pc-minutes-feb-14-22
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 7:00 by Chair Pockl.
Roll Call
Commissioners in person: Sophia Ginis, Lauren Pockl
Commissioner remote: Andy Johnson, Mike Ruby, Chuck Segelbaum
Commissioners absent: Rich Baker, Adam Brookins
Staff present: Myles Campbell – Planner, Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager
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 Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Ginis, to approve the agenda
of February 14, 2022.
Staff took a roll call vote. Motion carried.
3. Approval of Minutes
Chair Pockl asked for a motion to approve the minutes from January 24, 2022.
MOTION made by Commissioner Ginis, seconded by Commissioner Segelbaum to approve.
Staff took a roll call vote. Motion carried.
4. Discussion – Screening and Outdoor Storage
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, didn’t have a presentation but encouraged a discussion while
mentioning a few key points from past discussions. Staff reviewed the previous Commission meeting
where staff issues arising with some of the regulations currently outlined in the Screening and Outdoor
Storage section of the Zoning Chapter. In an effort to better address concerns, text amendments are
being offered to deal with rooftop mechanicals, the use of commercial lots for storage of personal
vehicles and equipment, and (more recently) how outdoor self‐storage lots are being utilized.
February 14, 2022 – 7 pm
Hybrid
Council Chambers, City Hall
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
February 14, 2022 – 7 pm
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Analysis
Rooftop Mechanical Screening
Language around the screening of rooftop mechanicals reads as follows:
“All mechanical equipment, including rooftop units, shall be screened from view
from the street right‐of‐way.”
The Planning Commission helped draft language around this type of screening when it
considered the new Architectural and Material Standards (Section 113‐157). That
language is a bit more specific.
Staff is recommending that the language in Section 113‐152 be updated to match that in
Section 113‐157, and that both be augmented with language that provides exemptions
for equipment associated with solar and wind energy systems if screening would
interfere with system operations.
Commissioners and staff discussed the history of the code, revisions through the years, exemptions,
and standards of other cities. Johnson added his desire to review the requirement of roof top
screening being one foot higher than equipment.
Storage of Personal Vehicles
The Zoning Chapter is vague on what constitutes “storage” versus other uses such as
“parking.” Over the years staff have been asked to address discrepancies or variations of
interpretation and staff believes defining the two will help ease confusion. Staff offers
the following:
Parking: The temporary use of designated spaces for vehicles associated with the primary
operation of a site or as the principal use where allowed.
Storage: The placement of an item in a location for a period of time in order to retrieve for
future use or sale.
Staff and commissioners discussed vehicles associated with the use of the occupant,
unintended storage, other code language that may address this, screening, and how
planning staff work with other departments depending on the concern.
Idling Vehicles
While there are prohibitions around parking/storing commercial vehicles on‐street,
those same standards are not in effect for non‐residential private properties. Staff
recommends calling out Outdoor Storage specifically as a use only allowed in the
Industrial Zoning District and further restricting the use by prohibiting overnight parking
of semis or other vehicles or equipment. This could support enforcement of longer‐term
leases and avoid some of the attractions of a day‐to‐day or week‐to‐week arrangement.
If this does not sufficiently address the problem of idling vehicles, additional regulations
may need to be considered.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
February 14, 2022 – 7 pm
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Staff and commissioners discussed regulations in other cities, intentional spaces for
idling, semi’s versus rv’s, and the potential for creating an area specific to allow this
process.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends amending the text of Section 113‐87: Summary Use Tables, Section 113‐152:
Screening and Outdoor Storage, and Section 113‐157 Architectural and Material Standards to
update regulations around the screening of mechanicals and outdoor storage.
5. Discussion of Zoning Text Amendment – Accessory Dwelling Units
Myles Campbell, Planner, reviewed previous conversations staff had with commissioners and
preliminary recommendations. Staff discussed detached ADUs, side and rear setbacks, height
requirements, and discussed Family Housing Fund ADU Idea Book.
Staff reviewed takeaways from the handbook: ADUs vary depending on the context of the existing
home and lot, the cheapest example shown was still 76k, 4/6 examples included a garage/carport,
increase in price for ADUs that require sewer/water hookups. Staff went on to review case studies,
dimensions, and cost breakdowns.
Staff and commissioners discussed the difference of a garage or ADU encroaching on the setbacks.
The also discussed adding an ADU as a new unit or as an extra space for the current homeowner and
what housing stock/variety looks like these days. The conversation moved on to applicability,
minimal lot area, attached vs detached ADUs, and how many lots would benefit from this new
language.
6. Discussion of Zoning Text Amendment – Mobile Uses
Myles Campbell, Planner, referred to existing code language and discussed how staff would like to
expand the language to include all mobile uses. When code language was originally created, it was
specific to mobile food vending. Campbell gave the example of a mobile dog groomer as an
additional mobile use to be included in the proposed new language.
Staff and commissioners discussed expanding uses but ensuring they’re located in a place not in
direct competition with a brick and mortar. It was discussed to redefine parks and what uses are
allowed in a park versus a residential area in the City. The conversation moved on to a variety of uses
and what categories they may fall under.
Chair Pockl ended the televised portion of the meeting at 9:12pm.
7. Council Liaison Report
Council Member La Mere‐Anderson informed the Commissioners that the Council approved the
change in start time from 7:00 to 6:30 pm beginning in March. She shared the Council’s deliberations
regarding the land use change for the Artessa and the vote of approval. She noted that the Interim
Police Chief had provided an update on policing and public safety at the last Council meeting.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
February 14, 2022 – 7 pm
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Commission Ginis asked if there had been any conversation around no‐knock warrants. La Mere‐
Anderson replied that it would likely be discussed. Finally, it was noted that the City’s mask mandate
would be revisited at the next Council meeting and likely revoked.
8.Other Business
None.
9.Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Ginis, and approved
unanimously by roll call vote. Meeting adjourned at 9:23 pm.
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Andy Johnson, Secretary
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Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant