HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/05/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Study Session Planning commission
May 17, 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
Study session
Members present: Mia Divecha, Matt Eckholm, Katie Merten, Michael Salzer, Tom Weber
Members absent: Jim Beneke, Jan Youngquist
Staff present: Gary Morrison, Sean Walther
Consulting planners present: Rita Trapp, Jeff Miller
1. Discussion of zoning code update, phase 1
Mr. Miller and Ms. Trapp presented the report and led the discussion regarding residential
districts and standards.
Commissioner Divecha asked if the intention of the zoning district purpose statements is to
help guide the process. Mr. Walther stated purpose statements are most often referenced
with a rezoning or when working to see if a site is suitable for the district. It is also a
touchstone that guides the regulations specific to the district.
Commissioner Weber asked about density and the possibility of more of that in the future
and how to communicate that there will be more housing options. He asked about the
phrases low, mid and high-rise, and how to communicate these definitions to the public in
the most appropriate way.
Commissioner Eckholm agreed and suggested using creative descriptive language vs.
traditional city zoning terms.
Commissioner Merten asked about the distinction between group home or rooming house .
Mr. Walther stated they are similar, but they are generally distinguished by whom they
serve, the types of services provided to residents, and which agency licenses them and the
type of license required. Some group homes are not licensed by the State or Health and
Human Services and are regulated differently in the zoning code than State licensed
facilities, including separation requirements from other group homes.
Mr. Walther stated rooming houses also can serve larger groups of individuals living in the
same home.
Planning commission study session
May 17, 2023
Commissioner Divecha asked about group daycares and why they are excluded from low
density residential areas. Mr. Walther noted the city zoning allows for family daycares, and
group daycares as accessory uses within another institutional building such as a school or
church, but not as a principal use.
Commissioner Weber stated the goal is to bring more people into the city, so it would be
preferable for the districts to be structured to focus on what is wanted and allowed vs. what
is not wanted and excluded.
Commissioner Divecha noted fire stations and religious institutions are allowed in Zone 1,
but not Zone 2, which seems inconsistent, especially when looking into the future on
zoning. And if these types of uses and buildings are allowed, why not allow group daycares,
too.
Commissioner Eckholm agreed and stated even though there would be higher traffic, it
does not make sense to not allow institutions within other zones .
Mr. Miller added that increasing different uses within residential and commercial areas can
be revisited in future phases.
Ms. Trapp reviewed the city maps and noted residential blocks with and without alleys
could be treated differently when determining building types allowed or dimensional
standards.
Mr. Walther noted that there are areas where alleys were platted but never built or were
removed.
Ms. Trapp noted lot sizes as well as other site and building standards. She noted these are
complex and they will come back to the commission with more details in the future .
Commissioner Divecha asked about courtyard cottages lot s ize. Mr. Miller noted these lots
can be different formats and noted various examples such as the historic Milwaukee
neighborhood in Minneapolis.
The commissioners discussed the management of impervious surfaces related to water run-
off and environmental concerns. Commissioners noted that standards are intended to
provide space for trees and gardens, address climate action concerns, provide for
walkability, and to ensure the entire city is not built out.
Commissioner Weber asked if one of the goals shoul d be affordability. If affordability is
important than does that mean fewer standards should be established or that opportunities
to increase the number of living units in a structure explored.
Commissioner Eckholm asked if pervious surfaces for patios and pavers needs to be part of
the standards, adding he would like to see more alternatives to asphalt and concrete.
Planning commission study session
May 17, 2023
Ms. Trapp stated that it can be explored but noted that over time, if the alternatives are not
maintained well, then they become impervious surfaces. For example, pervious pavers and
pavement need to be vacuumed to remove smaller material that clogs the system.
Commissioner Weber stated it will be important for developers to know about and
understand the city’s requirements for trees, shrubbery, and impervious surfaces.
Mr. Miller stated housing affordability and climate action will be two criteria for selecting
the measures that are best for the zoning plans.
Mr. Miller noted the direction from the commission at this time is for the consultant and
staff to proceed with developing 3 new zoning districts and recommended zoning map
changes. This information will be put together for the planning commission to review, as
well as working on community engagement over the next month or so.
Commissioner Divecha asked about discussing parking requirements in residential areas .
Mr. Walther stated this will be discussed in phase 3 of the broader process. He added
housing is the most important piece, and that’s where this will start.
Mr. Walther stated the council recently received one written report regarding the planning
commission’s progress on the zoning code update, and there is a joint discussion planned
for later this summer. This would likely occur on a Monday to coincide with the city
council’s meeting schedule.
Adjournment – 8:00 p.m.
Sean Walther Tom Weber
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Sean Walther, liaison Tom Weber, chair member