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04-08-19 PC Minutes 7800 Golden Valley Road�Golden Valley,MN 55427 ` " ',s ` �"� 763-593-3992�TTY 763-593-3968�763-593-8109(fax)(www.goldenvalleymn.gov ��` ����� . . . ��l/ Plann�ng Comm�ss�on V�1� ��r ���� Apr 8,2019—7 pm REG U LAR M E ETI NG M I N UTES Council Conference Room Golden Vailey City Hall 7800 Golden Valley Road Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7 pm by Chair Baker. Roll Call Commissioners present: Rich Baker, Ron Blum, Adam Brookins, Lauren Pockl, Chuck Segelbaum Commissioners absent: Andy Johnson Staff present: Planning Manager Jason Zimmerman, Senior Planner/Grant Writer Emily Goellner, Administrative Assistant Lisa Wittman Council Liaison present: Steve Schmidgall Approval of Agenda MOTION made by Brookins, seconded by Pockl to approve the agenda of April 8, 2019, as submitted and the motion carried. Approval of Minutes March 25, 2019, Regular Planning Commission Meeting Baker referred to other business section of the minutes and stated that he would like to add that Mayor Harris also attended the neighborhood meeting discussed. MOTION made by Segelbaum, seconded by Brookins to approve the March 25, 2019, minutes with the above noted change and the motion carried. Discussion— Mixed Use Zoning District Zimmerman explained that the current Mixed Use Zoning District is targeted for the I-394 corridor and that staff wants to write some new code language that could apply to other mixed use areas. He stated that the current code language hasn't been very effective in getting mixed use development so the goal is to simplify the language for applicants and staff in order to get more interest in utilizing the Mixed Use District. Baker said he wants to be mindful when reviewing the existing code language rather than rushing into disassembling the entire code. He asked about the history of the existing Mixed Use Zoning District. Zimmerman stated during the last Comprehensive Plan update in 2008-2009 the City hired a planning consultant and did a big I-394 Corridor study. He stated that the code language that resulted tried to not force out existing Industrial properties but allow them to continue which is why it has been hard to administer. He stated that after 10 years of working with the current code it has proven difficult and that This tlocument is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call 763-543-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968)to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may inclutle large print, electronic, Braille,autliocassette,etc. City of Golden Valley Planning Cammission Regular Meeting 2 Apr 8, 2019—7 pm staff is not trying to start over, they are trying to simplify it now that they have more experience with what works and what doesn't. He gave the Commissioners two scenarios of hypothetical development proposals located in the I-394 Mixed Use Zoning District and asked them to try to analyze and evaluate each scenario using the current code language to determine how the scenarios meet height, parking, site layout, setback regulations, etc. The Commissioners discussed the two scenarios including: buffer areas adjacent to R-1 Residential properties, what uses are allowed, conditional, or not permitted, setbacks, height, mix of uses, etc. Baker referred to mixed use developments that consist of retail on the first floor with residential above and asked if that is possible. Zimmerman said he has heard from developers that developments like that are really hard to finance and it is challenging to fill vacant first floor retail space. He stated that consultants have said it would be better to create code language that allows for that type of development but doesn't require it. Zimmerman discussed the current language regarding setbacks, impervious surface, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), and development standards. Goellner suggested that the language list uses by use and not by size requirements and added that the entire Zoning Code will eventually have use tables. Schmidgall said he wants more flexibility in the Code to allow for creative uses. He stated that the City is also trying to protect the green space on the north side of Laurel Avenue. He said he wouldn't advocate building in that area, but he feels like it could be more useful to people with paths, benches, etc. Blum said he thinks parking in front of buildings should be fully restricted to encourage walkability. Goellner referred to the existing height requirements and said that the language about transitional height is confusing and that she would like there to be maximum height language instead. Blum suggested considering more than a two-story minimum and said he would like to distinguish between floors and stories such as a three floor office building versus a three story warehouse to help reach walkability goals. Blum asked if any thought has been given to how an internal street looks compared to an external street. Zimmerman said he agrees that street character and different street widths have an effect on walkability. Zimmerman stated that the goal is to look at what the TOD study suggested and to hopefully merge the existing code language with some new code language and get a hybrid that will work in other mixed use areas. City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting 3 Apr 8, 2019—7 pm Council Liaison Report Schmidgall stated that the Downtown Study will be discussed at the next Council/Manager meeting. He stated that at the last City Council meeting they considered an ordinance regarding micromobility companies having dockless bikes and scooters in the City. He said they also considered ordinances regarding wireless towers and changes to the massage therapy regulations. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council, Board of Zoning Appeals, and other meetings No other meetings were discussed. Other Business No other business was discussed. Adjournment MOTION by Blum, seconded by Pockl and the motion carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 pm. i � � � ` c'_ Ro Blu , ecretary , � Li ittman, Administrative Assistant