pc-minutes-aug-22-22
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 present: E. Brenna, A. Brookins, S. Ginis, A. Johnson, L. Pockl, C. Segelbaum,
Commissioner absent: M. Ruby
Staff present: Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager, Myles Campbell – Planner
Council Liaison absent: Denise La Mere‐Anderson
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Approval of Agenda
Chair Pockl. asked for a motion to approve the agenda.
MOTION made by Commissioner Ginis, seconded by Commissioner Brookins, to approve the agenda
of August 22, 2022.
Motion carried.
4. Approval of Minutes
MOTION made by Commissioner Ginis, seconded by Commissioner Brookins, to approve the meeting
minutes of July 25, 2022.
Motion carried with Commissioners Brenna, Ginis, and Pockl voting in favor and Commissioners
Brookins, Johnson, and Segelbaum abstaining.
5. Discussion – ADUs
Myles Campbell, Planner, started the discussion as a follow up from the discussions in June and July.
He presented the second revision of the draft ordinance based on the previous discussions. The
modelling units used were three existing lots in Golden Valley, and comparisons used the proposed
language.
Campbell discussed the initial staff recommendations around zoning, detached ADUs, internal and
attached ADUs being held to the same requirements, parking and objectives. Staff reviewed Public
Works and Building Inspection recommendations.
August 22, 2022 – 6:30 pm
Council Chambers
Hybrid
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
August 22, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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The first draft of the ordinance mainly followed these recommendations as well as language similar
to those from surrounding cities.
The second draft added elements from the residential survey which highlighted location on a lot and
exterior finish. All ADUs will also require administrative review, regardless of permitting
requirements. Commissioner suggestions were added, utility connections addressed, minimum lot
size requirement for detached ADUs, and revised the accessory structure area limit language.
Campbell displayed three potential lot models to explain potential scenarios and variations.
Large lots have more flexibility, there’s a hard cap on ADU size at 950sq ft, likely wouldn’t rely
on CUP for a detached ADU.
Mid‐size lots are harder to meet principal structure setbacks for detached ADU. There’s
potentially less useable backyard space and more ADUs are capped at 35% of the home’s
livable area.
Small lots will struggle to have a detached ADU but attached ADU is flexible. This also has a
35% area cap and will likely result in more studio apartment designs.
Next Steps
Engagement in advance of public hearing
o More education, early public comment, social media outreach
Informal Public Hearing at Planning Commission
o Targeting September 12th or 26th depending on discussion tonight, and the capacity
of City Communications team
Formal Public Hearing at City Council
Commissioners and staff reviewed details on the code: façade, ADUs viewable from the street,
frost footings, selling and renting of homes/ADUs and restrictions. They also discussed how code
language defines if an ADU is subject to a variance or a CUP and how someone would know the
difference. A variance from land use isn’t allowed.
The discussion moved on to what other permits/requirements are triggered by an ADU, such as
tree and landscaping permits or requirements. Staff noted that would need to go to Council as tree
and landscaping isn’t under the Planning purview. Discussions continued on to waste hauling and
requirements, as well as number of bins on a property.
Commissioners mentioned land use and housing intention as well as technical language and what is
clear when read. There is concern that language isn’t clear and the unintended consequence of
excessive ADUs will turn R‐1 areas into R‐2. Staff discussed the meanings of the language and rate
of density.
The group discussed process, review, public notification, surveys, and public input. Commissioner
Johnson called out renter rights in the event of homeowner death. Staff noted that was a policy
determination and discussed code language in other cities going as far spelling out what is
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
August 22, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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“residency” and how many days within a year a home must be occupied. Staff noted there may
need to be something added to zoning code with rental license transferring or a grace period of
some kind. Staff will review with appropriate groups in the City.
Staff and Commissioners discussed off street parking regulations for a home and for the ADU. They
discussed capacity versus actual vehicles.
Commissioner Johnson stated he’s not comfortable with how ADU’s are overriding the density in
R‐1 but he feels comfortable with the regulations being put in place. He added he’s not in favor of
ADUs but is comfortable with what has been created to put in the zoning code. Chair Pockl echoed
this sentiment and added detached are a harder sell for her than attached/internal. Regardless of
approval, she doesn’t see a surplus of ADUs being erected. Commissioner Ginis discussed the
benefits of ADUs to families and the benefits of detached ADUs as a way to maintain the original
home aesthetic. Commissioner Segelbaum added that the group wasn’t charged with deciding if
ADUs were appropriate but rather to guide the use and he feels the group has done that well.
6.Council Liaison Report
No Council Liaison Report was given.
7.Other Business
No other business was discussed.
8.Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Segelbaum and
approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:24 pm.
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Andy Johnson, Secretary
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Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant