HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/04/01 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - Planning Commission - RegularAGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
6:00 P.M.
APRIL 1, 2015
1. Call to order – Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes of February 25, 2015 and March 4, 2015
3. Hearings
A. Zoning Text Amendments relative to Setbacks, Parking and Screening
Applicant: City of St. Louis Park
Case No.: 15-10-ZA
4. Other Business
A. 2014 Planning Commission Annual Report and 2015 Work Plan
5. Communications
A. 2015 Report to the Community
B. Open House – Southwest LRT Station Design
C. Neighborhood Meeting – Former Bally’s Total Fitness site
6. Adjournment
STUDY SESSION
AGENDA
1. Form-Based Code
If you cannot attend the meeting, please call the Community Development Office, 952/924-2575.
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. To make arrangements, please
call 952/924-2575 at least 96 hours in advance of meeting.
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
FEBRUARY 25, 2015 – 6:10 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lynne Carper, Claudia Johnston-Madison,
Richard Person, Carl Robertson, Joe Tatalovich
MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Kramer, Lisa Peilen
STAFF PRESENT: Ryan Kelley, Meg McMonigal, Gary Morrison,
Nancy Sells
1. Call to Order – Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes of February 4, 2015
Commissioner Robertson moved approval of the minutes. Commissioner
Johnston-Madison seconded the motion, and the motion passed on a vote of 4-0-1
(Carper abstained).
3. Public Hearings
A. Conditional Use Permit – Excavation for new home
Location: 4106 Forest Lane
Applicant: Timothy Alt, ALTUS Architecture & Design
Case No.: 15-02-CUP
Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator, presented the staff report. He
stated the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is requested to export approximately 816
cubic yards of fill which is required for the construction of a new house. He
explained that the property is a vacant parcel with a significant grade change and
the CUP is required to excavate enough soil from the hillside to construct the
house. Mr. Morrison noted that an erosion control plan was reviewed by the
Engineering Dept. That plan is also under review by the Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District.
Mr. Morrison reviewed the trucking haul route. Hauling will take approximately
5 days.
Mr. Morrison stated that a neighborhood meeting was held on February 14th. No
concerns were raised at the meeting.
Unofficial Minutes
Planning Commission
February 25, 2015
Page 2
Commissioner Carper spoke about Condition No. 4.c. regarding street
maintenance during grading and stormwater construction. He discussed the
importance of compliance with this condition.
Chair Person opened the hearing. As no one was present wishing to speak he
closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Robertson stated that applicant did a good job of removing a
minimal amount of soil to achieve a very good design. He said it will be an
attractive addition to the neighborhood.
Commissioner Carper said he likes the design of the home. He said he is pleased
to see that trees will be kept on the lot.
Commissioner Robertson made a motion recommending approval of the
Conditional Use Permit to export approximately 816 cubic yards of fill.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison seconded the motion, and the motion passed on
a vote of 5-0.
4. Other Business
5. Communications
6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
A study session followed at 6:25 p.m. Study topics were updates on Southwest
LRT, Form-Based Code and south side of Excelsior Blvd. Design Guidelines.
Submitted by,
Nancy Sells
Administrative Secretary
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
March 4, 2015 – 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Claudia Johnston-Madison, Lisa Peilen,
Richard Person, Carl Robertson, Joe Tatalovich
MEMBERS ABSENT: Lynne Carper, Robert Kramer
STAFF PRESENT: Sean Walther, Ryan Kelley, Nancy Sells
1. Call to Order – Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes: None
3. Public Hearings: None
4. Other Business
A. Final Plat and Final Planned Unit Development
Location: West End – 1511 Utica Ave. S.
Applicant: DLC Residential
Case Nos.: 14-23-S and 14-24-PUD
Sean Walther, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. He explained that the
proposed development is part of the larger West End redevelopment area. Five
buildings are proposed for construction.
Mr. Walther spoke about the findings of the updated Alternative Urban Area-wide
Review (AUAR).
Mr. Walther discussed the proposed reconstruction of Utica Ave., which would
accommodate future traffic generated, especially from the office development.
Mr. Walther provided an analysis of the Final Plat and Final PUD.
David Graham, ESG Architects, presented highlights of the development.
Commissioner Peilen asked about amenities planned for the residential units.
Mr. Graham responded that interior finishes will be high end.
Commissioner Peilen asked about guest parking.
Unofficial Minutes
Planning Commission
March 4, 2015
Page 2
Mr. Graham said there will be some short-term parking and guest parking which
is secured and accessible.
Commissioner Tatalovich asked about sustainability features of the buildings.
Mr. Graham responded that ESG Architects’ spec is a full green spec. He said he
is LEED certified and as a company policy all of their buildings use low VOC
paints, finishes and carpeting. There will be extra insulation on the perimeter of
the building with the new energy code. They will harvest the stormwater, treat it
and use it for irrigation. Mr. Graham said they will definitely hit the checklist to
make the development as energy efficient as possible.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison stated that she likes the project very much.
Commissioner Robertson said the developer continues to bring excellent work to
the city.
Chair Person asked about the tree requirement and the caliper inch requirement.
Mr. Walther said the caliper inch requirement falls within the tree replacement
requirement. The developer is required to replace trees removed at a certain
formula designated in the ordinance. The number of trees planted will meet that
tree replacement. He added that the landscaping requirement varies on the type of
development, either based on the number of units in a residential project or the
square footage of a particular building or the perimeter of the site. He said the
ordinance anticipates that there are alternative landscaping opportunities with
denser developments.
Commissioner Robertson asked about phasing for the linear park and the
developments to the south.
Mr. Graham responded that Phase I will be a residential building, the central park
and the Utica reconstruction. He said there will be a build-to line on the south
edge of the park which will allow the office building to be built and the façade
will be back about 20 feet. The barrier will minimally, or not at all, affect the
park.
Chair Person asked about bus stops.
Mr. Walther explained that the area is served by three different bus routes: the 9,
649 and 604. The 9 and the 649 will probably be rerouted down 16th St. to Utica
and then up to Wayzata Blvd. in order to better serve residents and employees in
the area. He said the 604 is a circulator bus. This area would be the end of the
line for the 604 before it turns around. Discussions were held with Metro Transit
Unofficial Minutes
Planning Commission
March 4, 2015
Page 3
about doing a turnaround at 16th St. but that turned out to be impactful to green
space and traffic. The 604 will follow Utica to Gamble or Utica to Wayzata
Blvd. and make an efficient loop through the area instead of a U-turn at the 16th
and Utica intersection.
Chair Person asked if there would be any bus layovers.
Mr. Walther stated that there is a layover location provided on 16th St. Shops at
West End provided two shelters and layover for two buses.
Chair Person asked about how the new state energy code would impact the
proposed development.
Mr. Graham replied that new code for the exterior envelope of the buildings
requires insulation on the outside of the sheeting. The thermal break is on the
outside that covers metal or wood studs so the cold isn’t conducted through the
structural elements. Mr. Graham said code for windows has already been at a
higher standard. He added that there are no new requirements for lighting but
lamps and fixtures used now are very efficient.
Commissioner Robertson made a motion to recommend approval of the Final Plat
subject to the conditions recommended by staff. He made a second motion to
recommend approval of the Central Park West Final Planned Unit Development
and requested modifications subject to the conditions recommended by staff.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison made a motion seconding the two motions, and
the motions passed on a vote of 5-0.
5. Communications
Mr. Walther said the March 18th meeting will probably be cancelled. A meeting
will be held on April 1st.
6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Sells
Administrative Secretary
Planning Commission
Meeting Date: April 1, 2015
Agenda Item #3A
3A.
South Side of Excelsior Zoning Amendments
Case No.:
15-10-ZA
Applicant: City of St. Louis Park
Recommended
Action:
Chair to close public hearing.
Motion to recommend approval of the S. Side of Excelsior Zoning
Amendments
DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST:
Staff is requesting amendments to the zoning ordinance in response to the findings of the South
Side of Excelsior Boulevard Design Guidelines Study. There are three general categories of
amendments being proposed: yards, parking, and screening and they are detailed below.
BACKGROUND:
City staff has been working with a consultant and a City Council appointed Task Force on
Design Guidelines for the South Side of Excelsior Boulevard since early 2014. The Task Force
completed its study in December and the study includes recommended amendments to the
zoning code. The Planning Commission and City Council reviewed the design guidelines at a
joint meeting. Also, Staff has reported on the development of the following zoning amendments
during Planning Commission Study Sessions and has prepared an ordinance to implement the
changes. Some of the code changes identified for the South Side of Excelsior Boulevard are also
appropriate for the City more broadly. Also, many of the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial zoning
districts in the City share common features with the South Side of Excelsior Boulevard, such as
being located on relatively small lots, on higher traffic streets, and adjacent to residential uses.
ANALYSIS:
Side yards in the C-1 and C-2 Zoning Districts
The current minimum width of a side yard abutting a street is 15 feet. The amendment decreases
the minimum width of a side yard to five feet in the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts. This will allow
buildings to be closer to the streets and sidewalks. The building placement is one contributing
factor to improve the pedestrian atmosphere of commercial corridors and intersections.
To be consistent with the Design Guidelines, the code suggests requiring buildings with three or
more stories in the C-1 district to set stories above the second floor back by at least 10 feet from
the street front and side property lines.
S. Excelsior Zoning Amendments Page 2
Meeting Date: April 1, 2015
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Parking in All Districts
Staff recommends reducing the minimum drive aisle width in parking lots from 25.0 feet to 24.0
feet for 90 degree angle stalls in all zoning districts. The City has granted several variances to
this allow this width in the past. Since the city has frequently considered acceptable, staff
recommends allow this as the citywide minimum requirement.
Parking in C-1 Zoning Districts
In the C-1 zoning district, the Design Guidelines recommended allowing the minimum parking
lot aisle width to be reduced to 22.0 feet. When the drive aisle is less than 24.0 feet, staff
recommends requiring the parking stall minimum width to increase to 9.0 feet. Again, since
there are so many similarities among the lots zoned C-1, staff recommends applying this
throughout the C-1 district.
The Design Guidelines recommends prohibiting parking in front of a building. This will promote
parking to be located in the rear or side yard, which will contribute to the pedestrian realm and
provide separations between residential and commercial buildings. Staff recommends applying
this rule to all C-1 district properties.
Screening in C-1 Zoning Districts
To further define and enhance the buffer zone between commercial and residential properties, the
Design Guidelines recommend increasing the minimum parking lot screening height from six
feet to eight feet. Also, the Design Guidelines recommend requiring parking lots to be at least
eight feet from adjacent residential properties in order to provide more distance between the
parking lot and residential uses and more land for landscaping and the screen fence. Again, staff
recommends applying this rule to all C-1 properties.
Next Steps
If the Planning Commission concurs with the proposed amendments, staff will proceed to City
Council to amend the zoning code to reflect these changes.
Attachments: Proposed Ordinance Changes
Staff Report, Planning Commission Study Session, 2/25/2015
Prepared by: Nicole Mardell, Community Development Intern
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, Senior Planner
S. Excelsior Zoning Amendments Page 3
Meeting Date: April 1, 2015
____________________________________________________________________________________________
ORDINANCE NO.______
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 36 OF THE
ST. LOUIS PARK CITY CODE CREATING A PLANNED
UNIT DEVELOPMENT ZONING DISTRICT
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK DOES ORDAIN:
SECTION 1. Chapter 36 is amended to add the following:
Sec. 36-193. C-1 neighborhood commercial district.
***
(f) Dimensional standards/densities.
(3) A side yard abutting a street shall be a minimum of five15 feet wide for one and
two story buildings. Upper stories of buildings taller than two stories shall be setback at
least 10 feet from the side lot line adjacent to a street.
(4) The front yard shall be a minimum of five feet for one and two story buildings.
The upper stories of buildings taller than two stories shall be setback at least 10 feet
from the front lot line.
***
Sec. 36-194. C-2 general commercial district.
***
(g) Dimensional standards/densities.
(3) A side yard abutting a street shall not be less than five15 feet in width.
***
Sec. 36-361. Off-street parking areas, paved areas, and loading spaces.
***
(k) Design Requirements
PARKING LOT DIMENSIONS
Table 36-361 (b)
Stall Angle
(degrees)
Curb Length
(feet)
Vehicle Projection
(feet)
Aisle Width
(feet)
Total Width
(feet)
45 Standard
Compact
12.0
11.5
18.5
17.0
13.0*
50.0
60 Standard 10.0 20.0 15.0* 55.0
S. Excelsior Zoning Amendments Page 4
Meeting Date: April 1, 2015
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Compact 9.5 18.0
75 Standard
Compact
9.0
8.5
20.5
17.5
18.0*
59.0
90*** Standard
Compact
8.5
8.0
18.0
16.0
25.0 24.0
61.0**
Parallel Standard
Compact
23.0
21.0
8.5
8.0
22.0
38.0
* One-way aisles only.
** When parking is provided within a parking ramp, the total bay width may be reduced to 58
feet.
*** In a C-1 district the minimum aisle width may be reduced to 22.0 feet with the condition that
aisles less than 24.0 feet wide shall provide a minimum curb length of 9.0 feet.
***
(10) Yards. Required parking areas shall be subject to the following requirements:
b. In the C-1, C-2, O, I-P and I-G districts, parking areas shall be permitted
in the front yard and side yards abutting a street, provided that the yard
shall not be reduced to less than five feet.
c. In the C-1 district:
1. Parking spaces and drive aisles shall not be located between a
building and a street, except that a through lot may have parking
between the building and less prominent street, as determined by the
Zoning Administrator.
2. The minimum yard requirement for parking spaces and drive aisles
shall be zero (0.0) when located adjacent to a non-residential district.
3. The minimum yard requirement for parking spaces and drive aisles
shall be eight feet when abutting a residentially zoned property.
4. The minimum yard requirement for parking spaces shall be five feet
when adjacent to a street.
***
Sec. 36-364. Landscaping
(4) Parking lots:
a. All off street parking areas and drive lanes located within 30 feet of any parcel
that is zoned residential and used or subdivided for residential or has an
occupied institutional building such as a school, religious institution or
community center shall be screened with landscaping and a solid fence or wall
a minimum of eight six feet high in the side and back rear yard and 42 48
inches in the front yard. A hedge may be substituted for the fence in the front
yard only.
S. Excelsior Zoning Amendments Page 5
Meeting Date: April 1, 2015
____________________________________________________________________________________________
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen days after its passage and publication.
ADOPTED this ______ day of _______________, 2015, by the City Council of the City
of St. Louis Park.
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
ATTEST: By:
Jeffrey W. Jacobs, Mayor
Nancy Stroth, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
Planning Commission
Meeting Date: February 25, 2015
Study Session Item #3
South Side of Excelsior Zoning Discussion
Following the regular meeting, we would like to continue our discussion regarding zoning
changes resulting from the South Excelsior study that was just completed. Please see attached
document for discussion.
In summary, the major changes proposed include:
• Decrease the minimum width of a side yard abutting a street from 15 feet to five feet in
C-1 and C-2 zoning districts. (Note: the Subdivision Ordinance requires a 10 foot
easement for side yards abutting a street).
• Allow for a minimum drive aisle width of 22.0 feet for 90 degree stall angles in C-1
districts.
• Require a parking lot setback of eight feet from the rear lot line to create a buffer between
commercial and residential properties in C-1 districts.
• Increase the minimum parking lot screening height from six feet to eight feet in C-1
districts.
• Require buildings in the C-1 district with three or more stories to set back those upper
stories at least 10 feet from the street side property line.
• Additional minor language changes for clarification and correction purposes.
If the commission concurs, we will proceed to set a public hearing to consider these changes
through the zoning ordinance amendment process.
Attachments: Proposed Ordinance Changes
Prepared by: Nicole Mardell, Community Development Intern
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, Senior Planner
Study Session Item No. 3 S. Excelsior Zoning Amendments Page 2
Meeting Date: February 25, 2015
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Sec. 36-193. C-1 neighborhood commercial district.
***
(f) Dimensional standards/densities.
(1) No structure or building shall exceed three stories or 35 feet in height, whichever is less, except as
provided in section 36-78.
(2) The floor area ratio within the C-1 district shall not exceed 1.2.
(3) A side yard abutting a street shall be a minimum of five15 feet wide.
(4) The front yard shall be a minimum of five feet.
(5) Through lots shall have a required front yard on each street.
***
Sec. 36-194. C-2 general commercial district.
(g) Dimensional standards/densities.
(1) No structure or building shall exceed the lesser of six stories or 75 feet in height, unless authorized by
section 36-78 or section 36-367. The height limit may be increased by 50 percent to permit buildings
nine stories or 112.5 feet in height, whichever is the lesser. This greater building height shall only be
permitted for buildings which meet the following conditions:
a. The building shall be at least 200 feet from any parcel that is zoned residential and used or
subdivided for residential use, or has an occupied institutional building, including but not limited
to schools, religious institutions, and community centers.
b. The building shall not cast a shadow on residential structures between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and
3:00 p.m.
c. The building shall be located within travel demand management zones A or B as defined in
section 36-322.
(2) The floor area ratio within the C-2 district shall not exceed 2.0.
(3) A side yard abutting a street shall not be less than five15 feet in width.
(4) The front yard shall be a minimum of five feet.
(5) There shall be no required side yard for buildings unless the side yard abuts an R district.
If that is the case, for buildings up to 35 feet in height, the required side yard shall be the same as the
required side yard for the abutting R district. For buildings 35 feet and higher, the required side yard shall
be 15 feet plus one foot for each foot of building height in excess of 35 feet. The required setback for
buildings over 35 feet in height may be met by setting back those stories of the building over 35 feet.
(6) There shall be no required rear yard for buildings under 35 feet in height, unless the rear yard abuts an R
district. If that is the case, the required rear yard shall be 15 feet. The minimum rear yard for buildings
over 35 feet in height shall be half the building height, unless it abuts an R district and then the required
rear yard shall be equal to the building height.
***
Study Session Item No. 3 S. Excelsior Zoning Amendments Page 3
Meeting Date: February 25, 2015
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Sec. 36-361. Off-street parking areas, paved areas, and loading spaces.
(k) Design Requirements
PARKING LOT DIMENSIONS
Table 36-361 (b)
Stall Angle
(degrees)
Curb Length
(feet)
Vehicle Projection
(feet)
Aisle Width
(feet)
Total Width
(feet)
45 Standard
Compact
12.0
11.5
18.5
17.0
13.0*
50.0
60 Standard
Compact
10.0
9.5
20.0
18.0
15.0*
55.0
75 Standard
Compact
9.0
8.5
20.5
17.5
18.0*
59.0
90 Standard
Compact
8.5
8.0
18.0
16.0
24.0***
61.0**
Parallel Standard
Compact
23.0
21.0
8.5
8.0
22.0
38.0
* One-way aisles only.
** When parking is provided within a parking ramp, the total bay width may be reduced to 58 feet.
*** In a C1 district the minimum aisle width is 22.0 feet for 90 degree stall angles.
(10) Yards. Required parking areas shall be subject to the following requirements:
a. In the R-4 and R-C districts, parking areas shall be subject to the requirements for front yards and
side yards abutting a street.
b. In the C-1, C-2, O, I-P and I-G districts, parking areas shall be permitted in the front yard and side
yards abutting a street, provided that the yard shall not be reduced to less than five feet.
c. In C-1 districts parking shall be located behind the building. The parking lot setback shall be eight
feet from the rear lot line to create a buffer zone between the commercial use and residential
properties.
***
Sec. 36-364. Landscaping
(4) Parking lots:
a. All off street parking areas and drive lanes located within 30 feet of any parcel that is zoned
residential and used or subdivided for residential or has an occupied institutional building such as
a school, religious institution or community center shall be screened with landscaping and a solid
fence or wall a minimum of eight six feet high in the side and back yard and 42 inches in the front
yard. Except on Excelsior Boulevard C-1 properties, a A hedge may be substituted for the fence
in the front yard only.
Sec. 36-366. Architectural design.
(b) Standards.
(1) Building Design.
a. Architectural design elements that will be considered in the review of building and site plans
include building materials, color and texture, building bulk, general massing, roof treatment,
proportion of openings, facade design elements and variation, window and openings. Site plan
design elements that will be considered in the determination as to whether site plan design is
Study Session Item No. 3 S. Excelsior Zoning Amendments Page 4
Meeting Date: February 25, 2015
____________________________________________________________________________________________
superior include quantity, quality, variation, compatibility and size of plant materials, landscape
berms and screening walls. Also considered will be the overall order, symmetry and proportion of
the various elements within the site and within the larger context of the area or corridor.
b. The height, bulk, general massing, roof treatment, materials, colors, textures, major divisions, and
proportions of a new or remodeled building shall be compatible with that of other buildings on the
site and on adjacent sites. Buildings in the C-1 district with three or more stories shall have those
upper stories setback at least 10 feet from any property line.
Planning Commission
Meeting Date: April 1, 2015
Agenda Item 4A
4A. Planning Commission 2014 Annual Report and 2015 Work Plan
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discuss the Planning Commission 2014 Annual Report and
Work Plan for 2015 with Planning Commissioners.
SUMMARY: The 2014 Annual Report is attached for Planning Commission review. The
report summarizes the applications reviewed by the Planning Commission. It also highlights a
planning study and zoning amendments that were heard by the Commission. In addition, the
2015 Work Plan is attached. Several of the work items have been completed or substantially
completed.
For 2015, it is expected that several major development projects and zoning items will be the
focus of the Planning Commission’s work. These consist of the development of Central Park
West, ASAP/Encore, two developments on Excelsior Boulevard, and the completion of the
Formed-Based Code Zoning Text Amendment.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Planning Commission 2014 Annual Report and 2015 Work
Plan
Prepared by: Alex Boyce, Community Development Intern
Reviewed by: Meg McMonigal, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
St Louis Park Planning Commission
2014 Annual Report
Art Created By:
Norman Andersen
The St. Louis Park Planning Commission is a seven member advisory body made up of
citizen volunteers appointed by the City Council. The Planning Commission reviews
and makes recommendations on Comprehensive Plan amendments, development
projects, and zoning studies and amendments. It also holds public hearings where the
public can give input to Commission recommendations.
2014 Planning Commission Annual Report
The 2014 Annual Report provides a summary of the Planning Commission’s
major activities and accomplishments in 2014.
2014 Planning Commission Members
Richard Person, Chair
Claudia Johnston-Madison, Vice-Chair
Lynne Carper
Robert Kramer
Lisa Peilen
Carl Robertson
Joe Tatalovich, School Board Representative
St. Louis Park Community Development Department Staff
Kevin Locke, Director of Community Development
Meg McMonigal, Planning & Zoning Supervisor
Sean Walther, Senior Planner
Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator
Ryan Kelley, Associate Planner
Nancy Sells, Administrative Secretary
Alex Boyce, Community Development Intern
Nicole Mardell, Community Development Intern
Development and Redevelopment in St. Louis Park
Corresponds to development projects in the above map.
St. Louis Park School Additions and Expansions
Major Amendment and CUP
The St. Louis Park School District requested a Major Amendment and
Conditional Use Permits this past year to construct new additions and
expansions to Peter Hobart School, Aquila Elementary School, and
Susan Lindergren School. The expansions were due to the increased
enrollment at the schools, which place pressure on the buildings current
capacities. All additions were designed to be consistent with the current
architecture of the existing buildings.
D&D Auto Repair Expansion
CUP
D&D Auto Repair requested a Conditional Use Permit to add two
service bays and repair the facility. In addition, existing non-
conformities were brought into compliance with code. The proposed
project met Zoning and Comprehensive Plan requirements.
Frauenshuh Addition
Preliminary and Final Plat
A Preliminary and Final Plat to separate the properties at 4951 Excelsior
Blvd (Park Nicollet Diagnostic Imaging Center) and 4959 Excelsior
Blvd (Wells Fargo Bank Building) was requested. The separation was
sought to spilt the one unplatted parcel into two platted parcels.
Excavation and Fill of Dakota Park Baseball Field
CUP
A Conditional Use Permit was requested to import 730 cubic yards of
fill for the northernmost baseball field in Dakota Park. The proposed
project improves drainage on the field to make the field more usable
throughout the season.
1
2
3
4
5
6
13 Unit Apartment Building 31st Street
CUP
A Conditional Use Permit was requested by William Wells
Architect. The CUP was to allow a three-story, 13 unit
apartment building with structured parking on the 0.48 acre site.
Kia Dealership
CUP
NLD 394 LLC requested a Conditional Use Permit to establish a
Kia Dealership at 6475 and 6501 Wayzata Blvd. The
redevelopment includes a new 26,471 square foot building with a
parking lot, landscaping, and an underground storm water
management system. The store expects to open in late summer
of 2015.
Knollwood Target Liquor Store
CUP
A Conditional Use Permit was requested to allow a liquor store
to be constructed at the Super Target located in the Knollwood
Village Mall. Target Corporation proposed a conversion of a
portion of their existing store into a liquor store. It will have a
separate access from the Target retail/grocery store, and function
as a separate entity.
DLC Residential---Central Park West
PUD
DLC Residential has proposed the construction of two 6-story
multiple-family residential buildings, a six-story limited service
hotel, two 11-story office buildings, a 2,600-stall parking ramp,
and a privately maintained, but publically accessible gathering
space as part of the West End PUD. The development would
include a total of 363 residential units, up to 706,000 square feet
of office, and a 150-room hotel. The development includes land
in both St. Louis Park and Golden Valley.
7
8
9
10
Homewood Suites
Major Amendment
TPI Hospitality requested a major amendment to allow a side
setback for 18 feet for an existing trash room instead of the
approved 25 feet. While refinancing the property, a non-
conforming setback was discovered. The applicant pursued the
amendment to ensure that the property will be in compliance
with the PUD.
Bader/CSAH25
PUD
Bader Development has proposed a redevelopment on the block
located between France Ave and Glenhurst Ave and of Highway
25 and W 31st Street. The proposed redevelopment includes 150
apartments, including 30 affordable units, and 10,000 square feet
of ground-floor office space with underground and surface
parking.
Zoning Amendments
• Zoning Text Amendments - Planned Unit Development (PUD)
o Staff requested amending the City’s PUD process to create a new PUD
section of the Zoning Code, revise the text and format of the PUD section,
and revise language which would provide the Planning Commission and
City Council with greater discretion when approving PUD applications.
• Zoning Text Amendments - Business Park (BP)
o Zoning code amendments were proposed to: change both “Light
Assembly” and “Warehouse/Storage” from “Conditional Use Permit” to
“Permitted with Conditions”, and increase in the percent of use allowed in
the BP district such as “Group daycare” and “Indoor entertainment and
Studios.”
• Zoning Text Amendment - Anaerobic Digesters
o This amendment was in response to a request from a non-profit developer
to incorporate anaerobic digesters into a mixed-use, mixed-income
development. The amendment created new definitions for food waste, yard
waste, organic material and anaerobic digesters. The amendment also
allowed the use of anaerobic digesters in the I-G General Industrial District
with a conditional use permit.
11
12
• Zoning Text Amendment- Form Based Code
o The Form Based Code Amendment is designed to produce development
regulations for the areas around the three SW LRT Station Areas in St.
Louis Park. It is intended to foster predictable built results and a high-
quality public realm by using physical form as the organizing principle. It
is anticipated that the Form Based Code will be completed in summer of
2015.
Applications Received
Planning Study
• South Side Excelsior Boulevard Design Guidelines
o The City contracted with LGB, Inc., and SRF Consulting Group to create
design guidelines for the south side of Excelsior Boulevard between
Quentin and France Avenues. The design guidelines address six key areas:
Boulevard Experience; Public Realm; Neighborhood Interface; Site
Design; Building Design; and Traffic Access and Parking.
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Comprehensive Plan
Amendments 1 2 0 1 1 1 0
Conditional Use Permits 9 5 8 1 6 7 6
Planned Unit Developments 5 4 4 4 2 10 1
Rezoning 2 2 0 1 1 4 0
Subdivisions/Plats 5 1 6 3 6 5 1
Variances 5 2 3 3 0 3 0
Zoning Code Amendments 5 0 4 2 6 3 6
Total 32 16 25 15 22 33 14
2015 Work Plan
Zoning Items:
• Complete Formed-based code and adopt into zoning
• Address zoning items from South Side of Excelsior Boulevard Study
• Recommend PUD amendments
• Address Mixed-use zoning requirements
Major Development Applications
• Rezoning of Meadowbrook Golf Course
• Central Park West
• Methodist Hospital expansion
• ASAP/Encore development
• Bridgewater Bank site – Excelsior Blvd and Monterey Ave
• Bally’s Site – Excelsior Blvd and Quentin Ave
• Japs-Olson expansion
• McGarvey Coffee site
Miscellaneous Other Development Applications
SWLRT input on station planning and development
Page 1
Planning Commission
Meeting Date: April 1, 2015
Study Session Agenda Item 1
Form-Based Code Discussion
Background:
The purpose of this item is to have a discussion with the Planning Commission regarding two
components of the form-based code (FBC) currently under development for the SWLRT station
areas. Staff would like discuss “Architectural Materials” requirements in our existing zoning
code and what is being proposed for the FBC districts. Staff would also like to discuss the
proposed parking requirements and possible reductions in the FBC districts. A brief outline of
the differences between the two codes is provided below. Attachments of the relevant code
sections are also attached.
