HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022/10/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Study Session Planning commission
October 19, 2022
6:04 p.m.
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call Sean Walther or the administration
department at 952.924.2525.
Planning commission
Study session
Members present: Mia Divecha, Matt Eckholm, Jessica Kraft, Michael Salzer, Tom Weber,
Jan Youngquist
Members absent: Chair Beneke
Staff present: Laura Chamberlain, Senior Planner; Sean Walther, Planning Manager
Guests: Jeff Miller, HKGi
Mr. Walther noted a few communications items:
• A new commissioner will be appointed in November and begin in December.
• The next planning commission meetings are scheduled for November 2 and November
16.
• The city council has reorganized their study sessions into systems conversations to cover
topics. A development neighborhood conversation will be forthcoming soon.
1. Update on zoning code audit
Mr. Miller presented the report.
Commissioner Salzer asked how the row houses off Hwy. 100 are classified. Mr. Walther
stated those are cluster homes and the definition is in the code but it was eliminated
from some districts. They are under the multi-family code as they are more than two
units.
Commissioner Weber asked if neighborhoods such as Bronx Park have no chance for a
mixed-density development. Mr. Walther stated that is an existing condition currently,
and not proposed. He continued this is more about what exists there today.
Commissioner Divecha asked how this is comparable to other cities. Mr. Miller stated
this is comparable to Roseville acreage.
Commissioner Kraft asked if the AEUs are part of the single-family category. Mr. Walther
stated it has been included as single-family and not considered it as a duplex when
calculating density.
Commissioner Youngquist asked if the city overlays the GIS on the neighborhoods with
racially restricted covenants. Mr. Walther stated there is a map on the city website
which shows this.
Commissioner Divecha asked about R1 and R2 districts residential housing.
Mr. Miller stated of all residential districts, 36% are designated as R1. He added R2 is the
biggest residential district in the city.
Commissioner Divecha asked when the zoning was updated. Mr. Walther stated the last
time changes happened in 1992. She asked if this was done as the zoning appeared at
that time, or as they intended for it to be in the future.
Mr. Walther stated the zoning was implemented as it appeared at that time. He added it
was trying to preserve the character of what was already there.
Commissioner Weber asked if the majority of Bronx Park are not meeting the R2
standards. Mr. Miller stated yes. Commissioner Weber stated this can be rethought of
then as something to aspire to.
Commissioner Divecha asked if it is a risk if neighborhoods are out of code. Mr. Walther
stated the approach historically has been reconfiguring lots and granting variances, so
they adhere to the code.
Commissioner Weber asked if a zoning code should then be thought of as the city moves
forward, and not as it is currently. Mr. Walther stated yes.
Mr. Miller added zoning codes can be seen as being more flexible, especially form-based
codes.
Commissioner Weber asked if his statement was correct – if an R1 district became
another district with a 60-foot minimum, would that change anything, or would a
massive redevelopment be needed to change everything. Mr. Walther stated yes,
however added it might not be a massive redevelopment, but might only mean
redeveloping two lots.
Commissioner Divecha asked if there is a sense of people not being able to find
affordable housing and the impacts here. Mr. Walther stated yes, adding this
information can be brought to another meeting showing there is much more demand
than supply for affordable housing.
Commissioner Kraft asked how the 80-20% is determined. Mr. Walther stated there are
areas that can be rezoned or where more density is allowed. He noted there is loose
guidance and that is not how it should work, and the district should meet the guidance.
Commissioner Weber asked if the consultant would continue to work on this or was this
only for the audit. Mr. Walther stated this is the end of the current scope with HKGi. He
added future study sessions will discuss the process, how much will need to go back to
the public, and what does that look like.
Mr. Walther stated the city council will also give input to guide this process as well,
along with city staff.
Commissioner Youngquist stated it would be helpful to see a synopsis of the high-level
comprehensive plan goals and strategies as they relate to the zoning audit, also.
Mr. Walther asked what the commission needs next.
Commissioner Youngquist asked if zoning codes are going away from references to
“family” as it makes assumptions about the people vs. the build environment. She
stated she would advocate for this change in phrasing. Mr. Miller agreed.
Commissioner Eckholm stated these references should now reflect current values in the
new code version. He added references to duplexes in R1 and R2 and changes here that
reflect more appropriateness. He noted more conversations will be needed on this.
Commissioner Divecha noted design and asked what the risk is of being “free for all”
and not determining separate zones. Mr. Miller stated it refers to scale and some are
house scale districts or some are bigger than that. Some cities go to just one residential
district.
Commissioner Weber asked how aggressive the city council wants to be on zoning
codes, especially as to how it affects neighborhoods. He asked for the council to direct
the planning commission on this, which would be helpful.
Mr. Walther stated the November 2nd meeting would be cancelled since much of the
work was completed at this evening’s meeting. He stated he will take key findings from
this meeting and present them to the city council and then bring back feedback to the
commission.
2. Adjournment – 7:35 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Sean Walther, liaison Jim Beneke, chair member