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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/02/15 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - Planning Commission - Regular Planning commission meeting February 15, 2023 6:00 p.m. If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call Sean Walther at 952.924.2574 or the administration department at 952.924.2525. Planning commission The St. Louis Park Planning Commission is meeting in person at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., in accordance with the most recent COVID-19 guidelines. Some members of the planning commission may participate by electronic device or telephone rather than by being personally present at the meeting. Members of the public can attend the planning commission meeting in person or watch the meeting by webstream at bit.ly/watchslppc and on local cable (Comcast SD channel 17 and HD channel 859). Visit bit.ly/slppcagendas to view the agenda and reports. Due to technical challenges, courtesy call-in public comment is not available for this meeting. You can provide comment on agenda items in person at the council meeting or by emailing your comments to info@stlouispark.org by noon the day of the meeting. Comments must be related to an item on the meeting agenda. The city recognizes the value of the call-in opportunity to provide access to those who can’t attend meetings in person and is working on a reliable solution. Agenda PLANNING COMMISSION 1. Call to order – roll call 2. Approval of January 18, 2023 minutes 3. Hearing 3a. Miscellaneous code amendments to zoning ordinance Applicant: City of St. Louis Park Case No.: 22-29-ZA 4. Other Business 5. Communications 5a. Update on TOD station area planning 6. Adjournment Future scheduled meeting/event dates: March 1, 2023 – planning commission regular meeting March 15, 2023 – planning commission regular meeting April 12, 2023 – planning commission regular meeting April 19, 2023 – planning commission regular meeting 1 2 Planning commission January 18, 2023 6:00 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 Members present: Jim Beneke, Mia Divecha, Matt Eckholm, Michael Salzer, Tom Weber, Jan Youngquist Members absent: Katie Martin Staff present: Jacquelyn Kramer, Gary Morrison, Sean Walther Guests: St. Louis Park School Superintendent Astein Osei 1. Call to order – roll call 2. Approval of minutes – Nov. 16, 2022 Commissioner Weber made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Salzer to approve the minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Hearings 3a. St. Louis Park High School conditional use permit amendment Applicant: St. Louis Park School District Case No: 22-28-CUP Ms. Kramer presented the report. Commissioner Weber asked what is new and what was previously approved. Ms. Kramer stated all the additions on the building were previously approved. She added she is not sure if the basement storm shelter is new. She stated the parking lots were all previously approved and the parking along Idaho Ave will be built with the project, rather than the previous proposal of proof-of-parking. The track and field work has been added to the project scope. Mr. Tom Bravo, St. Louis Park School District, stated the track and field will be accomplished at the same time as the rest of the project and the storm water management system is also above and beyond the original 2018 plan. Commissioner Salzer asked if the track and field will be open to the public. Mr. Bravo stated the school district has not discussed accessibility yet, and right now it is fenced. He added if rented out, it will need to meet the school district’s needs. 3 Unofficial minutes Planning commission Jan. 18, 2023 Ms. Kramer added the athletic fields will meet the needs of the school and parents or anyone that attends events, and thus may qualify as alternative landscaping features. The alternative landscaping features option is not a variance but is allowed in the zoning code with staff’s approval. Commissioner Salzer noted it is not general access then, and Ms. Kramer agreed, that is correct. Commissioner Divecha asked for an explanation of the performance guarantee and cash escrow. Ms. Kramer stated this is a condition that is standard on most city projects. She explained the city takes a cash escrow or letter of credit that covers the cost of landscaping installation, so in a year the city can inspect to be sure all the landscaping lived and then the funds are released. Commissioner Salzer asked about the new on-street parking and how it is configured. Ms. Kramer stated it is on Idaho Ave. and will be head in parking partially in the right of way and also on school property. She added sidewalk will be installed around the new spaces and new landscaping will be planted to screen the school from the street. Commissioner Salzer asked who is responsible for snow removal in the parking lot. Ms. Kramer stated it is an ongoing discussion to be finalized in the contracts signed with the school. Commissioner Youngquist asked if the parking along Idaho Ave. is because students are driving to school and does the district do anything to disincentive students from driving to school. Mr. Bravo stated it was done because there were requirements that needed to be met. He noted this type of parking works well near Library Lane, and this design of parking was included. St. Louis Park School Superintendent Osei stated students are not disincentivized to drive to school but students do have access with busing and also students driving to school must go through a process to obtain a parking permit to park at the school. Commissioner Divecha asked if the feedback from the Park Adam bus driver going to be incorporated to level the bus drop-off at Library Lane. Ms. Kramer stated she was not sure and there has not been time to share this with the applicant. Mr. Bravo stated the parking will be all leveled off, similar to the middle school drop off. Mr. Bravo also noted this location was outside the current project area. Commissioner Salzer asked how many spots will be in the new parking lot, adding it looks very tight, and asked if there is a variance. Ms. Kramer stated the design meets all driveway width and parking standards of the city as well as parking count requirements. Commissioner Salzer asked if there will be handicapped parking in the new area. Ms. Kramer stated there will be 3 handicapped spots there on the north side, near the entrance. 4 Unofficial minutes Planning commission Jan. 18, 2023 Chair Beneke opened the public hearing. There were no speakers present. Chair Beneke closed the public hearing. Commissioner Weber made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Eckholm, to approve the CUP as presented by staff. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Other Business – Mr. Walther stated Chair and Vice Chair positions need to be nominated today. Commissioner Weber volunteered to be Chair. Commissioner Divecha volunteered to be Vice Chair. Commissioner Salzer made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Youngquist to approve Commissioner Weber be 2023 Planning Commission Chair, and Commissioner Divecha be 2023 Planning Commission Vice Chair. The motion passed unanimously. 5. Communications – Mr. Walther noted the study session will follow this meeting. He noted items on the study session agenda that will be discussed. Mr. Walther stated the Feb 1, 2023, meeting is cancelled, and the next meeting will be Feb. 15, 2023. He added Katie Martin is the new commissioner appointed in December to replace Commissioner Kraft’s vacant seat. 6. Adjournment- 6:22 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Sean Walther, liaison Jim Beneke, chair member 5 6 Planning commission January 18, 2023 6:30 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: Jim Beneke, Mia Divecha, Matt Eckholm, Michael Salzer, Tom Weber, Jan Youngquist Members absent: Katie Martin 1. 2022 annual reports and 2023 planning commission work plan Mr. Walther presented the report and noted he adjusted several dates in the work plan. He noted more details are coming about the proposal and timing and schedule of the SW light rail plans. He stated proposals are expected to be received tomorrow and the goal is to complete the project in 9 – 10 months and the consultant will be selected before the next commission meeting on Feb. 15, and schedule and timing will be forthcoming. Commissioner Youngquist asked if the station areas are ½ mile in radius around the station. Mr. Walther stated yes. Commissioner Beneke asked if these areas are zoned separately now. Mr. Walther stated the districts have been adjusted around the station from industrial to business park, and some moved to mixed use as well. He added the Sam’s club site was also rezoning to business park, so there is potential for some new developments there also. Mr. Walther stated the comprehensive plan could be amended going forward. He noted the Micro Center site could also be redeveloped at some point also. Commissioner Weber asked if the development will be affected during the zoning changes. Mr. Walther stated every year there are minor changes that are made. He added on the work plan, the review of residential districts will also be part of the work of the commission. Mr. Walther noted the timing on this will go into 4th quarter and the zoning regulations will be in place very soon as well. Mr. Walther noted the city has a new racial equity director, and noted the training for boards and commissions will be discussed as this moves forward. 7 Unofficial minutes Planning commission study session Jan. 18, 2023 Commissioner Youngquist asked about holding meetings in different locations. Mr. Walther stated in the past meetings have been held at different facilities in the city, adding that one study session was held in the Walker Lake Historic District in the past. Commissioner Weber asked if a meeting might be held at the high school during the school day and so to also recruit a student for the commission. Mr. Walther asked the commissioners about their availability. They noted if it is planned well in advance, it could work. Mr. Walther noted that timing for appointments of student members is in August. Commissioner Divecha asked about the analysis of distribution of projects. Mr. Walther stated this just shows the activity, applications and trends of projects that come through the planning commission to give an idea of the workload and trends. Commissioner Youngquist asked about items in the parking lot. Mr. Walther stated several requests were made in the industrial districts, where there have been changes and others came from commissioner ideas, noting those items were prioritized or put on hold, or being done through other work. Commissioner Beneke asked if there is anyway to get more owner occupied vs. rentals. Mr. Walther stated the council is looking more action with affordable home ownership. He added the city has had much success with 50-60% AMI and now is looking to shift to 30% AMI, while the council is also interested in affordable home ownership. Mr. Walther asked if the items in the parking lot items should remain there. The commissioners noted the parking lot items can remain as they are. 2. Miscellaneous zoning code amendments Mr. Morrison presented the report and noted each item in detail. Commissioner Youngquist asked why the temporary structures was changed from 6 months to 2 weeks. Mr. Morrison stated there was a more permanent tennis facility set up at a fitness center that utilized a temporary roof during the winter. The code was changed to 14 days after that facility was replaced with a permanent building. Covid reintroduced utilizing temporary structures during the winter for activities like outdoor dining. Mr. Walther also noted there were concerns with outdoor dining and heaters as it relates to the city’s climate action plan. The commission agreed to eliminate the option to increase the maximum number of cars parked on the driveway depending upon the number of licensed drivers living in the house. Commissioner Divecha noted the recommended maximum number is three but asked if it should be increased. The commission discussed this, but decided to stay with three, noting it could be increased if it becomes apparent that three is too low. 8 Unofficial minutes Planning commission study session Jan. 18, 2023 Commissioner Divecha asked if the cars could be kept at 3 allowed and then an exception if there is a snow emergency. Mr. Walther said from staff perspective that is fine. With regards to eliminating the required 25-foot setback for food service adjacent to residential properties, Commissioner Youngquist asked where C1 is in the city. Mr. Morrison stated primarily commercial properties along Minnetonka Blvd and Excelsior Blvd are C1. The commissioners discussed painting brick facades. Mr. Walther noted the community is not opposed to brick painting, citing a previous example where the BOZA required paint to be removed from a building, but seemed open to allowing painted buildings if the code were changed. He also reviewed other examples of when brick is painted, which includes murals and signs. Mr. Morrison stated new construction must meet the minimum required class 1 materials, which includes unpainted brick, stone and other unpainted materials. Existing buildings, however, would be free to paint the brick and other class 1 materials. Mr. Walther noted that it is so difficult to stop buildings from being painted because a permit is not required, so the city typically finds out after the fact. Commissioner Beneke asked about the hemp derived products and if the council had already approved this. Mr. Walther stated this was approved by the state, but the city still can regulate this. He stated the city will be looking at the rules and there will be more to come on this. 3. Adjournment – 7:45 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Sean Walther, liaison Jim Beneke, chair member 9 10 Planning commission: Regular meeting Meeting date: February 15, 2023 Agenda item: 3a 3a Miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments Case Number: 22-29-ZA Applicant: City of St. Louis Park – community development department Recommended motions: Chair to open the public hearing, take testimony and close the hearing. Motion to recommend approval of the zoning ordinance amendment as recommended by staff. Summary of request: Periodically staff proposes an ordinance to amend sections of the zoning code for consistency with current policy, correcting errors and making clarifications. Planning commission discussed the changes in the attached ordinance during the January 4, 2023 study session. The commission asked that the section proposing to establish a maximum of three vehicles outside a garage be further amended to include an exception during snow emergencies. This exception was written into the attached amendment. Since the study session, staff added to the list of amendments. The commission has not discussed these. The amendments help address issues brought to our attention by recent inquiries: 1.Establish a maximum driveway width of 44 feet for two-family dwellings. This is part of the driveway amendment and is needed to accommodate additional garage and parking space needed for two dwellings. The code is currently silent on this issue. 2.Amend the architectural materials ordinance to allow open covered patios on non- residential properties to temporarily enclose the windows with transparent, non-glass materials for up to 180 days. This amendment is intended to allow businesses with covered patios to use the patios during the winter months. 3.Allow office uses as a permitted use in the MX-1 mixed-use district instead of permitted with limitations. This change will remove the requirement that office uses must be at least 30 feet away from the front building wall along a primary street frontage. A summary of the amendment and the ordinance is attached. Next Steps: Pending a recommendation from the planning commission, the ordinance is scheduled for a first reading at the council on March 6, 2023. Attachments: Discussion, proposed ordinance. Prepared by: Gary Morrison, zoning administrator Reviewed by: Sean Walther, planning manager/deputy CD director 11 Regular meeting meeting of February 15, 2023 (Item No. 3a) Title: Miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments Discussion: Background: On January 4, 2023, staff presented the ordinance to the planning commission in a study session. The ordinance amends various sections of the zoning ordinance for the purpose of making changes that are consistent with current policy, correcting errors, and making clarifications. The following is a list of items included in this amendment: 1. Revise maximum number of vehicles parked on a residential property. a) Remove the option for more vehicles depending on number of licensed drivers living at the home. b) Establish a maximum of three vehicles per dwelling that can be parked on the property outside the garage. This maximum applies to single-family and two-family dwellings. The maximum of three vehicles per dwelling does not apply during snow emergencies. 2. Expand existing driveway standards for residential properties in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts. This amendment will: a) clearly state the regulations and provide flexibility needed to accommodate vehicle parking and on-site turnarounds. b) establish a maximum driveway width of 36 feet for single-family dwellings and 44 feet for two-family dwellings. After the study session, staff reviewed the effect the proposed ordinance would have on two-family dwellings and determined that additional width is needed for two-family dwellings to accommodate additional garage and parking spaces required for both dwellings. 3. Extend the temporary structure time limit from 14 days to 180 days per calendar year. This extension does not apply to residential properties. The intent is to facilitate options for extending summer activities, such as outdoor dining, into the winter. 4. Allow exterior materials on existing buildings to be painted without changing the class 1, 2 or 3 materials makeup. 5. Remove the condition requiring food service land uses to be setback from residential properties. This would allow carry-out or delivery only food uses to locate in commercial buildings that are adjacent to residential properties. Current code requires a 25-foot setback. 6. Revise the electric vehicle charging station requirement to be consistent with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry ruling that cities cannot require EVCS in parking structures. Cities may, however, require them if financial assistance is provided, as part of a planned unit development or incentive agreement. 7. Additional minor amendments or code corrections. The following proposed amendments were not discussed at the study session, and added subsequently by staff to address recent inquiries and code enforcement activities: 1. Establish a maximum driveway width of 44 feet for two-family dwellings. This is part of the driveway amendment and is needed to accommodate additional garage and parking space needed for two dwellings. During the month of January, staff has been working with a resident that wants to build a duplex. The design revealed the need for a wider driveway to accommodate the garage and parking needs for a two-family dwelling. 2. Amend the architectural materials ordinance to allow open covered patios on non- residential properties to fill the windows with transparent non-glass materials for up to 180 12 Regular meeting meeting of February 15, 2023 (Item No. 3a) Title: Miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments days. This amendment allows businesses with covered patios to use the patios during the winter months. This proposed amendment to the architectural standards accommodates a more energy efficient and preferrable alternative to tents because it utilizes an existing covered structure that meets the architectural materials requirement and the building and energy codes. The Block located on Walker Street is pictured below with an open covered patio with transparent enclosures. Current code limits the use of the temporary window enclosures to 14 days per calendar year. The proposed amendment would allow them for up to 180 days per calendar year, which is enough time to last the winter. 3. Allow office uses as a permitted use in the MX-1 mixed-use district instead of permitted with limitations. This change will remove the requirement that office uses must be at least 30 feet away from the front building wall along a primary street frontage. This change is meant to correct an unintended impact of a code requirement that essentially prohibits an office use to occupy the entire tenant space of a mixed-use building facing a primary street frontage. 13 Regular meeting meeting of February 15, 2023 (Item No. 3a) Title: Miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments Proposed ordinance Ordinance No. ___-23 Ordinance regarding miscellaneous zoning amendments The City of St. Louis Park does ordain: Whereas, the city, from time-to-time, updates and clarifies provisions of the zoning ordinance, and Whereas, the planning commission conducted a public hearing on February 15, 2023 on the ordinance, and Whereas, the City Council has considered the advice and recommendation of the planning commission (case no. 22-29-ZA), and Now, therefore be it resolved that the following amendments shall be made to Chapter 36 of the City Code pertaining to zoning: Section 1. Land use definitions. Chapter 36-73(b) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text: (4) Uncovered porches, stoops, patios or decks which do not extend above the height of the ground floor level of the principal building and are a minimum of two feet from any interior side or rear lot line and 15 feet from any front lot line and do not encroach on any side yard abutting a street. Ground level patios and decks on non-residential properties may extend up to the property line provided it is part of a non-residential use, adjacent to a right-of-way or a non-residential property, and does not encroach into an easement without prior approval. Section 2. Fence regulations. Chapter 36-74(e) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to delete the struck-out language and to add the following underlined text: (2) A fence or wall may be up to eight feet in height if placed in any side or rear yard in an R district which abuts property in the C, O, MX, PUD, BP or I districts, or abuts a railroad right-of-way, school, churchreligious institution, or other public building. Section 3. Temporary uses. Chapter 36-82(b) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to delete the struck-out language and to add the following underlined text: (3) Temporary structures. a. Temporary structures shall not be permitted for more that 14 days than 180 days per calendar year, except that temporary structures used for the storage of vehicles, equipment, or other household items shall not be permitted for more than 14 days per calendar year on any parcel that is zoned residential and used or subdivided for 14 Regular meeting meeting of February 15, 2023 (Item No. 3a) Title: Miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments residential. with the exception of temporary structures allowed under “agricultural commodities.” Section 4. Land use by zoning district. Section 36-115 of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to delete the struck-out language and to add the following underlined text: (e) Land uses permitted as accessory uses. Land uses listed as "permitted as an accessory use" are permitted subject to all of the requirements applicable to uses permitted by right, plus any additional requirements applicable to that particular land use contained in divisions 3 through 6 10 of this article. Accessory uses other than required off-street parking may not occupy more than 25 percent of the total floor area of any development unless further restricted in the district regulations. Section 5. Land use definitions. Chapter 36-142(d) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text: (18) In-vehicle sales or service means sales or service to persons in vehicles. It may include drive-in, drive-up and drive-through facilities, but does not include motor fuel stations, curbside pick- up or automated teller machines (ATMs). Characteristics include high traffic volumes during the typical peak hour traffic period. Section 6. Residential restrictions and performance standards. Section 36-162(d)(1) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to delete the struck-out language and to add the following underlined text: h. Swimming pools, whirlpools, saunas, sport courts, and swing set/climbing structures are permitted in the backyard and side yards only and shall meet the following requirements: 1. They are a minimum of five feet from the rear lot line. 2. They meet the same side yards as required for the principal building. 3. A six-foot privacy fence shall be required to screen the portion of the swimming pool, whirlpool, or sport court located within 25 feet of the rear lot line. 4. Mechanical equipment shall meet the same setback required for the pool, whirlpool, or sauna unless it is contained within an accessory building. Section 7. Residential restrictions and performance standards. Section 36-162(f)(3)a of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to delete the struck-out language and to add the following underlined text: (3) The following provisions shall apply to the parking and storage of vehicles on residential parcels in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 districts: a. No more than three vehicles can be parked or stored outside an enclosed building on a lot that contains a single-family residence. For a duplex, six vehicles can be parked or stored outside. This regulation shall not apply during snow emergencies. If there are more than three persons residing at a single-family dwelling, inclusive of an accessory dwelling unit or a boarder, who have valid state driver's licenses showing the residence addresses on the lot, then the total number of vehicles allowed to be parked outside is increased to a number equal to the number of licensed drivers residing at the property not to exceed five vehicles. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply during snow emergencies. 15 Regular meeting meeting of February 15, 2023 (Item No. 3a) Title: Miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments Section 8. Residential restrictions and performance standards. Section 36-162(f)(3)k of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to delete the struck-out (renumber accordingly): k. The total area in the front yard of a single-family lot improved for parking and driveway purposes shall not exceed 30 percent of a front yard area. Additionally, the average width of a driveway shall not be more than 22 feet. This provision will not prohibit an average driveway width of up to 22 feet for all single-family lots. Section 9. Residential restrictions and performance standards. Section 36-162(f) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text and image: (9) Driveway and parking areas. The following provisions shall apply to driveway and parking areas for single and two-family dwellings: a. Permit required. A driveway permit shall be issued prior to the installation, replacement, or expansion of any driveway or parking area. b. Width. 1. The maximum width for the driveway apron shall not exceed 22 feet. 2. The maximum cumulative width for driveways, parking areas, and turnarounds shall not exceed 36 feet for single family, and 44 feet for two-family dwellings. 3. Horseshoe driveways are permitted when additional driveway accesses are allowed. The secondary driveway width shall be deducted from the maximum driveway width allowed and shall not exceed 12 feet in width. c. Setbacks. 1. No side setbacks are required for driveways, parking areas, and turnarounds. 2. The start of the transition to a driveway or parking area that is wider than the driveway apron may start immediately after the driveway apron and cannot exceed 45 degrees. 3. Turnarounds must be located on private property. d. Driveway access. 1. One access to a street and/or alley is allowed for single-family dwellings on lots less than 80 feet wide. 2. Two accesses to a street and/or alley is allowed for two-family dwellings, or single-family dwellings on lots greater than or equal to 80 feet wide. 3. Two street accesses are allowed for corner lots with the condition that one access is allowed per street frontage for lots less than 80 feet in width. e. Miscellaneous. 1. The maximum slope on the driveway shall not exceed 10%. 2. The surface of the driveway shall be paved with asphalt, concrete, or pavers. Permeable pavers and ribbon driveways may be used on private property if vegetation is maintained between the ribbons of the driveway and the open areas of the permeable pavers. 16 Regular meeting meeting of February 15, 2023 (Item No. 3a) Title: Miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments Section 10. C-1 neighborhood commercial district. Section 36-193(c) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to delete the struck-out language and to add the following underlined text: (7) Food service. The condition for food service is that the maximum floor area shall be 7,500 square feet and shall not exceed intensity classification 4 for all other measures.The conditions are as follows: a. Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or arterial roadway, or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without generating significant traffic on local, residential streets. b. No building may be located within 25 feet of any parcel that is zoned residential and used or subdivided for residential, or has an occupied institutional building, including but not limited to schools, religious institutions, and community centers. Section 11. C-2 neighborhood commercial district. Section 36-194(b) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text: (17) Food service. Section 12. C-2 neighborhood commercial district. Section 36-194(c) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to delete the struck-out language: (11) Food service. The conditions are as follows: a. Building shall be located a minimum of 25 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 schools, religious institutions, and community centers. 17 Regular meeting meeting of February 15, 2023 (Item No. 3a) Title: Miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments Section 13. Electric vehicle supply equipment. Section 36-361 of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to delete the struck-out language and to add the following underlined text: (e) Electric vehicle supply equipment. The intent of this section is to facilitate and encourage the use of electric vehicles, to expedite the establishment of a convenient, cost-effective electric vehicle infrastructure, and establish minimum requirements for such infrastructure to serve both short and long-term parking needs. (2) Number of Required Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. a. All new, or reconstructed, or expanded parking structures or lots with 14 or fewer parking spaces shall be allowed, but not required, to install EVSE. b. All new, or reconstructed, or expanded parking structures or lots with at least 15 but no more than 49 spaces, or expanded parking structures or lots that result in a parking lot with 15 to 49 parking spaces, shall install EVSE as required below. 1. Multiple-family residential. At least 10% of the parking spaces shall be land uses shall have 10% of required residential parking served by EVCSs with at least 5% as Level 2 stations. At least one handicapped accessible parking space shall have access to an EVCS. 2. Non-residential land uses. At least two level 2 stations shall be provided. with parking spaces available for use by the general public shall have two Level 2 stations. At least one handicapped accessible parking space shall have access to an EVCS. c. All new, or reconstructed, or expanded parking structures or lots with at least 50 parking spaces, or expanded parking structures or lots that result in a parking lot with 50 or more parking spaces, shall install EVSE as required below. 1. Multiple-family residential. At least 10% of the parking spaces shall be land uses shall have 10% of required residential parking as served by Level 2 stations. At least one handicapped accessible parking space shall have access to an EVCS. 2. Non-residential land uses. At least with parking spaces available for use by the general public shall have at least 5% of required the parking spaces shall be served by as Level 2 stations, with at least one station adjacent to an accessible parking space. In non-residential zoned districts, DC charging stations may be installed to satisfy the EVCS requirements described above on a one-for-one basis. *** e. In addition to the number of required EVCSs, the following accommodations shall be required for the anticipated future growth in market demand for electric vehicles: 1. Multiple-Family Residential Land Uses: all new, expanded and reconstructed parking lots areas shall provide the electrical capacity necessary to accommodate the future hardwire installation of Level 2 EVCSs for a minimum of 50% of the required parking spaces. 2. Non-Residential Land Uses: all new, expanded and reconstructed parking lots areas shall provide the electrical capacity necessary to accommodate the future hardwire installation of Level 2 or DC EVCSs for a minimum of 50% of the required parking spaces. 18 Regular meeting meeting of February 15, 2023 (Item No. 3a) Title: Miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments Section 14. Architectural design. Chapter 36-366(c) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to delete the struck-out language and to add the following underlined text: (2) New construction mMinimum 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 (d)(4)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. (3) New construction bBuildings in I-G and I-P districts. a. Not on major streets and not near residential. For buildings in the I-G and I-P districts which are not located on a principal arterial, minor arterial, major collector, or adjacent to or across from any residentially zoned property, class I materials may be reduced to a minimum of 25 percent provided that the remaining materials are functionally and durably equal to a class I material as certified by the architect or manufacturer. b. On major streets or near residential. For building walls in the I-G and I-P districts facing on a principal arterial, minor arterial or major collector, or adjacent to or across from any residentially-zoned property, class I materials may be reduced to a minimum of 25 percent provided that the remaining materials are functionally and durably equal to a class I material as certified by the architect or manufacturer and that the architectural design and site plan are superior quality as determined by the zoning administrator. The architecture and site plan shall meet the following minimum criteria to be considered superior quality: 1. The exposed height of the building wall shall not exceed 15 feet. 2. The number of required plant units shall be increased by 20 percent or the size of 20 percent of the overstory trees installed shall be increased to 3 1/2 caliper inches. 3. A minimum of ten percent of the building facade must be windows or glass spandrels. (4) Existing buildings. Existing buildings may paint or stain their exterior utilizing product specifically formulated for its intended use. All painted or stained surfaces shall be maintained so it is free of chipping and peeling. (5) Temporary materials. On non-residential properties, covered patios with a permanent solid roof may enclose the wall openings with transparent non-glass materials for up to six months per calendar year provided the permanent exterior wall materials are not covered. Section 15. Land use descriptions and characteristics. Chapter 36-142(d) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to delete the struck-out language and to add the following underlined text: (20) Marijuana dispensary means a dispensary location where patients or consumers can access cannabis in a legal and safe manner. The use may include assistance from experts (bud tenders) who find an optimal dosage and recommend the delivery method to achieve optimal results when using medical cannabis. Section 16. M-X Mixed use district. Chapter 36-264 – Table 263(b) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to delete the struck-out text: Offices PL P 19 Regular meeting meeting of February 15, 2023 (Item No. 3a) Title: Miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments Section 17. This ordinance shall take effect 15 days after publication. Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council _____, 2023 Kim Keller, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Approved as to form and execution: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Soren Mattick, city attorney First reading March 6, 2023 Second reading March 20, 2023 Date of publication March 30, 2023 Date ordinance takes effect April 14, 2023 20 Planning commission: Regular meeting Meeting date: February 15, 2023 Agenda item: 5a 5a Planning project for transit station areas and western Excelsior Boulevard Recommended motions: No action is required at this time. The purpose of this report is to introduce the planning commission to the project scope and discuss opportunities for input over the next year. Summary of project: The METRO Greenline Extension light rail transit stations have been a focal point and catalyst for planning and development in St. Louis Park. Planning has been underway for these transit oriented areas in some fashion since the early 2000s. We have identified now as a key point to update all these plans and to establish a wholistic framework for implementation around the station areas, as well as the nearby commercial corridor of Excelsior Boulevard from Louisiana Avenue and Highway 100. The city requested for proposals for this planning project in late 2022. We received six proposals from teams of national and local consulting firms. While all the proposals were high- quality with talented teams, we identified the proposal from SRF Consulting Group and Mend Collaborative as the best fit. Project need The light rail stations all have station area plans that have been guiding development. They were completed at different times and all used different approaches to transit area planning. The Wooddale Avenue Station area has been guided by the Elmwood Area Land Use, Transit and Transportation Study completed in 2003. At 20 years old, that plan has almost fully been realized and few redevelopment sites remain. The Beltline Boulevard Station plan was completed in 2012, and the Louisiana Avenue Station area’s plan is from 2014. All three station areas have had some significant changes in conditions. In addition to identifying a need to update all the station areas under the same framework, with an emphasis on implementation, the city has seen redevelopment interest along Excelsior Boulevard between Louisiana Avenue and Highway 100. Because this commercial corridor is in so close to two of the light rail stations and it may be impacted by many of the same market influences and infrastructure systems as the transit station areas, we identified this project as a good opportunity to plan for both, although the outcomes of implementation for the transit areas will differ from west Excelsior Boulevard. In fact, we’d expect to see differentiation in each of the study areas. Project goals Planning and zoning staff set out to find a consultant to create a plan that would accomplish the following: • Wholistically summarize previous planning efforts and establish framework ahead to prepare for implementation of transit-based zoning and development. • Focus the process and outcomes of the plans so that the city’s strategic priorities are the basis of all efforts, with an emphasis on building social capital through community engagement and being a leader in racial equity and inclusion. • Base framework around various systems that influence the area: circulation and transportation, utilities, stormwater and floodplain, natural resources and parks and recreation, economic development, sustainability, land use. 21 Regular meeting meeting of February 15, 2023 (Item No. 5a) Title: Planning project for transit station areas and western Excelsior Boulevard • Create graphic communication tools to effectively show planning process and how future decisions will be based on established goals and framework. After reviewing proposals and conducting interviews, staff selected the team of SRF Consulting Group and Mend Collaborative to undertake this project. Project approach, scope and schedule Approach: The team at SRF and Mend Collaborative proposed a project with an emphasis on equitable transit oriented development and equitable engagement. Scope of Work: • (Throughout Project) Project Management o Project Management Coordination o Steering Committee Meetings • (Throughout Project) Communications and Engagement o Public Involvement Plan o Online Engagement o Community Survey and Open House o Small Area Workshops o Department Coordination o Pop-Up Events • Task 1: Current Conditions and Evaluation o Task 1.1: Existing Plan Evaluation o Task 1.2: Data Collection and Analysis o Task 1.3: Kick-Off Meeting • Task 2: Development Vision o Task 2.1: Development Framework o Task 2.2: Development Vision o Task 2.3: Pathway to Transformation • Task 3: Small Area Plan Framework o Task 3.1: Assessment and Strategies o Task 3.2: Small Area Plans • Task 4: Impact Analysis o Task 4.1: Impact Analysis (Traffic Analysis, Parking Analysis, Floodplain Analysis, Utility Analysis, Park and Open Space Analysis) • Task 5: Implementation, Marketing, & Communications o Task 5.1 Implementation Actions • Task 6: Small Area Plan Updates Schedule: The project will kick off at the end of February/beginning of March and will take approximately 12 months to complete. Engagement opportunities will be scheduled throughout the process; with dates and engagement types still to be determined to optimize pop-up events and workshop timing. The project will also have five steering committee meetings as part of the project management. The committee will be made up of community members and supported by city staff. 22 Regular meeting meeting of February 15, 2023 (Item No. 5a) Title: Planning project for transit station areas and western Excelsior Boulevard Attachments: Highlights of proposal from SRF Consulting Group and Mend Collaborative Prepared by: Laura Chamberlain, senior planner Reviewed by: Sean Walther, planning manager/deputy CD director 23 24 OUR TEAM: INNOVATIVE, KNOWLEDGEABLE, DEDICATED We live, work, and play in the area Innovative approach based on your priorities Creative solutions that have succeeded Comprehensive, equitable engagement approach Implementable solutions 25 TEAM INTRODUCTIONS PROJECT DIRECTOR Mike McGarvey, ASLA, PLAStephanie Falkers, AICP PROJECT MANAGER Zakcq Lockrem, AICP EQUITABLE TOD EXPERT 2 26 PROCESS 18 Explore Existing Conditions Establish a Vision Build the Framework Assess the Impacts Build a Plan & Strategies 27 SCHEDULE 19 28 Kick-Off MeetingCommunity Engagement Steering Committee Online Survey Pop-Ups Open House Workshops 29 30