HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/06/05 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - Planning Commission - RegularAGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
6:00 P.M.
JUNE 5, 2019
1.Call to order – Roll Call
2.Approval of Minutes: April 3, 2019, April 17, 2019 and May 15, 2019
3.Hearings
A.Bridgewater Bank Corporate Center – Planned Unit Development Major
Amendment
Applicant: Peter Brodd
Location: 4424 & 4400 Excelsior Blvd and 3743 Monterey Dr.
Case No.: 19-13-PUD
B.Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Mobile Uses
Applicant: City of St. Louis Park
Case No.: 19-11-ZA
4.Other Business
A.Planning Commission By-laws
5.Communications
6.Adjournment
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 the administration department at 952/924-2525 (TDD 952/924-2518) at least 96 hours in advance of
meeting.
Planning Commission Pg. 1
Planning Commission Pg. 2
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
APRIL 3, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lisa Peilen, Carl Robertson, Matt Eckholm, Lynne Carper, Joe
Tatalovich, Jessica Kraft, Claudia Johnston-Madison
MEMBERS ABSENT: Alanna Franklin, Joe Tatalovich
STAFF PRESENT: Jacquelyn Kramer, Sean Walther
1.Call to Order – Roll Call
2.Approval of Minutes: None
3.Public Hearings
A.Home Occupations
Applicant: City of St. Louis Park
Case Nos: 18-43-ZA
Mr. Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor, presented the staff report.
Commissioner Peilen stated she doesn’t understand why the city would care what
happens within the house.
Commissioner Carper asked how we would address the issue of space that is
allowed within a home when it comes down to a full basement.
Mr. Walther responded that staff would likely consider that to be one room.
Commissioner Carper asked if that would mean it’s impossible to have any of the
business upstairs above the basement, would it all need to be downstairs?
Mr. Walther responded that in that situation that would be correct.
Commissioner Carper asked about business not being able to be conducted within
in any attached or detached accessory building, would this also mean they cannot
use the accessory building for storage.
Mr. Walther responded that if the items are specifically related to the home
occupation then it would be prohibited, but if the items could be used for the
Planning Commission Pg. 3
principal use of the site, which is a residence, then that m ay be allowed. It’s a fine
line but this rule has been in place for many years. Additionally, this is not a change
that’s being proposed, this is the current regulation.
Commissioner Carper asked how we can go about changing this rule.
Mr. Walther responded that if there was complete agreement in what the rule
ought to be the commission could make the change and edit the rule this evening.
If it’s something that will need additional discussion, it would be best to hold off to
discuss this at a future date.
Commissioner Peilen asked when this item would be going to council.
Mr. Walther responded if it’s moved on this evening, it will likely go to council in
May.
Commissioner Peilen stated if this is the current rule, then we’re debating
something that’s already been adopted by a previous council.
Commissioner Carper brought up the issue of only being able to have items related
to the home reside in an accessory building and related it to a possible mailing
business where you may need to ship things out. This would require you to have a
scale for weighing packages, packing materials and other various material to get the
job done. These items aren’t usually found in the home.
Commissioner Carper asked about the policy regarding no person should be
employed at the residence who does not legally reside in the home, the exception
being a licensed group family. He asked if this is only full-time employment, or are
we itemizing any type of employment? He provided an example of a business
owner having their book keeper coming in to do paperwork and financials for the
business. The rule would say they could not come in because they are an employee
of the home owner.
Mr. Walther responded that this is a fine point, but if they are employed simply and
only by that business, that would not be allowed if they’re not residing on the site.
This policy is intended for the residence of the home who is running the business,
not for outside employees being dispatched to the location.
Commissioner Carper asked about how the businesses were chosen to be excluded
as home occupations.
Mr. Walther responded he can only speak on the items that were added, not to the
previous uses already listed. The newly listed items are added because zoning
Planning Commission Pg. 4
includes restrictions from being located within a certain distance to residential and
so therefore should not be allow in residences and residential zoning districts.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison said she shares similar issues of that of
Commissioner Peilen and Commissioner Carper. She stated the commissioners
were asked if they would agree to add restricting firearm sales as a home
occupation. Planning commission learned more about the ordinance that has been
in effect for several years and hasn’t been reviewed for some time. Commissioner
Johnston-Madison said she wants to review this ordinance further to make more
changes to the policy.
Commissioner Carper asked Mr. Walther about the repetition of the ordinance in
multiple sections.
Mr. Walther explained that the home occupation rules are listed in each residential
zoning district under the accessory uses that are allowed in the district. This makes
the rules easier to find for residents when viewing the uses allowed in the district
they live in.
Commissioner Robertson asked about the accessory building section where it
discusses attached and detached accessory buildings and clarified that an attached
accessory building would include an attached garage.
Mr. Walther responded in the affirmative.
Chair Eckholm opened the public hearing. As no one was present wishing to speak,
the Chair closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Kraft commented that she can buy the argument on the suggested
exclusions for home occupations as those uses already are required to be a certain
distance away from residential. It would seem counterintuitive to then allow them
to be a home occupation.
Commissioner Roberts said he agrees with Commissioner Johnston-Madison, that
the ordinance needs to be relooked at. Having issues with how the ordinance is and
adding to it does not help it, nor does it seem necessary.
Commissioner Peilen said some of the proposals could have a negative impact on
people’s ability to be successful in a home-based business. She offered a motion to
strike the rule that says, “Space within the dwelling devoted to the home
occupation does not exceed one room or 10 percent of the floor area whichever is
greater.”
Planning Commission Pg. 5
The chair said the motion is on the table and asked if anyone would second. There
was no second on the motion.
Mr. Walther added that the purpose behind having a restriction on the amount of
space in the home that is used for the home occupation is to get at the heart of this
as an accessory use. It is common to find this rule in an ordinance like this
throughout the country, whether 10% is the right number is another question.
Commissioner Peilen responded that what makes the use incidental is the
frequency.
Commissioner Carper commented that we need something that will restrict but
doesn’t leave the door open for abuse.
Commissioner Peilen stated there is never going to be a perfect ordinance.
Someone can always find a way around one if they want to and felt this will do
more harm than good. She shared a hypothetical example when using more than
one room or 10% of a house may be needed at times. She stated she is open to
redefining the amount of space.
Commissioner Robertson said he believes there should be a percentage and 10%
seems too low, but that it also should be noticeably less than 50% because we do
want it to be an accessory use. The ordinance needs to be reworked and he does
not want to approve anything to move ahead without doing so.
Commissioner Peilen withdrew her previous motion.
Commissioner Carper responded that the commissioners were brought the
ordinance solely look at firearm sales in the home and have discovered that there’s
other issues in terms of appropriate restriction within the ordinance. It’s important
this ordinance not go through and to start immediately convening study sessions to
work on redoing the ordinance.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison said if they are to consider adding the five
categories she is against it.
Commissioner Kraft added that a lot of the issues everyone seems to have with this
ordinance are already in effect today and having everyone vote for this or against it
doesn’t change those items. It’s something everyone should be considering while
voting tonight.
Commissioner Robertson made a motion to not approve these changes to the
zoning code. Commissioner Johnston- Madison seconded the motion.
Planning Commission Pg. 6
Commissioner Peilen said she also supports the motion, but she comes from a
different place because she would like to support the restriction of firearm sales.
She is tempted to vote for it, but cannot support the overall proposal.
Chair Eckholm said he also supports the firearm restrictions as written as well as
the other four businesses, but the topic has revealed deeper issues with this
ordinance that need to be addressed that might not ever be addressed if we just
pass it as written.
Commissioner Carper said if we were to prevent firearm sales under this ordinance
it wouldn’t make any difference in terms of gun ownership to people who live in St.
Louis Park, Minneapolis, Minnesota and the United States. He continued his
response by saying it doesn’t cut off a supply of guns to criminals or anyone else
and if we were to add another gun seller to the city it wouldn’t make a big
difference either due to how well regulated they are.
Commissioner Robertson presented the motion again, to not approve the changes
to the zoning code, and the motion passed on a vote of 4-1-1 (Commissioner Kraft
opposed, Chair Eckholm abstained).
4.Other Business: None
5.Communications:
Mr. Walther reminded commissioners that on Monday, April 8th there would be
a joint study session with City Council to discuss two items on their agenda. One
is the Ground-Floor Commercial Transparency Requirements. The other is the
2019 Work Plan. The Commission’s items should begin around 7:30 p.m. though
the meeting starts at 6:30p.m.
Mr. Walther said there is a study session immediately following the regular
meeting tonight, to discuss multiple zoning map amendments related to the
comprehensive plan land use changes that have been approved by the City
Council. There are about one hundred ten properties in the community that
were re-guided for a different future land use.
6.Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m. and was followed by a study session.
Planning Commission Pg. 7
STUDY SESSION
1.Comprehensive plan related zoning map amendments
Ms. Kramer summarized the comprehensive plan and explained that the re-guiding of
the parcels resulted in about 83 of the properties with a mismatch between the new
land use guidance and the existing zoning.
Ms. Kramer and the Commissioners discussed options on the best strategy to make
affected property owners and neighbors aware of the comprehensive rezoning process.
Staff proposed an open house-style meeting to answer questions form residents and
property owners . Advertising for the open house would be mailed to all properties
within 350 feet of a parcel that is proposed to be rezoned and through the City’s social
media. By hosting this open house, staff hope to gauge interest in the future public
hearing with the Planning Commission.
Commissioners agreed on staff hosting an open house for the public. The meeting is
planned for May and the public hearing would occur sometime in June.
Ms. Kramer reviewed the zoning map and the proposed zoning changes.
Mr. Walther and commissioners discussed a potential transit oriented development
(TOD) zoning district that is needed as a result of the new land use guidance.
Architectural standards, housing density, and inclusionary housing requirements were
included in the discussion. The commission agreed that until a TOD district is
established, staff should rezone parcels guided for TOD to one of the city’s current
zoning district categories, such as mixed use, business park, office, high density
residential or general commercial.
The study session adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Planning Commission Pg. 8
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
APRIL 17, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Joe Tatalovich; Lisa Peilen; Carl Robertson; Alanna Franklin (youth
member); Matt Eckholm; Lynne Carper; Claudia Johnston-
Madison; Jessica Kraft
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Sean Walther; Jennifer Monson; Jacquelyn Kramer
1.Call to Order – Roll Call
2.Approval of Minutes: March 20, 2019 and April 17, 2019
Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner
Carper seconded the motion, and the motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
3.Public Hearings
A.Mixed use zoning ordinance
Applicant: City of St. Louis Park
Case Nos: 19-08-ZA
Jennifer Monson, Planner, presented the staff report. The proposed
amendments are for the mixed use zoning district and explained that several of
the parcels are currently guided for mixed use in the city.
Commissioner Peilen asked for more detail on exactly what a glazed transom is
and why it is encouraged.
Ms. Monson responded that a glazed transom is a window above a door or
window, to add visual interest, daylight to internal spaces and pedestrian activity
to the street.
Commissioner Carper asked for more detail regarding the inclusionary
commercial policy.
Mr. Walther said the Economic Development Coordinator is looking into the
details to effectively administer the ordinance.
Planning Commission Pg. 9
Commissioner Carper asked a question regarding the 20 foot wide pedestrian
connection through parking lots, and asked for other examples in the city.
Ms. Monson said the language is taken from another portion of the code, and a
good example where this was applied would be the renovations to the Shoppes
at Knollwood.
Chair Eckholm sited the sidewalks located at the Highway 7 Target, and the
purpose of them is to provide a safer route through a large parking lot to get to
the store.
Commissioner Robertson commented that he took issue with the reference to
ensuring high quality architecture design. He stated it is not something the
commission can ensure. He suggested using the word ‘promote’ instead.
Commissioner Robertson stated the performance standards should be revised to
clarify that residential uses are allowed, but not required, in a mixed use
building. It could have retail uses on the first floor with offices uses above..
Commissioner Robertson discussed the conditions for private entertainment
uses.
Ms. Monson said private indoor entertainment was prohibited in buildings with
residential uses due to fitness equipment vibration and noise.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison agreed with Commissioner Robertson that the
conditions should be amended to not prohibit all private indoor entertainment
with residential uses.
Commissioner Carper asked for clarifications regarding conditions for hotel and
motel uses.
Ms. Monson said permitted accessory uses are allowed on 25% of the building
frontage and the other 75% have to be non-residential active uses. A quarter of
the ground floor building frontage could be the hotel lobby or entrance. She said
the rooms for a hotel or motel are not allowed to be along the front ground floor
of the building. She said she would clarify the language in the code.
Commissioner Carper asked about the transparency description and how we go
about determining what high transparency and low reflecting is. Starbucks was
given as an example of the window transparency and how difficult it can be to
see in. How are we able to define it so everyone is following the same rule and
go out and define the ordinance.
Planning Commission Pg. 10
Ms. Monson said since the planning commission and city council are still
discussing window transparency throughout the city, we can delete the
definition and all references to transparency in the mixed-use district, and
reference whatever is adopted for the rest of the zoning ordinance.
Chair Eckholm opened the public hearing and then closed the public hearing as
no one was present to speak.
Chair Eckholm asked if the commission had any amendments or motions.
Commissioner Robertson motioned to strike the transparency section until it can
be discussed further, which would also include the definition of transparency.
Commissioner Carper seconded the motion.
Commissioner Kraft asked if the mixed use district will reference the proposed
transparency ordinance still being review by the commission and city council.
Ms. Monson responded that the mixed use district references all other required
portions of the zoning code when rules are not specified in the district.
Commissioners voted and the motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
Commissioner Robertson made a motion to remove conditions 1 and 3under
private indoor entertainment. Commissioner Carper seconded the motion, and
the motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
Commissioner Carper made a motion to remove the discussion on inclusionary
commercial. Commissioner Kraft seconded the motion.
Commissioner Robertson said he believes this to be an important enough
provision to maintain, even if it needs later refinement, and that it would help
start the discussion with developers.
Chair Eckholm agreed with Commissioner Robertson.
Commissioner Carper said after hearing commissioners’ arguments, he agreed
and withdrew his motion, and Commissioner Kraft agreed to withdraw her
second to the motion.
Commissioner Robertson stated that 80% class I materials is too high of a
minimum and asked for thoughts from the other Commissioners.
Planning Commission Pg. 11
Chair Eckholm said he would prefer to remove the material requirements in the
mixed-use district at this time, and instead reference the architectural standards
used elsewhere in the zoning code, because the planning commission will be
working on an ordinance updating material requirements throughout the city.
Commissioner Kraft agreed.
Commissioner Robertson made a motion to strike the requirements for 80%
class I materials. Commissioner Kraft seconded the motion. Commissioner
Carper asked if striking this will create problems later and asked Mr. Walther for
his opinion.
Mr. Walther said it would defer to the existing class materials contained
elsewhere in the zoning code and should not cause any problems.
The motion passed on a 7-0 vote.
Commissioner Robertson made a motion to replace the word ensure with
promote and to delete the second promote in the purpose section regarding
high quality architectural design. Commissioner Johnston-Madison seconded the
motion, and the motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
Commissioner Robertson made a motion to recommend approval of the
ordinance with the changes that have been made. Commissioner Peilen
seconded the motion, and the motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
4.Other Business
Commissioner Carper followed up with Mr. Walther about the student member
of the Commission being able to vote.
Mr. Walther said he followed up with the City’s attorney and the conversation
broadened. The city will be looking at this issue and how it applies to student
members on all the boards and commissions.
Mr. Walther said administration is looking to hire someone on a short-term basis
that will be working on youth specific opportunities throughout the community
and this can be an item they could focus on. Because of this we think it’s best to
hold off on this until the staff person is hired to review this for all commissions.
5.Communications:
Planning Commission Pg. 12
Mr. Walther stated that following there will be a study session on Accessory
Dwelling units.
Mr. Walther said that the next meeting on May 1 will be a Public Hearing for a
temporary amendment for food trucks and mobile uses, with a possible study
session item.
Mr. Walther stated that City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance
amendment to chapter 2 of the ordinance / city code, which is appointing
Planning Commissioners as the members of the Board of Zoning Appeals. The
second reading will be scheduled for May 6 and effective by the end of May.
6.Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
STUDY SESSION
1.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
Staff and commissioners went over the topics and goals for the night which
included; ADU ordinance policy, what the city council wants to see and what the
Planning Commission wants. City Council gave a mandate to look into ADU’s as
referred in the comp plan and one of the goals for city council is to have as many
eligible properties have access to the ADU ordinance.
Ms. Kramer went over the results of the ADU survey that was sent out before
the meeting with the commissioners and discussed as needed as brought up.
And prepare any questions that come up during discussion for staff to look
further into.
The topic of vacation rentals such as Air BnB and VRBO was brought up as
something that will need to be addressed if the push for ADU’s continues
because of the popularity throughout the states.
The study session commenced at 8:00 p.m.
Planning Commission Pg. 13
Planning Commission Pg. 14
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
May 15, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Joe Tatalovich; Carl Robertson; Matt Eckholm; Lynne Carper;
Claudia Johnston-Madison; Jessica Kraft
MEMBERS ABSENT: Lisa Peilen; Alanna Franklin (youth-member)
STAFF PRESENT: Sean Walther, Jennifer Monson, Julie Grove
STUDY SESSION
1.Historic Walker Lake
Zakcq Lockrem, planning consultant with Asakura Robinson, presented the draft
Historic Walker Lake Revitalization Plan, including overall existing conditions,
previous planning work that has already been done, and the community’s desire
to maintain the area’s character and walkability while allowing for more
vibrancy.
Mr. Lockrem reviewed the plan recommendations including public realm
standards; massing, scale, and architectural recommendations for private sites;
parking regulation changes; proposed and prohibited uses; wayfinding and
public art; and placemaking items that could be implemented through a
merchant’s association.
Commissioners discussed the current parking available in the area and potential
ideas for future parking; while encouraging walking and biking to the area or
future use of the light rail.
Commissioner Carper expressed a desire for additional benches throughout the
district to help facilitate walking.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison asked whether the plan also recommends
prohibiting drive-thru traffic. Discussion followed and the commission agreed the
plan should recommend that drive-thru businesses be prohibited.
Mr. Lockrem stated that area businesses are already looking to establish a
merchant’s association for the area, which could take place in the next few
months and would be the first merchant’s association in St. Louis Park. Their
first goal is to focus on marketing to promote events and special deals being
Planning Commission Pg. 15
offered by the stores within the merchant’s association and coordinate sales and
other events such as open streets. Grants are currently being applied for to fund
public art to make the area more vibrant.
2.Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA)
Mr. Walther explained the reason for BOZA, what to expect moving forward in
the future including the number of meetings expected to take place.
The commissioners agreed that the current planning commission chairs should
also chair BOZA, and maintain the 6:00 p.m. start time.
Commissioners requested that a copy of the planning commission bylaws be
emailed as well as the BOZA bylaws to compare the two documents.
Commissioners will also be provided with an updated contact form of the
commissioners address/numbers/emails as soon as they are available.
Mr. Walther reminded everyone to review and read through the by-laws and see
if there are any other changes that should be discuss at a future study session.
Mr. Walther invited commissioners to the State of the Community event that is
scheduled for May 30 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the ROC. There will be a table
setup to provide information about the planning commission.
The study session ended at 7:30 p.m.
Planning Commission Pg. 16
Meeting: Planning Commission
Meeting Date: June 5, 2019
Agenda Item: 3A
3A. Bridgewater Bank Corporate Center – major amendment to Section 36‐268‐PUD 13
Case Number.: 19‐13‐PUD
Recommended
Action:
Chair to open public hearing, accept comments, and close the
hearing.
Motion to recommend approval of the planned unit
development major amendment and ordinance revising City
Code Section 36‐268‐PUD‐13.
Review Deadline: 60 Days: 7/10/2019 120 Days: 9/10/2019
Background: Peter Brodd representing Bridgewater Bank/Bridgewater Bancshares, LLC is
seeking a planned unit development major amendment for the property located at 4400
Excelsior Blvd.
The applicant requests these changes to increase the size of an allowed restaurant from 4,000
square feet to 5,500 square feet on the ground floor of the new Bridgewater Bank Corporate
Center. No alterations to the building footprint are proposed. The revisions also result in minor
changes to the first floor plan and three larger windows on the first floor east wall of the
building.
Traffic and parking studies have been updated to reflect the final building design and the
proposed 5,500 square feet of restaurant. Due to overall building refinements, the studies show
less parking demand and less traffic generated than projected in the original approvals, even
with the larger restaurant space. The original traffic study was done using gross square footage
of the building (outside wall to outside wall) and not refined plans. The updated studies utilize
net square footage (inside wall to inside wall), which was advised per SRF Consulting, and the
actual floor area that is being constructed as per the building plans.
In addition, Bridgewater Bank revised their travel demand management plan to include valet
parking in the lower level secure parking area during evening and weekend hours if parking
demand is high.
Public Input: A neighborhood meeting was not warranted for this request as the updated traffic
and parking study showed a reduction in overall traffic impact and parking demand compared
to what was originally approved by city council. Staff have not yet received any phone calls or
written comments regarding the application in response to the public hearing notices. Public
comments will be accepted during the public hearing.
Planning Commission Pg. 17
Meeting of June 5, 2019
Agenda Item No. 3A – Bridgewater Bank Corporate Center – Major Amendment to Section 36‐268‐PUD‐13
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the amendment to Section 36‐268‐PUD 13 to
accommodate the proposed amendments. All the other original conditions of approval will
remain effective.
Attachments:
Draft ordinance
Interior floor plans: approved and proposed
Updated traffic and parking study (SRF Consulting)
Prepared by: Jennifer Monson, Planner
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Planning Commission Pg. 18
Meeting of June 5, 2019
Agenda Item No. 3A – Bridgewater Bank Corporate Center – Major Amendment to Section 36‐268‐PUD‐13
Ordinance No. ___‐19
Ordinance amending Section 36‐268‐PUD 13
The City of St. Louis Park does ordain:
Section 1. The St. Louis Park Ordinance Code, Section 36‐268‐PUD 13 is hereby amended
by deleting strikethrough text. Section breaks are represented by ***.
Section 36-268-PUD 13.
*******
(c) Permitted with Conditions
(3)Restaurants with or without intoxicating liquor license. The conditions are as
follows:
a.A maximum of 4,000 5,500 gross square feet shall be used for restaurants.
This use shall be permitted as part of a larger development which contains at
least one other principal use or as part of a PUD.
b.A Travel Demand Management Plan shall be implemented and shall provide
ongoing mitigation while a restaurant use is present.
c.These uses shall not result in any exterior building modifications, including
truck docks or freestanding signage, overnight truck parking or similar
features.
d.If there is a wine, beer, and/or intoxicating liquor license, the Restaurant
uses shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from any parcel that is zoned
residential and used or subdivided for residential or has an occupied
institutional building including but not limited to a school, religious
institution or community center.
e.In vehicle sales is prohibited.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect (August 9, 2019)
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council (July 15, 2019)
First Reading June 17, 2019
Second Reading July 15, 2019
Date of Publication July 25, 2019
Date Ordinance takes effect August 9, 2019
Planning Commission Pg. 19
Meeting of June 5, 2019
Agenda Item No. 3A – Bridgewater Bank Corporate Center – Major Amendment to Section 36‐268‐PUD‐13
Thomas K. Harmening, City Manager Jake Spano, Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form and execution:
Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Soren Mattick, City Attorney
Planning Commission Pg. 20
Meeting of June 5, 2019
Agenda Item No. 3A – Bridgewater Bank Corporate Center – Major Amendment to Section 36‐268‐PUD‐13
Approved Plans
Planning Commission Pg. 21
Meeting of June 5, 2019
Agenda Item No. 3A – Bridgewater Bank Corporate Center – Major Amendment to Section 36‐268‐PUD‐13
Proposed Plans
5,500 square feet
Planning Commission Pg. 22
Memorandum
ONE CARLSON PARKWAY, SUITE 150 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55447 | 763.475.0010 | WWW.SRFCONSULTING.COM
SRF No. 12793.00
To: Jennifer Monson, AICP
City of St. Louis Park
From: Matt Pacyna, PE, Principal
Brent Clark, EIT, Engineer
Date: May 16, 2019
Subject: Bridgewater Traffic and Parking Study Addendum
Introduction
SRF has completed an addendum for the traffic and parking studies related to the Bridgewater Site
development in the City of St. Louis Park. The land use assumptions of the proposed development
have changed since completion of the 4400 Excelsior Boulevard Traffic Study and the Bridgewater Parking
Study, dated February and April of 2018, respectively (hereon referred to as the 2018 Traffic Study and
2018 Parking Study). Therefore, the main objectives of this addendum are to determine how the
proposed land use has changed, compare trip generation and parking estimates and assumptions, and
determine if previous study analysis/recommendations are still valid or if additional mitigation is
necessary. The following information provides the assumptions, analysis, and recommendations
offered for consideration.
Land Use Assumptions
Since completion of the 2018 Traffic Study and the 2018 Parking Study, the proposed land use
assumptions of the Bridgewater development have been refined. The 2018 Parking Study included two
land use scenarios, a retail scenario and a restaurant scenario. Since the refined land use assumptions
include a restaurant, the previous restaurant scenario will be the base scenario compared in this
addendum. The updated land use assumptions, shown in Table 1, indicate that all land uses other than
the restaurant have been reduced. The restaurant square footage has increased approximately 1,500
square feet and has been refined from a high-turnover sit-down restaurant to a fine-dining restaurant.
The fine-dining restaurant plans to provide valet parking, a strategy suggested in the 2018 Parking
Study, to utilize the level-P2 parking during weekends and evenings, when office parking demand is
low. Previous on-site parking and access assumptions are expected to remain unchanged.
Table 1. Proposed Development Size Comparison
Type of Use 2018 Traffic Study 2018 Parking Study (1) Current
Office 63,129 SF 54,993 SF 53,114 SF
Retail – Shopping Center 4,030 SF 4,000 SF 1,763 SF
Retail – Restaurant 3,500 SF 3,256 SF 5,500 SF (2)
Bank 7,152 SF 7,048 SF 6,747 SF
(1) Restaurant Scenario
(2) Modified from a high-turnover sit-down restaurant to a fine dining restaurant
Planning Commission Pg. 23
Jennifer Monson May 16, 2019
City of St. Louis Park Bridgewater Traffic and Parking Study Addendum
Trip Generation Review
To better understand potential traffic impacts associated with the current development proposal, trip
generation estimates for the weekday a.m. and p.m. peak hours and on a daily basis were calculated
using the ITE Trip Generation Manual, 10th Edition, the most current ITE trip generation edition.
Previously, the 2018 Traffic Study utilized the 9th Edition; the current version at the time of the study.
The updated trip generation estimates for the current proposal are shown in Table 2 and a comparison
with the 2018 Traffic Study trip generation estimates are shown in Table 3. It should be noted that to
be consistent with the 2018 Traffic Study, a 10 percent modal reduction, a 15 percent multi-use
reduction, and pass-by reductions were assumed. The comparison indicates that the current
development proposal will generate 46 and 28 fewer peak hour trips during the a.m. and p.m. peak
hours, respectively, and 265 fewer daily trips. Since the proposed development is equal to or less than
the previous land use for each respective time period, no significant change in overall traffic operations
are expected.
Table 2. Trip Generation Estimate
Land Use
Type ITE Code Size
A.M. Peak
Hour Trips
P.M. Peak
Hour Trips Daily
Trips
In Out In Out
Current Development Proposal
Office 710 – General Office 53,114 Square Feet 53 9 10 51 517
Retail 820 – Shopping Center 1,763 Square Feet
Square Feet
1 1 3 3 67
931 – Restaurant (1)(2) 5,500 Square Feet 0 0 29 14 461
Bank 911 – Walk-In Bank 6,747 Square Feet 20 20 36 46 497
Subtotal 74 30 78 114 1,542
Modal Reduction (10%) (-7) (-3) (-8) (-11) (-154)
Multi-Use Reduction (15%) (-11) (-4) (-12) (-17) (-231)
Total Site Trips 56 23 58 86 1,157
Pass-By Trip Reduction (Retail and Bank Only) (-5) (-5) (-19) (-19) (-212)
Current Proposal Net New System Trips 51 18 39 67 945
(1) Modified from a high-turnover sit-down restaurant (ITE Code 932) to a fine-dining restaurant (ITE Code 931)
(2) Fine-dining restaurant assumed to be closed during the a.m. peak hour.
Table 3. Trip Generation Comparison
Net New System Trips
A.M. Peak
Hour Trips
P.M. Peak
Hour Trips Daily
Trips
In Out In Out
Current Proposal 51 18 39 67 945
Previous 2018 Traffic Study 88 27 45 89 1,210
Total Change in Trips from Previous 2018 Traffic Study (-37) (-9) (-6) (-22) (-265)
Planning Commission Pg. 24
Jennifer Monson May 16, 2019
City of St. Louis Park Bridgewater Traffic and Parking Study Addendum
City Parking Requirements
A review of the City parking requirements was conducted to determine the updated minimum required
spaces based on the City zoning ordinance. A total of 15 spaces of the parking supply are assumed to
be reserved for the existing Bridgewater Bank per a shared parking agreement, which is consistent
with the 2018 Parking Study. The minimum required spaces based on the City code for the current
proposal were compared to the 2018 Parking Study and are shown in Table 4. As shown in Table 4,
the minimum required spaces for the current development proposal is 302 spaces, which is a deficit
of 20 spaces.
Table 4. City Parking Requirements
Land Use Square Feet Parking Code Spaces
Required
Transit
Discount
Total
Required by
City Code
2018 Parking Study – Restaurant Scenario
Existing Commercial
Building
4,123 1 per 250 sf 16.49 10% (1.649) 15
New Retail Bank 7,048 1 per 250 sf 28.19 10% (2.81) 25
New Restaurant 4,000 1 per 60 sf 66.66 10% (6.66) 60
New Retail 3,256 1 per 250 sf 13.02 10% (1.3) 12
New Office 54,993 1 per 275 sf 199.97 10% (19.97) 180
2018 Parking Study Total Spaces Required 292
Total Spaces Provided 282
Surplus/(Deficit) (-10)
Current Development Proposal
Existing Commercial
Building
4,123 1 per 250 sf 16.49 10% (1.649) 15
New Retail Bank 6,747 1 per 250 sf 26.99 10% (2.67) 24
New Restaurant 5,500 1 per 60 sf 91.67 10% (9.17) 83
New Retail 1,763 1 per 250 sf 7.05 10% (0.705) 6
New Office 53,144 1 per 275 sf 193.25 10% (19.325) 174
Current Development Total Spaces Required 302
Total Spaces Provided 282
Surplus/(Deficit) (-20)
Planning Commission Pg. 25
Jennifer Monson May 16, 2019
City of St. Louis Park Bridgewater Traffic and Parking Study Addendum
Parking Demand Analysis
Peak projected parking demand estimates for the proposed land uses were calculated using the Institute
of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Parking Manual, 5th Edition, the most current ITE parking manual. Note
that since completion of the 2018 Parking Study, the ITE released an updated version of the parking
manual (i.e. the 5th Edition), which is used in this addendum. The peak parking demand estimates for
the current proposal were compared to the 2018 Parking Study estimates and are shown in Table 5. It
should be noted that to be consistent with the 2018 Parking Study, 10 percent modal and 5 percent
multi-use reductions were assumed, and the proposed bank was generated using the general office
parking rate.
Results of the peak parking demand estimates indicate that the current proposal parking demand is
estimated to be 260 spaces, which includes 15 shared parking spaces for the Bridgewater Bank. The
peak parking demand would be four (4) spaces fewer than the estimates from the 2018 Parking Study
and have a surplus of 22 spaces. Therefore, parking supply for the current proposal is expected to be
adequate.
Table 5. Parking Demand Estimate – Proposed Development (Peak Demand of Each Land Use)
Land Use Type ITE Code Size 85th Percentile
Rate Demand
(Spaces)2018 Parking Study - Restaurant Scenario
Office 710 – General Office 54,993 Square Feet 3.45 190
Retail
932 – Restaurant 4,000 Square Feet 17.4 70
820 – Shopping Center 3,256 Square Feet 3.16 10
Bank 911 – Walk-In Bank 7,048 Square Feet 3.45 24
Subtotal 294
Modal Reduction (10%) -29
Multi-Use Reduction (5%) -16
Bridgewater Bank Shared Parking Agreement +15
Total Parking Demand 264
Current Development Proposal
Office 710 – General Office 53,114 Square Feet 3.30 175
Retail 931 – Restaurant (1) 5,500 Square Feet 15.35 84
820 – Shopping Center 1,763 Square Feet 3.68 7
Bank 911 – Walk-In Bank 6,747 Square Feet 3.30 22
Subtotal 288
Modal Reduction (10%) -29
Multi-Use Reduction (5%) -14
Bridgewater Bank Shared Parking Agreement +15
Total Parking Demand 260
(1) Modified from a high-turnover sit-down restaurant to a fine-dining restaurant
Planning Commission Pg. 26
Jennifer Monson May 16, 2019
City of St. Louis Park Bridgewater Traffic and Parking Study Addendum
The parking analysis shown in Table 5 assumes that peak parking for all land uses occurs at the same
time, which is not necessarily the case for this site. Therefore, to help determine the parking demand
throughout the day for the proposed development, hourly parking demand estimates were developed
for the proposed land uses. The resultant time of day information for the current proposal, illustrated
in Figure 1, indicates that the peak parking demand is expected to occur between 12:00 p.m. and
2:00 p.m. At this time, the parking demand is expected to be 237 spaces, which includes the 15 shared
parking spaces for the existing Bridgewater Bank. Therefore, based on the proposed parking supply
of 282 spaces, the proposed development parking demand is expected to have a surplus of 45 spaces
during peak conditions.
Figure 1. Bridgewater Site Hourly Parking Demand
Summary and Recommendations
Results of the traffic and parking analysis addendum for the Bridgewater Site indicate that no
significant traffic operations changes are expected, and the proposed parking supply is expected to be
adequate with the refined land use. However, if parking issues do arise, Bridgewater Bank has
developed a TDMP that outlines strategies that the development plans to implement to reduce single-
occupancy vehicle trips (i.e. reduces on-site parking demand).
H:\Projects\12000\12793\TraffStudy\Reports\Report\12793_BridgewaterParkingTrafficStudyAddendum_190516.docx
0
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
200
225
250
275
300
6:00
AM
7:00
AM
8:00
AM
9:00
AM
10:00
AM
11:00
AM
12:00
PM
1:00
PM
2:00
PM
3:00
PM
4:00
PM
5:00
PM
6:00
PM
7:00
PM
8:00
PM
9:00
PM
10:00
PM
11:00
PM
85th Percentile Parking Rate
Office Employees Office Visitors Retail Employees
Retail Customers Bank Employees Bank Customers
Shared Parking Agreement Restaurant Employees Restaurant Customers
Parking
Supply (282)
Planning Commission Pg. 27
Planning Commission Pg. 28
Meeting: Planning Commission
Meeting Date: June 5, 2019
Agenda Item: 3B
3B. Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Mobile Use
Case No.: 18‐65‐ZA
Recommended
Action:
Chair to open public hearing, take public testimony, and close the
public hearing.
Motion to recommend approval of the zoning ordinance
amendment pertaining to mobile uses on residential properties.
REQUEST: Staff proposes an amendment to section 36‐142(g)(5) and section 36‐82(b)(10) of the
zoning ordinance to allow mobile uses on any property zoned residential, and occupied by a use
other than single or two‐family dwellings.
BACKGROUND: The city received a request to allow a mobile grocery store (pictured below) at
the Hamilton House property, which is a multiple‐family dwelling.
Planning Commission Pg. 29
Meeting of June 5, 2019
Agenda Item No. 3B – Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Mobile Uses
ZONING AMENDMENT: The mobile grocery store is currently not allowed at the proposed
location because mobile uses are not allowed at residential locations. Currently, mobile uses
are prohibited in areas zoned and used for residential purposes. The proposed zoning change, if
approved, would allow mobile uses at any property zoned residential and not occupied by a
single or two‐family dwelling.
The amendment would also allow any type of mobile use that involves food, such as a food
truck or grocery store.
The benefit of the changes is that it allows temporary services, food and activities to multiple‐
family residential locations for community building activities and to meet the needs of the
surrounding residents.
Recommendation: Staff recommend approval of the attached zoning ordinance allowing
mobile uses at residential properties not occupied by single or two‐family dwellings.
Attachment: Draft zoning ordinance
Prepared by: Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, Planning & Zoning Supervisor
Planning Commission Pg. 30
BYLAWS OF THE ST. LOUIS PARK
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Article I — The Board
1.1 Name of Board. The name shall be, THE BOARD OF ZONING
APPEALS, ("Board" or "BOZA").
1.2 Powers. The powers of the Board shall be vested in the Board members
(“Members” or “Commissioners”).
Article II — Officers
2.1 Officers. The officers of the Board shall be Chair and Vice Chair.
2.2 Chair. The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Board. The Chair
shall have the same voting rights as any other Member and may take an
active role in the debate of all matters, except where such matters involve
the Chair.
2.3 Vice Chair. The Vice Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair in the
absence, incapacity, or resignation of the Chair, who shall serve until the
Board elects a new Chair. In the event that the Board elects the Vice Chair
to serve as Chair, the Board shall then elect a Member to fill the Vice
Chair vacancy.
2.4 Absence. In the absence of the Chair, and Vice Chair, meetings shall be
conducted by the most senior Member present in terms of service.
2.5 Staff Liaison. A Staff Liaison (“Liaison”) to the Board shall be
appointed by the City Manager and shall be subject to the Administrative
Rules and Regulations of the City. The Liaison may facilitate or assist in
the meetings and shall be responsible for recording attendance of Board
members. The Liaison is responsible for keeping the City Manager
informed regarding the business of the Board and shall communicate to the
City Manager any problems or issues that may arise. The Liaison shall
also be responsible for assisting the Board in considering their financial
needs and, if deemed necessary by the Board, shall request appropriate
funding from the City Council through the annual budget process.
2.6 Delegation of Duties. Officers may delegate their respective duties
imposed under these Bylaws to other personnel as the Board may from
time to time deem appropriate.
Planning Commission Pg. 31
Article III — Election of Officers
3.1 Election of Officers. The Chair and Vice Chair shall be automatically be
appointed to the persons actively serving as the Chair and Vice Chair of
the Planning Commission. elected from the Board by its Members at the
regular meeting in December of each year, or as shortly thereafter as
possible. Nomination of officers shall be made from the floor at the annual
organizational meeting, and the elections shall follow immediately
thereafter.
3.2 Terms of Office. The Chair and Vice Chair shall take office
immediately following their election. Terms of office shall be for one (1)
year and shall run from January 1st through December 31st of each year,
or until a duly elected successor takes office. Persons holding the position
of the Chair and Vice-Chair cannot be reelected to the same position until
the election next following the election marking the end of their current
term.
3.3 Vacancies. Should the office of Chair or Vice-Chair become vacant, the
Board shall elect a successor from its membership at the next regular
meeting, and such election shall be for the unexpired term of said office.
Article IV — Meetings
4.1 Meetings. All meetings of the Board shall be conducted in accordance
with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. The proceedings of the meetings
shall be conducted using the then current edition as may have been revised
of the Sturgis Code of Parliamentary Procedure.
4.2 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Board shall be the regular
meeting in December at which time elections will be held and the schedule
of regular meetings for the following year will be considered.
4.3 Regular Meetings. The Board shall hold regular meetings on the first
and third Wednesday of each month at 6pm. The Board may, by a
majority vote, change the regular meeting dates for any reason provided
proper public notice of the changed meeting is provided to the public. All
regular meetings are held on the fourth (4) Thursday of every month at
6:00 p.m. All regular meetings of the Board shall be held in the City Hall
of the City or other public building as noticed.
Planning Commission Pg. 32
4.34 Holidays. The Board shall hold regular meetings as set forth in Section
4.23. Provided however, that when the day fixed for any regular meeting
of the Commission falls upon any of the council approved holidays.
following holidays: Ash Wednesday, Hanukkah, Christmas, Veterans
Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, President’s Day, Martin
Luther King Jr. Day, New Year's Day, Passover (first two nights), Rosh
Hashanah, and Yom Kippur, such meeting shall be held at the same hour
on the next succeeding Tuesday not a holiday. (For Hanukkah, Christmas,
Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the holiday includes the
evening before the holiday.) All regular meetings of the Board shall be
held in the City Hall of the City or other public building as noticed.
4.45 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the
Chair or two (2) Board members, or by the City Council, for the purpose of
transacting any business designated in the call. The call for special
meeting shall be delivered in compliance with state law. The Liaison must
deliver to the Board at least three (3) days prior to the meeting a notice of
the date, time, place and purpose of the special meeting. If however, all
Board members attend and participate in the meeting at which the special
meeting was called these notice requirements are not necessary. The
presence of a Board member at the meeting at which the special meeting
was called shall constitute a waiver of any formal notice unless the Board
member appeared for the special purpose of objecting to the holding of the
special meeting. Notice of the date, time, place and purpose of a special
meeting must also be posted by the Liaison on the principal bulletin board
at the city hall at least three (3) days prior to the date of the meeting.
4.56 Emergency Meetings. An emergency meeting may be called by the
Chair due to circumstances which require immediate consideration. The
Liaison shall notify Board members by any means available. A good faith
effort shall be made to provide notice of the meeting to any news medium
that has filed a written request for notice of meetings. The notice shall
include the purpose of the meeting.
4.67 Quorum. The presence of a majority of all currently appointed
Members of the Board eligible to vote on matters before the Board shall
constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business, exercising its
powers and for all other purposes. In the event a quorum is not present, a
smaller number of Members may meet informally to discuss the business
of the Board and make informal recommendations, but, the only formal
action that shall be taken is to adjourn the meeting.
4.78 Voting. Voting shall be by voice or hand and must be recorded. Voting
by proxy is not permitted.
Planning Commission Pg. 33
Article V — Hearings
5.1 Authority to Conduct Hearings. In addition to those required by law,
the Board may at its discretion hold public hearings when it declares such
hearings will be in the public interest.
5.2 Publication of Notice. In the event of a public hearing, notice of such
hearing shall be published in the official newspaper of the municipality not
less than ten days before.
5.3 Meeting Notice. Notice to the applicant or directly affected parties, by
mail, shall be given not less than five days prior to the date of the hearing.
5.4 Presenting the Case. The case before the Board shall be presented in
summary by the appropriate City Staff person or a designated Member of
the Board and parties in interest shall have privilege of the floor thereafter.
5.5 Postpone/Continue Hearing. The Board may postpone any case or
continue any case for further study and information until the next regular
meeting or until a special meeting designated for this purpose.
Article VI — -Agenda and Records of Proceedings
6.1 Agenda Preparation. The agenda for regular and special meetings of
the Board shall be prepared by the Liaison. Items to be placed on the
agenda may be proposed by the Chair, a Board member, the Liaison or at
the request of the City Council. Residents, businesses, or other interested
parties may contact individual board members or the Liaison to request
that an item be placed on the agenda for consideration. All agenda topics
presented by the City Council will be placed on an appropriate agenda;
requests from other parties will be placed on an appropriate future agenda
at the discretion of the Board.
6.2 Order of Business. The order of business shall be as follows:
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Consent Agenda
4. Public Hearing
5. Old Business
6. New Business
7. Communications
8. Miscellaneous
9. Adjournment
6.3 ModifyingApproval of the Agenda. Unless objection is made by
motion of the Board, the Presiding Officer may modify the foregoing order
Planning Commission Pg. 34
of business in order to accommodate citizens present or to expedite the
business of the Board. The agenda shall be approved at each meeting prior
to discussion of any item on the agenda. At the time of agenda approval,
items may be removed and the order of business may be modified by a
majority vote of members present at the meeting. Prior to adjournment,
members present may communicate items recommended for inclusion on
future agendas.
6.4 Addressing the Board. Each person addressing the Board shall, if
requested by the Presiding Officer, step up in front of the podium provided
for such purpose, shall give his/her name and address in an audible tone
for the records, and unless further time is granted by the Presiding Officer,
shall limit his remarks to five minutes. At the discretion of the Presiding
Officer, those addressing the Board may be allowed to position themselves
in other areas of the room. All remarks should be addressed to the Board
as a body and not to any member thereof. No person, other than the Board
and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into any
discussion, either director or through a member of the Board, without the
permission of the Presiding Officer. No question shall be asked of a Board
member except through the Presiding Officer.
6.5 Record of Proceedings. All minutes and resolutions shall be in writing
and shall be copied in the journal of the proceedings of the Board.
Records shall be kept in accordance with Minnesota Statutes and Rules
regarding preservation of public records and the Minnesota Data Privacy
Act.
Article VII — Attendance and Performance of Duties
7.1 Attendance. Regular attendance at meetings is a requirement for
continued membership. Members are expected to attend regular and
special Board meetings and assigned committee meetings. Planned
absences communicated to the Board Chair, Vice Chair and/or Liaison in
advance of the meeting will be deemed excused. Any other absence will
be deemed unexcused. The Board will approve and record the approval of
all excused and unexcused absences.
7.2 Reporting. Council will be informed if a Member receives three
unexcused absences in any calendar year. Members may be removed with
or without cause by City Council.
7.3 Performance of Duties. Members are expected to adequately prepare
for meetings. Members unable to complete an assigned task should notify
the Board Chair as soon as possible. The Board may ask the Council to
review a Member's appointment based upon its assessment of significant
non-performance of duties.
Planning Commission Pg. 35
7.4 Resignation. When a Member resigns, the Liaison shall contact the
Administrative Services Department and forward a copy of any
correspondence that may have been received. Administrative Services will
then initiate recruitment to fill the vacant position. A Member may
continue to serve beyond their expiration date until a successor is
appointed.
Article VIII — Board Activities
8.1 City Council Annual Report. The Board will submit an annual report to
the City Council summarizing the activities for the past year. The report
may highlight issues of concern and other information the Board feels
appropriate to convey to the City Council.
8.1a The Liaison will prepare the report for approval by the Board.
Members may submit signed addenda presenting alternative
conclusions or perspectives.
8.1b The report shall be submitted by February 1 or as soon thereafter as
possible.
Article IX — Bylaws and Rules
9.1 Amendments. These Bylaws may be amended at any regular or special
meeting by a majority vote of the quorum or Members present after
notices, in writing, containing the form of the section as it will appear if
amended as proposed, shall have been given at least five (5) days prior to
the meeting at which such vote will be taken. Such Bylaws and any
amendments shall be deemed to be approved by the City Council unless
the City Council takes action to modify such Bylaws or amendments
within 30 days after submission. Amendments to these procedures can
only be considered at a regular meeting.
9.2 City Council’s Rules and Procedures for Boards and Commissions.
These Bylaws are subject to the City Council’s then current Rules and
Procedures for Boards and Commissions and the then current Chapter 2,
Administration, the St. Louis Park City Code.
Planning Commission Pg. 36
Planning Commission Pg. 37
Planning Commission Adopted August 6, 1969
City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota Revised June 19, 1989
Revised November 18, 1992
Revised February 21, 2001
Revised May 18, 2005
Revised January 3, 2007
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION BY-LAWS
Article I -– The Commission
Section 1. The name of the Commission shall be the “Planning Commission”.
Section 2. The planning commission shall have the following powers and duties to:
(1) Prepare a comprehensive plan for the future development of the city to be
submitted to the city council for implementation and to maintain such plan
and recommend its amendment to the city council as may become necessary.
(2) Initiate, direct and review, from time to time, a study of the provisions of the
zoning chapter and the subdivision regulations and to report to the city council
its advice and recommendations accordingly.
(3) Study applications and proposals for amendments to the zoning chapter and
applications for special permits and to advise the city council of its
recommendations.
(4) Study preliminary and final plats and to advise the city council of its
recommendations.
(5) Submit to the city council by April 1 of each year an annual report of the
activities of the commission during the previous year.
(6) Submit an annual work plan to the city council that details activities and
projected timelines for the calendar year. The Community Development
Department will develop the work plan for approval by the commission.
(7)Act in an advisory capacity to the city council in all matters wherein powers
are assigned to the city council by state law or city Charter concerning land
use, comprehensive planning, zoning, platting, changes in streets and other
matters of a general planning nature.
Article II - Officers and Their Duties
Section 1. At its first meeting following the annual appointment of commissioners,of
each calendar year, the Commission shall elect from its membership a Chair and a Vice-chair.
The Chair position shall rotate annually. The staff liaison shall be the Secretary of the
Commission.
Section 2. The Chair and Vice-chair shall take office immediately following their
election and shall hold office for a term of one year and until their successors are elected and
assume office.
Section 3. The Chair shall preside at all meetings, appoint committees, and perform such
other duties as may be ordered by the Commission
Planning Commission Pg. 38
Section 4. The Vice-chair shall act in the capacity of the Chair in the absence of the
Chair. In the event the office of the Chair becomes vacant, the Vice-chair shall become Chair,
and the Commission shall elect a successor to the office of Vice-chair for the unexpired term.
Section 5. A staff liaison to the Planning Commission shall be designated by the cit y
manager and shall be subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the city. The staff
liaison may facilitate or assist in the meetings and shall be responsible for recording attendance
of commission members. The staff liaison is responsible for keeping the city manager informed
regarding the business of the commission and shall communicate to the city manager any
problems or issues that may arise. The staff liaison shall also be responsible for assisting the
commission in considering their financial needs and, if deemed necessary by the commission,
shall request appropriate funding from the city council through the annual budget process.
Article III-Election of Officers
Section 1. Nomination of officers shall be made by the members of the Commission
present at the annual organization meeting and the elections shall follow immediately thereafter.
Section 2. A candidate receiving the vote of a majority of the entire membership of the
Commission shall be declared elected.
Section 3. Vacancies in offices shall be filled by regular election procedures for the
unexpired term.
Article IV -Meetings
Section 1. All regular and special meetings, records, and accounts shall be open to the
public and conducted in accordance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law.
Section 2. The annual organization meeting of the commission shall be the first regular
meeting of the year at which time elections will be held and the schedule for the following year’s
regular meeting schedule will be considered.
Section 3. The Commission shall hold regular meetings on the first and third Wednesday
of each month at 6:00 p.m. or immediately following the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting
when held, provided however, that when the day fixed for any regular meeting of the
Commission falls upon any of the following holidays: Ash Wednesday, Chanukah, Christmas,
Veterans Day, Independence Day, New Year's Day, Passover (first two nights), Rosh Hashanah,
and Yom Kippur, such meeting shall be held at the same hour on the next succeeding
Wednesday not a holiday. (For Chanukah, Christmas, Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom
Kippur, the holiday includes the evening before the holiday.) All regular meetings of the
Commission shall be held in the City Hall of the City or other public building as noticed. The
commission may, by a majority vote, change the regular meeting dates for any reason provided
proper public notice of the changed meeting is provided to the public.
Section 4. The Chair or any two members of the Commission may call a special meeting
of the Commission after having given notice not less than three days in advance of such meeting
to each member of the Commission. Such notice shall provide the date, time, place and purpose
of meeting and be delivered personally to each member or be left at the member's usual place of
residence with a person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein, or written notice
thereof shall be left in a conspicuous place at the residence if no such person be found there. If
however, all commissioners attend and participate in the meeting, these notice requirements are
not necessary. The presence of any commissioner at a special meeting shall constitute a waiver
of any formal notice unless the commissioner appears for the special purpose of objecting to the
holding of such meeting. Notice of the date, time, place and purpose of a special meeting must
Planning Commission Pg. 39
also be posted by the secretary on the principal bulletin board of the city at least three days prior
to the date of the meeting.
Section 5. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the members eligible to vote on
matters before the Commission. Without a quorum, the meeting cannot be opened, and Planning
Commission business or voting cannot be conducted. Passage of any matter before the
Commission shall require the presence of a quorum and the affirmative vote of a majority of the
quorum.
Section 6. Voting on regular motions shall be by voice and will be recorded by yeas and
nays unless a roll call is requested by a member of the Commission.
Section 7. In all points not covered by these rules, the Commission shall be governed on
its procedure by Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure.
Section 8. All meeting minutes, records and accounts shall be in writing kept in
accordance with MN Statute and Rules regarding preservation of public records and the MN
Data Privacy Act.
Section 9. No member of the Commission shall discuss or vote on any question in which
the member has a direct or indirect financial interest.
Section 10. Commissioners should only communicate on issues pending or before the
Commission during scheduled Commission meetings. If a Commissioner wishes to transmit
information regarding the business of the Commission, the Commissioner should present it to the
Staff liaison or other Community Development Department staff for distribution to the
Commissioners.
Section 11. Any Commissioner that is unable to attend a scheduled meeting of the
Commission may submit written comments pertaining to an item on the agenda to the
Community Development Director or the Secretary of the Commission for distribution to the
Commissioners prior to the meeting or at the meeting and may request that such comments be
attached as an addendum to the minutes of the meeting.
Article V - Order of Business
Section 1. The order of business shall be as follows:
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Hearings
4. Unfinished Business
5. New Business
a. Consent Items
b. Other New Business
6. Communications
7. Miscellaneous
8. Adjournment
Planning Commission Pg. 40
Section 2. Unless objection is made by motion of the Commission, the Presiding Officer
may modify the foregoing order of business in order to accommodate citizens present or to
expedite the business of the Commission.
Section 3. Unless a reading of the Commission meeting minutes is requested by a
member of the Commission, such minutes may be approved without reading if the secretary has
previously furnished each member with a copy thereof.
Section 4. Unless there is objection from the Commission, Staff or anyone in attendance
at the meeting, Consent Items may be acted upon without discussion.
Section 5. The case before the Commission shall be presented in summary by Planning
staff or a designated member of the Commission and parties in interest shall have privilege of the
floor thereafter. In those instances where the matter is considered non-controversial and does not
warrant a summary, the Presiding Officer may entertain a motion without presentation of the
summary, unless an objection is expressed by anyone present.
Section 6. The Commission may postpone any case or continue any case for further study
and information until the next regular meeting unless otherwise designated.
Section 7. Any person desiring to address the Commission shall first secure the
permission of the Presiding Officer to do so.
Section 8. Each person addressing the Commission, shall, if requested by the Presiding
Officer, step up in front of the rail, shall give his/her name and address in an audible tone for the
records, and unless further time is granted by the Presiding Officer, shall limit his/her remarks to
five minutes. All remarks should be addressed to the Commission as a body and not to any
member thereof. No person, other than the Commission and the person having the floor, shall be
permitted to enter into any discussion, either directly or through a member of the Commission,
without the permission of the Presiding Officer. No question shall be asked a Commission
member except through the Presiding Officer .
Section 9. No person, except City Officials and their representatives, shall be permitted
on the elevated portions of the Council Chambers without the express consent of the
Commission.
Article VI - Hearings
Section 1. In addition to those required by law, the Commission may, at its discretion, hold public hearings when it declares such hearings will be in the public interest.
Section 2. In the event of a public hearing, notice of such hearing shall be published in
the official newspaper of the municipality not less than ten days before the time of the hearing.
Article VII - Attendance and Performance of Duties
Section 1. Regular attendance at meetings is a requirement for continued membership.
Commission members are expected to attend regular and special commission meetings and
assigned committee meetings. Planned absences communicated to the commission chair or
committee task force chair in advance of the meeting will be deemed excused. Any other
absence will be deemed unexcused. The commission will approve and record the approval of all
excused and unexcused absences.
Planning Commission Pg. 41
Section 2. Council will be informed if a member receives three unexcused absences in
any calendar year, if a member attends scheduled meetings irregularly or if a member is
frequently absent from scheduled meetings.
Section 3. Commissioners are expected to adequately prepare for meetings. Commissioners unable to complete an assigned task should notify the commission chair or task force chair as soon as possible. The commission may ask the Council to review a member's appointment based upon its assessment of significant non-performance of duties.
Article VIII - By-laws and Rules
Section 1. These by-laws are subject to the City Council’s Rules and Procedures for
Boards and Commissions, amended by Resolution 06-148 on September 18, 2006 and Chapter 2,
Administration, the St. Louis Park City Code.
Section 2. Written notice of proposed changes to the Planning Commission by-laws
shall be provided to Commissioners thirty days prior to formal action by the Commission. These
rules may be amended at any regular or special meeting by an affirmative vote of a majority of
the entire membership. The City Council has thirty days to take action to modify the by-laws or
amendments approved by the Commission.
Planning Commission Pg. 42