pc-minutes-may-24-21
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 Pockl.
Roll Call
Commissioners present: Ron Blum, Adam Brookins, Noah Orloff, Lauren Pockl, Ryan Sadeghi, Chuck
Segelbaum
Commissioners absent: Rich Baker, Andy Johnson
Staff present: Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager, Myles Campbell – Planner
Council Liaison present: Gillian Rosenquist
2. Approval of Agenda
Chair Pockl asked for a motion to approve the agenda.
MOTION made by Commissioner Sadeghi, seconded by Commissioner Blum, to approve the agenda
of May 24, 2021. Staff called a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Approval of Minutes
Chair Pockl asked for a motion to approve the minutes from May 10, 2021.
MOTION made by Commissioner Segelbaum, seconded by Commissioner Brookins, to approve
minutes. Staff called a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously.
4. Discussion – Temporary Outdoor Service Uses
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, started the presentation by reminding the Commission when
this initial discussion began on March 8th. At that time commissioners agreed an interim use could
possibly become a solution to the issues facing Schuller’s around an outdoor patio. Staff has
conceived of a possible zoning text amendment to create a Temporary Outdoor Service use that
could be applied throughout the city under specific circumstances. Interim uses are covered in the
state statute, there are definitions but conditions of use may be attached, and they must conform to
the zoning regulations.
May 24, 2021 – 7 pm
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
May 24, 2021 – 7 pm
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Golden Valley currently has three types of Temporary Uses allowed:
Mobile food vending
Season farm produce sales
Temporary retail sales
In order to address interest in outdoor dining or outdoor sales, a Temporary Outdoor Service use
could be established as a fourth category. This addition would grant businesses flexibility to hold
outdoor events. Zimmerman discussed the review and approval process, along with approval
authority and public input opportunities. All Temporary Uses currently involve numerous conditions
of approval that must be followed to mitigate potential impacts. Similar steps should be taken for a
Temporary Outdoor Service use – especially one that is located in or adjacent to a residential area.
Zimmerman discussed the length of time for permits and how they can vary.
Staff Conclusion
This could be a solution to requests for more flexible tools to handle non‐fixed operations; a process
developed during COVID‐19 that could be adapted for a more codified tool.
Commissioner Segelbaum asked about details on small scale versus large scale uses and how other
cities handed it. Zimmerman responded that staff hasn’t reached out to other cities but rather
researched their code and ordinances. Chair Pockl asked about fees and renewal process, staff
reviewed each fee and surmised a potential future range. The discussion continued on the process
for administering fees.
Staff and commissioners discussed the temporary use process that was developed during COVID‐19.
The discussion moved on to how the uses will be permitted and how to address the different zoning
districts. Concerns around uses conflicting with zoning districts, specifically R‐1 came up and
Commissioner Blum mentioned adding a police presence to temporary uses that run late in the
evening.
The conversation continued on to how to alert other agencies that may have interest in restaurants
utilizing an outdoor use, the Minnesota Department of Health or the Metropolitan Council for
example, and keeping in mind the proper notifications for the applicant so the burden doesn’t fall on
City staff.
Relating to conditional uses, Segelbaum mentioned it made sense to articulate parameters that
would define temporary uses as conditional uses instead of by right. Zimmerman responded that this
process may be routine but a few specific situations may garner a lot of public input. They discussed
the idea of levels that would then trigger a potential public input session or leads into Planning
Commission or City Council as arbiters.
The discussion continued around uses and certain restaurants looking into outdoor seating but
wanting something more permanent than this allows. Commissioner Sadeghi added that he’s in
support of this process as it has the potential to further support local businesses. He sees value in
following this process for a few years and re‐evaluating later. Commissioner Orloff added his support
and sees the benefit to owners having a temporary use during the nicer Minnesota weather.
A sunset period was mentioned by Blum and Chair Pockl and Sadeghi supported that.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
May 24, 2021 – 7 pm
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Televised portion of the meeting concluded at 8:06 pm
5.Council Liaison Report
Council Member Rosenquist provided updates on alley easement vacations, she reported that
Meadowbrook’s proposal was being sent back to the Planning Commission, discussed that Rising
TIDES and the Human Rights Commission are combining. With restrictions lifting, the Historical
Society will be reopening and there will be a revamped Pride Festival this year.
6.Other Business
a.Reports on Board of Zoning Appeals and other meetings
b.Annual commissioner orientation
c.Exclusionary zoning brief and reading recommendations
7.Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Blum to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Segelbaum, and
approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.
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Andy Johnson, Secretary
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Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant