HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/02/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Study Session Planning commission
February 7, 2024
7:18 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, Katie Merten, Tom Weber, Jan
Youngquist
Consulting Planners: Rita Trapp and Jeff Miller
Staff Present: Gary Morrison, Sean Walther
Members absent: none
1. Zoning code update – expanding neighborhood housing options
Ms. Trapp and Mr. Miller presented the update. They noted scale, spacing, setbacks,
distance between buildings and setbacks and standards that apply to all housing types in all
districts.
Chair Weber asked about distance between buildings vs. units.
Commissioner Divecha asked about the principle building coverage and why that is needed
for some and not other developments. Mr. Morrison stated it is simpler to keep the code
the way it is now, and not divide it between two buildings. He noted it seems to be best to
keep building coverage separately.
Commissioner Divecha asked about maximum building coverage and if the intention is to
avoid one massive structure. Ms. Trapp stated that is correct.
Commissioner Merten stated she noticed there are duplexes mixed within single family
homes around the city.
Commissioner Youngquist asked how many tear downs and rebuilds are happening in St.
Louis Park compared to Edina and Minneapolis. Mr. Walther stated there about 100 per
year in Edina and in St. Louis Park there are 6 in any given year, and a fraction of those have
concerns about being too big or out of scale. Mr. Walther stated there are some controls in
place and a construction management plan that informs neighbors of tear downs that are
coming, as well as providing a neighborhood meeting to present plans in advance and give
residents a point of contact if they have concerns.
Chair Weber noted he is not concerned about distances between cottages and is fine with
however it works out.
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Planning commission
Feb 7, 2024
Commissioner Eckholm stated with a cottage that is perpendicular to another property,
there should not be a patio or a deck in the back, although steps would be acceptable.
Chair Weber added in a cottage community, grilling should then be done in the front yard,
unless there is a master perimeter setback. Ms. Tripp stated there could also be a set back
in the side yard area.
Mr. Walther stated this could be an area of concern to address.
Commissioner Eckholm noted setbacks on a busy street such as Excelsior Avenue would be
helpful for pedestrians, as well as narrowing of streets in order to calm traffic. He also noted
about fencing and landscaping, he is not sure if it would need to be required.
Commissioner Divecha asked about driveways in the middle of the block with cottage
homes.
Commissioner Eckholm stated fencing should probably be included here along driveways
especially if running behind someone’s back yard. He suggested installing alleys along this
area, if possible, but stated realistically fencing is more likely. He added a 3-story apartment
belongs on a corner also.
Chair Weber stated he does not see any opportunity for houses with alleys where they
could create driveways. The commissioners agreed that no curb cut should be allowed if
alleys are already in use.
Mr. Walther noted zoning planning meetings for residents and asked for commissioners to
give feedback for these meetings.
Commissioner Divecha asked for a zoom meeting also in addition to in person meetings,
allowing for a Q & A format that is live.
Commissioner Eckholm noted a presenter, and a moderator would be needed for the zoom
format meeting. Commissioner Merten added that zoom has a format for Q and A only as
well, vs. just comments and the moderator could choose the question in advance. She also
suggested doing zoom meetings offered at different times as well.
Commissioner Beneke added interactive meetings also allow for more meaningful
comments and discussion, with more drill down on topics.
2. Adjournment – 8:40 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Sean Walther, liaison Tom Weber, chair member
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