bza-minutes-apr-28-20
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 Board of Zoning Appeals 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 meeting by calling 1‐415‐655‐0001 and entering the meeting code 806 533
109.
Call To Order
The meeting was called to order at 7 pm by Chair Nelson.
Roll Call
Members present: Nancy Nelson, Richard Orenstein, Chris Carlson, Sophia Ginis, Kade Arms‐
Regenold
Board Members absent:
Staff present: Planning Manager Jason Zimmerman and Planner Myles Campbell
Approval of Agenda
MOTION made by Nelson, seconded by Orenstein to approve the agenda of April 28, 2020, as submitted
and the motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION made by Nelson, seconded by Orenstein to approve the December 16, 2019, meeting minutes
as submitted and the motion carried unanimously.
Councilmember Larry Fonnest greeted all members and introduced himself to the new BZA members.
He gave a brief review, what to expect, and congratulated the BZA on their continued hard work.
Annual Board of Zoning Appeals Orientation
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, started orientation with an introduction to the City of Golden
Valley’s demographics, the City Council, the City Manager, and City Leadership. Zimmerman continued
on to describe the Boards and Commissions, discuss bylaws and city code, the annual calendar,
meetings, and member terms. Zimmerman expanded on Board and Commissioner roles and
responsibilities, guiding principles and code of conduct, written record, and adhering to the state statute.
Variance Training for Board Members
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, gave a presentation on what a variance is, what types of
variances are allowed, and what ordinance criteria leads to approval. Zimmerman expanded on the
previously mentioned state statute and the legal standard for variances. Member Carlson asked about
April 28, 2020 – 7 pm
City of Golden Valley BZA Regular Meeting
December 16, 2019 – 7 pm
2
the application and review process prior to an applicant presenting to the BZA. Myles Campbell,
Planner, illustrated the process, analysis, and potential alternatives to applying for a variance.
Presentation of 2019 Board of Zoning Appeals Annual Report
Myles Campbell, Planner, presented the annual report:
In 2019:
33 Variances were considered
o 30 variances were in the Residential (R‐1) Zoning District
o Top three types of requests were for front setbacks, side setbacks and fence height.
o 21/33 Variances Approved
o 2/33 Variances were approved with Modifications
o 1/33 Variances were tables
o 9/33 Variances were denied
Campbell expanded on the variances based on project type and then gave a 5‐year summary of
variances considered and their type.
Officer Elections
Nancy Nelson nominated Richard Orenstein for Chair and it was seconded by Sophia Ginis. Richard
Orenstein nominated Sophia Ginis for Vice Chair and it was seconded by Nancy Nelson.
Staff took a roll call vote and both nominations passed unanimously.
Adjournment
MOTION made by Chair Nelson, seconded by Orenstein and the motion carried unanimously to adjourn
the meeting at 7:50 pm.
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Richard Orenstein, Chair
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Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant