pc-minutes-oct-10-22
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: A. Brookins, E. Brenna, S. Ginis, A. Johnson, L. Pockl, C. Segelbaum,
Commissioner absent: M. Ruby
Staff present: Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager, Myles Campbell – Planner
Council Liaison: Denise La Mere‐Anderson
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Approval of Agenda
MOTION made by Commissioner Brookins, seconded by Commissioner Segelbaum, to approve the
agenda of October 10, 2022.
Motion carried.
4. Approval of Minutes
MOTION made by Commissioner Ginis, seconded by Commissioner Brenna, to approve the meeting
minutes of September 12, 2022.
Motion carried with Brookins and Johnson abstaining.
5. Informal Public Hearing – Zoning Text Amendments to allow for Accessory Dwelling Units
Applicant: The City of Golden Valley
Myles Campbell, Planner, started with a background of the entire ADU ordinance and provided a
general overview of the presentation.
2018 ‐ ADUs were first identified in the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan as an implementation item
relating to a goal of the Housing Chapter.
2020 ‐ ADUs were identified in the City HRA’s 5‐year Strategic Plan as a tool to diversify housing
options.
2021 – ADU research included on the Planning Commission's Annual Work Plan, two discussions were
presented at Planning Commission and in November of 2021 the discussion was brought to a Council
work session.
October 10, 2022 – 6:30 pm
Council Chambers
Hybrid
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
October 10, 2022 – 6:30 pm
2
2022 – ADU ordinance discussions continued, following Council direction and from May‐June, a
survey was hosted on the City webpage for feedback.
There will be three main areas of focus for regulating ADUs: location, size and appearance, and
administration. Staff elaborated on each area of focus for attached and detached ADUs.
Staff reviewed the public comments and the new public comment process with asynchronous
meeting software, Golden Valley Speaks. There were 35 comments related to this hearing so staff
summarized the comments in support of ADUs and those not in support. The steps involved in
establishing an ADU aim to strike a balance between leaving design flexibility mostly to the property
owner, with specific restrictions and requirements to oversee the addition of a new housing type in
Golden Valley.
Recommendation
Based on the body’s review of the topic, staff encourages Planning Commission to recommend the
Council adopt the amended zoning code ordinance relating to the provision of Accessory Dwelling
Units.
Commissioner Segelbaum mentioned that many comments stated pros and cons to rentals, based on
that he asked about City Code and rental licenses. Staff responded that rental licenses are issued by
the Fire Department and discussed the life safety issues the department looks for. Staff went on to
discuss the history of interest in Airbnb and other short‐term rentals.
Commissioner Ginis mentioned density and ADUs as alternative housing choices and asked staff
what Golden Valley may expect based on other suburbs for density. Staff responded that the trends
show a slow adoption and comparative suburbs vary but are generally under 20 in total. The cost of a
detached ADU is comparable to building a new home so an attached ADU is more reasonable.
The conversation continued on to discuss regular accessory structures and variances, as well as what
would qualify for variances with an ADU. Staff responded that the City does not allow variances for
land use changes.
Commissioner Brenna asked staff to confirm waste hauling will be reviewed and included. Staff
stated in the affirmative that this will be reviewed and handled then discussed options for extra cans
or sharing. All cans, regardless of amount, are subject to the screening/storage regulations.
Commissioner Johnson asked what the benefit is for a homeowner to obtain an administrative
approval and what inspections will occur. Staff will have a working list of all ADUs and a new
homeowner may obtain a rentals license as the rental regulations are different for ADUs versus
others. If a homeowner doesn’t register their ADU, the City has the power to issue citations and shut
the rental down.
Chair Pockl asked if there has been a pattern of property home values decreasing with ADUs. Staff
didn’t have an area comparable to discuss but many of the coastal areas that have ADUs are thriving
communities. Generally, the county assessor is reviewing land size, home sizes, access to amenities,
and schools when assessing home values.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
October 10, 2022 – 6:30 pm
3
Chair Pockl opened the public hearing at 7:22pm
Ruth Paradise
8515 Duluth Street
I’m in favor of these ADUs, I drove around to look at additions and they don’t seem as different aside
from ADUs may be rented. There is a shortage of affordable housing, many cities are looking at ADUs
but why are they called accessory dwelling units? ADUs are neither an accessory nor units, they’re
necessary and a home. These homes can be for relatives or a renter while assuring the primary
owner may have privacy. Single family homes are rented out in Golden Valley, and an ADU is a home
and a person can rent a home, they are a necessity. I think Golden Valley should be a part of this
solution.
Jeff Hanes
1550 St Croix Circle
I support ADUs for three reasons: The city will be competitive with other suburbs, it provides
flexibility for the city and the resident/home owner, city staff has shown there are regulations and
pieces in place to ensure the process is monitored.
Mark Pirkl
1711 Quebec Ave N
Made a suggestion to staff on PowerPoint formatting.
Phillip Lund
7073 Winsdale Street
I would like to commend the staff and City for addressing clinical issues that pertain to the ADU, I’m
an architect and builder. I think the parameters are well done. Regarding density, it’s conceivable
that four intersecting properties all erect a detached ADU and thus quadruple the density. This
scenario won’t happen but is conceivable. Can you define a what makes an accessory structure an
ADU. Does it need to have utilities, or a sidewalk; what makes a person have to apply for an ADU
versus having a structure that someone lives in but uses the primary residence for utilities.
There were no remote comments.
Chair Pockl closed the public hearing at 7:35pm.
Staff discussed that early in the ordinance process the idea of limiting ADUs was mentioned however
it was deemed discriminatory to residents who were later than their neighbors to add an ADU. The
existing zoning code also defines a dwelling unit and how it differs from an accessory structure. The
building and fire codes also have definitions and requirements for a dwelling unit.
Commissioner Ginis voiced her support of ADUs adding that this will benefit Golden Valley and it
provides housing choices for folks to care for other family members. Chair Pockl added the group
and staff have been thoughtful with the process, pointing out that their role was not to decide if
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
October 10, 2022 – 6:30 pm
4
ADUs were to be allowed but how to regulate them if they were to be allowed. Pockl commended
the group for the conversations, process, and considerations for all impacts. Pockl added it would
behoove the City to stay aware of the number of comments regarding short term rentals.
Commissioner Johnson added that he’d like a change the language in item A1 that states: more
efficient utilization of the existing single‐family housing stock in the City. Johnson added he’d like to
see it replaced with “a transition to multi‐family housing in the city” and would even like to make
that recommendation. Staff pointed out an error in adding the full breadth of redlined language and
the most up to date version reads:
(a)Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow for and regulate the location, placement,
design, and use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) in a manner that protects existing
residential neighborhoods while allowing additional living unit density.
Johnson added he wants the definition to be direct and doesn’t need to add something to change the
intent of the code. This policy may change the land use in the R‐1 designation and added that being
clear is important. Segelbaum noted this will increase density but isn’t sure this qualifies as a change
in the land use designation. He added his support for this adoption with the note for Council to be
aware of the short‐term rental concerns.
MOTION made by Commissioner Brookins, seconded by Commissioner Brenna, to recommend
approval of zoning text amendments for Sec. 113‐87 Summary Use Tables, Sec. 113‐88 Single‐Family
Residential (R‐1) Zoning District, Sec. 113‐89 Moderate Density Residential (R‐2) Zoning District, and
Sec. 113‐159 Accessory Dwelling Units, in order to allow for ADUs to be allowed in certain zoning
districts.
Commissioner Brookins added the notes to Council to review the short term rental language and to
define what areas are able to receive variance requests.
Motion carried.
6.Council Liaison Report
Councilmember La Mere‐Anderson
7.Other Business
Term limits on Boards and Commissions was discussed, a decision is tentatively scheduled for October
City Council.
8.Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Brenna to adjourn, seconded by Chair Pockl and approved
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.
________________________________
Andy Johnson, Secretary
________________________________
Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant