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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/01/21 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Study SessionOfficial Minutes Planning commission January 21, 2026 7:15 p.m. Planning commission Study Session Members present: Jim Beneke, Mia Divecha, Matt Eckholm, John Flanagan, Sarah Strain, Tom Weber, Sylvie Hyman, Members absent: Tess Machalek Staff present: Laura Chamberlain, Gary Morrison Ms. Chamberlain presented information on parking standards as part of the Zoning Code Update - phase 2. She provided historical context about parking minimums in zoning codes, noting that zoning regulations and automobile use proliferated simultaneously in the United States. Traditionally, cities required on-site parking for peak demand, which has led to significant over-parking, particularly for commercial uses. Ms. Chamberlain outlined St. Louis Park's parking standards history:  First parking minimums were established in 1959  Major code overhaul in 1976 generally increased parking requirements  Transit reduction allowances were added in the 1990s  Complete repeal and replacement of parking section in 2007, which expanded transit reductions and added bike parking requirements  In 2019, reduced parking requirements were established for the historic Walker Lake area and EV standards were added  Most recent major update was in 2021 Ms. Chamberlain noted the costs associated with parking, including land use impacts, contribution to urban heat island effect, water quality issues from impervious surfaces, decreased walkability, and financial costs for construction and maintenance. She explained that excess parking induces demand, correlating with increased vehicle miles traveled, congestion, and emissions. Alternatives to parking minimums were presented in two categories: 1. Alternatives that reduce on-site parking (utilizing more on-street parking, centralized public parking lots, and shared parking) 2. Alternatives that reduce overall parking demand (robust transit/bicycle/pedestrian networks, ride sharing, and travel demand management plans) Ms. Chamberlain also discussed challenges to implementing these alternatives, including limited space for on-street parking, shifting costs to the public sector, enforcement needs, snow removal complications, and public perception issues. She noted that the city is taking measures to make transportation networks more robust, but driving will likely remain a primary transportation mode in the near- to mid-term future. Docusign Envelope ID: CC0E63F1-24E9-4C25-A9D7-4FA700DF6956 Official minutes Planning commission study session January 21, 2026 2 The presentation also covered how technology and changing culture impact parking considerations, including car stacking garages, autonomous vehicles, micro-mobility options, and remote work patterns. Ms. Chamberlain referenced the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which touches on parking in relation to climate and environment, land use, and transportation. Ms. Chamberlain presented three options for how to proceed: 1. Pursue parking minimums through the Zoning Code Update - phase 2 process (which would delay other aspects of the update) 2. Add the topic to the 2026 Planning Commission work plan while proceeding with the current Zoning Code Update draft 3. Establish policy framework through the 2050 Comprehensive Plan (staff recommendation) Commissioner Hyman advocated for adding the topic to the 2026 work plan without delaying Phase 2, expressing that parking minimums are a barrier to the future vision of the city. She noted specific concerns about current requirements, such as requiring two parking spaces for a single-bedroom duplex. Commissioner Eckholm expressed caution about eliminating all parking requirements, noting concerns about potential spillover effects in neighborhoods and the importance of making gradual changes that build public support. He cited an example of a development near light rail that resulted in a surface lot because of insufficient planning. Commissioner Divecha suggested the possibility of researching what market-based minimums might look like in cities without requirements, noting that the risk is in preventing bad developments rather than typical ones. She supported a gradual approach while building alternative transportation infrastructure. Commissioner Hyman emphasized that eliminating parking requirements would benefit those who cannot drive (approximately one-third of Americans) and make housing more affordable. She argued that the costs of requiring parking are ultimately passed on to customers, renters, and homeowners. The Commission reached consensus on adding the topic to the 2026 work plan without delaying the current phase 2 update. They discussed framing their work as preparation for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan process, with the goal of developing recommendations based on research and analysis rather than immediately drafting a new ordinance. Mr. Morrison noted the possibility of increasing the current transit reduction (currently 30% for light rail transit areas) as a potential middle-ground approach. Ms. Strain supported establishing the policy framework in the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, noting that having the Walker Lake District as a test case would provide useful data. Docusign Envelope ID: CC0E63F1-24E9-4C25-A9D7-4FA700DF6956 Official minutes Planning commission study session January 21, 2026 3 The Commission generally agreed to focus their 2026 work on studying parking requirements thoroughly to inform the Comprehensive Plan process rather than immediately drafting changes to the zoning code. 2. Adjournment – 8:23 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Sean Walther, liaison John Flanagan, chair member These minutes were created with the assistance of a generative AI transcript service, then edited by a staff person. Docusign Envelope ID: CC0E63F1-24E9-4C25-A9D7-4FA700DF6956