent by Johnson, Campbell interpreted them that he didn’t feel it was identified in the 2040 Comp Plan
to address the use tables. In his notes, Johnson also expressed concern about rearranging the sub‐
districts from 5 to 4 and felt it makes more sense to re‐name the sub‐districts versus changing how
they’re organized.
Commissioner Pockl stated that she liked the rearranging of the subdistricts and asked for
confirmation there is only one cemetery in Golden Valley. Pockl asked if the Golden Valley historical
society museum was considered a museum. Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, chimed in and said
that is considered a museum and added it, and the library, are the only two properties in the I‐2 sub‐
district.
Commissioner Baker said he would benefit from seeing a map with this zoning district across the city.
He asked for one to be provided for the next discussion and Campbell said the City’s GIS specialist will
prepare one for the next discussion.
Commissioner Segelbaum asked staff the rational when deciding if something is permitted or
conditional in the subdistricts. Campbell responded the permitted uses moving forward are redefined
and maybe from a separate sub‐district. Campbell went into more detail with places of assembly and
RLUIPA.
Discussion around sub‐district realignment continued and Segelbaum expressed concern over making
cemeteries a permitted use. Pockl clarified use changes for child and adult daycare facilities. Staff and
Commissioners continued to discuss uses and categorical differences for clarification.
Televised portion of the meeting concluded at 8:42 pm
6. Council Liaison Report
Council Member Rosenquist covered a number of topics of interest to the Planning Commission,
including a new dog leash ordinance, the upcoming Joint Board and Commission meeting, and a
Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
Rosenquist also highlighted upcoming items for the Council/Manager Meeting, including a discussion
of the solid waste ordinance, a Section 8 ordinance, and the STAR program.
Commissioner Orloff asked about a potential speed limit reduction. Rosenquist replied the Council
had directed staff to conduct a study exploring the idea and that there would be future conversations.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
February 22, 2021 – 7 pm
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7. Reports on Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings
None.
8. Other Business
None.
9. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Pockl to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Segelbaum, and
approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:57 pm.
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Adam Brookins, Secretary
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Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant