pc-minutes-mar-28-22
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
This meeting was conducted in a hybrid format with in‐person and remote options for attending,
participating, and commenting. 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 6:30 pm by Chair Pockl.
Roll Call
Commissioners in person: Adam Brookins, Sophia Ginis, Andy Johnson, Chuck Segelbaum
Commissioners remote: Lauren Pockl, Mike Ruby
Staff present: Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager
Staff remote: Myles Campbell – Planner
Council Liaison present: Denise La Mere‐Anderson
2. Approval of Agenda
Chair Pockl asked for a motion to approve the agenda.
MOTION made by Commissioner Brookins, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to approve the
agenda of March 28, 2022.
Staff took a roll call vote. Motion carried.
3. Approval of Minutes
Chair Pockl asked for a motion to approve the minutes from March 14, 2022.
MOTION made by Commissioner Ginis, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve.
Staff took a roll call vote. Motion carried.
4. Discussion/Training – Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, reviewed the recent PUD process for Greenway Villas and
discussed a few questions that came up as a result of that process. Discussing this process now is ideal
as the work session with Council is in April. Clarifying the PUD process now may lead to additions on
the work plan if Planning Commission thinks it will be helpful.
Staff reviewed PUDs, how they’ve been applied to the City of Golden Valley, and listed some areas in
the City that have PUDs.
Most zoning codes that allow PUDs include common elements:
purpose statement
specific standards for evaluating proposals
March 28, 2022 – 6:30 pm
Hybrid
Council Chambers, City Hall
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
March 28, 2022 – 6:30 pm
2
certain site elements or design criteria that must be observed.
There are a variety of ways to apply PUDs and mechanisms for amending existing PUDs are also
important to allow for changes over time.
In 2015, staff was directed by the City Council to attempt to streamline what was viewed as a lengthy
and complicated process. New requirements were added and the creation of an amenity points system
ensured the community receives unique benefits in exchange for flexibility being offered by the PUD.
Commissioner Ruby asked if there was opposition to a PUD are there are additional points to reach in
the amenity points system. Staff responded that current code does not have this language, however
neighborhood input is important as it informs staff of items that may have not been initially reviewed.
The discussion continued on the challenges of this possibility for putting something this specific in city
code.
The conversation moved on from lessons learned through the points system implementation and
towards the idea of having certain flexibilities trigger certain amenity requirements. Staff used the
example of a developer wanting to remove a large number of trees triggering the need for green
energy amenities. This was brought up as an item to review with council at the work plan meeting.
Commissioner Johnson discussed the points system and feeling there was more to be done. Adding,
in conjunction with reviewing PUDs, it would be advantageous to review land use. The discussion
moved on to what more the points system provide as well as discussing city goal alignment with council
at the work plan meeting.
The conversation moved on to use, proportionality, and the idea of creating boundaries around
potential limits for an amenity point system. A discussion around capping points within a certain
category came up, suggesting it would create a greater variety of amenities and be of more value.
Commissioner Segelbaum commented that the current system gives developers too much latitude to
change the land use and suggested that be part of the conversation for the work plan. Johnson wants
to remember a discussion on alignment and remember to review the potential loophole of land use
change. Commissioner Brookins wants to review what other cities do and see if there are tools that
other cities use that may have a benefit in Golden Valley.
5. Discussion – PC ‐ 2021 Annual Report and 2022 Work Plan
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, presented and reviewed the 2021 Annual Report and the
2022 Work Plan.
In 2021
21 meetings were held, 3 were cancelled
25 Planning Applications were considered
o 17 recommended approval
o 8 recommended denial
22 Discussions or Presentations
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
March 28, 2022 – 6:30 pm
3
3 Zoning Text Amendments were considered
Staff went on to review this year’s types of applications and locations as compared to the previous 5
years. Staff listed a project breakdown, text amendment breakdown, and all major projects
reviewed.
Proposed Work Plan for 2022
Implementation of 2040 Comprehensive Plan
o Revisit proposed rezoning
Zoning Code Amendments/Updates
o ADUs
o Mobile Uses
o Off‐street Parking
o Telecommunications section of Zoning Chapter
Planning Application Review and Evaluation
o Land Use Application Recommendations
Commissioner Training and Education
o PUD Regulations
o Equity Training
Commissioner Initiatives
o Explore Innovative Planning Concepts
o Create/Expand Plan around golf course
o Downtown
6. Discussion – BZA ‐ 2021 Annual Report
Myles Campbell, Planner, presented and reviewed the 2021 BZA Annual Report.
In 2021
23 Variances were considered
o 17 approved
o 3 denied
o 2 tabled
o 2 withdrawn
Staff went on to review this year’s types of applications and locations as compared to the previous
5 years. Staff listed a project breakdown, zoning district comparison for projects, as well as a 5‐year
comparison of BZA decisions.
Chair Pockl ended the televised portion of the meeting at 7:49pm
7. Council Liaison Report
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, provided an update for Council Member La Mere‐Anderson.
He reported that the Council approved two zoning text amendments covering Outdoor Service Areas
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
March 28, 2022 – 6:30 pm
4
and revised screening and outdoor storage regulations. In addition, the Council voted to approve the
Zoning Map Amendment for the Artessa Senior Coop as well as the preliminary plat at that location.
8. Other Business
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, informed the Commission that the emergency orders that
allowed for remote meeting attendance would end on March 31 and that future meetings would take
place primarily in‐person. Additionally, an upcoming Chambers remodel would mean that beginning
April 12, the Planning Commission meetings would take place in the Council Conference Room.
9. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Brookins to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, and
approved unanimously by roll call vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:57 pm.
________________________________
Andy Johnson, Secretary
________________________________
Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant