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pc-agenda-mar-22-21       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  code 133 357 3839. The public may participate in this meeting during public comment sections by  calling 763‐593‐8060 and following the automated prompts.    Additional information about monitoring electronic meetings is available on the City website. For  technical assistance, please contact the City at 763‐593‐8007 or webexsupport@goldenvalleymn.gov.  If you incur costs to call into the meeting, you may submit the costs to the City for reimbursement  consideration.      1. Call to Order    2. Approval of Agenda    3. Approval of Minutes  March 8, 2021, Planning Commission Meeting    4. Discussion – Use Tables – RLUIPA/Pawn Shops    5. Discussion – PC Annual Report/Work Plan    6. Discussion – BZA Annual Report       – End of Televised Portion of Meeting –  To listen to this portion, please call 1‐415‐655‐0001 and enter meeting access code 133 357 3839.      7. Council Liaison Report    8. Reports on Board of Zoning Appeals and Other Meetings    9. Other Business    10. Adjournment  March 22, 2021 – 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.     1. Call to Order  The meeting was called to order at 7:10 by Chair Blum.    Roll Call  Commissioners present: Rich Baker, Ron Blum, Adam Brookins Andy Johnson, Noah Orloff, Lauren  Pockl, Chuck Segelbaum  Commissioners absent: Ryan Sadeghi  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 March 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 22, 2021.  MOTION made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Pockl, to approve minutes.  Staff called a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously.    4. Informal Public Hearing – Major PUD Amendment to Carousel Automobiles PUD 95  Address: 9191, 9393, 9595 Wayzata Blvd  Applicant: Carousel Motor Group    Myles Campbell, Planner, introduced the topic and told the Commissioners that this is amendment #4  to PUD no. 95, this PUD was last amended in 2014. This amendment is considered a major PUD  amendment due to the degree of changes and a review from Planning Commission and City Council  are required. Both lots in the PUD are zoned Commercial and there are 9.9 acres between the two.       March 8, 2021 – 7 pm    City of Golden Valley    Planning Commission Regular Meeting  March 8, 2021 – 7 pm       2  Amendment #4 will allow for a number of improvements:    Reintroduces auto sales to the former Porsche building   Expansion of the Audi dealership building   New battery storage building   Reduction in parking setbacks along Wayzata to 10’   Reduction of rear setback on south lot from 50’ to 10’   Expansion of south lot parking, requiring relocation of storm water retention pond   Addition of second curb cut off south lot to allow truck traffic    While discussing the items and history of the lot, a map was displayed to show what surrounds the  location. Campbell gave a history of the PUD and the previous three amendments.     The current location has three principal structures on the north site and there are 590 parking spaces,  577 were approved during amendment #3. Over both lots, 74.8% of land is considered impervious, but  there is not an upper limit in Commercial Zoning; two storm water ponds currently help to manage  surface water run off on‐site. Majority of the trees are located on the south lot around the existing  storm water pond, the pond on the south lot would need to move as part of the proposal.  The south lot is separated from a residential neighborhood and Westwood Hills Nature Center by an  existing 12’ sound wall.     A required neighborhood meeting was held on Monday 1, 2021. The main concerns expressed were:   1. Expansion of the south parking lot requiring the removal of trees that provide additional  screening with the sound wall  2. Introduction of trucks unloading on the south lot would have increased noise impacts on the  residential neighborhood  3. Concerns about modification to the stormwater pond creating runoff issues for surrounding  properties    Proposals – North Lot   An expansion of the existing Audi dealership building within the PUD by 5,650 sq. ft.   New 260 sq. ft. accessory building on the northern lot for the storage of Electric Vehicle Batteries.   Both additions require additional review at permitting for consistency with City’s Architectural  and Material Standards   Re‐use the former Porsche Dealership for new Ferrari location   Reduction in the parking setback from Wayzata Boulevard across the site to 10’   Proposal includes pervious pavers within new display areas, as well as some enhanced  landscaping along Wayzata Blvd  Additional Items   Parking lot reconfiguration   New landscaping added along Wayzata Boulevard to mitigate decrease in parking setback   Sculptures added near drive entrances to the site   Updated LED lighting across the site would respond to the City’s “dark skies” requirements  City of Golden Valley    Planning Commission Regular Meeting  March 8, 2021 – 7 pm       3  Staff Evaluation of North Lot   Battery Building   Closer to property line to the west than any principal structure, which requires some  flexibility from code   Exterior Materials must match existing Principal Structures   City supports these types of sustainability measures that are in line with 2040 Comp Plan  goals   Audi Addition   Expansion subject to requirements of City’s Arch & Material Standards, additional details  required prior to permitting   No concerns raised by fire department staff on impact to drive lanes/accesses   Would not increase site impervious surface   Landscaped Buffer between property line and parking reduced to 10’ across the north lot   Engineering staff have some concerns about the use of pervious pavers as suggested in the  proposal, due to proximity to City’s underground utilities   Ferrari Dealership   At the time of Amendment #3, the former Porsche dealership was maintained for internal  operations, and Carousel noted to staff and PC that a third franchise would not be added  to the property.   Staff is not opposed to reintroducing sales    Staff is not concerned with additional parking required as the site has ample capacity      Proposals – South Lot   Reduction in the existing street setback for parking, similar to the north lot   Reduction in the rear parking setback (south) from 50’ to 10’   Combined parking setback changes would allow for reconfiguration of the parking to allow for  added storage (112 new spaces)   Storm water reconfiguration   Introduction of a second curb cut access for the lot  Additional Items   New storm water pond amenities   New landscaping added along Wayzata Boulevard   Updated LED lighting, similar to the north lot improvements, would respond to the City’s “dark  skies” requirements    Staff Evaluation of North Lot   Reduced Setbacks  o Changes to the setbacks would allow for large expansion of the parking lot  o The 10’ rear setback is significantly less than the original 50’ setback put in place by the  PUD, and is also less than the 25’ required by zoning for a commercial parking area  abutting residential uses  City of Golden Valley    Planning Commission Regular Meeting  March 8, 2021 – 7 pm       4  o The rear setback reduction would also result in the loss of a number of trees identified by  residents to the south as providing screening above the 12’ sound wall   Reconfigured Lot  o Staff is concerned with the introduction of trucks unloading on the south lot   Added impervious surface is significant across the south lot, although accounted for with the new  storm water pond in terms of runoff   The new amenities around the pond raise question of maintenance and ownership, which would  need to be agreed to between the City and the applicant    Staff Evaluation – Additional Items   Lighting  o Improvements to lighting across both sites are a positive change for the site, a significant  investment by the applicant, and a clear public benefit to the proposal  o Some outlying questions from review regarding trespass and curfew hours, staff  recommends a more thorough lighting plan as a condition of approval   Electric Vehicle Charging Stations  o These are described as amenities in the application narrative but not detailed on any of  the plan set materials  o Not required under zoning, but fitting with City’s Sustainability goals from the  Comprehensive Plan  o Staff is recommending their inclusion at the three dealerships as a condition of approval  Additional Considerations from City Engineers   The city limits tree plantings on or around underground utilities as shown in some areas of the  plan, this could impact the location and provision of replacement trees along Wayzata Blvd.   Similarly, pervious pavers shown in the plan aren’t allowed within 25’ of public utilities, which  could jeopardize some of their inclusion, and result in additional impervious surface   The proposed landscaping and seating area around the south pond seems like a minor public  benefit to balance against a 5.8% increase in impervious surface and the loss of 67 significant  trees    Recommendation  Staff recommends approval of a modified version of Amendment #4 to PUD No. 95, allowing for the  proposed changes to the north lot including the Ferrari dealership, Audi expansion, battery building,  and reduced street setbacks, and disallowing all requests relating to the south lot, including the  reduction in street and rear setbacks, the relocation of the storm water pond, and the introduction of  a new curb cut to allow for truck access.  The amendment’s approval is subject to the following conditions:  1. The plans for site revisions to 9191, 9393, and 9595 Wayzata Boulevard, and the associated  lot to the south of Wayzata Boulevard, submitted January 22, 2021, and subsequently  updated to address City comments, shall become a part of this approval.  The applicant shall revise the plans so as to:  City of Golden Valley    Planning Commission Regular Meeting  March 8, 2021 – 7 pm       5  a. Remove the reconfiguration of the south lot, including the relocation of the storm  water pond, the expansion of pavement, and the second curb cut onto Wayzata  Boulevard.   b. Show and label the access gate and trail along the east property line of the south lot.  c. Show and label bicycle parking and vehicle charging stations, as noted below.  2. Applicant shall provide a parking diagram for the north lot that clearly labels parking spaces  reserved for customers and employees associated with all three dealerships separately.  3. Applicant shall provide in their site plan at least 20 bicycle parking spaces, in a location  accessible for employees and customers to the three dealerships.  4. Applicant shall provide electric vehicle charging stations on‐site as part of the PUD  Amendment, to be included in a location accessible to each dealership.  5. Applicant shall provide exterior material details on the accessory battery building for review  and approval prior to applying for a building permit.  6. Applicant shall provide exterior elevations and architectural and material information for the  Audi dealership addition, conforming with the City’s standards, for review and approval prior  to applying for a building permit.  7. Applicant shall provide a revised lighting plan that addresses the outstanding questions  around light trespass on both lots and lighting levels on the south lot, addressing how hours  of illumination and curfew lighting will be handled.  8. Applicant shall adjust their tree and landscape plan as directed by City Engineering staff to  avoid conflicts with underground utilities across the sites.  9. The loading and unloading of trucks delivering vehicles to the dealership shall take place on  the property located north of Wayzata Boulevard and shall not take place on the south lot or  within the public right‐of‐way.    Commissioner Johnson asked if a new dealership was going in and if the requested 200 additional  parking spaces were related to that. Campbell responded that the third dealership will be in the  original Porsche dealership location but was only used internally from 2014. The spaces are primarily  for inventory and vehicles to display.   Commissioner Segelbaum asked if there were open concerns with the north lot that the City had not  addressed with the applicant. Staff felt more comfortable with the north lot changes and their  alignment with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The south lot proposed changes will have a greater  impact on surrounding communities. Commissioner Baker asked if the city discussed a modified plan  for the South lot so they can use the space but not disturb the area closest to the neighborhood.  Campbell responded that modifications had not been discussed by staff but those may be suggested  by the Planning Commission.   Staff and Commissioners discussed particulars around stacked cars, setbacks, and pervious/impervious  surface area.     The Chair invited the applicant to present.    Applicant, Nguyen Hoang, addressed some of the Commissioners early questions regarding a battery  building. He discussed the parking space details and said they will be released before City Council.  City of Golden Valley    Planning Commission Regular Meeting  March 8, 2021 – 7 pm       6  Regarding the electrical concerns, the applicant is still working with their contractor. Some of the  specifics are due to regulations with the previous PUD. The dealership needs more parking space to  accommodate greater inventory on site. The applicant added that the south lot was originally a more  private lot per the PUD and they intend to honor that moving forward. The applicant continued to  discuss the stormwater pond plans and setback requests. The applicant added that the 12ft. sound  wall is partially on the dealership’s property and offers a clear separation from the residential area.  The applicant is requesting removal of trees along the wall and asking they are replanted. To mitigate  noise, the applicant would like to lock the south lot so transport of cars can occur after hours. The  applicant added that while it may not show up now, they are constantly reimagining how to improve  the process.   Wayne Pisinski, Applicant, added that he went to the neighbors of the south lot and made a  commitment o put trees in specific areas to mitigate the sight line concerns they had. He also said he  would work with a landscape company to install ornamental trees to help with the same concerns.  There will be a secondary fence developed between the lot and Wayzata Blvd to help with this issue.  Pisinski also looked into a neighbor’s concern over a wetland area being connected to the dealership’s  retention pond. Both Golden Valley and St Louis Park looked into it and SLP contacted the resident to  assure them the retention pond and wetland area are not related. Pisinski elaborated on the need for  a building for batteries and explained the size and safety needs of that lead to a new building  construction.     Johnson asked if applicants addressed parking stacked cars at the north lot, Pisinski stated they cannot  so the driveway is accessible for firetrucks. Additionally, that location is close to the highway and the  dealership experiences cars that run off the highway and on to their property about 5‐8 times a year.  Campbell added there is minimal greenspace available on the north property line of the north lot and  not enough room for additional stacking. Commissioner Brookins stated that the north retention pond  seems to be expanding, the applicant responded that the pond is being increased and improved on to  increase treatment with the MPCA.   Commissioners and the applicant discussed charging stations on site and public access.   Baker asked the applicant what other inventory options there are and the applicant listed a number of  lots outside of Golden Valley for inventory but finding a place to lease and safely leave a vehicle is hard  to find. It’s hard to meet the customer need with what parking the dealership has available today.     Chair Blum opened the public hearing at 8:31pm.     John Thompson  9430 West 14th Street, St Louis Park  I wish the trees on the other side of the retaining wall to remain as a barrier for my home. I live a block  north but my walk out deck is above the 12‐foot barrier and the trees help block the sound in the  summer.     Elizabeth  1511 Flag Ave S St Louis Park  City of Golden Valley    Planning Commission Regular Meeting  March 8, 2021 – 7 pm       7  My house is 3 houses rom the barrier wall and I look over the wall. I can see the buildings on the  dealership lot. Pesinski has met with me and said he would do his best to maintain the mature trees  on the south wall but I was alarmed to see 67/73 trees may be cut down. I would like alternatives to  be explored.     Michael Miller  9416 W 14th Street St Louis Park  My back deck faces the south wall and there is light pollution that escapes over the wall. I’m not sure  what alternative will occur to make up for the removal of the retention pond. I spoke to Eric in St Louis  Park and he said there is probably no connection between the wetlands and retaining pond but he  didn’t say definitely. I wanted to clarify that comment.      Commissioner Johnson asked staff if there was a preference for above or below ground stormwater  management.  Staff responded that either are acceptable as long as they meet requirements but the  City’s preference is above ground as it’s more environmentally friendly and provides habitat. Blum  asked if there is a standard for mitigation to prevent standing water. Staff is not aware of any.     Laurie Kirk  1301 Flag Ave St Louis Park  My home is adjacent to the SE corner of the wall and the trees along the south wall provide a great  deal of screening from the dealership. The new frontage they’re proposing would be better however  right now the trees keep the aesthetics of the neighborhood. It doesn’t feel industrial or commercial  even though I can see the dealership from our window. The trees on our side of the wall are City of  Golden Valley trees because they are in the easement. There was storm damage and Xcel cut them  because of that. I am concerned that the 10ft setback will create a situation where trees can’t be  planted there at all, we will then lose the ambiance of our neighborhood.     Commissioners discussed the north lot first. Staff wasn’t concerned with reduced sight lines on the  north lot since there’s a wide city boulevard. The discussion continued that there haven’t been many  concerns with the north lot historically as it’s a commercial area. While the reduction in green space is  disappointing, the ask here doesn’t seem to be out of line with what other dealerships have/were  granted. Johnson reiterated that a PUD is a compromise between the City and the business, and he is  concerned with the setback reductions as they were placed there initially for a reason. He continued  with wanting to see what other options there are to maximize the north lot as the original intent of  the PUD seems to be altered. Commissioner Pockl added that the increase of impervious surface is  concerning. The conversation continued on to approving the whole amendment or broken up into two  sections by the north or south lot. This discussion continued on to what to recommend to City Council  and how the PUD amendment should be approved or denied.     Chair Blum closed the public hearing at 8:55pm.     Commissioners continued on and discussed the retention pond location and alternatives at greater  length. The discussion moved on and elaborated on staff’s decision to generally support the PUD  City of Golden Valley    Planning Commission Regular Meeting  March 8, 2021 – 7 pm       8  amendment and the regulations to support those decisions. Commissioners discussed whether or not  they support the 10‐foot setback, Johnson doesn’t while Segelbaum, Baker, and Pockl all expressed  support.   A number of residents have decks above the 12‐ft wall due to the topography and Baker commented  the wall barely screens them. Discussions around lighting continued as well as specifics stated in a  previous PUD amendment.    Commissioners moved on to discuss the south lot and stated sensitivity to the proposed removal of  the mature trees. Staff reviewed the easements, property lines, and the wall to illustrates specifics for  Commissioners. This moved on to illustrate parking locations and the 10foot easement, the potential  for increasing charging stations, public art, dropping lighting so neighbors aren’t affected by light  pollution, and the impact of loading/unloading vehicles just on the other side of the wall.  Commissioner Brookins said if the setback can stay at 50ft, he is supportive of the rest of the  amendment, and maybe add additional conditions. Commissioner Johnson stated the irony of cutting  down trees to then install electric car charging stations.       MOTION made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Segelbaum, to follow staff  recommendation and conditions as stated.     Staff called a roll call vote:  Aye: Baker, Brookins, Pockl, Segelbaum  Nay: Johnson, Blum    The motion carries.    5. Discussion – Interim Use    Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager reminded the group about a restaurant last summer who was  searching for solutions to meet their need for outdoor seating. In this particular situation,  restaurant/bar is a non‐conforming use in an R‐1 zoning district. Expansion of non‐conforming uses are  not allowed, so no outdoor seating/dining can currently be added. City Council is wary of rezoning so  requested investigation of other options; one of those possibilities is Interim Use.   Interim Use   Covered in State statute   “temporary use of property until a particular date, until the occurrence of a particular event, or  until zoning regulations no longer permit it”   Must conform to the zoning regulations   Conditions of use may be attached    City of Golden Valley    Planning Commission Regular Meeting  March 8, 2021 – 7 pm       9  Currently, Golden Valley doesn’t have Interim Use in the zoning code but it does have three types of  temporary uses that are allowed: mobile food vending, seasonal farm produce sales, temporary retail  sales. Each use does require a permit from the City in order to operate.     If outdoor seating was considered as an interim use, it would need to be distinguished in the R‐1 zoning  code, an end date would need to be identified, and conditions could be applied to mitigate potential  impacts.   Typically, interim uses are complementary to the underlying zoning and permitted uses. A commercial  outdoor dining use, appears to be in conflict with R‐1 Zoning.   Interim uses tend to be limited in nature and duration and the investment in a patio is great for a  limited use. Not having an obvious timeline or condition to end, directly contrasts to the nature of  interim/temporary use.   Conditions for approval should be created, as they are in other areas, and this could mitigate potential  impacts to surrounding properties.         Staff Conclusion  An interim use that allows outdoor seating/dining doesn’t seem to be a good solution to the problem  at hand.  The limitation of a commercial use in a single‐family residential area is a big constraint. Staff can look  into what it would mean to have neighborhood commercial zoning district.    Commissioner Pockl asked how staff predicted the proposal would be received by the neighbors since  there seems to be a split response to the restaurant in general. Zimmerman responded that neighbors  are primarily concerned about additional noise, music outside, and an uptick in traffic. The larger  concern from residents regarding rezoning that spot, is the what‐ifs for the future if another business  takes over.   Commissioner Segelbaum asked about the difference between this and emergency zoning that  occurred from the Governor’s restrictions at the start of Covid. Zimmerman responded that the  Governor asked Cities to find alternative ways to allow services to operate outdoors and City Council  allowed temporary outdoor service areas. This was a limited time, special circumstance use. Pockl  asked how the restaurant/bar owners are responding to this idea. Zimmerman said interim use was  their idea after seeing how other cities were responding to the need for adaption, they’re willing to do  many things to mitigate potential issues. This doesn’t change that their potential investment is large  nor that a timeline for a temporary use is hard to define. Segelbaum stated he thinks interim use is  worth exploring and tight definitions could help make it appropriate in this situation. Pockl echoed this  statement and stressed that the applicant really needs to understand the cost and potential risks  associated with this kind of use approval. Chair Blum stated that this use regulation seems connected  to the pandemic and a person can’t put a timeline on its end. Being that the use should have a definitive  timeline, he doesn’t feel this solution is the right match. Blum added he’s not against exploring options.  Segelbaum asked if a neighborhood commercial zoning district would add flexibility. Zimmerman said  it could but conditions could be added to decrease extreme by right use.  City of Golden Valley    Planning Commission Regular Meeting  March 8, 2021 – 7 pm       10   No direction is needed.     Televised portion of the meeting concluded at 8:42 pm    6. Council Liaison Report   7. Council Member Rosenquist provided a link to the State of the City address and encouraged all  Commissioners to view the recording. She also pointed them to the online recording of an open  house for the Facilities Study. Rosenquist noted that the City had hired a Housing and Economic  Development Manager who would be starting at the end of the month.    8. Reports on Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings  None.    9. Other Business  None.    10. Adjournment  11. MOTION by Commissioner Pockl to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, and approved  unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 10:18 pm.                                                                                                            ________________________________                                                                                                  Adam Brookins, Secretary  ________________________________  Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant            1      Date:  March 22, 2021  To:  Golden Valley Planning Commission  From:  Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager  Subject:    Incorporating RLUIPA Requirements into the Zoning Code      Summary  As the Planning Commission looks at updating the use tables for the City’s zoning districts, it  should also take the opportunity to examine if what is being proposed is in compliance with the  federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).    Background  RLUIPA is an act of Congress that attempts to protect religious organizations from discrimination  in land use regulations. It was passed in 2000 and should be understood by any zoning official or  body enforcing zoning decisions. An attached handout by the League of Minnesota Cities  provides a more in depth summary of what is discussed in this memo.    At its core, RULIPA attempts to prevent zoning restrictions that create substantial burdens on  religion unless the government can show that there is a compelling interest for imposing the  restrictions. Further, the restriction imposed must be the least restrictive way possible to address  that interest.    Various scenarios can be created to demonstrate how an RULIPA violation might appear, but a  shorthand test is “does the standard or action by the City place a higher bar for approval on a  religious use than it would for another, similar, use?” For example, if a church is required to  obtain a Conditional Use Permit to operate in a given zoning district, while a lodge hall – which  may have similar levels of attendance and have similar hours – is allowed by right, that would  likely be an RLUIPA violation. Unless the City could show that there was enough of a difference in  the impact of operating the church to make the additional level or review and approval  necessary, it would need to revise its practices and/or zoning code to address the two uses  similarly.        2    The League handout provide a short list of the ways in which zoning and land use regulations  might run afoul of RLUIPA:   Infringement of religious exercise – restrictions imposed on religious uses that are a  “substantial” burden   Comparability to secular institutions – as noted above, a stricter standard for a religious  use than for a secular use   Discrimination among religions – favoring one religion over another   Exclusion of religious assemblies – completely limiting a religious use from establishment  in a municipality   Unreasonable limits on houses of worship – excessive or complicated hoops that must be  jumped through imposed on religious institutions    This does not mean that NO restrictions may be placed on religious uses. It does mean that  zoning cannot be enforced if it discriminates against or excludes religious uses, treats religious  uses less favorably than comparable nonreligious uses, or imposes a substantial burden.    Analysis  Staff initiated a conversation around this topic back in 2017, as a first look at the City’s land uses  was being conducted as part of the preparation for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. After an initial  conversation to educate Commissioners, it was determined that the topic should be revisited as  zoning changes were made following the adoption of the Comp Plan.    Based on the discussions at that time, there were a handful of recommendations to be taken up  again at a later date:  1. Update language – replace “church” with “place of worship”  2. Create definition for “place of worship”  3. Expand the number of places in which a religious institution might be able to locate  4. Consider modifying parking requirements to allow shared parking with adjacent  properties    Language  As part of the recodification of the City Code in 2017, language in the zoning chapter was  updated to replace “churches” with “places of worship” in the I‐1 Institutional Sub‐District.    Definition  As part of the recodification, a new definition agreed upon by the Planning Commission was  inserting into the zoning chapter. The definition reads:  Place of Worship: A structure maintained and operate by an organized group for  religious purposes, including, without limitation, a church, synagogue, mosque,  rectory, parish house or similar building, with religious gather or worship being its  principal use.    3    Expansion  One goal coming out of the previous discussion was to expand the opportunities for  places of worship to locate in the city, beyond the limited number of I‐1 zoned properties  that were mapped at the time.    This was proposed to be accomplished by modifying the existing use tables as follows:  Existing and Proposed Permissions for Places of Worship  Zoning District Existing Proposed  Residential (R‐1 through R‐4) Not permitted Not permitted  Commercial Not permitted;  Lodge Halls permitted  Not permitted; Lodge Halls  moved to Assembly  Light Industrial Not permitted Permitted  Industrial Not permitted Not permitted  Office Not permitted Not permitted  Institutional (Assembly)  ‐‐‐ Permitted  Institutional (Civic and Medical)  ‐‐‐ Not permitted  Mixed Use (Neighborhood,  Community, and Employment)  Permitted with surface  parking restrictions  Permitted with surface  parking restrictions    In addition to the consolidation of Institutional subdistricts (with places of worship being  permitted in the Assembly subdistrict), places of worship would also be allowed in the  Light Industrial zoning district. Similarly, all of the new Mixed Use subdistricts now allow  Places of Worship as a restricted use. Moving Lodge Halls from the Commercial zoning  District to Assembly as part of the use table update would help avoid any perception that  a secular assembly use has greater allowances than a religious assembly use.    Parking  A final recommendation was to modify the existing parking requirements to provide more  flexibility for places of worship, potentially allowing shared parking arrangements with  adjacent properties. This analysis remains to be conducted as part of a closer look at the  entire off‐street parking section of code later in the year.    Staff Request  This agenda item is for discussion only. Staff is looking for confirmation that the proposed  additions to the zoning use tables are complying with RLUIPA requirements.    Attachments  Zoning for Religion, League of Minnesota Cities Information Memo (5 pages)    145 University Ave. West www.lmc.org 4/1/2010 Saint Paul, MN 55103-2044 (651) 281-1200 or (800) 925-1122 © 2013 All Rights Reserved This material is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Consult your attorney for advice concerning specific situations. INFORMATION MEMO Zoning for Religion When considering an application for land use involving a religious institution, cities must comply with the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) law. Learn the requirements of this law and read examples of provided by the U. S. Department of Justice of zoning actions and ordinance language that can violate it. RELEVANT LINKS: I. Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) While it probably isn’t every day that your city receives a land use application for a religious use, this is still an area of planning and zoning cities need to pay attention to. The way your city handles applications for religious uses must comply with the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc et seq. RLUIPA protects religious institutions from unduly burdensome or discriminatory land use regulations. This law was passed unanimously by Congress in 2000, after congressional hearings revealed that religious organizations were disproportionately affected by local land use decisions. Minority religions and start-up churches were impacted more than most. Congress also found that religious institutions were treated worse than comparable secular institutions and that zoning authorities were placing excessive burdens on the ability of congregations to exercise their faith. As a result, Congress enacted RLUIPA in an effort to protect religious freedom, houses of worship, and religious schools. However, 10 years after it was passed, RLUIPA remains something of a mystery to those involved in local land use regulation II. Origins of RLUIPA Employment Div., Department of Human Resources of Ore. V. Smith, 42 U.S. 110 S. Ct. 108 L.Ed. 2nd 876 (1990). A 1990 Supreme Court decision was the first step toward RLUIPA. Smith was fired as a drug counselor for ingesting peyote during a Native American ceremony. He was denied unemployment insurance by the state of Oregon because his termination was due to felony use of a controlled substance. The Supreme Court upheld the denial because the state ban on peyote was neutral and generally applicable. The Smith decision led to an outcry from religious groups that the courts were inadequately protecting the religious practice of individuals from the impact of government programs and policies. RELEVANT LINKS: League of Minnesota Cities Information Memo: 4/1/2010 Zoning for Religion Page 2 42 U.S.C. § 2000bb et seq. Congress reacted in 1993 by passing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which established “strict scrutiny” of any law that substantially burdened a religious individual or institution. A church in Texas challenged a city historic preservation law under RFRA and in 1997 the case went all the way to the Supreme Court. The Court struck down the application of RFRA to state and local government, ruling it was an unconstitutional violation of the limits of federalism. So Congress tried again, and after unsuccessful bills in 1998 and 1999, RLUIPA became law in 2000. III. RLUIPA prohibitions Department of Justice RLUIPA Policy Statement, Sept. 2010. There is little guidance for compliance with RLUIPA, causing city officials, planners, and attorneys to puzzle over the language of this law. The following information from the U.S. Department of Justice provides examples of the kinds of zoning actions and ordinance language that might get a city into trouble with RLUIPA. A. Infringement of religious exercise 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(a). RLUIPA bars zoning restrictions that impose a “substantial burden” on the religious exercise of a person or institution, unless the government can show that it has a “compelling interest” for imposing the restriction. In addition, the restriction imposed must be the least restrictive way for the city to further that interest. Minor costs or inconveniences imposed on religious institutions are not enough to trigger RLUIPA’s protections. The burden must be “substantial.” Once the institution has shown a substantial burden on its religious exercise, the city must show that the reason for imposing a restriction is “compelling.” Because the religious organizations in the following examples have demonstrated a substantial burden on their religious exercise, and the justifications offered by the cities in these cases are not compelling, the cities would likely be in violation of RLUIPA. Example: A church has applied for a variance to build a modest addition to its building for Sunday school classes. The church demonstrated that the addition is critical to carrying out its religious mission, that there is adequate space on the lot, and that there would be a negligible impact on traffic and congestion in the area. The city denied the variance. Example: A Jewish congregation has been meeting in various rented spaces that have proven inadequate for the religious needs of its growing membership. The congregation purchased land and seeks to build a synagogue. The city denied the permit, and the only reason given is “we have enough houses of worship in this city already, and we want more businesses.” RELEVANT LINKS: League of Minnesota Cities Information Memo: 4/1/2010 Zoning for Religion Page 3 B. Comparability to secular institutions 42 U.S. C. § 2000cc(b)(1). Under RLUIPA, religious assemblies and institutions must be treated at least as well as non-religious assemblies and institutions. This is known as the “equal terms” provision of RLUIPA. On its face, the ordinance below favors nonreligious places of assembly over religious assemblies, so the following example would be a violation. Example: A mosque leases space in a storefront, but zoning officials deny an occupancy permit since houses of worship are forbidden in that zone. However, fraternal organizations, meeting halls, and places of assembly are all permitted in the same zone. C. Discrimination among religions 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b)(2). RLUIPA bars discrimination “against any assembly or institution on the basis of religion or religious denomination.” If it were proven that the permit was denied because the applicants are Hindu, the example below would constitute a violation. Example: A Hindu congregation is denied a building permit despite meeting all of the zoning code requirements for height, setback, and parking. The zoning administrator is overheard making a disparaging remark about Hindus. D. Exclusion of religious assemblies 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b)(3)(A). RLUIPA provides: “No government shall impose or implement a land use regulation that totally excludes religious assemblies from a jurisdiction.” Exclusions like the example below are explicitly forbidden. Example: A city, seeking to preserve tax revenues, enacts a law that no new churches or other houses of worship will be permitted. E. Unreasonable limits on houses of worship 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b)(3)(B). Under RLUIPA: “No government shall impose or implement a land use regulation that unreasonably limits religious assemblies, institutions, or structures within a jurisdiction.” The zoning scheme described below, if proven to be an unreasonable limitation on houses of worship, would constitute a violation. Example: A city has no zones that permit houses of worship. The only way a church may be built is by having an individual parcel rezoned, a process which in that city takes several years and is extremely expensive. RELEVANT LINKS: League of Minnesota Cities Information Memo: 4/1/2010 Zoning for Religion Page 4 IV. Impact on zoning It is important to recognize that RLUIPA does not shield religious institutions from all land use regulation. A zoning ordinance can be enforced as long as it does not discriminate against or exclude religious uses, does not treat religious uses less favorably than comparable nonreligious uses, and does not impose a substantial burden. Religious land uses include places of assembly for worship such as churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples. But, RLUIPA can also encompass any number of associated religious activities, such as shelters, schools, soup kitchens, and community centers. Historically, most zoning ordinances have treated religious institutions like any other building. They usually are subject to setbacks, height limits, and lot size requirements. Often the impacts are limited to traffic and parking concerns that occur at the time of regular worship services. However, some ordinances specify zoning districts in which religious buildings are or are not allowed, and require that performance standards be met as to parking and site plan. Like any zoning regulation, the purpose is generally to mitigate the impact of the land use on its neighbors. Another traditional way of handling zoning ordinances is to treat churches and other places of worship as uses associated primarily with residential districts. Neighborhood churches were viewed as a classic residential use, often located on corner lots near larger streets. But the model has changed over time with new forms emerging. Large mega-churches draw thousands of worshipers to shopping-center sized facilities. Conversely, smaller storefront churches provide youth drop-in centers and religious outreach efforts. Many zoning ordinances have not yet addressed the variety of forms religious institutions can take. V. Review and plan Cities that have not reviewed their zoning ordinances for consistency with RLUIPA might start by taking a look at how religious land uses are currently regulated: • Does the zoning ordinance call them out as specific land uses? • If so, does the ordinance impose unique requirements or limit their location to certain districts? • How are religious land uses defined? If the ordinance uses the term “churches” the city should consider changing to a broader definition, as the term church can be viewed as discriminating among religions. RELEVANT LINKS: League of Minnesota Cities Information Memo: 4/1/2010 Zoning for Religion Page 5 Some ordinances now employ a broad definition of “places of assembly” that include both religious and non-religious uses. This approach may go a long way toward protecting the city from an equal terms challenge under RLUIPA. Cities should also consider whether the ordinance requires religious uses to undergo any particular approval process. If the ordinance leaves the city with significant discretion over the approval and conditions that may be attached, a city is more likely to face a substantial burden challenge under RLUIPA. Some ordinances regulate places of religious assembly as a conditional use. While a conditional use may be appropriate and may survive a challenge if applied fairly and judiciously, cities should be wary of this practice. Concerns a city may wish to address through a zoning approval process do not always pertain to all places of assembly but rather are focused on assemblies of a particular size. Consider classifying assemblies based on scale and impact, and have sliding zoning standards that apply accordingly. A small place of assembly may be permitted outright, yet a larger one would be subject to specified performance standards. While the meaning and impact of RLUIPA continues to be sorted out, cities should remain aware of the possibility that their zoning practices may be alleged to violate RLUIPA. Review of RLUIPA underscores the importance of careful planning, as well as ordinance drafting and administration, whenever a city receives a land use application for a religious use. Cities should work closely with their planners and attorneys to navigate this complex area of land use law. VI. Further assistance Jed Burkett 651.281.1247 jburkett@lmc.org League of Minnesota Cities. For questions on the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and other land use situations, contact the League’s Loss Control Land Use Attorney. You can learn more about land use issues in the land use section of the League’s website. 1 Date: March 22, 2021 To: Golden Valley Planning Commission From: Myles Campbell, Planner Subject: Zoning Study – Pawnshops, Precious Metal Dealers, and Payday Lenders Summary Planning staff and Commissioners have begun to review the existing language of the zoning code, specifically in regard to its structure of permitted/conditional/restricted uses. This review is intended to bring the code into conformity with the Comprehensive Plan and to streamline the code to be more easily interpreted by residents, businesses, and other property owners. In August 2020, the City Council also directed staff and the Planning Commission, as part of their review of land use tables, to research and review how pawnshops, precious metal dealers, and payday lenders are addressed in the zoning code. An interim ordinance (moratorium) was put in place for a 12-month period to allow time for Planning Commission and the Council itself to review how the code could help to alleviate concerns regarding these uses and public safety impacts. Pawn Shops and Precious Metal Dealers Current Code Prior to the interim ordinance introduced with the moratorium in August 2020, there were two main determinants for introducing a pawnshop or precious metal dealer business to Golden Valley: the zoning codes allowed uses, and the license requirements for these uses. For the zoning code, the existing language is fairly gray as to which districts these uses are allowed in, because neither is explicitly mentioned in any district’s permitted, conditional, or restricted uses currently. Instead, by staff’s interpretation, pawnshops and metal dealers would likely be considered under the zoning code to fall into one or more of the catch-all retail categories, such as this one from the Commercial District: General retail services and/or sales that are consistent with the purpose of the Commercial Zoning District and not otherwise listed as a conditional use in Subsection (e) of this section 2 Similar language regarding general retail/service is also included in the Mixed Use district. Without these uses being otherwise defined by code, either as allowed or prohibited uses, it is again staff’s impression that both pawnshops and precious metal dealers could be considered as falling under the intentionally broad, general retail land use category. One additional consideration here is that while pawnshops themselves may be considered general retail currently, these businesses can sometimes include as part of the business the sale of firearms, which do have a number of limitations placed on their sale and service within the city. Currently, both the Commercial and Mixed Use zoning districts, which do allow for general retail, prohibit the sale and repair of firearms. Meaning that a pawn shop located in these districts would not be allowed to deal in firearms. Conversely, general retail is not allowed in the light industrial district, however if pawnshops were introduced here, firearm sales may be allowed, so long as the shop met the proximity restrictions already in place under the code for firearms. Given the currently hands-off zoning regulation, the City Code’s licensing chapter is instead where the bulk of regulations and City enforcement measures are contained. As the Planning Commission does not have authority over the contents of Chapter 16 of the City Code, regarding licenses, staff will only provide some research and discussion here in order to provide context for decisions being made in regard to zoning, as the two will certainly operate in tandem. However, we will not be making any recommendations regarding the content of this section of City Code. Golden Valley requires any pawnbroker or precious metal dealer to apply for and receive a license from the City in order to open and operate a facility within its municipal boundaries. This application includes a thorough review of the applicant’s background, as well as their affiliations (spouses, partners, organizations) which is conducted by the City’s Department of Public Safety, which then provide a recommendation to Council on the application. In addition to the application requirements, the licensing ordinance also sets strict standards of operations, requiring that all items be recorded individually, and that copies of these records be provided to police on a daily basis. Also included is a restriction on hours of operation for the establishment. Adjacent Community Review In staff’s review of adjacent communities, it was found that a number of communities have in their zoning codes established standards regarding the location and operation of pawnshops. Additionally, in almost every case where pawnshops were allowed, there was some level of licensing with the City required to operate that facility. Attached with this memo are some sample sections of code from cities such as St. Louis Park, Plymouth, Richfield, Minnetonka, and others. Some of the most common restrictions placed on the land use were as follows: • Proximity Restrictions – o Limitations on how close in feet a pawnshop could be in relation to another pawnshop or currency exchange o Limitations on how close in feet a pawnshop could be in relation to a school, religious institution, adult use, residential district, etc. • Outdoor display and storage – limiting the use to indoor sales, display, and storage only 3 • Limitations on noise – no exterior loudspeakers or address systems • Limitations on appearance – limitations on specific lighting such as neon, or requiring windows remain un-screened to allow for visibility into the store • Visibility – entrances to the store must be visible from public ROW The majority of cities staff researched in regard to pawnshops, if they defined the use in their zoning code, utilized some combination of the above restrictions in order to regulate their location and use. Only the City of Roseville defined pawnshops as a land use, but then handled it as an ordinary conditional use, subject to the typical 11-part test (increase in noise, effect on population density, etc.) Staff’s preference would be to handle pawnshops as a restricted use, which is more common amongst peer cities, specifically utilizing proximity restrictions between pawnshops and a set of defined uses should help to address some of the City’s stated findings and concerns around the potential criminal aspect of the use and its impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. Payday Lenders and Currency Exchanges The Council in its interim ordinance also identified payday lenders as a use to be examined by staff. Payday lenders are businesses which offer short-term unsecured loans to individuals, the expectation being that the loan is then paid back out of the individual’s next paycheck. These are also referred to as cash advance loans, and typically carry a very high interest rate on top of the initial principal. The Council in their findings noted that these businesses have often been identified as using predatory lending practices such as automatic withdrawals or garnishing wages, and as such were interested in an examination of their handling under City Code. Current Code Currently, the City in its zoning code does not define either payday lenders or currency exchanges, which were example definitions found in other communities. Instead, the use would likely fall under the larger umbrella of “financial institutions” and as such would be allowed in a number of zoning districts: Commercial, Office, and all Mixed Use districts. Typically, financial institutions are considered to be a permitted use in these districts, unless such a use includes a drive-through facility, which then would require full review of Planning Commission and Council as a conditional use. Payday lenders are also not defined elsewhere in the City Code such as in its licensing code. As such, the use remains largely unconstrained at least from the perspective of code. A potential payday lender would need to be licensed through the state of Minnesota and to comply with state regulations regarding that license. Minnesota Statute §47.60 applies to any and all “consumer small loans” businesses operating in the state, and would therefore apply to any such business in Golden Valley. A copy of this statute is included with this memo. Adjacent Community Review In staff’s review of adjacent and peer cities, many did include specific regulations for financial uses such as payday lenders that differ in their business model from a traditional bank. More 4 commonly however, these uses were defined as “Currency Exchanges” rather than simply payday lenders, with one seeming to be a broader category of non-traditional financial businesses. As an example here are the definitions for both provided in the St. Louis Park zoning code: Payday loan agency means any business that has as its primary activity the providing of short- term loans for the borrower’s own personal, family, or household purpose which are usually for a period of forty-five (45) days or less. Payday loan agencies do not include banks. Currency exchange means any business or person except a bank, trust company, savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union, or industrial loan and thrift company that is engaged in the business of cashing checks, drafts, money orders, or traveler’s checks for a fee. Other communities reviewed typically only referred to these businesses as currency exchanges, with only St. Louis Park defining explicitly payday loan agencies. That being said, the restrictions placed on these uses are not only similar between the two, but also in comparison to the restrictions placed on pawnshops, often with the restrictions for currency exchanges limiting proximity to pawnshops, and vice versa. Generally, the following restrictions were found in regard to currency exchanges and payday lenders: • Proximity Restrictions – o Limitations on how close in feet a currency exchange could be in relation to another currency exchange or pawnshop o Limitations on how close in feet a currency exchange could be in relation to a school, religious institution, adult use, residential district, etc. • Shared uses – the currency exchange shall not operate in conjunction with an adult use • Limitations on noise – no exterior loudspeakers or address systems • Limitations on appearance – requiring windows remain un-screened to allow for visibility into the store • Visibility – entrances to the store must be visible from public ROW Staff Recommended Changes First, staff is recommending that both pawnshops and currency exchanges be added to the zoning code’s land use tables, in order to provide more specific controls and/or review as opposed to how they are currently handled. Pulling pawnshops out from general retail and currency exchanges from financial institutions is the logical first step to take, and then allows for further restrictions to be placed on these uses. For pawnshops and precious metal dealers, staff is recommending these be included as restricted uses to best mitigate potential negative external impacts and to better manage the enforcement of license requirements relating to public safety. Staff feels in terms of zoning districts, these uses makes the most sense in either the Commercial or Light Industrial zoning districts, with staff’s own preference being the Commercial district, for primarily two reasons. First, there is an aspect of having additional visibility for these uses in order to dissuade criminal or otherwise negative activities. Being located in and around other commercial businesses guarantees more 5 pedestrian/consumer traffic in the area around the use than if it were to be located in a Light Industrial zoning district, which typically have less of a consumer-focus. Second, by being located in the Commercial district, these uses would be prohibited from any sales of firearms, thereby reducing one of the major public safety concerns surrounding the use itself. In terms of suggested restrictions, staff would recommend some combination of the following: 1. Any pawnshop or precious metal dealer shall be located not less than 750 feet from a pawnshop, precious metal dealer or currency exchange, as measured at the lot line. In the case of a multi-use building, distances from the use shall be measured from the portion of the structure occupied by the pawnshop or precious metal dealer. 2. Any pawnshop or precious metal dealer shall be located not less than 350 feet from a school, place of assembly, library, public park, or any parcel zoned R-1 or R-2, as measured at the lot line. In the case of a multi-use building, distances from the use shall be measured from the portion of the structure occupied by the pawnshop or precious metal dealer. 3. Such uses shall be contained within a completely enclosed building, and no outside storage, display, or sale of merchandise shall be permitted. 4. Exterior loudspeakers or public address systems are prohibited. 5. Visibility into the store shall be maintained by utilizing clear, transparent glass on all windows and doors, and by keeping all windows free of obstructions for at least three feet into the store. Product may be displayed for sale in the window as long as the display, including signage, does not occupy more than 30 percent of the window area. 6. All entrances to the business, with the exception of emergency fire exits which are not usable by patrons, must be visible from the public right-of-way. When such businesses are located within an enclosed commercial complex, all patron entrances must open onto the common concourse. Staff’s recommendations for currency exchanges are similar, although given that the use is not defined elsewhere in City Code, it will also require that a new definition be included in the code. Staff’s proposal borrows heavily from the existing definitions being used by other municipalities: Currency Exchange: Any person, except a bank, trust company, savings bank, savings association, credit union, or industrial loan and thrift company, engaged in the business of cashing checks, drafts, money orders, or travelers' checks for a fee. The term does not include a person who provides these services incidental to the person's primary business if the charge for cashing a check or draft does not exceed $1.00 or one percent of the value of the check or draft, whichever is greater. Staff feels this definition is sufficient to include payday lenders within, as these businesses typically utilize money orders for their transactions, however if the Planning Commission would prefer, another option is to take an approach similar to St. Louis Park and also define Payday Lenders, with both uses having the same set of restrictions. An example definition for payday lenders follows: 6 Payday Lender: any person or business that has as its primary activity the providing of short-term consumer loans for the borrower’s own personal, family, or household purpose which are usually for a period of forty-five (45) days or less. Payday lenders do not include banks. Staff’s recommendation is again to treat these as restricted uses and for them to be located within only the Commercial zoning district. The uses would be subject to some combination of the following restrictions: 1. Any currency exchange shall be located not less than 750 feet from a pawnshop, precious metal dealer or currency exchange, as measured at the lot line. In the case of a multi-use building, distances from the use shall be measured from the portion of the structure occupied by the currency exchange. 2. Any currency exchange shall be located not less than 350 feet from any parcel zoned R-1 or R-2, as measured at the lot line. In the case of a multi-use building, distances from the use shall be measured from the portion of the structure occupied by the pawnshop or precious metal dealer. 3. All entrances to the business, with the exception of emergency fire exits which are not usable by patrons, must be visible from the public right-of-way. When such businesses are located within an enclosed commercial complex, all patron entrances must open onto the common concourse. Recommended Action This meeting serves only as a discussion of the topic and does not require a vote from Commissioners. Zoning text amendments would be handled at a future meeting in conjunction with updates to the use tables within the zoning chapter. Attachments GV City Code Sec. 16-389 through 16-410, regarding Pawnshop Licensing (14 pages) Adjacent Community Ordinances (4 pages) MN Statute 47.60 Consumer Small Loans (3 pages) ARTICLE XIV. ‐ PAWNBROKERS AND PRECIOUS METAL DEALERS[6]     Footnotes:   ‐‐‐ (6) ‐‐‐   State Law reference— Pawnbrokers, Minn. Stats. ch. 325J; local ordinances regulating pawnbrokers, Minn. Stats. §§ 325J.02, 325J.13; precious metals, Minn. Stats. § 325F.73 et seq. Sec. 16‐389. ‐ Definitions.   The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Item Containing Precious Metal: An item made in whole or part of metal and containing more than one percent by weight of silver, gold, or platinum. Minor: Any natural person under the age of 18 years. Oversized Items: Large items not normally found in retail stores such as cars, boats and other motorized vehicles and equipment. Pawnbroker: (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2) of this definition, a pawnbroker is a person engaged in whole or in part in the business of lending money on the security of pledged goods left in pawn, or in the business of purchasing tangible personal property to be left in pawn on the condition that it may be redeemed or repurchased by the seller for a fixed price within a fixed period of time. (2) The following are exempt from the definition of pawnbroker: any bank regulated by the State, the Comptroller of the currency of the United States, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any other Federal or State authority and their affiliates; any bank or saving association whose deposits or accounts are eligible for insurance by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any successor to it and all affiliates of those banks and savings associations; any State or Federally chartered credit union; and any industrial loan and thrift company or regulated lender subject to licensing and regulation by the Department of Commerce. Pawnshop: The location at which or premises in which a pawnbroker regularly conducts business. Person: One or more natural persons; a partnership, including a limited partnership; a corporation, including a foreign, domestic, or nonprofit corporation; a trust; a political subdivision of the State; or any other business organization. Pledged Goods: Tangible personal property other than choses in action, securities, bank drafts, or printed evidence of indebtedness, that are purchased by, deposited with, or otherwise actually delivered into the possession of a pawnbroker in connection with a pawn transaction. Precious Metal Dealer: Any person engaging in the business of buying coins or secondhand items containing precious metal, including, but not limited to, jewelry, watches, eating utensils, candlesticks, and religious and decorative objects. Persons conducting the following transactions shall not be deemed to be precious metal dealers: (1) Transactions at occasional "garage" or "yard" sales, or estate sales or farm auctions held at the decedent's residence, except that precious metal dealers must comply with the requirements of Minn. Stats. §§ 325F.734 to 325F.742, for these transactions. (2) Transactions regulated by Minn. Stats. ch. 80A. (3) Transactions regulated by the Federal Commodity Futures Commission Act. (4) Transactions involving the purchase of precious metal grindings, filings, slag, sweeps, scraps, or dust from an industrial manufacturer, dental lab, dentist, or agent thereof. (5) Transactions involving the purchase of photographic film, such as lithographic and X-ray film, or silver residue or flake recovered in lithographic and X-ray film processing. (6) Transactions involving coins, bullion, or ingots. (7) Transactions in which the secondhand item containing precious metal is exchanged for a new item containing precious metal and the value of the new item exceeds the value of the secondhand item, except that a person who is a precious metal dealer by engaging in a transaction which is not exempted by this article must comply with the requirements of State law. (8) Transactions between precious metal dealers if both dealers are licensed under Minn. Stats. § 325F.733, or if the seller's business is located outside of the State and the item is shipped from outside the State to a dealer licensed under Minn. Stats. § 325F.733. (9) Transactions in which the buyer of the secondhand item containing precious metal is engaged primarily in the business of buying and selling antiques, and the items are resold in an unaltered condition except for repair, and the items are resold at retail, and the buyer paid less than $2,500.00 for secondhand items containing precious metals purchased within any period of 12 consecutive months. Precious Metals: Silver, gold, or platinum. Receive: To purchase, accept for sale on consignment or take in pawn any secondhand goods. (Code 1988, § 6.45(1); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3-2012) Sec. 16‐390. ‐ Purpose.   The City Council finds that pawnbrokers and precious metal dealers provide an opportunity for the commission of crimes and their concealment because such businesses have the ability to receive and transfer stolen property easily and quickly. The City Council also finds that consumer protection regulation is warranted in transactions involving pawnbrokers and precious metal dealers. The purpose of this article is therefore to prevent pawnbroking and precious metal businesses from being used as facilities for commission of crimes and to ensure that such businesses comply with basic consumer protection standards, thereby protecting the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the City. (Code 1988, § 6.45(2); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3-2012) Sec. 16‐391. ‐ License Required.   It is unlawful for any person to exercise, carry on, or be engaged in the trade or business of pawnbroker or precious metal dealer within the City unless such person is currently licensed under this article. A separate license is required for each place of business. More than one license may be issued to a person upon compliance with this article for each license. (Code 1988, § 6.45(3); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3-2012) Sec. 16‐392. ‐ Application Content.   In addition to any information that may be required by the County pursuant to Minn. Stats. § 471.924, every application for a license under this article shall be made on a form supplied by the City and shall contain all information required by the City, including the following information: (1) If the applicant is a natural person: a. The name, place and date of birth, street resident address, and phone number of the applicant. b. Whether the applicant is a citizen of the United States or a resident alien. c. Whether the applicant has ever used or has been known by a name other than the applicant's name, and if so, the name or names used and information concerning dates and places where used. d. The name of the business if it is to be conducted under a designation, name, or style other than the name of the applicant and a certified copy of the certificate as required by Minn. Stats. §§ 333.01—333.065. e. The street addresses at which the applicant has lived during the preceding five years. f. The type, name, and location of every business or occupation in which the applicant has been engaged during the preceding five years and the name and address of the applicant's employer and partner, if any, for the preceding five years. g. Whether the applicant has ever been convicted of a felony, crime, or violation of any ordinance other than a traffic ordinance. If so, the applicant shall furnish information as to the time, place, and offense for which convictions were had. h. The physical description of the applicant. i. If the applicant is married: 1. The name, place and date of birth, and street address of the applicant's current spouse. 2. The type, name, and location of every business or occupation in which the applicant's current spouse has been engaged during the preceding five years. 3. The names and addresses of the employers or partners of the applicant's current spouse for the preceding five years. 4. Whether the applicant's current spouse has ever been convicted of any felony, crime, or violation of any ordinance other than a traffic ordinance. If so, the applicant shall furnish information as to the time, place, and offense for which convictions were had. (2) If the applicant is a partnership: a. The name and address of all general and limited partners and all information concerning each general partner required in Subsection (1) of this section. b. The name of the managing partner and the interest of each partner in the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer business. c. A true copy of the partnership agreement shall be submitted with the application. If the partnership is required to file a certificate as to a trade name pursuant to Minn. Stats. § 333.01, a certified copy of such certificate shall be attached to the application. (3) If the applicant is a corporation or other organization: a. The name of the corporation or business form, and if incorporated, the state of incorporation. b. A true copy of the Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Incorporation or Association Agreement, Operating Agreement and Bylaws shall be attached to the application. If the applicant is a foreign corporation, a Certificate of Authority as required by Minn. Stats. § 303.03 shall be attached. c. The name of the manager, proprietor, or other agent in charge of the business and all information concerning each manager, proprietor, or agent required in Subsection (1) of this section. d. A list of all persons who control or own an interest in excess of five percent in such organization or business form or who are officers, managers or directors of the corporation or business form and all information concerning said persons required in Subsection (1) of this section. (4) For all applicants: a. Whether the applicant holds a current pawnbroker, precious metal dealer, or secondhand goods dealer license from any other governmental unit and whether the applicant is licensed under either Minn. Stats. § 471.924, or Minn. Stats. §§ 325F.731—325F.744. b. Whether the applicant has previously been denied a pawnbroker, precious metal dealer, or secondhand goods dealer license from any other governmental unit. c. The names, street resident addresses, and business addresses of three residents of Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Washington or Scott County, who are of good moral character and who are not related to the applicant or not holding any ownership in the premises or business, who may be referred to as to the applicant's and or manager's character. d. The location of the business premises. e. The name and address of the owner of the premises to be licensed. f. The legal description of the premises to be licensed. g. Whether all real estate and personal property taxes that are due and payable for the premises to be licensed have been paid, and if not paid, the years and amounts that are unpaid. h. Whenever the application is for premises either planned or under construction or undergoing substantial alteration, the application shall be accompanied by a set of preliminary plans showing the design of the proposed premises to be licensed. If the plans or design are on file with the City Building and Inspection Division, no plans need be submitted with the issuing authority. i. Such other information as the City may require. (Code 1988, § 6.45(4); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3-2012) Sec. 16‐393. ‐ Application Execution.   All applications for a license under this article shall be signed and sworn to. If the application is that of a natural person, it shall be signed and sworn to by such person; if that of a corporation or other organization, by an officer; if that of a partnership, by one of the general partners; and if that of an unincorporated association, by the manager or managing officer thereof. (Code 1988, § 6.45(5); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3-2012) Sec. 16‐394. ‐ False Statements on Application.   No person shall make any false statement or omission on any application or supporting materials of any application. In addition to other penalties, any falsification or omission may result in the denial of a license or the revocation of an existing license by the City. (Code 1988, § 6.45(6); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3-2012) Sec. 16‐395. ‐ Application Verification.   All applications shall be investigated by the Department of Public Safety of the City for verification and investigation of the facts set forth in the application. A written report and recommendation shall be made to the City Council as to issuance or non-issuance of the license. The City Council may order and conduct such additional investigation as it deems necessary. (Code 1988, § 6.45(7); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3-2012) Sec. 16‐396. ‐ Action on Application.   (a) Granting. The City Council shall conduct a hearing on the license application within a reasonable period following receipt of the report and recommendation regarding the application. At least 10 days in advance of the City Council hearing on an application, the issuing authority shall cause notice of the hearing to be published in the official newspaper of the City, setting forth the day, time, and place of the hearing; the name of the applicant; the premises where the business is to be conducted; and the type of license which is sought. At the hearing, opportunity shall be given to any person to be heard for or against the granting of the license. Additional hearings on the application may be held if the City Council deems additional hearings necessary. After the hearing or hearings on the application, the City Council may, in its discretion, grant or deny the application. (b) Granting to Location Under Construction. If an application is granted for a location where a building is under construction or not ready for occupancy, the license shall not be delivered to the licensee until a certificate of occupancy has been issued for the licensed premises. (Code 1988, § 6.45(8); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3-2012) Sec. 16‐397. ‐ Renewal Application.   (a) All licenses issued under this article shall be effective for one year from the date of approval by the City Council. An application for the renewal of an existing license shall be made at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the license and shall be made in such form as the City requires. If, in the judgment of the City Council, good and sufficient cause is shown by an applicant for the applicant's failure to submit a renewal application before the expiration of the existing license, the City Council may, if the other provisions of this article are complied with, grant the renewal application. (b) A license under this article will not be renewed: (1) If the City Council determines that the licensee has failed to comply with the provisions of this article in preceding license years. (2) If the licensee or, if the licensee does not manage the establishment, the manager of the licensed premises is not a resident of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington Counties on the date the renewal takes effect. (3) If in the case of a partnership, the managing partner or other person who manages the establishment is not a resident of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington Counties on the date the renewal takes effect. (4) If in the case of a corporation, or other organization, the manager, a proprietor, or agent in charge of the establishment is not a resident of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington Counties on the date the renewal takes effect. (c) The time for establishing residence in the counties named in Subsection (b) of this section may for good cause be extended by the City Council. (Code 1988, § 6.45(9); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3-2012) Sec. 16‐398. ‐ Fees/Bonds.   (a) Application Fee. (1) The license application and license renewal fee shall be fixed and determined by the City Council, adopted by resolution, and uniformly enforced. Such fee may, from time to time, be amended by the City Council by resolution. A copy of the resolution shall be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk and open to inspection during regular business hours. (2) The license application fee shall be paid in full before the application for a license shall be accepted. Upon rejection of any application for a license or upon withdrawal of any application before City Council approval, the license fee shall be refunded in full to the applicant except where rejection is for a willful misstatement in the license application. (3) When the license is for premises where the building is not ready for occupancy, the time fixed for computation of the license fee for the initial license period shall be 90 days after approval of the license by the City Council or upon the date the building is ready for occupancy, whichever is sooner. (4) When a new license application is submitted as a result of incorporation by an existing licensee and the ownership, control, and interest in the license are unchanged, no additional fee shall be required. (b) Investigation Fee. (1) An applicant for any license under this article shall deposit with the City, at the time an original application is submitted, $1,500.00 to cover the costs involved in verifying the license application and to cover the expense of any investigation needed to assure compliance with this article. (2) If the investigation and verification process is conducted solely within the State, the fee shall be $500.00, and the remainder of the deposit shall be returned to the applicant. If the investigation and verification process is conducted outside the State, the City may recover the actual investigation costs not exceeding $10,000.00. Any fee due in excess of the $1,500.00 deposit must be paid to the City prior to the license hearing and before the City Council shall consider the application, but the City shall notify the applicant at the time the investigation fee of $1,500.00 has been expended and indicate the estimate of the fee for the remaining investigation. (c) Bond. Before a license will be issued, every applicant must submit to the City a $5,000.00 bond on the forms provided by the City. All bonds shall be conditioned on the principal observing all laws in relation to pawnbrokers or precious metal dealers, and will conduct business in conformity thereto, and that the principal will account for and deliver to any person legally entitled any goods which have come into the principal's hand through the principal's business, or in lieu thereof, will pay the reasonable value in money to the person. The bond shall also be conditioned on the principal paying to the City, when due, all taxes, license fees, penalties and other charges provided by law. The bond shall be kept in full force and effect throughout the license period. (d) Refundment. A pro rata share of a license fee may be refunded to the licensee, or to the estate of a licensee if: (1) The business ceases to operate because of destruction or damage (2) The licensee dies; or (3) The business ceases to be lawful for a reason other than a license revocation or suspension. (Code 1988, § 6.45(10); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3- 2012) Sec. 16‐399. ‐ Persons and Locations Ineligible for a License.   (a) No license under this article shall be issued to an applicant who is a natural person if such applicant: (1) Is a minor at the time the application is filed (2) A person who has been convicted of any local, State, or Federal law relating to receiving stolen property, sale of stolen property or a controlled substance, burglary, robbery, theft, damage or trespass to property, or the violation of any law or ordinance regulating the business of pawnbroker or secondhand goods dealer (3) Is not a citizen of the United States or lawful a resident alien (4) Is not of good moral character or repute; or (5) A person who within seven years of the license application date had a pawnbroker or secondhand goods dealer license revoked. (b) No license under this article shall be issued to an applicant that is a partnership if such applicant has any general partner or managing partner: (1) Who is a minor at the time the application is filed (2) A person who has been convicted of any local, State, or Federal law relating to receiving stolen property, sale of stolen property or a controlled substance, burglary, robbery, theft, damage or trespass to property, or the violation of any law or ordinance regulating the business of pawnbroker or secondhand goods dealer (3) Who is not a citizen of the United States or a lawful resident alien (4) Who is not of good moral character or repute; or (5) A person who within seven years of the license application date had a pawnbroker or secondhand goods dealer license revoked. (c) No license under this article shall be issued to an applicant that is a corporation or other organization if such applicant has any manager, proprietor, officer, director or agent in charge of the business to be licensed: (1) Who is a minor at the time the application is filed (2) A person who has been convicted of any local, State, or Federal law relating to receiving stolen property, sale of stolen property or a controlled substance, burglary, robbery, theft, damage or trespass to property, or the violation of any law or ordinance regulating the business of pawnbroker or secondhand goods dealer (3) Who is not a citizen of the United States or a lawful resident alien (4) Who is not of good moral character or repute; or (5) A person who within seven years of the license application date had a pawnbroker or secondhand goods dealer license revoked. (d) The City may deny a license or renewal under this article: (1) On any property on which taxes, assessments, or other financial claims of the State, County, School District, or City are due, delinquent, or unpaid. In the event a suit has been commenced under State law questioning the amount or validity of taxes, the City Council may on application waive strict compliance with this provision; no waiver may be granted, however, for taxes or any portion thereof which remain unpaid for a period exceeding one year after becoming due (2) If the property on which the business is to be conducted is owned by a person who is ineligible for a license under any of the requirements in Subsections (a) through (c) of this section. (e) No licenses shall be issued for multiple dealers at one location. Only one dealer shall be allowed to operate out of any one location. All businesses shall: (1) Have a single name and address (2) Operate in a contiguous space (3) Be under unified control and supervision of one person, partnership, firm or corporation, which shall hold the license. (f) No license shall be issued if the proposed use is in conflict with City zoning, health or building ordinances, or State law. (Code 1988, § 6.45(11); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3- 2012) Sec. 16‐400. ‐ Conditions of License.   (a) Recordkeeping/Entries of Pawn Tickets. (1) At the time of receipt of an item of property, the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer shall immediately record, using the English language, the following information by using ink or other indelible medium on forms or in a computerized record approved by the City: a. An accurate description of the item of property including, but not limited to, any trademark, identification number, serial number, model number, brand name, or other identifying mark on such item b. The date and time the item of property was received by the pawnbroker or precious metals dealer c. The name, address, and date of birth of the person from whom the item of property was received d. The identification number and state of issue from any of the following forms of identification of the seller or pledgor: current valid Minnesota driver's license; current valid Minnesota identification card; or current valid photo identification card issued by another state or a province of Canada e. Description of the pledgor including approximate height, sex and race f. The amount advanced or paid g. The maturity date of the pawn transaction and the amount due; and h. The monthly and annual interest rates, including all pawn fees and charges. (2) All sales shall be consummated at a central point or register, and the owner shall maintain a comprehensive account of all sales. (b) Printed Pawn Ticket. The following shall be printed on all pawn tickets: (1) The statement that "any personal property pledged to a pawnbroker within this State is subject to sale of disposal when there has been no payment made on the account for a period of not less than 60 days past the date of the pawn transaction, renewal, or extension; no further notice is necessary. There is no obligation for the pledgor to redeem pledged goods." (2) The statement that "The pledgor of this item attests that it is not stolen, it has no liens or encumbrances against it, and the pledgor has the right to sell or pawn the item." (3) The statement that "This item is redeemable only by the pledgor to whom the receipt was issued, or any person identified in a written and notarized authorization to redeem the property identified in the receipt, or a person identified in writing by the pledgor at the time of the initial transaction and signed by the pledgor. Written authorization for release of property to persons other than the original pledgor must be maintained along with the original transaction record."; and (4) A blank line for the pledgor's signature. (c) Inspection of Records. The pawnbroker or precious metal dealer shall make available the information required in Subsection (a) of this section at all reasonable times for inspection by the City. The information required in Subsection (a) of this section shall be retained by the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer for at least five years. (d) Items for Which Daily Reports to Police Are Required. For the following items, the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer shall legibly complete forms approved by the City and send the forms daily to the City Police Department: (1) Any item with a serial number, identification number, or "operation identification" number (2) Cameras (3) Electronic audio or video equipment (4) Precious jewelry, gems, and metals including coins containing precious metals (5) Artist-signed or artist-attributed works of art (6) Guns (7) Any item not included in Subsections (d)(1) to (6) of this section, except furniture and kitchen or laundry appliances, which the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer intends to sell for more than $200.00. (e) Daily Reports to Police. No later than 10:00 p.m. each business day, the licensee must submit the information required under Subsection (a) of this section for each reportable transaction occurring on that business day that is required by Subsection (c) of this section. The information must be transferred by electronic means from the licensee's computer to an automated record system specified by the police department. If the electronic system has technical difficulties, the licensee shall have until 12:00 noon, the next following business day to provide the required information in writing or on computer disc to the police department; in addition, the licensee shall correct the problems within the system within three business days after the failure, and shall re-submit all transactions by electronic means when the problem is corrected. (f) Stolen Goods. A licensed pawnbroker or precious metal dealer must report to the police any article pledged or received, or sought to be pledged or received, if the licensee has reason to believe that the article is stolen or lost. (g) Police Order to Hold Property. Whenever the City notifies the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer not to sell an item, the item shall not be sold or removed from the licensed premises until authorized to be released by the City. (h) Holding Period. Any item received by the pawnbroker or precious metals dealer, for which a report to the City is required under Subsection (c) of this section, shall not be sold or otherwise transferred or in the case of jewelry and precious metals, melted down or dismantled, for 14 days after the date of such report to the City. However, an individual may redeem an item pawned 72 hours after the item was received on deposit by the pawnbroker or precious metals dealer excluding Sundays and legal holidays. (i) Receipt. The licensee shall provide a receipt to the seller or pledgor of any item of property received, which shall include: (1) The name, address, and phone number of the licensee (2) The date on which the item was received by the licensee (3) A description of the item received and amount paid to the pledgor or seller in exchange for the item pawned or sold (4) The signature of the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer or agent (5) If the property can be redeemed: a. The last regular business day by which the item must be redeemed by the pledgor without risk that the item will be sold and the amount necessary to redeem the pawned item on that date b. The annual rate of interest charged on pawned items received (6) The name and address of the seller or pledgor. (j) Hours of Operation. No pawnbroker or precious metal dealer shall keep the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer business open for the transaction of business on any day of the week before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. (k) Minors. The pawnbroker or precious metal dealer shall not purchase or receive personal property of any nature on deposit or pledge from any minor. (l) Inspection of Items. The pawnbroker or precious metal dealer shall, at all times during the term of the license, allow the City Police Department or any other City authority to enter the premises where the pawnbroker or precious metals dealer business is located, for the purpose of inspecting such premises and inspecting the items, wares and merchandise therein for the purpose of locating items suspected or alleged to have been stolen or otherwise improperly disposed of. (m) License Display. A license issued under this article must be posted in a conspicuous place in the premises for which it is used. The license issued is only effective for the compact and contiguous space specified in the approved license application. (n) Maintenance of Order. A licensee under this article shall be responsible for the conduct of the business being operated and shall maintain conditions of order. (o) Gambling. No licensee under this article may keep, possess, or operate, or permit the keeping, possession, or operation on the licensed premises of dice, slot machines, roulette wheels, punch boards, blackjack tables, or pinball machines which return coins or slugs, chips, or tokens of any kind, which are redeemable in merchandise or cash. No gambling equipment authorized under State law may be kept or operated and no raffles may be conducted on the licensed premises and/or adjoining rooms. The purchase of lottery tickets may take place on the licensed premises as authorized by the director of the lottery pursuant to State law. (p) Prohibited Goods. No licensee under this article shall accept any item of property which contains an altered or obliterated serial number or "operation identification" number or any item or property whose serial number has been removed. In addition, no personal property shall be kept on the licensed premises other than property entered in the book or journal pursuant to Subsection (a)(1) of this section or store fixtures, equipment and supplies reasonably necessary for the operation of the business. (q) Proper Identification. A licensee under this article shall not accept items of property unless the seller or pledgor provides to the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer one of the following forms of identification: (1) A valid driver's license (2) A State identification card. No other forms of identification shall be accepted. (r) Redemption Period. The date by which an item of property that has been pawned must be redeemed by the pledgor without risk that the item will be sold must be a day on which the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer is open for regular business. (s) Oversized Items. All items must be stored within the licensed premises building, except the City may permit the licensee to designate one locked and secured warehouse building within the City within which the licensee may store only cars, boats and other motorized vehicles. No item may be stored in the designated warehouse building that is not reported in the journal pursuant to this section. The licensee shall permit immediate inspection of the warehouse at any time during business hours by the City and failure to do so is a violation of this article. Oversized items may not be stored in parking lots or other outside areas. All provisions in this article regarding recordkeeping and reporting shall apply to oversized items. (t) Off-Site Sales/Storage. All items accepted by a licensee at a licensed location in the City shall be for pledge or sale through a licensed location in the City. No licensee under this article shall sell any items which are transferred from a non-licensed facility or a licensed facility outside the City. (Code 1988, § 6.45(12); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3- 2012) Sec. 16‐401. ‐ Restrictions Regarding License Transfer.   Each license under this article shall be issued to the applicant only and shall not be transferable to any other person. No licensee shall loan, sell, live or assign a license to another person. (Code 1988, § 6.45(13); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3- 2012) Sec. 16‐402. ‐ Suspension or Revocation of License.   (a) The City Council may suspend or revoke a license issued under this article upon a finding of a violation of: (1) Any of the provisions of this article (2) Any State statute regulating pawnbrokers or precious metal dealers (3) Any Federal, State or local law relating to moral character and repute; or (4) Any local, State or Federal law relating to receiving stolen property, sale of stolen property or a controlled substance, burglary, robbery, theft, or damage or trespass to property. Any conviction by the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer for theft, receiving stolen property, or any other crime or violation involving stolen property shall result in the immediate suspension pending a hearing on revocation of any license issued hereunder. (b) Except in the case of a suspension pending a hearing on revocation, a revocation or suspension by the City Council shall be preceded by written notice to the licensee and a public hearing. The written notice shall give at least eight days' notice of the time and place of the hearing and shall state the nature of the charges against the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer. The Council may, without any notice, suspend any license pending a hearing on revocation for a period not exceeding 40 days. The notice may be served upon the pawnbroker or precious metal dealer by United States mail addressed to the most recent address of the business in the license application. (Code 1988, § 6.45(14); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3- 2012) Sec. 16‐403. ‐ Prohibited Acts.   No pawnbroker or precious metal dealer licensed under this article shall: (1) Lend money on a pledge at a rate of interest above that allowed by law (2) Possess stolen goods (3) Sell pledged goods before the time to redeem has expired (4) Refuse to disclose to the pledgor, after having sold pledged goods, the name of the purchaser or the price for which the item sold (5) Make a loan on a pledge to a minor (6) Purchase property from a minor. (Code 1988, § 6.45(15); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3- 2012) Sec. 16‐404. ‐ Effect of Nonredemption.   (a) A pledgor shall have no obligation to redeem pledged goods or make any payment on a pawn transaction. Pledged goods not redeemed within at least 60 days of the date of the pawn transaction, renewal, or extension shall automatically be forfeited to the pawnbroker, and qualified right, title, and interest in and to the goods shall automatically vest in the pawnbroker. (b) The pawnbroker's right, title, and interest in the pledged goods under Subsection (a) of this section is qualified only by the pledgor's right, while the pledged goods remain in possession of the pawnbroker and not sold to a third party, to redeem the goods by paying the loan plus fees and/or interest accrued up to the date of redemption. (c) A pawn transaction that involves holding only the title to the property is subject to Minn. Stats. ch. 168A or 336. Sec. 16‐405. ‐ Permitted Charges.   (a) Notwithstanding any other statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, or Minn. Stats. § 325J.13, a pawnbroker may contract for and receive a pawnshop charge not to exceed three percent per month of the principal amount advanced in the pawn transaction plus a reasonable fee for storage and services. A fee for storage and services may not exceed $20.00 if the property is not in the possession of the pawnbroker. (b) The pawnshop charge allowed under Subsection (a) of this section shall be deemed earned, due, and owing as of the date of the pawn transaction and a like sum shall be deemed earned, due, and owing on the same day of the succeeding month. However, if full payment is made more than two weeks before the next succeeding date, the pawnbroker shall remit one-half of the pawnshop charge for that month to the pledgor. (c) Interest shall not be deducted in advance, nor shall any loan be divided or split so as to yield greater interest or fees than would be permitted upon a single, consolidated loan or for otherwise evading any provisions of this section. (d) Any interest, charge, or fees contracted for or received, directly or indirectly, in excess of the amount permitted under this section, shall be uncollectible and the pawn transaction shall be void. (e) A schedule of charges permitted by this section shall be posted on the pawnshop premises in a place clearly visible to the general public. Sec. 16‐406. ‐ Records; Prohibitions.   A pawnbroker and any clerk, agent, or employee of a pawnbroker shall not: (1) Make any false entry in the records of pawn transactions. (2) Falsify, obliterate, destroy, or remove from the place of business the records, books, or accounts relating to the licensee's pawn transactions. (3) Refuse to allow the appropriate law enforcement agency, the attorney general, or any other duly authorized State or Federal law enforcement officer to inspect the pawn records or any pawn goods in the person's possession during the ordinary hours of business or other times acceptable to both parties. (4) Fail to maintain a record of each pawn transaction for three years. (5) Accept a pledge or purchase property from a person under the age of 18 years. (6) Make any agreement requiring the personal liability of a pledgor or seller, or waiving any provision of this subdivision, or providing for a maturity date less than one month after the date of the pawn transaction. (7) Fail to return pledged goods to a pledgor or seller, or provide compensation as set forth in Minn. Stats. § 325J.09, upon payment of the full amount due the pawnbroker unless either the date of redemption is more than 60 days past the date of the pawn transaction, renewal, or extension and the pawnbroker has sold the pledged goods pursuant to Minn. Stats. § 325J.06, or the pledged goods have been taken into custody by a court or a law enforcement officer or agency. (8) Sell or lease, or agree to sell or lease, pledged or purchased goods back to the pledgor or seller in the same, or a related, transaction. (9) Sell or otherwise charge for insurance in connection with a pawn transaction. (10) Remove pledged goods from the pawnshop premises or other storage place approved by City at any time before unredeemed, pledged goods are sold pursuant to Minn. Stats. § 325J.06. Sec. 16‐407. ‐ Redemption; Risk of Loss.   Any person to whom the receipt for pledged goods was issued, or any person identified in a written and notarized authorization to redeem the pledged goods identified in the receipt, or any person identified in writing by the pledgor at the time of the initial transaction and signed by the pledgor shall be entitled to redeem or repurchase the pledged goods described on the ticket. In the event the goods are lost or damaged while in possession of the pawnbroker, the pawnbroker shall compensate the pledgor, in cash or replacement goods acceptable to the pledgor, for the fair market value of the lost or damaged goods. Proof of compensation shall be a defense to any prosecution or civil action. Sec. 16‐408. ‐ Motor Vehicle Title Pawn Transactions; Special Provisions.   (a) In addition to the other requirements of this article, a pawnbroker who holds a title to a motor vehicle as part of a pawn transaction shall: (1) Be licensed as a used motor vehicle dealer under Minn. Stats. § 168.27, and post such license on the pawnshop premises (2) Verify that there are no liens or encumbrances against the motor vehicle with the State Department of Public Safety; and (3) Verify that the pledgor has automobile insurance on the motor vehicle as required by law. (b) A pawnbroker may not sell a motor vehicle covered by a pawn transaction until 90 days after recovery of the motor vehicle. Sec. 16‐409. ‐ Existing Pawnshops.   Each pawnshop existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived shall conform to all provisions of this article including, but not limited to, application for a license, payment of the investigative fee, and post the requisite bond; provided, however, that such existing pawnshop shall have 120 days after the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived to pay the license fee required by Section 16-398(a)(1). If such existing pawnshop goes out of business on or before the expiration of such 120-day period, no fee shall be payable. (Code 1988, § 6.45(16); Ord. No. 65, 2nd Series, 5-16-1991; Ord. No. 485, 2nd Series, 8-3- 2012) Secs. 16‐410—16‐431. ‐ Reserved.   