Architectural Materials:
Generally the FBC allows the same materials as our existing Code, but the FBC addresses the
materials slightly differently. The FBC includes the same Class I Materials as the existing Code,
but designates them as Primary Façade Materials, and includes some additional materials. The
FBC then identifies Secondary Materials, which are limited to trim, accents and details, rather
than defining Class II and Class III Materials as does the existing Code. A more notable
difference is that the FBC introduces a new process for someone to request consideration of a
material that is not specifically identified as a Class I material to consider such classification.
Additionally, the FBC provides more specific guidance regarding: windows, shutters, pitched
roof materials and balconies.
On a related note: staff have received a number of requests over the past few years to consider
additional materials as Class I, but most applicants have not elected to go through the City’s
process for such consideration.
Parking:
The primary differences between the FBC and the existing Code related to multi-family
developments and potential parking reductions. The current Code requires one parking space per
bedroom for multi-family developments. The proposed requirements for multi-family
developments are revised as follows:
• 1 space/efficiency
• 1.5 spaces/1 BR unit
• 2 spaces/2 BR unit
• 2.5 spaces/3 BR unit
The existing Code currently allows certain reductions, such as a transit reduction, to be applied
to the parking requirements for non-residential uses only. The FBC adds some additional
reductions options, and proposes to allow such reductions to apply to residential uses. See
attached comparison table.
Staff would like Planning Commission feedback on the above outlined differences.
Attachments: Architectural Materials requirements of existing Zoning Code and FBC
Parking requirements comparison
Prepared by: Ryan Kelley, Associate Planner
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, Senior Planner
49 Article IV: Zoning Districts Division 12: Form-Based DistrictsDRAFT
36-348 MATERIALS, COLOR AND DESIGN ELEMENTS
(a) Primary Facade Materials. 60 percent of each
facade shall be constructed of primary materials.
Street facade materials shall continue around the
corner of the building to the interior side or rear
facade (if a corner lot) a minimum depth of 20 feet.
(1) Permitted class I facade materials include high
quality, durable, finish materials. The following
are acceptable primary facade materials: stone;
brick; glass; cement-based stucco; wood lap
siding and shingles; fiber cement siding or
shingles (such as HardiePlank, HardieShingle,
or HardiePanel vertical siding or similar);
architectural metal panels. Refer to Figure 36-
339-1 Examples of Permitted Primary Materials
(2) Other high quality synthetic materials may be
approved during the site plan process with an
approved sample and examples of successful,
high quality local installations.
(3) Exposed concrete, synthetic stucco, unfinished
wood, concrete masonry units (CMU), glass
block, and vinyl are not permitted as a primary
facade material.
(4) Brick types larger than 3 inches in height, such
as economy bricks, are permitted only on the
Warehouse/Workshop Frontage.
(b) Secondary Facade, Trim, Accent, Details
Materials. Secondary materials are limited to trim,
details, and accent areas that combine to less than
20 percent of the facade surface.
(1) All primary materials may serve as secondary
materials.
(2) Additional secondary materials include fiber
cement and wood; metal for beams, lintels,
trim, and ornamentation; burnished, glazed, or
honed concrete masonry units (CMU) or block
for trim and details, but not surfaces; split-face,
honed, or glazed concrete masonry units with
Primary Materials: Brick
Figure 36-339-1 Examples of Permitted Primary Materials
Section 36-348
MATERIALS, COLOR & DESIGN
a height less than 4.5 inches for surfaces less
than 10 percent of the facade surface; cast
stone concrete elements; and vinyl for trim and
details.
(3) Synthetic stucco or exterior insulation and
finishing systems (EIFS), such as Dryvit, are
permitted as a secondary material on upper
floor facades only.
(4) Burnished, glazed, or honed concrete
masonry units (CMU) or block are permitted
as secondary materials in the Workshop/
Warehouse Frontage Type for trim and details,
and surfaces up to 40 percent of the facade.
Split-face, honed, or glazed concrete masonry
units with a height less than 4.5 inches are
permitted as secondary materials in the
General Frontage Type and the Apartment/
Rowhouse Frontage Type for surfaces less
than 10 percent of the facade surface. Scored
concrete panels or block are not permitted.
(c) Color. Main building colors shall utilize any historic
palettes from any major paint manufacturer. Other
colors may be utilized for details and accents, not
Section 36-348 Materials, Color & Design
50 City of St. Louis Park November 5 2014
to exceed a total area larger than 10 percent of the
facade surface area.
(d) Appropriate Grade of Materials. Commercial
quality doors, windows, and hardware shall be
used on all building types with the exception of the
Apartment/Rowhouse and Townhouse/Yardhouse
Frontage Type.
(e) Windows. Percent of transparency is required per
Frontage Type.
(1) Recessed. All upper story windows on all
buildings shall be recessed.
(2) Clear Glass. Tinted or reflective glass, and glass
block are prohibited on street facades.
(f) Awnings. All awnings shall be canvas or metal.
Plastic awnings and canopy awnings with poles that
extend from the front facade into the right-of-way
are prohibited. Awning types and colors for each
building face shall be coordinated. Refer to Figure
36-339-2 Examples of Permitted Awnings
(g) Shutters. If installed, shutters on any street facing
facade, whether functional or not, shall meet the
following requirements:
(1) Scale. All shutters shall be sized for the
windows, so that if the shutters were to
be closed, they would not be too small for
complete coverage of the window. Refer
to Figure 36-339-3 Appropriate versus
Inappropriate Shutter Scale
(2) Materials. Shutters shall be wood, metal, or
fiber cement. Vinyl shutters are also permitted
in a color consistent with the trim of the
building. Other “engineered” woods may be
approved during the site plan process with an
approved sample and examples of successful,
high quality local installations.
(h) Pitched Roof Materials.
(1) Permitted Materials. Acceptable roof materials
include 300 pound or better, dimensional
asphalt composite shingles, wood shingles and
shakes, metal tiles or standing seam, slate, and
ceramic tile. Refer to Figure 36-339-4 Examples
of Permitted Roof Materials
(2) Permitted Based on Site Plan Review.
“Engineered” wood or slate may be approved
during the site plan review process (see Sec.
36-335 Development Approval Process) with an Figure 36-339-3 Appropriate versus Inappropriate Shutter Scale
NOT PERMITTED
Appropriately Scaled Shutters.
Inappropriately Scaled Shutters.
Permitted Awnings: Metal
Permitted Awnings: Canvas
Figure 36-339-2 Examples of Permitted Awnings
DRAFT
Section 36-348 Materials, Color & Design
Article IV: Zoning Districts Division 12: Form-Based Districts 51
approved sample and examples of successful,
high quality local installations.
(i) Balconies. The use of balconies on street facades
is encouraged.
(1) Applicability. These provisions apply to
locations where balconies are incorporated into
the facade design facing any street.
(2) Size. Balconies shall be a minimum of 6 feet
deep and 5 feet wide.
(3) Balcony Structure. Balconies shall be
integral to the facade. Balconies on stepped-
back stories may be independently secured,
extending from the facade. Balcony structure
shall not include more than one balcony. Refer
to Figure 36-339-5 Examples of Permitted and
Prohibited Balconies.
(4) Facade Coverage. A maximum of 40 percent of
the front and corner side facades, as calculated
separately, may be covered with balconies,
including street-facing railing and balcony
structure.
Roof Materials: Asphalt Composite Shingles
Figure 36-339-4 Examples of Permitted Roof Materials
Balconies: Not Permitted.Balconies Appropriately Attached to or Incorporated into Facade.
Figure 36-339-5 Examples of Permitted and Prohibited Balconies.
NOT PERMITTED
DRAFT
Section 36-348 Materials, Color & Design
52 City of St. Louis Park November 5 2014
FOr reFereNCe: Sec. 36-366(b)(2) from SLP code
Building Materials.
exterior surface materials of buildings shall be installed in accordance with
the adopted building code and the manufacturer’s specifications, and shall
be subject to the following regulations:
a. Classes of materials. Materials shall be divided into class I, class II and
class iii categories as follows:
1. Class I. Brick, marble, granite or other natural stone, textured cement
stucco, copper, porcelain and glass are class I exterior building materials
on buildings other than those used as dwellings which contain four or
fewer dwelling units. Wood, vinyl siding, fiber-reinforced cement board
and prefinished metal are class I materials on residential buildings
containing four or fewer dwelling units in addition to the other class i
materials listed in this subsection. Wood is a class i material on park
buildings under 3,000 square feet. if a minimum of two other Class i
materials are in use, clapboard and shake-style fiber reinforced cement
board with a minimum thickness of ¼ inch may be used as a Class i
material for up to 10 percent of the façade on residential buildings with
more than four (4) units. “Smooth” finish fiber-reinforced cement board is
not permitted as a Class i material.
2. Class II. Exposed aggregate concrete panels, burnished concrete block,
integral colored split face (rock face) and exposed aggregate concrete
block, cast-in-place concrete, artificial stucco (E.I.F.S., Drivit), artificial stone,
fiberreinforced cement board siding with a minimum thickness of ¼ inch,
and prefinished metal.
3. Class iii. unpainted or surface painted concrete block (scored or
unscored), unpainted or surface painted plain or ribbed concrete panels,
and unfinished or surface painted metal.
b. Minimum class I materials. At least 60 percent of each building face
visible from off the site must be of class I materials except as permitted
by subsection (b)(6)c. of this section. Not more than 10 percent of each
building face visible from off the site may be of class III materials. Portions
of buildings not visible from off the site may be constructed of greater
percentages of class ii or class iii materials if the structure otherwise
conforms to all city ordinances. The mixture of building materials must be
compatible and integrated.
DRAFT
Parking Comparison
Form-Based Code
Maximum Off-Street Vehicular Parking.
The maximum number of vehicular spaces
permitted per site shall be 10 percent more
spaces than the required minimum spaces,
without any reductions applied.
Transit Credit. Proximity is measured from
any point along the property line to the edge
of the platform.
a. 1300 Feet from Station. For all uses,
vehicular parking minimums may be reduced
by 15 percent for sites located less than 1300
feet (approximately 1/4 mile) from a light rail
transit station.
b. 2600 Feet from Station. For all uses,
vehicular parking minimums may be reduced
by 10 percent for sites located between 1300
and 2600 feet (approximately 1/2 mile) from a
light rail transit station.
On-Street Parking Credit. For all non-
residential uses, on-street parking spaces that
meet the following may be credited to meet
the minimum required off-site parking spaces.
a. Spaces shall be designated on-street
parking available 24 hours of every day,
subject to a determination by the Zoning
Administrator that adequate off-street parking
will be available to accommodate vehicles
during snow removal and other periods of
parking restrictions.
b. A minimum of 50 percent of the on-street
space must be adjacent to the property line of
the lot.
Public Parking Credit. For all non-
residential uses, public parking lot spaces
located within 1/8 mile (660 feet) of any
property line may be credited against the
parking requirement at a rate of one credit for
every three public parking spaces. Public
parking lot spaces shall be available at all
times to the public at large.
Existing Zoning Code
N/A
Transit Service. Parking may be reduced by 10
percent for any parcel located within one-quarter
of a mile of a transit stop. To qualify, the transit
stop must be served by regular transit service on
all days of the week and adequate pedestrian
access must be available between the transit stop
and the parcel. Regular transit service shall
operate at least twice hourly between 7:30 a.m.
and 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and once hourly after
6:30 p.m. Regular transit service shall operate on
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
On-Street Parking. Parking may be reduced
on a one-for-one basis through the use of on-
street parking adjacent to the parcel. To
qualify, adequate pedestrian access must be
available between the principal structure and
all on-street parking spaces. On-street
parking reductions may be approved by the
Zoning Administrator, subject to a
determination by the City Engineer that
adequate off-street parking will be available
to accommodate vehicles during snow
removal and other periods of parking
restrictions.
N/A
FBC
N/A
Shared Vehicular Parking. An arrangement
in which two or more non-residential uses
with different peak parking demands use the
same off-street parking spaces to meet their
off-street parking requirements.
a. General Provisions. The Zoning
Administrator may permit up to 100% percent
of the parking required for a daytime use to be
supplied by the off-street parking spaces
provided for a nighttime or Sunday use and
vice versa.
b. Approval. In order to approve a shared
parking arrangement, the Zoning
Administrator must find, based on competent
evidence provided by the Applicant, that there
is no substantial conflict in the principal
operating hours of the uses for which the
sharing of parking is proposed.
c. Description of Uses with Weekday,
Nighttime, and Sunday Peak Parking.
(i) The following uses are considered
predominantly weekday uses: office
and industrial uses and other similar
uses as authorized by the Zoning
Administrator.
(ii) The following uses are typically
considered predominantly nighttime or
Sunday uses: entertainment uses,
restaurants, assembly uses,
auditoriums accessory to schools and
other similar uses with peak activity at
night or on Sundays, as authorized by
the Zoning Administrator.
Existing Code
Travel Demand Management. In those
instances where no transit or on-street parking
reductions are available, parking may be
reduced by five percent through the
implementation of a travel demand
management plan. Such a plan shall be filed
with and approved by the Zoning
Administrator and may be subject to yearly
review.
Shared Parking. Shared off-street parking
facilities are allowed to collectively provide
parking in any district for more than one
structure or use, subject to the following
conditions:
1. The uses must have their highest peak
demand for parking at substantially
different times of the day or week, or an
adequate amount of parking shall be
available for both uses during shared
hours of peak demand. A parking plan
shall address the hours, size and mode of
operation of the respective uses.
2. The minimum spaces required under a
shared parking agreement shall be based
on the number of spaces required for the
use that requires the most parking.
Shared parking facilities shall be protected by
an irrevocable covenant running with the land
and recorded with the County in a form
approved by the City Attorney. A certified
copy of the recorded document shall be
provided to the Zoning Administrator within
60 days after approval of the agreement by
the City Council.
FBC
Cooperative (Mixed Use) Vehicular
Parking Reduction. In the Form-Based
District, when two or more categories of non-
residential uses share a parking lot and are
located on the same lot or abutting lots, the
following applies:
a. Cooperative parking will be approved in
accordance with the following:
(i) A 25 percent reduction in number
of spaces is permitted when four or
more use categories are involved.
(ii) A 15 percent reduction in number
of spaces is permitted when three use
categories are involved.
(iii) A 10 reduction in number of
spaces is permitted when two use
categories are involved.
b. Location of Cooperative Parking. Any
cooperative parking must be within 1/8 mile
(660 feet) from the entrance of the use to the
closest parking space within the cooperative
parking lot, measured along a dedicated
pedestrian path.
c. Off-Site Cooperative Parking Agreement.
An agreement providing for cooperative use
of off-site parking spaces, executed by the
parties involved, shall be reviewed and may
be approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(i) Off-site cooperative parking
arrangements shall continue in effect
only as long as the agreement remains
in force.
(ii) If the agreement is no longer in
force, then parking must be provided
as otherwise required in this section.
N/A
Existing Code
N/A
Proof of Parking. If it is demonstrated that
the required parking is in excess of the actual
demand, all of the required parking need not
be constructed initially. Any spaces not
constructed, as shown on the site plan, shall
be constructed when determined necessary by
the Zoning Administrator or at such a time as
the property owner determines necessary.
The area of future parking shall be
landscaped, but that landscaping shall not be
used to satisfy landscaping requirements. To
ensure construction of the future spaces, a
financial or other guarantee may be required
by the City.
FBC
Car-Share Parking Credit. Parking
minimums may be reduced with the inclusion
of car-share parking spaces as follows.
a. Minimum parking spaces may be reduced
by four spaces for every one car-share
parking space provided, for a maximum total
reduction of 40 percent.
b. Applicant must provide documentation of
an agreement with a car-share company. If
this agreement should terminate at any point,
applicant shall be required to provide parking
as otherwise required.
Other Parking Reductions. Additional
reductions may be approved by the Zoning
Administrator with the submittal of a parking
study illustrating the reduction.
N/A
Existing Code
N/A
N/A
Off-site Parking. Off-site parking shall
require a conditional use permit, subject to the
following conditions:
(1) Paved pedestrian access shall be
provided and maintained between
the off-site parking facility and the
principle structure.
(2) The off-site parking facility shall be
located no further than 300 feet from
a residential structure and no further
than 500 feet from a non-residential
structure. Shuttle service may be
provided as an alternative means of
access for non-residential uses.
(3) Off-site parking facilities shall be
protected by an irrevocable covenant
recorded by the County. A certified
copy of the recorded document shall
be provided to the Zoning
Administrator within 60 days after
approval of the agreement by the
City Council.