pc-agenda-jul-12-21
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Planning Commission meetings are being conducted in a hybrid format with in‐person and remote
options for attending, participating, and commenting. The public can make statements in this meeting
during the planned public comment sections.
Remote Attendance/Comment Options: Members of the public may attend this meeting by watching
on cable channel 16, streaming on CCXmedia.org, or via Webex by calling 1‐415‐655‐0001 and entering
access code 177 575 2602. Members of the public wishing to address the Planning Commission during
public comment sections should call 763‐593‐8060.
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of Minutes
June 28, 2021, Planning Commission Meeting
4. Public Hearing – Major Amendment to PUD 90
Applicant: ISD #270 ‐ Hopkins School District
Address: 5430 and 5300 Glenwood Ave, Golden Valley, MN 55422
5. Discussion – Accessory Dwelling Unit Introduction
6. Discussion – Use Table Updates
– End of Televised Portion of Meeting –
To listen to this portion, please call 1‐415‐655‐0001 and enter meeting access code 177 575 2602.
7. Council Liaison Report
8. Other Business
a. Reports on Board of Zoning Appeals and Other Meetings
9. Adjournment
July 12, 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 7:00 by Chair Pockl.
Roll Call
Commissioners present: Rich Baker, Ron Blum, Adam Brookins, Andy Johnson, Lauren Pockl, Chuck
Segelbaum
Commissioners absent: Noah Orloff, Ryan Sadeghi
Staff present: Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager, Myles Campbell – Planner
Council Liaison present: Gillian Rosenquist
2. Approval of Agenda
Chair Pockl asked for a motion to approve the agenda.
Commissioner Johnson asked when the Comp Plan alignment would conclude and reviewed a few
areas in particular that were discussed. He asked when that will be completed. Staff responded there
are updates and can discuss at the end of the meeting.
MOTION made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Blum, to approve the agenda of
June 28, 2021. Staff called a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Approval of Minutes
Chair Pockl asked for a motion to approve the minutes from June 14, 2021.
MOTION made by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Baker, to approve minutes.
Staff called a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously.
4. Public Hearing – Major Amendment to PUD 90
Applicant: ISD #270 ‐ Hopkins School District
Address: 5430 and 5300 Glenwood Ave, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Chair Pockl stated the hearing was postponed to today’s meeting but the applicant has
requested an extension to the July 12th meeting and it appears staff supports this request.
July 28, 2021 – 7 pm
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
June 28, 2021, 2021 – 7 pm
2
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, informed Commissioners that as staff reviewed plans
that the applicant asked for more time to provide further details. Following state statute, staff
is comfortable recommending tabling the hearing to July 12.
MOTION made by Commissioner Brookins, seconded by Commissioner Blum, to table the item to
the July 12th, 2021 meeting, as requested by the applicant. Staff called a roll call vote and the
motion carried unanimously.
5. Discussion – Temporary Outdoor Service Uses
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, reminded Commissioners that interim uses were discussed
at both the March 8th and May 24th meetings. He reviewed the catalyst for this topic and reviewed
a little history.
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
Four main questions were raised by commissioners at a previous meeting, staff reviewed each and
provided a response.
Are Outdoor Service Areas an option for businesses currently?
Existing outdoor seating all on private property and does not impact parking. Staff review and
approval involves checking ADA compliance, parking counts, SAC charges, and stormwater impacts.
Liquor licensing might also need to be adjusted.
No outdoor retail sales to staff’s knowledge – would likely require a similar type of review.
Would a public hearing be required?
Almost all other cities researched require public hearings before approving an interim use. The
process is typically similar to a conditional use permit review, but limits the use to a fixed amount
of time. Other temporary uses in Golden Valley are allowed through administrative approval
(mobile food vending, seasonal farm produce sales, etc.).
What sorts of potential impacts should be mitigated?
Specific impacts raised by proposals would be reviewed and mitigated on a case by case basis,
similar to a conditional use permit. Typical areas of evaluation might include parking, hours of
operation, lighting, noise, visual screening, and more.
Conditions of approval for the Outdoor Service Area could be part of the approval and attached to
the permit.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
June 28, 2021, 2021 – 7 pm
3
What zoning district might be involved?
It seems logical to incorporate all Residential zoning districts, as well as the Commercial and Mixed‐
Use zoning districts. Restaurants and other retails businesses would then be able to take advantage
of the option.
Staff Conclusion
Given the existing ability for most businesses to install outdoor seating or to conduct outdoor sales,
staff believes it is unlikely the temporary Outdoor Service Area would be pursued outside of
Schuller’s.
This solution would address their long‐standing efforts to install a patio for outdoor seating, but the
zoning text change would be considered for the benefit of one location only. Generally, this does
not constitute good planning practice.
Commissioner Baker asked for clarification on if City Council directly requested Planning
Commission look into this. Zimmerman clarified that staff looked into other cities and their interim
use process but there wasn’t direct input from Council or Schuller’s. Commissioner Segelbaum
asked about the realities of other businesses or even homeowners wanting to set up a sale, utilizing
this use. Zimmerman added that an outdoor service area would not include a home occupation;
this would only be allowed for a retail or restaurant in R‐1 or R‐2. Commissioner Johnson asked
about a waiver from not being allowed to expand at Schuller’s. Zimmerman responded that
Schuller’s is interested in a patio space and the current building doesn’t meet current zoning. If
there were an expansion considered, the owners would need 3‐4 variances approved by BZA
before going that route. Expanding the use goes back to state statute, a variance can’t be granted
for a specific use but a permitted temporary use in a specific district would be allowed.
Staff expanded on interim use intent, term length, and renewal process. The discussion moved on
to discuss a defined space and how that applies to Schuller’s.
The conversation continued on to logistics of renewals and potential conditions.
Commissioner Blum discussed transparency and need and mentioned that he is inclined to lean
towards the people versus a business. The question on if this extensive process is worth it for one
need was brought up. Commissioner Baker stated that he will oppose it as it feels like this is
creating a loophole for one business. Commissioner Brookins echoed Commissioner Baker’s
statements. Chair Pockl stated that if this interim use was approved, there would continue to be
hurdles to reach approval. She added that this doesn’t seem to be consistent with the intent of
state statute and the zoning code. Commissioner Segelbaum echoed these statements and added
he recalls the neighbors didn’t want to change the land use to Commercial. Creating this use
doesn’t seem consistent with what other municipalities have done.
Commissioner Johnson asked about neighborhood support and that lead to a discussion with staff
about direct neighbors versus close neighbors that would use the space. Johnson followed up with
examples of other situations where it felt the Planning Commission was put in a position to
mediate. He added that he wants businesses to be successful but feels that the group should focus
on the current regulations, and stated his opposition.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
June 28, 2021, 2021 – 7 pm
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Zimmerman stated that he’ll bring the discussion to City Council and let the Planning Commission
know what the direction and next steps are.
6. Discussion – Accessory Dwelling Units
Item was tabled to next meeting so Val Quarels, Planning Intern, could be in attendance.
Televised portion of the meeting concluded at 8:06 pm
7. Council Liaison Report
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, reported for Council Member Rosenquist and updated the
Commissioners on new legislation that fixed the language around the funding for the Highway
55/Douglas Drive underpass project. Commissioner Johnson gave an update on a tour taken by the
members of the Facility Study Task Force of new facilities in Fridley.
8. Other Business
The Commissioners discussed the outstanding rezoning proposal for the Highway 55/Winnetka
Ave/Harold Ave corner and debated if the proposal should wait for a future traffic study and BRT study
to be concluded before reevaluating the change.
9. Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Blum to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Brookins, and approved
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm.
________________________________
Andy Johnson, Secretary
________________________________
Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant
1
Date:
To:
From:
Subject:
July 12, 2021
Golden Valley Planning Commission
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager
Informal Public Hearing – Meadowbrook School PUD No. 90, Amendment #5 –
5430 and 5300 Glenwood Avenue
Summary
Hopkins Public Schools, represented by Neil Tessier, has applied for a Major Planned Unit
Development (PUD) Amendment in order to expand the boundary of the PUD and to incorporate
additional land area currently addressed as 5300 Glenwood Avenue. This expansion would allow
for the completion of a traffic control plan initiated as part of Amendment #4 in 2018 as well as
provide future space for district offices or special services educational programming.
On April 26, 2021, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended denial of this request. On
May 18, the City Council heard this request and, after conducting a public hearing, voted to return
the application to the Planning Commission and encouraged the applicant to work with them
further to address outstanding concerns.
A new public hearing was targeted for June 14, for June 28, and now for July 12. Due to lack of
additional information, staff is now requesting it be tabled further to the July 26 Planning
Commission meeting. Action must be taken at that meeting to stay on schedule and allow the City
Council to reach a decision before the date required by state statute.
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Planning Commission table the informal public hearing for Meadowbrook
School PUD No. 90, Amendment #5, to the regular July 26 meeting.
Date: July 12, 2021
To: Golden Valley Planning Commission
From: Valerie Quarles, Community Development Intern
Subject: Accessory Dwelling Unit Introduction
Summary
Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are additional living quarters on residential lots that are
independent of the primary unit(s). They are also referred to as mother-in-law apartments,
granny flats, carriage houses, or secondary suites.
ADUs provide an opportunity to meaningfully densify through small-scale, infill development on
lots that already have homes. They provide new housing without the need for land acquisition,
increase property values, and allow 1-2 person renting households – now the most common
household type in the Twin Cities – to access established single-family neighborhoods that would
otherwise be out of reach. (Thrive MSP 2040)
The City Council, elements of the Comprehensive Plan, and residents have all called upon the City
to consider instituting a policy regarding ADUs.
Background
ADUs can be either detached or attached. A detached ADU is a separate building from the
primary structure and is typically located in the rear yard. An attached ADU is architecturally
contiguous with the main structure, and can take multiple forms: an addition, an interior
basement or attic conversion, or some other configuration that does not entail a separate
structure. An ADU is generally considered a separate unit because it has its own entrance,
kitchen, living area, and bathroom. The vast majority of cities regulate ADUs in such a way that
they are always smaller (in terms of square footage) than the main structure. This is what
primarily distinguishes an ADU from a traditional duplex. For most municipalities near Golden
Valley, new ADUs have most frequently been of the attached or interior variety.
ADUs are not a new concept in the history of the Twin Cities. Common before World War II,
carriage houses or interior ADUs were often built as a way to live cheaply while saving up for a
larger home to be built (Jane McClure, “Alley House,” Saint Paul Historical) or as a way to house
servants on grander properties. Attic or basement apartments were also a common way to house
a growing population. While today’s ADUs will not serve exactly the same purposes, modern and
historic ADUs both have their roots in the need for affordable housing.