St. Louis Park Currency exchange means any business or person except a bank, trust company, savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union, or industrial loan and thrift company that is engaged in the business of cashing checks, drafts, money orders, or traveler’s checks for a fee. (Ord. No. 2349-08, 02-22-08) Payday loan agency means any business that has as its primary activity the providing of short- term loans for the borrower’s own personal, family, or household purpose which are usually for a period of forty-five (45) days or less. Payday loan agencies do not include banks. (Ord. No. 2349-08, 2-22-08) (16) Pawnshops. The conditions are as follows: a. The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing another pawnshop, currency exchange, payday loan agency, firearms sales, liquor store or sexually- oriented business. In the case of a shopping center or multi-use building, the distance shall be measured from the portion of the center or building occupied by the pawnshop. b. The pawnshop use shall not operate in conjunction with a sexually-oriented business. c. The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing another pawnshop, currency exchange, payday loan agency, firearms sales, liquor store or sexually- oriented business. In the case of a shopping center or multi-use building, the distance shall be measured from the portion of the center or building occupied by the pawnshop. d. The pawnshop use shall not operate in conjunction with a sexually-oriented business. e. The lot shall be located a minimum of 350 feet from any parcel that is zoned residential, or has an educational (academic) use, religious institution, park, library or community center. In the case of a shopping center or multi-use building, the distance shall be measured from the portion of the center or building occupied by the pawnshop. f. Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or arterial. Access to and from local residential streets is prohibited. g. In-vehicle sales or service are prohibited. h. Fire arm transactions are prohibited. i. The use shall be contained within a completely enclosed building, and no outside storage, display, or sale of merchandise is permitted. j. Exterior loudspeakers or public address systems are prohibited. k. Visibility into the store shall be maintained by utilizing clear, transparent glass on all windows and doors, and by keeping all windows free of obstructions for at least three feet into the store. Product may be displayed for sale in the window as long as the display, including signage, does not occupy more than 30 percent of the window area. l. Interior and exterior bars, grills, mesh or similar obstructions, whether permanently or temporarily affixed, shall not cover any exterior door or more than ten percent of any individual window or contiguous window area. m. Neon accents and back-lighted awnings shall be prohibited. n. Parking space requirements shall be determined pursuant to Section 36-361(c) (1). If a pawnshop is combined with another use such as a currency exchange or payday loan agency, each use shall be considered a separate use for purposes of determining minimum parking requirements. (17) Payday loan agency and currency exchange: a. The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a pawnshop, currency exchange, payday loan agency, firearms sales, liquor store or sexually-oriented business. In the case of a shopping center or multi-use building, the distance shall be measured from the portion of the center or building occupied by the payday loan agency or currency exchange. b. The use shall not operate in conjunction with a sexually-oriented business. c. The lot shall be located a minimum of 350 feet from any parcel that is zoned residential, or has an educational (academic) use, religious institution, park, library or community center. In the case of a shopping center or multi-use building, the distance shall be measured from the portion of the center or building occupied by the use. d. Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or arterial. Access to and from local residential streets is prohibited. e. In-vehicle sales or service are prohibited. f. The use shall be contained within a completely enclosed building. g. Exterior loudspeakers or public address systems are prohibited. h. Windows must be of clear, transparent glass and be free of obstructions for at least three feet into the store. Product may be displayed in the window as long as the display, including signage, does not occupy more than 30 percent of the window area. i. Neon accents and back-lighted awnings shall be prohibited. Richfield Subd. 16. Pawn operations, secondhand goods operations that require a license under Section 1186 or 1187 of the City Code, auction houses, and consignment auction houses, provided the following conditions are met: a)Such uses shall be located not less than 250 feet from residentially zoned property; b)The business operator shall secure all applicable licenses and approvals from the City, County, State, or other applicable jurisdictions before the conditional use permit shall become effective; c)Such uses shall be contained within a completely enclosed building, and no outside storage, display, or sale of merchandise shall be permitted; d)Exterior loudspeakers or public address systems shall not be audible from any residential parcel; e)Auction houses and consignment auction houses shall have designated on-site loading and drop-off areas which are designed to avoid interfering with traffic and pedestrian movements; f)Such uses that were legally established on or before November 22, 1993, shall be classified as legal nonconforming uses, and subject to the provisions of Subsection 509.25 of this Code Plymouth Currency Exchange: Any person, except a bank, trust company, savings bank, savings association, credit union, or industrial loan and thrift company, engaged in the business of cashing checks, drafts, money orders, or travelers' checks for a fee. The term does not include a person who provides these services incidental to the person's primary business if the charge for cashing a check or draft does not exceed $1.00 or one percent of the value of the check or draft, whichever is greater. Subd. 5.Currency exchanges, provided that: (a)The business is not located within one half mile of another currency exchange. (b)The business is not located within 750 feet of a property containing a pawnshop, religious institution, school, day-care/preschool, or residentially zoned or guided property. Subd. 18.Pawnshops, provided that: (a)The business is not located within 750 feet of a property containing another pawnshop, currency exchange, religious institution, or residentially zoned or guided property. (b)The business shall be regulated pursuant to the provisions and licensing requirements of Section 1160 of the City Code. Roseville CURRENCY EXCHANGE BUSINESS: Any entity, except a bank, trust company, savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union, or industrial loan and thrift company, engaged in the business of cashing checks, drafts, money orders, or travelers’ checks for a fee. Pawnshops are conditional, no specific standards set. Brooklyn Park CURRENCY EXCHANGE. Any business, except a bank, trust company, savings bank, savings association, credit union, or industrial loan and thrift company, engaged in the business of cashing checks, drafts, money orders, or travelers’ checks for a fee. Currency Exchange does not include a business that provides these services incidental to the person’s primary business if the charge for cashing a check or draft does not exceed $1 or one percent of the value of the check or draft, whichever is greater. (A) Currency exchanges. (1) All entrances to the business, with the exception of emergency fire exits which are not usable by patrons, must be visible from the public right-of-way. When such businesses are located within an enclosed commercial complex, all patron entrances must open onto the common concourse. (2) Layout of the publicly accessible areas must be designed so that the management of the establishment and any law enforcement personnel inside the business can observe all patrons while they have access to any merchandise offered for sale. (3) The site must be at least 500 feet from the property line of a pawnshop, an adult entertainment/adult service, or any residential district and one-half mile from a site containing another currency exchange business. The site plan must show the location of the proposed currency exchange business and any other currency exchange business if any are located within one mile of the proposed site. (4) All establishments may apply for and obtain a license from the State of Minnesota, before a building permit may be issued. (B) Pawnshops. (1) All entrances to the business, with the exception of emergency fire exits which are not usable by patrons, must be visible from the public right-of-way. When such businesses are located within an enclosed commercial complex, all patron entrances must open onto the common concourse. (2) Layout of the publicly accessible areas must be designed so that the management of the establishment and any law enforcement personnel inside the business can observe all patrons while they have access to any merchandise offered for sale. (3) The site must be at least 500 feet from the property line of a site containing a religious institution, school, day-care/preschool, another pawnshop, an adult entertainment/adult service business, a currency exchange or any residential district. (4) All establishments must apply for and obtain a license from the City of Brooklyn Park, before a building permit may be issued. 47.60 CONSUMER SMALL LOANS.​ Subdivision 1.Definitions.For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the meanings given​ them:​ (a) "Consumer small loan" is a loan transaction in which cash is advanced to a borrower for the borrower's​ own personal, family, or household purpose. A consumer small loan is a short-term, unsecured loan to be​ repaid in a single installment. The cash advance of a consumer small loan is equal to or less than $350. A​ consumer small loan includes an indebtedness evidenced by but not limited to a promissory note or agreement​ to defer the presentation of a personal check for a fee.​ (b) "Consumer small loan lender" is a financial institution as defined in section 47.59 or a business entity​ registered with the commissioner and engaged in the business of making consumer small loans.​ Subd. 2.Authorization, terms, conditions, and prohibitions.(a) In lieu of the interest, finance charges,​ or fees in any other law, a consumer small loan lender may charge the following:​ (1) on any amount up to and including $50, a charge of $5.50 may be added;​ (2) on amounts in excess of $50, but not more than $100, a charge may be added equal to ten percent​ of the loan proceeds plus a $5 administrative fee;​ (3) on amounts in excess of $100, but not more than $250, a charge may be added equal to seven percent​ of the loan proceeds with a minimum of $10 plus a $5 administrative fee;​ (4) for amounts in excess of $250 and not greater than the maximum in subdivision 1, paragraph (a), a​ charge may be added equal to six percent of the loan proceeds with a minimum of $17.50 plus a $5​ administrative fee.​ (b) The term of a loan made under this section shall be for no more than 30 calendar days.​ (c) After maturity, the contract rate must not exceed 2.75 percent per month of the remaining loan​ proceeds after the maturity date calculated at a rate of 1/30 of the monthly rate in the contract for each​ calendar day the balance is outstanding.​ (d) No insurance charges or other charges must be permitted to be charged, collected, or imposed on a​ consumer small loan except as authorized in this section.​ (e) On a loan transaction in which cash is advanced in exchange for a personal check, a return check​ charge may be charged as authorized by section 604.113, subdivision 2, paragraph (a). The civil penalty​ provisions of section 604.113, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), may not be demanded or assessed against the​ borrower.​ (f) A loan made under this section must not be repaid by the proceeds of another loan made under this​ section by the same lender or related interest. The proceeds from a loan made under this section must not​ be applied to another loan from the same lender or related interest. No loan to a single borrower made​ pursuant to this section shall be split or divided and no single borrower shall have outstanding more than​ one loan with the result of collecting a higher charge than permitted by this section or in an aggregate amount​ of principal exceed at any one time the maximum of $350.​ Subd. 3.Filing.Before a business entity other than a financial institution as defined by section 47.59​ engages in the business of making consumer small loans to Minnesota residents, the business entity shall​ file with the commissioner as a consumer small loan lender. The filing must be on a form prescribed by the​ Official Publication of the State of Minnesota​ Revisor of Statutes​ 47.60​MINNESOTA STATUTES 2020​1​ commissioner together with a fee of $250 for each place of business and contain the following information​ in addition to the information required by the commissioner:​ (1) evidence that the filer has available for the operation of the business at the location specified, liquid​ assets of at least $50,000; and​ (2) a biographical statement on the principal person responsible for the operation and management of​ the business to be certified.​ Revocation of the filing is the same as in the case of a regulated lender license in section 56.09.​ For purposes of this subdivision, "business entity" includes one that does not have a physical location​ in Minnesota that makes a consumer small loan electronically via the Internet.​ Subd. 4.Books of account; annual report; schedule of charges; disclosures.(a) A lender filing under​ subdivision 3 shall keep and use in the business books, accounts, and records as will enable the commissioner​ to determine whether the filer is complying with this section.​ (b) A lender filing under subdivision 3 shall annually on or before March 15 file a report to the​ commissioner giving the information the commissioner reasonably requires concerning the business and​ operations during the preceding calendar year, including the information required to be reported under​ section 47.601, subdivision 4.​ (c) A lender filing under subdivision 3 shall display prominently in each place of business a full and​ accurate schedule, to be approved by the commissioner, of the charges to be made and the method of​ computing those charges. A lender shall furnish a copy of the contract of loan to a person obligated on it or​ who may become obligated on it at any time upon the request of that person. This is in addition to any​ disclosures required by the federal Truth in Lending Act, United States Code, title 15.​ (d) A lender filing under subdivision 3 shall, upon repayment of the loan in full, mark indelibly every​ obligation signed by the borrower with the word "Paid" or "Canceled" within 20 days after repayment.​ (e) A lender filing under subdivision 3 shall display prominently, in each licensed place of business, a​ full and accurate statement of the charges to be made for loans made under this section. The statement of​ charges must be displayed in a notice, on plastic or other durable material measuring at least 12 inches by​ 18 inches, headed "CONSUMER NOTICE REQUIRED BY THE STATE OF MINNESOTA." The notice​ shall include, immediately above the statement of charges, the following sentence, or a substantially similar​ sentence approved by the commissioner: "These loan charges are higher than otherwise permitted under​ Minnesota law. Minnesota law permits these higher charges only because short-term small loans might​ otherwise not be available to consumers. If you have another source of a loan, you may be able to benefit​ from a lower interest rate and other loan charges." The notice must not contain any other statement or​ information, unless the commissioner has determined that the additional statement or information is necessary​ to prevent confusion or inaccuracy. The notice must be designed with a type size that is large enough to be​ readily noticeable and legible. The form of the notice must be approved by the commissioner prior to its​ use.​ Subd. 5.Complaints alleging violation.A person obligated to or having been obligated to a consumer​ small loan lender filing under subdivision 3 and having reason to believe that this section has been violated​ may file with the commissioner a written complaint setting forth the details of the alleged violation. The​ commissioner, upon receipt of the complaint, may inspect the pertinent books, records, letters, and contracts​ of the lender and borrower involved. The commissioner may assess against the lender a fee covering the​ Official Publication of the State of Minnesota​ Revisor of Statutes​ 2​MINNESOTA STATUTES 2020​47.60​ necessary costs of an investigation under this section. The commissioner may maintain an action for the​ recovery of the costs in a court of competent jurisdiction.​ Subd. 6.Penalties for violation.A person who violates or participates in the violation of any of the​ provisions of this section is liable in the same manner as in section 47.601, subdivision 6.​ Subd. 7.Records and fees; maintenance and processing.Section 58A.04, subdivisions 2 and 3, apply​ to this section.​ History: 1995 c 202 art 3 s 2; 1996 c 305 art 1 s 14; 1996 c 414 art 2 s 7; 1999 c 151 s 17; 2000 c 427​ s 6; 2007 c 44 s 3; 2007 c 57 art 3 s 9; 2009 c 37 art 3 s 2-4; 2009 c 68 s 1,2; 2010 c 382 s 10,11; 2018 c​ 182 art 1 s 109; 2020 c 80 art 1 s 1​ Official Publication of the State of Minnesota​ Revisor of Statutes​ 47.60​MINNESOTA STATUTES 2020​3​                                                              PLANNING COMMISSION  2020 ANNUAL REPORT AND  2021 WORK PLAN      NEEDS NEW PHOTO Golden Valley Planning Commission  2020 Annual Report    2  2020 Planning Commission  Commissioners   Ronald Blum, Chair  Lauren Pockl, Vice Chair  Adam Brookins, Secretary  Rich Baker  Andy Johnson  Ryan Sadeghi  Chuck Segelbaum  Noah Orloff, Youth  Ari Prohofsky, Youth    Council Liaison  Gillian Rosenquist    City Staff  Marc Nevinski, Physical Development Director  Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager  Myles Campbell, Planner  Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant    Purpose, Mission, and Prescribed Duties  The Planning Commission shall:   Review and make recommendations on specific development proposals made by private  developers and public agencies.   Review and make recommendations on proposed rezonings, subdivision plans, amendments  to the zoning text, platting regulations and variances, and similar items having to do with  administration and regulatory measures.   Conduct special studies dealing with items such as renewal, civic design, maintenance of a  suitable living and working environment, economic conditions, etc. These studies may be  conducted at the initiative of the Planning Commission and/or specific direction from the City  Council.   Review major public capital improvement plans against the policy and goals stated in the  Comprehensive Plan for the area.   Advise and make recommendations relative to housing, new development, and  redevelopment projects proposed by the HRA prior to the final commitment of such projects  by the HRA.   Advise and make recommendations in matters relating to and affecting the environment.    Golden Valley Planning Commission  2020 Annual Report    3  Table Of Contents  2020 Overview      page 4  2021 Proposed Work Plan     page 11         Golden Valley Planning Commission  2020 Annual Report    4  2020 Overview  Much of the Golden Valley Planning Commission’s work in 2020 centered around two topics:  implementation of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the finalization of proposed changes to the  zoning regulations for narrow lots.    As a result of the adoption of the Comp Plan, a number of properties throughout the city faced a  misalignment between their Future Land Use and their Zoning designations. The Commission  reviewed the necessary zoning map amendments in groups; a handful were tabled to allow for  additional analysis. Other implementation items included revising the density ranges of the Medium  Density Residential (R‐3) zoning district to match the approved densities included in the Comp Plan,  and beginning the conversation around introducing rowhouses as a new housing type in the  Moderate Density Residential (R‐2) zoning district.    On the heels of recent single‐family construction on existing lots as narrow as 40 feet, the  Commission engaged in extensive research and engagement around adjustments to the zoning  regulations for these properties. In the end, changes were made to setbacks, allowed side wall  height, limits on dormers, and secondary front yards, among others.    The Commission reviewed a handful of subdivisions and Conditional Use Permits, and also considered  two land use and zoning changes: one for Schuller’s and the other for a new Academy of Whole  Learning school to be located on 10th Avenue.    In 2021, the Commission will work to complete the Comp Plan implementation by finishing the  required zoning map amendments and modernizing the zoning district use tables. Other agenda  items include researching the possibility of allowing Accessory Dwelling Units as a permitted use in  residential zoning districts and participating in equity training.    2020 Activity  The information below attempts to capture in figures and graphs the activities of the Planning  Commission over the past year.       Planning Commission Meetings  Held: 23 Cancelled: 1  Planning Applications Considered  5  Staff‐Led Discussions/Presentations  20  Zoning Text Amendments Considered  5  Golden Valley Planning Commission  2020 Annual Report    5          15 2 Planning Applications Considered Recommended Approval Recommended Denial 21 14 24 8 17 0 5 10 15 20 25 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Total  Planning Applications by Year Golden Valley Planning Commission  2020 Annual Report    6      012345678 Site Plan Review Future Land Use Map Amend Zoning Map Amend Subdivision/Platting Variance (Subdivision) CUP/Amend PUD/Major Amend Planning Applications by Type (2020) 024681012 Site Plan Review Future Land Use Map Amend Zoning Map Amend Subdivision/Platting Variance (Subdivision) CUP/Amend PUD/Major Amend Planning Applications by Type (5 years) 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Golden Valley Planning Commission  2020 Annual Report 7  Golden Valley Planning Commission  2020 Annual Report 8  Golden Valley Planning Commission  2020 Annual Report    9  Zoning Text Amendments Considered  Item Description  Tobacco Sales Limits the sale of tobacco products by creating  buffers between tobacco retailers and to Youth‐ Oriented Facilities  Narrow Lots Modifications to setbacks, allowed side wall height,  limits on dormers, and secondary front yards in order  to accommodate existing narrow lots in the city  R‐3 Densities Adjustments to the allowed density ranges in the R‐3  zoning district to match the approved Medium  Density Residential category in the 2040 Comp Plan  Architectural and Material Standards  for Mixed Use  Adds regulations around architectural features and  exterior building materials for Mixed Use properties  Fences, Screening, and Garden  Structures   Updates to zoning regulations concerning fence  height along frontage roads, screening for outdoor  storage, and the definition of a garden structure    Staff Led Discussions/Presentations   Zoning Code: 16   Tobacco Sales: 2   Narrow Lots: 4   Architectural and Material Standards for Mixed Use: 1   Fences, Screening, and Garden Structures: 2   Rowhouses: 3   Zoning Study (Use Tables): 4   R‐3 Density Bonus   Planning Commission Public Input Process   Just Deeds Coalition   2021‐2030 Capital Improvement Program    Other PUD Amendments Considered (not reviewed by Planning Commission)   Administrative Amendments: 1   RLT Second Addition PUD 91 – revision to an approved parking lot layout in order to provide for  better traffic flow and relocate landscaped islands (APPROVED)   Minor Amendments: 0    Golden Valley Planning Commission  2020 Annual Report    10    Major Projects Reviewed  Item/Location Type Description  Home Health Care, Inc   800 Boone Ave S  CUP  Amendment  Revision of existing CUP to remove limits on  loading and unloading of adult day care  clients on Boone Ave  Sweeney Lake Woods PUD    1601 Noble Drive  Major PUD  Amendment  Amend the existing PUD to subdivide  existing properties and incorporate portions  of adjacent properties  1421 Rhode Island Ave N Subdivision Divide one existing R‐1 lot into two  Schuller’s    7345 Country Club Drive  Land Use and  Zoning Map  Amendments  Modify land use and zoning to make the  existing commercial use conforming  Good Shepard School    145 Jersey Ave S  CUP  Amendment  Approve a second preschool classroom  within an existing elementary school  building  Academy of Whole Learning    8810 10th Ave N  Land Use and  Zoning Map  Amendments  Modify land use and zoning to allow for the  use of the property as a school  Taco Bell    6620 Wayzata Blvd  CUP  Amendment  Revision of existing CUP to allow for an  addition to the building and to modify  parking  7324 Harold Ave Subdivision Divide one existing R‐2 lot into two  Blue Pearl    750 Boone Ave N  CUP Allow for the construction of an animal  hospital    Previously Approved Projects that Completed Construction in 2020  2015 Flourish Apartments (9000 Golden Valley Road)  2015 Central Park West – Phase 2 Apartments (Utica Avenue South)  2016 Central Park West – Phase 1 Office (10 West End)    Golden Valley Planning Commission  2020 Annual Report    11  2021 Proposed Work Plan  Implementation of 2040 Comprehensive Plan   Conclude Phase III of the Downtown Study,  including the completion of the city’s Bicycle  and Pedestrian Network and a framework for  future redevelopment of key properties   Adjust Institutional Subdistricts to align with new categories of Assembly, Civic, and Medical   Complete rezoning of properties to create consistency with the Future Land Use Map    Zoning Code Amendments/Updates   Consider rowhouses as a new housing type to be allowed in the Moderate Density Residential  (R‐2) Zoning district   Conclude modernization of the Use Tables for each of the City’s zoning districts  o Ensure the zoning districts in which Places of Worship are allowed is consistent with  the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)  o Respond to the City Council’s moratorium on pawnshops, precious metal dealers, and  payday lenders   Research and make recommendations on the feasibility of adding Accessory Dwelling Units as  a permitted or conditional use in one or more of the residential zoning districts   Update Telecommunications section of zoning chapter to address small cell telecom  equipment    Planning Application Review and Evaluation   Continue to review and make recommendations on land use applications as they are  submitted to the City, including subdivision requests, Conditional Use Permits, and Planned  Unit Developments    Commissioner Training and Education   Conduct equity training led by the City’s Equity and Inclusion Manager   Work with staff to explore new and innovative planning concepts and to respond to the  interests of individual Commissioners  o Review the Purpose Statements of each zoning district and considering revisions that  highlight the key aspects of each  NEEDS NEW PHOTO                                            BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS  2020 ANNUAL REPORT      Golden Valley Board of Zoning Appeals  2020 Annual Report    2  2020 Board of Zoning Appeals  Commissioners   Richard Orenstein, Chair (2021)  Sophia Ginis, Vice Chair (2021)  Chris Carlson (2021)  Nancy Nelson (2021)  Rotating Planning Commission Representative  Kade Arms‐Regenold (Youth Representative,  2020)    Note: Terms run May 1‐April 30    Council Liaison   Larry Fonnest    City Staff  Marc Nevinski, Physical Development Director  Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager  Myles Campbell, Planner  Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant    Purpose, Mission, And Prescribed Duties  The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) hears requests for variances from the requirements of the Zoning  Code, which is Chapter 113 of the Golden Valley City Code. The BZA consists of five members that  meet once a month if there are any petitions pending for action. A Planning Commissioner serves as  the fifth member of the BZA.  Criteria For Analysis  A variance may be granted when the petitioner for the variance establishes that there are practical  difficulties in complying with this Chapter. “Practical difficulties,” as used in connection with the  granting of a variance, means:   the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by  this Chapter   the plight of the property owner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created  by the property owner   the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality  Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Practical difficulties include,  but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. The BZA may not  grant a variance that would allow any use not allowed for property in the Zoning District where the  affected person’s land is located. The BZA may impose conditions in the granting of variances. A  condition must be directly related to and must bear a rough proportionality to the impact created by  the variance.  Golden Valley Board of Zoning Appeals  2020 Annual Report    3  Table Of Contents  2020 Overview      page 4  Five‐Year Summary: 2016‐2020    page 6      Golden Valley Board of Zoning Appeals  2020 Annual Report    4  2020 Overview                                0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 2020 Variance Requests by Type 15 5 6 1 2020 BZA Decisions Approved Approved ‐ Modified Denied Tabled Variances Considered  27  In R‐1 Residential Zoning District  18  Golden Valley Board of Zoning Appeals  2020 Annual Report    5          Five‐Year Summary: 2016‐2020                1 4 4 8 3 1 2020 Variances by Project Garage Deck New Home or Building Home or Building Addition Fence Parking Variances Considered  114  In R‐1 Residential Zoning District  97  In R‐2 Residential Zoning District  6  In Commercial Zoning District  3  In Mixed‐Use Zoning District  2  In Institutional Zoning District  0  In Industrial Zoning District  1  In Light Industrial Zoning District  1  In Office Zoning District  4  Golden Valley Board of Zoning Appeals  2020 Annual Report    6                      0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Front Setback Side Setback Rear Setback Height Building Envelope Articulation Shoreland Setback Average Grade Accessory Structure Location Accessory Structure Size Paved Area Accessory Structure Height Fence Height Impervious Surface Garage Width Minimum Parking Outdoor Lighting Roadway Width Additional Curb Cut 2016‐2020 Varaince Requests By Type 71 8 28 6 1 2016‐2020 BZA Variance Decisions Approved Approved ‐ Modified Denied Tabled Withdrawn Golden Valley Board of Zoning Appeals  2020 Annual Report    7      Types Of Variances Considered   Variance Type Description  Front Yard Setback    Requests to build structures within 35 feet of the front yard property line in R‐ 1, R‐2, and Institutional Districts. Institutional Districts also require that at least  25 feet be landscaped and maintained as a buffer zone.  Side Yard Setback    Requests to build structures within the side yard setback area, which ranges  from 5 feet to 50 feet depending on the type of structure and the Zoning  District.   Rear Yard Setback    Requests to build structures within the rear yard setback area, which ranges  from 5 feet to 50 feet depending on the type of structure and the Zoning  District.  Articulation    Requests to waive articulation requirement, which requires inward or outward  articulation of 2 feet in depth and 8 feet in length for every 32 feet of side wall  on homes in the R‐1 and R‐2 Zoning Districts.   Height Requests to build principal structures over the maximum height requirement,  which ranges from 25 to 28 feet depending on the type of roof and the Zoning  District.   Garage, 16 Deck, 11 New Home or  Building, 13 Front  Porch, 3 Home or Building  Addition, 18 Fence, 13 Paved Area, 3 Shed, 2 Parking, 3 Outdoor Lighting, 1 Private Road, 1 2016‐2020 Variances by Project  Golden Valley Board of Zoning Appeals  2020 Annual Report    8  Fence Height Requests to build fences over the maximum height requirements, which ranges  from 4 to 12 feet depending on the location on the property (front yard or  side/rear yard) and the Zoning District.   Building Envelope Requests to build a structure beyond the maximum building envelope, which is  defined for properties within the R‐1 and R‐2 Zoning Districts. This includes the  2:1 or 4:1 slope requirement when the structure is taller than 15 feet at the  side yard setback line.    Accessory Structure  Location  Requests to build a garage, shed, or other accessory structure in a location that  is not completely to the rear of the principal structure or in a location that is  not at least 10 feet from the principal structure.    Accessory Structure  Size  Requests to build a garage, shed, or other accessory structures above the  allowable limit of 1,000 square feet in R‐1, R‐2, and Institutional Zoning  Districts.  Accessory Structure  Height  Requests to build a garage, shed, or other accessory structures above the  maximum height requirements, which is 10 feet in the R‐1, R‐2, and  Institutional Zoning Districts.  Garage Width Request to build a garage in the R‐2 District that is wider than 65 percent of the  width of the front façade.   Average Grade Requests to change the average grade of a property by more than 1 foot.   Shoreland Setback Requests to build a structure within the minimum shoreland setbacks, which  are larger than standard front, side, and rear setbacks.   Impervious Surface Requests to construct additional impervious surface beyond the maximum  allowable, which is 50 percent of the lot in R‐1 and R‐2 and 60 percent in R‐3  and R‐4 Zoning Districts.  Minimum Parking Request to build or use an existing parking lot or garage with a number of  parking spaces that is less than the minimum required based on the use of the  property.   Outdoor Lighting Request regarding the total amount of foot candles of light produced by  lighting systems, the amount of allowed light trespass, or other issues relating  to lighting systems.  Roadway Width Requests to build a private roadway above or below the maximum and  minimum required widths respectively.  Added Curb Cut Requests to allow additional access from public rights of way then what is  typically allowed by code.