Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/08/20 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Study SessionOfficial Minutes Planning commission August 20, 2025 7:20 p.m. Planning commission Study Session Members present: Jim Beneke, Mia Divecha, Matt Eckholm, John Flanagan, Sylvie Hyman, Sarah Strain, Tom Weber Members absent: none Staff present: Gary Morrison, Laura Chamberlain 1. Zoning code update (phase 2) Mr. Morrison presented and noted that the draft zoning map will be presented, and the architectural design section of the zoning ordinance will be discussed this evening. Mr. Morrison noted all of the updates requested by the commission to the map: 1. Renames the current MX-1 to MX-2 community mixed-use. 2. Renames the current MX-2 to MX-1 neighborhood mixed-use 3. Converts the office district to MX districts 4. Converts the business park district to MX districts 5. Converts the C-1 neighborhood commercial district to MX-1 neighborhood mixed-use. 6. Converts some C-2 general commercial districts to MX-2 districts. 7. Retains some properties as C-2 general commercial. These properties are currently used as large box retail, shopping centers, and/or motor vehicle sales land uses. They are also located near highway interchanges. It is expected that these uses will cont inue for the foreseeable future and are reasonably located with direct access to the highway system. Mr. Morrison noted discussion questions for tonight’s meeting: • Zoning map: Does the planning commission want to proceed with the draft zoning map knowing that the review of the zoning district standards and uses will be based on the draft zoning map? Commissioner Hyman asked about the MX-1 uses that are things for a neighborhood, and why not convert it to MX-2. Mr. Morrison stated that the only access to the property is from the neighborhood and noted that it might be an option in the future . Commissioner Hyman stated it would be nice to have a restaurant or coffee shop, and something they can actually benefit from. Commissioner Eckholm stated that the fact that the Costco/Home Depot area is still C2 is a signal that there is no good way to sunset those uses, which is disappointing . He stated it is probably best to look at everything else that can be brought to mixed-use. Docusign Envelope ID: 058E2A99-A545-4108-881E-1FC55784E398 Official minutes Planning commission study session Aug. 20, 2025 2 Commissioner Eckholm asked if the old Bremer Bank building could be taken away from this location and guide something else to be done with it, to make that parcel into a mixed-use parcel. Mr. Morrison stated yes, that is possible, and noted there is interest in that property to move it into a different direction. Commissioner Weber stated that if Costco ever moved, and its parcel were then open, the commission could think creatively about this area and then would not be limited by what is happening today with zoning changes. Mr. Morrison stated that is correct. Commissioner Hyman stated the Knollwood Mall is right near the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and which is a disrespected area. She stated the city could be doing so much more in that area around the creek for people to enjoy it. She added that there is also a lot of litter there, and she would like to see that change also. Commissioner Eckholm stated that there is so much housing on excess railroad land, and added how much housing could be near the creek with a buffer as well . He stated he would want to see a development there. Mr. Morrison stated, however, that much of that land is in the flood plain. Ms. Chamberlain also noted that the city has a good relationship with the MCWD, and they have recently started a more proactive program to work with developers and partner with them earlier to work on sites such as this. Commissioner Weber asked if, when development comes up, the MCWD will also need to approve it. He asked if the city or the MCWD could veto development plans. Mr. Morrison stated that the MCWD is limited to their jurisdiction only . Commissioner Hyman asked where all the uses for districts can be reviewed. Ms. Morrison stated that the uses are found on the city website under zoning, and noted the consultant is also working on putting together a uses table. Commissioner Flanagan asked if the commission could look at bike lanes also within the framework of zoning. Mr. Morrison stated the commission has jurisdiction on property, but not on right of way, which is outside of zoning . He stated, however, that connections with public areas are encouraged through zoning. Commissioner Beneke asked about the Bremer property and if there are any limitations if the zoning is changed there, and if the owner lowers the value of the property . Mr. Morrison stated the owners can make a claim, but the city can rezone it to park and open space and take away all their uses, then the owners could ask the city to buy it. Mr. Morrison noted the commission approved the draft zoning map as presented. Mr. Morrison presented the architectural design ordinance and asked the following: • Should the ordinance continue to focus on materials? Docusign Envelope ID: 058E2A99-A545-4108-881E-1FC55784E398 Official minutes Planning commission study session Aug. 20, 2025 3 • Should the architectural elements currently found in various zoning districts be consolidated into the architectural section? Commissioner Eckholm stated he likes the idea of not using design elements the commission does not like, but instead uses good judgment, and does not focus on what the place is made of. Commissioner Strain stated she disagrees with that and pointed to the Chipotle architecture as being boring. She stated it would be nice to have more appeal . Commissioner Weber asked if the standards are now moving away from concrete buildings. Mr. Morrison stated there is a limiting factor and noted that when he began with the city, uses were mostly brick, stone, glass, concrete, and copper. He stated that today we are more flexible with materials. Commissioner Eckholm noted that he likes the solar panels outside of Nordic Ware , and they should be set up as a model. Commissioner Hyman asked if the city has requirements that are far beyond what the state is doing. Ms. Chamberlain said the state building materials focus on the actual building code, which the city is not allowed to exceed for building code purposes . She added that as long as buildings meet safety codes and EPA codes, the state leaves it up to individual zoning districts . Mr. Morrison added that the city can regulate aesthetics. Commissioner Weber said he would like to be as lax as possible on this and not clamp down on any one style. He stated there are so many styles already that are beautiful in the city’s 100- year history, so he would like to be flexible on architectural style . Chair Divecha stated in the zoning commentary, many people want housing, but they don’t like the cookie-cutter style, adding that she agrees with that. Commissioner Weber stated he also agrees with this. Chair Divecha stated that if we let the market lead design, then we end up using the cheapest option. Commissioner Eckholm stated that the beauty of this is that the cheapest option changes over time. He stated the styles will change over the years. Chair Divecha stated she agrees to a point on this, but noted she senses that there was a thought of “let’s build something that will last for years”, noting, however, that circumstances were different related to capitalism in years past. Commissioner Eckholm stated he worries more about large investors buying up homes and then renting them out. Docusign Envelope ID: 058E2A99-A545-4108-881E-1FC55784E398 Official minutes Planning commission study session Aug. 20, 2025 4 Chair Divecha said she has no problem with the colors used and would like to not have a limit, allowing for diversity of colors. Mr. Morrison stated that colors have loosened in the last few years. Commissioner Beneke asked if any buildings in the city should not have been built. Commissioner Hyman stated that it is a personal preference. Chair Divecha stated that it was a good question and asked what lessons were learned. Commissioner Hyman stated that near the entrance to the Cedar Lake Trail from 34th St., there is a brand-new house, and the garage is entirely wood slatting, and the rest is brick, and it clashes. Commissioner Eckholm stated that in 20 years, however, the design will be loved. Commissioner Weber noted that Parkway Pizza and the vet office next to it have become a space of community, and the vet office has a rich history, and he would hope they would remain for a long time. He noted the strip mall across the street from there could have been so much more if it were a mixed-use building. Commissioner Hyman stated it would be helpful to incentivize people to use certain materials that are more environmentally friendly and also require materials that stand up to the weather, vs. considering only the architectural design. Mr. Morrison noted the next planning commission meeting is on September 3, 2025, to review the community survey, input, confirm changes to the non-neighborhood districts, and discuss the special provisions article of the zoning code. He stated this includes parking, signs, landscaping, lighting, and architectural design standards. 2. Adjournment – 8:00 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Sean Walther, liaison John Flanagan, chair member Docusign Envelope ID: 058E2A99-A545-4108-881E-1FC55784E398