ADUs can flexibly serve different purposes depending on the needs and desires of the property
owner. Many ADUs are used for family, from semi-independent young adults to aging parents
who benefit from having children close by for care. Other ADUs are rented out as an additional
source of income. In a 2018 AARP survey of adults aged 50+, those considering an ADU said they
would create one in order to:
• provide a home for a loved one in need of care (84%)
• provide housing for relatives or friends (83%)
• feel safer by having someone living nearby (64%)
• have a space for guests (69%)
• increase the value of their home (67%)
• create a place for a caregiver to stay (60%)
• earn extra income from renting to a tenant (53%)
The need to consider an ADU policy comes from multiple angles. Golden Valley’s most recent
Comprehensive Plan calls for research into opportunities for ADUs within the city, as well as new
solutions for the short supply of affordable housing, options for seniors to age-in-place, and
innovative ways to densify without substantially disrupting the character of existing single-family
neighborhoods. Golden Valley’s City Council been receptive to additional research on ADU
allowances through the comp plan process and in more recent meetings. Finally, City staff
receives multiple resident inquiries each month regarding the rules around ADU construction,
and have also expressed interest through the Golden Valley Housing Sites Engagement conducted
The different types of ADUs. Adapted from "The ABCs of ADUs".
by City staff and consultant Moxie earlier last year. Residents who call the City directly about
ADUs require more code clarification than currently exists.
Relevant language from the Comprehensive Plan’s housing chapter includes:
A wide variety of housing options exist in Golden Valley and should be preserved to
provide choices for all life stages and economic means. Home values, sale prices, and
rental rates are increasing in Golden Valley. The existing affordable rental opportunities
should be preserved and new affordable housing units should be built. It is important to
increase housing opportunities at a cost that low- and moderate-income households can
afford without compromising their ability to pay for other essential needs. (Page 3)
Golden Valley’s location and amenities make it a desirable place to live, and there is
demand for additional housing. Due to spatial and resource constraints, the City will focus
on supporting projects that meet the greatest needs in the community, such as affordable
housing and senior housing. (Page 3)
The population of Golden Valley is aging, and this will increase the demand for various
types of senior housing in the community, including apartments, townhomes,
condominiums, multi-generational households, aging-in-place, assisted living, and
memory care. (Page 3)
The benefits and impacts of construction activity in single-family neighborhoods must be
balanced with proper City oversight, especially since it is expected to continue or increase
in future years. (Page 3)
Studies have shown that many seniors prefer to age in place as long as possible. Because
of this trend, it is expected that many aging residents will choose to stay in Golden Valley.
While the City will investigate ways to help seniors continue living in their homes or with
other family members in multi-generational households… (Page 18)
The amount of vacant land in Golden Valley is extremely limited. (Page 19)
Goal 2, Objective 1 [from the Policy Plan]: Support a variety in housing types, designs,
and prices for all life stages, family sizes, and incomes through land use policies, zoning
regulations, and redevelopment activities (Page 21)
Goal 2, Objective 2 [from the Policy Plan]: Prioritize the need for senior housing in the
community and support a variety of senior living arrangements
o 2.5: Research opportunities to allow accessory dwelling units for multi-
generational living opportunities (Page 21)
ADUs would naturally be affected by many existing provisions in the City code, such as those
relating to building regulations, parking, zoning, stormwater management, and more. However,
the current City code does not adequately regulate potential ADUs – neither in terms of the City’s
hopes and intentions or the logistics of creating a second unit within or on the same property as
an existing residence.
For traditional single-family homes, City regulations (113-88 (d)(1) Accessory Uses) stipulate
that “when the owner resides in the dwelling, rental of single sleeping rooms [is limited] to not
more than two people per dwelling for lodging purposes only.” This makes sense when there
are not separate facilities like bathrooms and kitchens for lodgers – but ADUs have these
amenities and can support long-term stays. However, 113-88 (f)(6) Kitchens states that “No
more than one kitchen and one kitchenette shall be permitted in each dwelling unit.” For
reference, a kitchenette is defined earlier as “a room containing both an operable sink and a
refrigerator measuring not more than six cubic feet.” For some people, this is adequate for many
food preparation tasks. This adds to further confusion around whether a lodger using an area
with a kitchenette might be able to potentially skirt Golden Valley’s lack of ADU language,
particularly around interior ADUs.
Other code language for the R-1 district (Sec. 113-88) allows for conditional use permits to be
issued to “residential facilities serving from seven to 25 persons; and group foster family
homes.” There are already provisions in place to allow for increased density in the R-1 district
without creating duplexes or triplexes, but not for uses outside of the stated context.
Though these are just two examples, the issue faced is that the City Code already allows for some
arrangements that are ADU-like, but specific limits in current regulations prevent the creation of
high-quality ADUs that best serve the needs of the community.
The list below encompasses policy decisions which will likely generate discussion:
Zoning
• Eligible residential zoning districts
• Minimum eligible lot size
Form
• Height limit
• Setback requirements
• Design standards
• Location on property
• Maximum lot coverage
Access
• Parking requirements
• Sewer and water access requirements
• Fire safety regulations
• Effects on stormwater runoff
• Cost to build
• Application review process and level of
oversight
Use
• Owner-occupation regulations for
primary home
• Traditional rental arrangement
• Ability to regulate short-term
rentals
• Effects on current accessory
structure requirements
Other municipalities within the Twin Cities that have created ADU regulations include:
Apple Valley
Bloomington
Burnsville
Chaska
Crystal
Eagan
Inver Grove Heights
Lakeville
Long Lake
Minneapolis
Minnetonka
Plymouth
Richfield
Roseville
Shoreview
Saint Louis Park
Saint Paul
Stillwater
White Bear Lake
This group includes peer cities to Golden Valley such as Crystal, Minnetonka, Roseville, and Saint
Louis Park, as well as adjacent cities such as Minneapolis. Golden Valley would not be the first,
nor the last, to institute an ADU policy. This allows staff to consider nearby regulatory solutions in
real-world contexts similar to Golden Valley’s. Planning staff are already having discussions with
peer cities, and preparing for conversations with other City staff members managing utilities, fire
safety, and rental licensing.
The City of Crystal's accessible public handout for their ADU regulations.
Local ADUs in the Twin Cities are usually not standalone structures – it’s most common to see
one within an existing home or added on top of a garage.
Two ADUs above garages in Minneapolis.
First image from Family Housing Fund's "Home+Home".
Second image from Christopher Strom Architects.
An attached ADU's kitchen in Minneapolis. Image from Realtor.com.
The entrance to an above-garage ADU in Minneapolis. Image from Star Tribune.
Initial Questions
1. Could ADUs be a good fit for Golden Valley? What possibilities does this open up?
2. What concerns might you have as we move forward, that staff can research and report
back on?
3. Based on your experience, how do you think Golden Valley residents might use ADUs?
Timeline
Staff anticipates the need for a handful of conversations with the Planning Commission before
drafting zoning text for discussion. The City Council may also be provided the opportunity to
weigh in on the direction this is taking prior to scheduling a public hearing and beginning the
process for consideration of adoption.
At the next Planning Commission meeting, more details around specific regulations in other
metro area cities will be provided in order to begin a more detailed conversation how ADUs could
function in Golden Valley.
Resources
Home + Home: Twin Cities ADU Guidebook (Family Housing Fund)
ADU’s: Housing Options for a Growing Region (Family Housing Fund)
The ABC’s of ADUs (AARP)
KnowledgeBase Collection: Accessory Dwelling Units (American Planning Association)
1
Date: July 12, 2021
To: Golden Valley Planning Commission
From: Myles Campbell, Planner
Subject: Use Table Updates
Summary
Planning staff and Commissioners have been in the process of reviewing the zoning code and
presentation 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.
Thus far, Commissioners have discussed the land uses allowed in each of our established zoning
districts, with the exception of the Mixed Use zoning district, which was recently updated in
2019. The purpose of this meeting is to present the draft tables and receive any Commissioner
comments or questions prior to the full code revision and public hearing.
Land uses are now organized into three tables that will be included in the zoning code under
Article III, Zoning Districts, as identified below:
Table type Zoning Districts Included
Economic & Business Land Uses Commercial
Light Industrial
Industrial
Office
Institutional Land Uses Institutional – Assembly
Institutional – Medical
Institutional – Civic
Institutional – Parks and Natural Areas
Residential Land Uses Single-Family Residential
Moderate Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
High Density Residential
2
As noted above, the tables will be added to the zoning code under Article III, Division 1. Zoning
Districts. This is after the administrative sections of the zoning code but will still appear before
any of the specific zoning districts. Division 1. also includes a number of reserved subsection
numbers, giving staff and the Planning Commission some flexibility to structure these tables as
individual or multiple sections. A full set of underlined and overstruck code will be included for
review at the public hearing on this item.
Staff will note that the draft tables as presented to Commissioners may not be wholly
representative of the final product available through our code hosting service, Municode. For
reference, staff has included an example of a use table from the City of Minneapolis, which gives
an idea of what the final product might look like once incorporated into our online codebook.
One item we are waiting to hear back on from Municode is whether hyperlinks can be included in
tables themselves. Staff thinks hyperlinks embedded in the column headers to the specific zoning
district chapters would help again with ease of use for members of the community. Municode
does allow for hyperlinks outside of tables, and so in each zoning district chapter we can provide
a link to the relevant use table.
Staff Request
This agenda item is for discussion only and staff is looking for final questions and comments
before assembling the underlined and overstruck code for the public hearing.
Attachments
Draft Use Tables (5 pages)
Current Allowed Land Use text (10 pages)
Land Use Description R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4
Low to Moderate Density Housing
Single-family dwellings P P X X
Two-family dwellings X P P X
Rowhouses with up to four attached units X P X X
Townhouses X X P X
Multifamily Housing
Multifamily dwellings of up to 12 units per acre X X P P
Multifamily dwellings to a density of 17 units per acre X X C P
Multifamily dwellings to a density of 50 units per acre X X X P
Multifamily dwellings to a density of 100 units per acre X X X C
Senior and disability housing to a density of 20 units per acre X X P P
Senior and disability housing to a density of 25 units per acre X X C P
Senior and disability housing to a density of 70 units per acre X X X P
Senior and disability housing to a density of 100 units per acre X X X C
Multifamily Conditional Allowances
Senior and disability housing up to five stories or 60 feet in height X X C C
Principal structures in excess of five stories or 60 feet in height X X X C
Retail sales, Class I and II restaurants, and professional offices*X X C C
Residential Facilities, Foster Homes, and Essential Services
Residential facilities serving six or fewer persons P P P P
Residential facilities serving up to 25 persons; and C C P P
Foster family homes; and P P P P
Group foster family homes.C C P P
Essential services, Class I.P P P P
Land Use Description I-A I-M I-C I-P
Adult day care centers C X X X
Cemeteries X X X P
Child care centers C X X X
City offices, fire stations, and other lands incidental to the operation of
the City
X X P X
Congregate housing X P X X
*These uses must be within principal structures containing at least 20 dwelling units when located upon
any minor arterial or major collector street. Any such sales, restaurant, or office shall be located only on
the ground floor and have direct access to the street.
Residential Land Uses
Institutional Land Uses
Convalescent homes, nursing homes, clinics, and other buildings
incidental to the operation thereof
X P X X
Golf courses, country clubs, and other Recreation Facilities X X X P
Hospitals and outpatient surgical facilities X C X X
Libraries P X X X
Museums P X X X
Parks and Playgrounds X X X P
Places of Assembly P X X X
Public and Private Schools P X X X
Residential facilities X C X X
Senior and disability housing X C X X
Essential services, Class I P P P P
Land Use Description C LI I O
Retail and Service Uses
Animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, and/or pet grooming facilities R C C X
Auto repair shops, including tire, battery and auto accessory repair and
installation
C X P X
Automobile repair shops, auto body repair and/or painting, and auto
cleaning and reconditioning
X X C X
Barbershops and/or beauty parlors P X X X
Bars, nightclubs, and other nighttime entertainment venues C X X X
Brewpubs C X X X
Car washes R X C X
Catering establishments P X X X
Class I restaurants P X X X
Class II Restaurants C X X X
Class III restaurants R X X X
Clothing Sales and Repairs P X X X
Drive-through facilities for Financial institutions. C C C C
Other Drive-through retail establishments C X X X
Electronic equipment sales P X X X
Financial institutions P C C P
Firing ranges.X X X X
Floral shops (not to include nurseries)P X X X
Hardware, furniture, and other home goods sales P X X X
Hotels/motels P X X X
Indoor Entertainment and Amusement P P X X
Mortuaries C X C X
Outdoor sales, including car lots, nurseries, and equipment rentals C X C X
Pharmacies P X X X
Post offices P X X X
Principal or conditional uses in buildings greater than three stories in
height.
C X X
Econmic and Business Land Uses
Printing shops P X X X
Public garages P C C X
Recreation buildings and structures (public and private), including
gyms, skating rinks, etc.
P C C X
Retail establishments that sell tobacco R X X X
Sale or repair of firearms X R R X
Sales or show rooms (auto, machinery, boats, etc.)C X C X
Service stations C X C X
Shopping centers (general retail - convenience shopping)P X X X
Supermarkets, Bakeries, and other off-premise food sales P X X X
Adult-oriented services that require City licensing pursuant to other
provisions of the City Code; and
P P P X
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
P X X X
Industrial Uses
Accessory retail services and/or sales incidental to a permitted use,
conducted in an area less than 10 percent of the building's gross floor
area
X C C X
Animal kennels where animals are customarily kept, boarded, cared
for, trained, fed, or bought and sold, as a business
X X P X
Assembly and/or fabricating exclusive of sheet metal or steel
fabricating, foundries, and similar uses except for the fabricating of
sheet metal as it is used for the heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning business
X P P X
Bakeries (commercial-wholesale)X C C X
Blacksmith, repair, machine, or tin shops X X P X
Breweries (limited and associated retail use such as merchandise
related to the brewery may be sold)
X P P X
Building materials yards (including inside and outside storage)X C P X
Bulk storage of gas, fuel oil, chemicals, and other liquid or solid
materials which may be considered hazardous or toxic
X X C X
Cocktail rooms that occupy 50 percent or more of the gross floor area
of the microdistillery (limited and associated retail use such as
merchandise related to the microdistillery may be sold in the cocktail
room)
X C C X
Cocktail rooms that occupy up to 50 percent of the gross floor area of
the microdistillery (limited and associated retail use such as
merchandise related to the microdistillery may be sold in the cocktail
room)
X P P X
Distilleries X X P X
Electronics manufacturing X P P X
Food packaging and processing that involves cooking, heating,
smoking, soaking, or marinating procedures
X C C X
Food packaging and processing; provided, however, that no processing
shall involve any cooking, heating, smoking, soaking, or marinating
procedures
X P P X
General manufacturing uses, including the compounding, assembly, or
treatment of articles or materials
X X P X
Greenhouses X R R X
Heliports X C C X
Laundries and dry-cleaning plants X C C X
Lumber yards, including outside storage X X P X
Metal fabrication and assembly X X P X
Micro-distilleries (limited and associated retail use such as
merchandise related to the microdistillery may be sold); and
X P P X
Packaging and/or bottling of soft drinks or dairy products X C C X
Railroad yards, railroad tracks, and rights-of-way in such yards, railroad
shops, round houses, and any other railroad use
X X C X
Recycling drop-off facilities X C P X
Recycling facilities X C C X
Surface lot storage of automobile sales inventory.X C C X
Taprooms that occupy 50 percent or more of the gross floor area of
the brewery (limited and associated retail use such as merchandise
related to the brewery may be sold in the taproom)
X C C X
Taprooms that occupy up to 50 percent of the gross floor area of the
brewery (limited and associated retail use such as merchandise related
to the brewery may be sold in the taproom)
X P P X
Temporary retail sales in accordance with this section X P P X
Temporary structures such as tents or air-supported structures X X C X
Trade schools or training centers C C C X
Truck/van terminals X C C X
Warehouses X P P X
Wholesale-retail distribution centers X P P X
Other light manufacturing uses that would not constitute a nuisance or
health hazard to surrounding or adjacent residential or commercial
districts
X P P X
Principal or conditional uses in buildings taller than 45 feet in height X C C X
Office and Other Uses
Adult day care center C C C C
Child care centers C C C C
Daytime activity centers or other facilities providing school and/or
training for disabled people
X X X C
Essential services, Class I. P P P P
Essential services, Class III, except for peaking stations and substations C P P X
Medical clinics X C C P
Offices P P P P
Offices, including medical and dental P X X P
Science and Medical Laboratories X C C C
Off-street parking for adjacent commercial or industrial uses C X C X
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Sec. 113‐88. Single‐Family Residential (R‐1) Zoning District.
(c) Principal Uses. The following principal uses shall be permitted in the R‐1 Zoning District:
(1) Single‐family dwellings, consistent with the City's Mixed‐Income Housing Policy
(2) Residential facilities serving six or fewer persons
(3) Foster family homes; and
(4) Essential services, Class I.
(e) Conditional Uses. The following conditional uses may be allowed after review by the Planning Commission
and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in this chapter:
(1) Residential facilities serving from seven to 25 persons; and
(2) Group foster family homes.
Sec. 113‐89. Moderate Density Residential (R‐2) Zoning District.
(c) Principal Uses. The following principal uses shall be permitted in the R‐2 Zoning District:
(1) Single‐family dwellings, consistent with the City's Mixed‐Income Housing Policy
(2) Two‐family dwellings, consistent with the City's Mixed‐Income Housing Policy
(3) Rowhouses with up to four attached units, consistent with the City's Mixed‐Income Housing Policy
(4) Foster family homes
(5) Residential facilities serving six or fewer persons; and
(6) Essential services, Class I.
(e) Conditional Uses. The following conditional uses may be allowed after review by the Planning Commission
and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in this chapter:
(1) Residential facilities serving from seven to 25 persons; and
(2) Group foster family homes.
Sec. 113‐90. Medium Density Residential (R‐3) Zoning District.
(c) Principal Uses. The following principal uses shall be permitted in the R‐3 Zoning District:
(1) Townhouses, consistent with the City's Mixed‐Income Housing Policy
(2) Two‐family dwellings, consistent with the City's Mixed‐Income Housing Policy
(3) Multifamily dwellings of up to 12 units per acre, consistent with the City's Mixed‐Income Housing
Policy
(4) Senior and disability housing up to 20 units per acre, consistent with the City's Mixed‐Income Housing
Policy
(5) Foster family homes
(6) Group foster family homes
(7) Residential facilities serving up to 25 persons; and
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(8) Essential services, Class I.
(e) Conditional Uses. The following conditional uses may be allowed after review by the Planning Commission
and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in this chapter:
(1) Multifamily dwellings to a density of 17 units per acre, consistent with the City's Mixed‐income Housing
Policy
(2) Senior and physical disability housing to a density of 25 units per acre, consistent with the City's Mixed‐
Income Housing Policy
(3) Senior and physical disability housing up to five stories or 60 feet in height
(4) Reserved.
(5) Retail sales, Class I and II restaurants, and professional offices within principal structures containing at
least 20 dwelling units when located upon any minor arterial or major collector street. Any such sales,
restaurant, or office shall be located only on the ground floor and have direct access to the street.
Sec. 113‐91. High Density Residential (R‐4) Zoning District.
(c) Principal Uses. The following principal uses shall be permitted in the R‐4 Zoning District:
(1) Multiple‐family dwellings, consistent with the City's Mixed‐Income Housing Policy
(2) Senior and physical disability housing, consistent with the City's Mixed‐Income Housing Policy
(3) Foster family homes
(4) Group foster family homes
(5) Residential facilities serving up to 25 persons; and
(6) Essential services, Class I and II.
(e) Conditional Uses. The following conditional uses may be allowed after review by the Planning Commission
and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in this chapter:
(1) Multifamily dwellings to a density of 100 units per acre, consistent with the City's Mixed‐Income
Housing Policy
(2) Senior and disability housing to a density of 100 units per acre, consistent with the City's Mixed‐Income
Housing Policy
(3) Principal structures in excess of five stories or 60 feet in height
(4) Residential facilities serving more than 25 persons; and
(5) Retail sales, Class I and II restaurants, and professional offices within principal structures containing 20
or more dwelling units when located upon any minor arterial or major collector street. Any such sales,
restaurant, or office shall be located only on the ground floor and have direct access to the street.
Sec. 113‐92. Commercial Zoning District.
(c) Principal Uses. The following principal uses shall be permitted in the Commercial Zoning District:
(1) Bakeries
(2) Barbershops and/or beauty parlors
(3) Catering establishments
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(4) Comfort stations
(5) Delicatessens
(6) Dressmaking and tailoring establishments, including retail sales of clothing
(7) Clothing, shoes and/or accessories sales (retail)
(8) Electric repair shops
(9) Electronic equipment sales
(10) Financial institutions
(11) Floral shops (not to include nurseries)
(12) Furniture sales and repair
(13) Hardware, paint, and decorating stores
(14) Hotels/motels
(15) Lodge halls
(16) Messenger and telegraph services
(17) Offices, including medical and dental
(18) Pharmacies
(19) Photograph supplies and/or galleries
(20) Plumbing shops
(21) Post offices
(22) Printing shops
(23) Public garages
(24) Recreation buildings and structures (public and private), including gymnasium, racquetball, etc.
(25) Class I restaurants
(26) Seasonal farm produce sales
(27) Shoe repair shops
(28) Skating rinks (ice or roller) privately owned and operated for profit
(29) Shopping centers (general retail ‐ convenience shopping)
(30) Tanning parlors
(31) Theaters
(32) Trade school or training centers, both public and private
(33) 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
(34) Adult‐oriented services that require City licensing pursuant to other provisions of the City Code; and
(35) Essential services, Class I.
(e) Restricted Uses. The following restricted uses shall be permitted within the Commercial Zoning District:
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(1) Retail establishments that sell tobacco, as defined in City Code, Section 16‐158, provided the following
restrictions are observed:
a. The retail establishment shall be located not less than 500 feet from all youth‐oriented facilities,
as measured at the lot line.
b. In the case of a multi‐use building, distances from the retail establishment shall be measured
from the portion of the structure occupied by the retailer.
(f) Conditional Uses. The following conditional uses may be allowed after review by the Planning Commission
and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in this chapter:
(1) Animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, and/or pet grooming facilities
(2) Auto repair shops, including tire and auto accessory repair and installation
(3) Car washes
(4) Convenience food stores
(5) Drive‐through retail establishments, such as banks, cleaners, Class II restaurants, and similar uses
(6) Mortuaries
(7) Off‐street parking for adjacent commercial or industrial uses
(8) Outdoor sales, including car lots, auto, and equipment rentals
(9) Outdoor storage and/or sales of horticultural nursery sites, temporary farmers market, and itinerant
sales
(10) Pool halls
(11) Class III restaurants, bars, night clubs, etc.
(12) Sales or show rooms (auto, machinery, boats, etc.)
(13) Service stations
(14) Unattended business operations, such as vending machines, coin‐ or token‐operated machines and
equipment, and similar uses
(15) Heliports
(16) Child care centers
(17) Marine engine repair
(18) Adult day care center
(19) Essential services, Class III, except for peaking stations and substations
(20) Brewpubs; and
(21) Principal or conditional uses in buildings greater than three stories in height.
(g) Prohibited Uses. The following uses shall be prohibited within the Commercial Zoning District:
(1) Sale or repair of firearms; and
(2) Firing ranges.
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Sec. 113‐93. Light Industrial Zoning District.
(c) Principal Uses. The following principal uses shall be permitted within the Light Industrial Zoning District:
(1) Offices
(2) Warehouses
(3) Wholesale‐retail distribution centers
(4) Electronics manufacturing
(5) Food packaging and processing; provided, however, that no processing shall involve any cooking,
heating, smoking, soaking, or marinating procedures
(6) Assembly and/or fabricating exclusive of sheet metal or steel fabricating, foundries, and similar uses
except for the fabricating of sheet metal as it is used for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
business
(7) Other light manufacturing uses that would not constitute a nuisance or health hazard to surrounding or
adjacent residential or commercial districts
(8) Essential services, Class I and Class III
(9) Temporary retail sales in accordance with this section
(10) Sexually oriented businesses
(11) Breweries (limited and associated retail use such as merchandise related to the brewery may be sold)
(12) Taprooms that occupy up to 50 percent of the gross floor area of the brewery (limited and associated
retail use such as merchandise related to the brewery may be sold in the taproom)
(13) Micro‐distilleries (limited and associated retail use such as merchandise related to the microdistillery
may be sold); and
(14) Cocktail rooms that occupy up to 50 percent of the gross floor area of the microdistillery (limited and
associated retail use such as merchandise related to the microdistillery may be sold in the cocktail
room).
(e) Restricted Uses. The following restricted uses shall be permitted within the Light Industrial Zoning District:
(1) Sale or repair of firearms, provided the following restrictions are observed:
a. The facility shall be located not less than 750 feet from any property zoned Institutional or any
property zoned Mixed Use that allows Institutional uses, as measured at the lot line. The facility
shall be located not less than 750 feet from any property zoned Institutional in any city adjoining
Golden Valley, as measured at the lot line.
b. The facility shall be located not less than 375 feet from any property zoned Residential or any
property zoned Mixed Use that allows Residential uses, as measured at the lot line. The facility
shall be located not less than 750 feet from any property zoned Residential in any city adjoining
Golden Valley, as measured at the lot line.
c. The facility shall be located not less than 750 feet from any of the following conditional uses:
i. Ball fields and other recreational facilities
ii. Child care centers
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iii. Health, fitness, and/or exercise facilities, include dance studios, gymnastics training, weight
lifting studios, aerobic exercise, and gymnasiums
iv. Trade schools or training centers; and
v. Adult day care centers.
d. The facility shall be located not less than 1,000 feet from another firearm facility, as measured at
the lot line.
e. In the case of a multi‐use building, distances from the firearm facility shall be measured from the
portion of the structure occupied by the facility.
f. All facilities shall meet applicable federal and state security standards including, but not limited
to, Minn. Stats. § 624.7161 and Minnesota Rules Chapter 7504 as amended from time to time.
g. No firearms or ammunition shall be displayed in windows. Windows must be of clear,
transparent glass and be free of obstructions for at least three feet into the facility.
h. In‐vehicle sales or repair are prohibited and no firearm‐related uses shall be allowed in a trailer
or other nonpermanent building.
(f) Conditional Uses. The following uses may be allowed as conditional uses after review by the Planning
Commission and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in
this chapter:
(1) Building materials yards (including inside and outside storage)
(2) Public garages for repairing and storing motor vehicles
(3) Laundries and dry‐cleaning plants
(4) Animal hospitals where domestic animals are received for treatment, care, and cure by a duly licensed
veterinarian
(5) Ball fields and other recreation facilities
(6) Research and development laboratories and pilot plant operations incidental thereto
(7) Greenhouses with no outside storage, including an outside growing area no larger than the greenhouse
building area. Retail sales may be permitted only where located inside and incidental to a wholesale
business
(8) Packaging and/or bottling of soft drinks or dairy products
(9) Bakeries (commercial‐wholesale)
(10) Child care centers, provided that said facilities serve only dependents of persons employed on the
same premises as are otherwise permitted by this chapter
(11) Health, fitness, and/or exercise facilities, including dance studios, gymnastics training, weight lifting
studios, aerobic exercise, and gymnasiums
(12) Heliports
(13) Food packaging and processing that involves cooking, heating, smoking, soaking, or marinating
procedures
(14) Child care centers
(15) Truck/van terminals
(16) Medical clinics
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(17) Trade schools or training centers
(18) Adult day care center
(19) Drive‐through bank facilities with frontage on a collector or minor arterial street
(20) Accessory retail services and/or sales incidental to a permitted use, conducted in an area less than 10
percent of the building's gross floor area
(21) Recycling drop‐off facilities
(22) Recycling facilities
(23) Taprooms that occupy 50 percent or more of the gross floor area of the brewery (limited and
associated retail use such as merchandise related to the brewery may be sold in the taproom)
(24) Cocktail rooms that occupy 50 percent or more of the gross floor area of the microdistillery (limited
and associated retail use such as merchandise related to the microdistillery may be sold in the cocktail
room)
(25) Principal or conditional uses in buildings taller than 45 feet in height; and
(26) Surface lot storage of automobile sales inventory.
(g) Prohibited Uses. The following uses shall be prohibited within the Light Industrial Zoning District:
(1) Firing ranges.
Sec. 113‐94. Industrial Zoning District.
(c) Principal Uses. The following principal uses shall be permitted in the Industrial Zoning District:
(1) All permitted uses in the Light Industrial Zoning District
(2) Lumber yards, including outside storage
(3) Building material yards, including outside storage
(4) Automobile accessory services, including battery and tire repair and replacement services
(5) Blacksmith, repair, machine, or tin shops
(6) Animal kennels where animals are customarily kept, boarded, cared for, trained, fed, or bought and
sold, as a business
(7) General manufacturing uses, including the compounding, assembly, or treatment of articles or
materials
(8) Hotels and motels
(9) Class I restaurants
(10) Metal fabrication and assembly
(11) Temporary retail sales in accordance with this section
(12) Sexually oriented businesses
(13) Recycling drop‐off facilities; and
(14) Distilleries.
(e) Restricted Uses. The following restricted uses shall be permitted within the Industrial Zoning District:
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(1) All restricted uses as provided for in the Light Industrial Zoning District.
(f) Conditional Uses. The following conditional uses may be allowed after review by the Planning Commission
and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in this chapter:
(1) All conditional uses as provided for in the Light Industrial Zoning District
(2) Car washes
(3) Structures and premises for automobile or other motor vehicle sales and showrooms, with incidental
accessory service and repair facilities
(4) Service stations
(5) Bulk storage of gas, fuel oil, chemicals, and other liquid or solid materials which may be considered
hazardous or toxic
(6) Mortuaries
(7) Off‐street parking lots for adjacent commercial, light industrial, or industrial uses
(8) Outdoor sales including motor vehicle and equipment rental
(9) Drive‐through retail establishments, such as banks, cleaners, Class II restaurants, and similar uses
(10) Unattended business operations, such as vending machines and equipment
(11) Temporary structures such as tents or air‐supported structures
(12) Railroad yards, railroad tracks, and rights‐of‐way in such yards, railroad shops, round houses, and any
other use which shall be for railroads
(13) Automobile repair shops, auto body repair and/or painting, and auto cleaning and reconditioning
(14) Heliports
(15) Child care centers
(16) Trade schools or training centers
(17) Adult day care centers; and
(18) Principal or conditional uses in buildings taller than 45 feet in height.
(g) Prohibited Uses. The following uses shall be prohibited within the Industrial Zoning District:
(1) Firing ranges.
Sec. 113‐95. Office Zoning District.
(c) Principal Uses. The following principal uses shall be permitted in the Office Zoning District:
(1) Offices;
(2) Clinics ‐ medical, dental; or optical,
(3) Financial institutions; and,
(4) Essential services, Class I.
(e) Conditional Uses. The following conditional uses may be allowed after review by the Planning Commission
and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in this chapter:
(1) Adult day care centers
9
(2) Child care centers
(3) Daytime activity centers or other facilities providing school and/or training for disabled people
(4) Drive‐through facilities for Financial institutions.
(5) Heliports accessory to an office.
(6) Limited retail services accessory to an office and within an office building.
(7) Recreational facilities accessory to an office; and
(8) Laboratories ‐ medical, dental, or research and development.
Sec. 113‐96. ‐ Institutional Zoning District.
(c) Principal Uses.
(1) The following principal uses shall be permitted in the I‐1 Institutional Zoning Sub‐District:
a. Places of worship
b. Schools, public and parochial, excepting colleges, seminaries, and other institutes of higher education
c. Essential services, Class I; and
d. Seasonal farm produce sales.
(2) The following principal uses shall be permitted in the I‐2 Institutional Zoning Sub‐District:
a. Public and private libraries
b. Museums
c. Colleges, seminaries, and other institutes of higher education; and
d. Essential services, Class I.
(3) The following principal uses shall be permitted in the I‐3 Institutional Zoning Sub‐District:
a. Convalescent homes, nursing homes, clinics, and other buildings incidental to the operation thereof
b. Essential services, Class I.
(4) The following principal uses shall be permitted in the I‐4 Institutional Zoning Sub‐District:
a. Golf courses, country clubs, and polo fields, excepting those carried on as a business such as miniature
golf courses
b. Parks, playgrounds, City offices, fire stations, and other lands incidental to the operation of the City;
and
c. Essential services, Class I.
(5) The following principal uses shall be permitted in the I‐5 Institutional Zoning Sub‐District:
a. Cemeteries; and
b. Essential services, Class I.
(d) Accessory Uses. The following accessory uses shall be permitted in the Institutional Zoning District:
(1) Essential services, Class I.
(e) Conditional Uses.
10
(1) The following conditional uses may be allowed in the I‐1 Institutional Zoning Sub‐District after review by
the Planning Commission and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and
procedures set forth in this chapter:
a. Adult day care centers
b. Child care centers; and
c. Heliports.
(2) The following conditional uses may be allowed in the I‐2 Institutional Zoning Sub‐District after review by
the Planning Commission and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and
procedures set forth in this chapter:
a. Adult day care centers; and
b. Child care centers.
(3) The following conditional uses may be allowed in the I‐3 Institutional Zoning Sub‐District after review by
the Planning Commission and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and
procedures set forth in this chapter:
a. Adult day care centers
b. Child care centers
c. Congregate housing
d. Heliports
e. Hospitals and outpatient surgical facilities
f. Lodge halls and private clubs
g. Residential facilities; and
h. Senior and disability housing.
(4) The following conditional uses may be allowed in the I‐4 Institutional Zoning Sub‐District after review by
the Planning Commission and approval by the City Council in accordance with the standards and
procedures set forth in this chapter:
a. Adult day care centers
b. Child care centers; and
c. Heliports.
(5) Such other uses which, in the opinion of the City Council, are reasonably compatible with the uses
specifically described above, may be permitted as a conditional use in Institutional Zoning Sub‐Districts I‐
1 through I‐4.