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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/04/16 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - Planning Commission - Study Session Planning commission study session meeting April 16, 2025 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 952.924.2505. Planning commission study session The St. Louis Park planning commission is meeting in person at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. Members of the public can attend and watch the meeting in person. Visit bit.ly/slppcagendas to view the agenda and reports. Agenda 1.Zoning Code Update phase 2 consensus workshop Future scheduled meeting/event dates: May 7, 2025 - planning commission study session (TBD) May 21, 2025 - planning commission regular meeting June 4, 2025 - planning commission regular meeting June 18, 2025 - planning commission regular meeting 1 2 Meeting: Study session Meeting date: April 16, 2025 Written report: 1 Executive summary Title: Zoning code update phase 2 consensus workshop Recommended action: None. Summary: The city council adopted the zoning code updates related to expanded housing options on March 3, 2025. The ordinance went into effect on March 28, 2025. The zoning code audit, preparation and review of the new code was a two-year effort. On March 19, 2025, staff facilitated a focused conversation to reflect on this process and learn from commissioners’ experiences as the city moves forward with phase two of the zoning code update. Staff will facilitate a consensus workshop regarding the second phase of the zoning code update. Planning commissioners will discuss how the city can better reflect and address the strategic priorities in the remaining zoning code regulations and the process. Prior to this discussion, planning commissioners should review the city’s current strategic priorities and the proposed work plan for phase two. Supporting documents: strategic priorities, draft zoning code update phase 2 work scope/schedule summary, March 19, 2025 planning commission study session unofficial minutes Prepared by: Katelyn Champoux, associate planner Reviewed by: Sean Walther, planning manager/deputy community development director 3 Study session meeting of April 16, 2025 (Item No. 1) Page 2 Title: Zoning code update phase 2 consensus workshop Strategic Priorities 1. St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all. • Creating pipelines and opportunities for communities of color and indigenous people to be part of city leadership roles. • Investing in small business and services owned by people of color and indigenous people. • Expanding racial equity as an ongoing discussion within all areas of city business. • Creating awareness and a learning environment where consequences and unintentional impact of our work and decisions are addressed. 2. St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in environmental stewardship. • Supporting climate action plan strategies and goals through planning, education, resources, communication and implementation of programs and initiatives. • Increasing opportunities to connect with nature in the city. • Continuing to protect and improve the quality of natural resources, parks, lakes, creek, wetlands and surface water planning, and using green spaces effectively. • Continuing to provide quality water to residents. 3. St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of housing and neighborhood- oriented development. • Providing more diverse and creative housing choices to meet the needs of current and future residents while preserving existing affordable housing. • Fostering and facilitating reinvestment and redevelopment of neighborhood-oriented businesses and services. • Promoting locally owned small business, especially in indigenous, immigrant and communities of color. • Conducting research to further understand what people want and need to access in the community (i.e., food, services, housing options, business opportunities, gathering spaces). 4. St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably. • Continuing to expand the network of sidewalks, trails, and bike facilities. • Researching and implementing multiple affordable mobility solutions for all. • Fostering smart growth and transit-oriented housing development. • Increasing pedestrian safety through crosswalk improvements and increased park and trail lighting. • Expanding the number of north-south and east-west transit options. 5. St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build social capital through community engagement. • Fostering and facilitating transparency between the community and the City of St. Louis Park. 4 Study session meeting of April 16, 2025 (Item No. 1) Page 3 Title: Zoning code update phase 2 consensus workshop • Building strategies and opportunities to reach historically unheard voices and unseen communities within St. Louis Park. • Building trust and deeper connections with communities of color and indigenous people. • Connecting and engaging with St. Louis Park School District and other community organizations to meet needs of the current and future community. • Continue to support youth and future generations. • Encourage neighborhood associations to deepen their reach and connections within the community. 5 Study session meeting of April 16, 2025 (Item No. 1) Page 4 Title: Zoning code update phase 2 consensus workshop Zoning Code Update Phase 2 – Draft Work Scope/Schedule Summary 1 Develop code structure and non-residential districts analysis - Meet with planning commission - Conduct community engagement #1: project website, story map, survey May 2025 2 Identify changes to non-residential districts and options for zoning map - Meet with planning commission - Conduct community engagement #2: in-person event and online input opportunity July 2025 3 Identify changes to special provisions Article V - Meet with planning commission o Topics include: off-street parking and loading, signs, outdoor lighting, landscaping, architectural design Aug.-Sept. 2025 4 Identify changes to remaining Articles I, II, III, VI - Meet with planning commission o Topics include: administration and enforcement, general provisions, nonconformities Oct. 2025 5 Develop and adopt amended zoning code - Meet with planning commission - Conduct community engagement #3: in-person event and online input opportunity - Hold public hearing and bring to city council for adoption Dec. 2025 – Feb. 2026 6 Planning commission March 19, 2025 6:00 p.m. Planning commission Unofficial minutes Study Session Members present: Jim Beneke, Mia Divecha, Matt Eckholm, Sylvie Hyman, Jan Youngquist, Tom Weber, John Flanagan, Estella Hughes (youth member) Members absent: none 1. Focused conversation reflecting on zoning code update phase 1 Mr. Walther asked the commissioners a series of questions related to phase 1. He noted the council approved the zoning code update phase 1 with one change in the second reading related to the attached garage setback standard. He added this will come back to the planning commission to work on this with more flexibility. Mr. Walther asked the commissioners what stood out to them the most in the process. Commissioner Eckholm stated in the process the initial idea of starting from scratch was the correct decision as there were so many things layered on top of things, and so many assumptions that could not be explained. He added now there is a fresh base of what was passed in 2025 with nothing hanging on because the planning commission reviewed everything in great detail, and he hopes to see this happen with the next phase also. Commissioner Beneke stated he was surprised about how many said they did not have a chance to give their input, adding with all the city did, he is not sure how much more could be offered by the city related to communications. Commissioner Hyman stated the study that was done was interesting to prove having more density does not damage property values. She stated she was glad to have this information, and it showed more housing does not hurt property values. Chair Divecha stated the importance of conversations like this stood out to her, especially when discussing zoning laws. She stated she appreciated the many discussions and the ability to challenge and hear from staff about how things were done historically. She stated she learned by pushing and she gained confidence on the plans and choices made. She thanked staff and said this was very important to her. Commissioner Youngquist added it was interesting there were so many residential categories to start with. She stated it shows how planning used to happen in the past and the priorities on single-unit lots. She noted the great discussions that took place pointing out the change in paradigm through the process. 7 Unofficial minutes Planning commission Mar. 19, 2025 Commissioner Beneke stated he felt torn, and noted the school board always encourages keeping and adding single-unit homes, but he also supports density and affordability. He stated he feels this tension and he sees merit in both sides of the conversation. Commissioner Flanagan stated he came into the process later but was excited to see the plans and was pleasantly surprised at the meetings with residents and the community’s support and how this all played out. Commissioner Hughes stated never having read the zoning code before she was shocked at how detailed it was. She noted after reading it and discussing it, it was great to be able to make the community just how the commission wanted it. She added her interest was in allowing mixed-use and more density and she learned that was already part of the zoning and she appreciated that. Commissioner Weber stated he appreciated being able to work on tool with a history of being used to exclude people and that had some nefarious beginnings, and for staff, the commission and council, and community working to make this more inclusive, and he appreciated that – and that this became the north star. Mr. Walther asked the commissioners how they felt and how the observed others' felt about the process. Commissioner Eckholm stated the mood seemed positive recognizing there was a group at the end that wanted to delay the ordinance, but as Council Member Rog pointed out, only about 50 of the 350 people who signed the petition actually lived in St. Louis Park. He stated the process worked and those who engaged got their say and influenced the outcome. He added this was a reflection of the community’s priorities and values. Chair Divecha stated she had a great time, enjoys the commission and the conversations they had throughout the process, and she learned a lot. She stated many she talked to in her neighborhood and at the open house said they felt this was inevitable and were not all positive about it, but she noted the learnings she had were that the broad policy direction was set at the comprehensive planning level and not something the planning commission is just doing. She stated she did not understand that before this process and possibly others did not as well, so that could be why some felt this was pushed on them. Commissioner Weber noted the training with the city attorney was very helpful also, and it properly explains the place of the city, commission, comprehensive plan and zoning code in the whole process. Commissioner Hyman added she joined late in the process but prior to that was already working at the state level on improving requirements for housing density state-wide. She stated it was frustrating to see those things not moving at the state level, but it was great to join the planning commission and see all these things being implemented and seeing St. Louis Park be a leader in Minnesota for this and also set an example. 8 Unofficial minutes Planning commission Mar. 19, 2025 Commissioner Youngquist stated she appreciated the conversations that the commission had during the process and even though the commissioners did not always agree, it was done respectfully and everyone learned from each other during the process. Commissioner Flanagan added he was impressed with comments made by commissioners and the community during the process related to development projects such as triplexes and property values. He stated these interactions helped him learn while stepping into the process late. Commissioner Weber stated as the commission moves to the next phase in zoning planning, he requests that staff look at not well-informed comments and share that information with commissioners in advance. Mr. Walther stated the discussions staff had with the commissioners and city council helped staff identify these issues and what others were hearing in the community and led staff to research these issues further and address them appropriately. Commissioner Eckholm noted whether parking is going to be discussed in the next phase, there will need to be data on parking and what can be learned from other cities about parking examples, and what this has done to the cost of building structured parking, such as reducing rent costs. Commissioner Hughes stated she was not aware of any petitions that circulated. Mr. Walther stated the petition effort started after the public hearing and planning commission's recommendation had been made and the petition was submitted directly to city council. Commissioner Hyman added that with the constituents she talks to, they get information from her rather than through the city's channels. She updates her social media with information as well, but also noted the city’s social media tends to cover “fluff” topics vs. zoning updates, road construction updates, and things that have a real impact on the community. Chair Divecha agreed to some degree and it would have been good to have this in the city newsletter. Mr. Walther stated there were three Park Perspective articles, email blasts, and articles in the Sun Sailor and Star Tribune a various points in the process. Commissioner Eckholm noted social media is typically run by folks who do not have the best interests of the city in mind, and the only way you can guarantee information gets out is to pay for it. He stated he does not fault the city for promoting events on social media because that is what folks want on these platforms. He noted creating engagement is most likely done on other platforms. Commissioner Divecha stated she shares that perspective, but stated she did not remember the articles in Park Perspective, while adding that she does read it. She stated this may be a fundamental problem that cannot be resolved. 9 Unofficial minutes Planning commission Mar. 19, 2025 Commissioner Eckholm added the article headlines seemed to highlight more housing types in more locations and maybe should have included Zoning Code Update in the title. Commissioner Weber stated the Park Perspective article opened with stated there has been no zoning code update since 1992 and he appreciated that information, noting it is important information and can help frame the project and point out changes and the messaging. Commissioner Beneke added the city website could also be rearranged and the front page should maybe be redesigned. Commissioner Eckholm asked how the city gets people to go to the website to look at these articles, adding that is the real challenge. He noted that most people go to social media sites on their phones. Commissioner Hyman noted the Hennepin County Minnetonka Boulevard engagement meeting was poorly attended and communications about the meeting arrived late. She did note there was a good number of people there, but added those in charge of the meeting did admit it had not been publicized well. Chair Divecha stated the city can send multiple postcards, but people will not read them, adding the best communication comes within the community and discussion. She stated the facilitator training for Vision 4.0 is a great idea to get the word out through their own trusted networks. Mr. Walther asked what do these insights mean for the next phase of the zoning code. Commissioner Eckholm stated while there have been lessons learned on engagement through the first phase, there will most likely be less of an emotional reaction to development issues in commercial properties vs. residential. He added this will be a good time to test more ideas on outreach. Commissioner Youngquist agreed and added parking code changes will be the challenge. Commissioner Weber added changing the rules does not cause any immediate changes to the city and is simply presenting options for what happens in the future and the more that can be said by the planning commission the better. Chair Divecha stated the process is very appropriate, but at times it has felt like the scope is set for the commission. She stated at times she wanted to talk about other phases, but was told that is Phase 2, and she recognized that, but that was not entirely clear at the beginning. She stated she fears with commercial zoning, will there be new developments created where residential is today and those types of conversations will not ever happen, and to her, this was the whole point of those conversations. 10 Unofficial minutes Planning commission Mar. 19, 2025 Chair Divecha stated her neighborhood is completed residential today, but she would like to discuss small businesses moving into her area but that was never able to be discussed. She stated having conversations like this were missed. She stated she is excited to work on this next phase, but she would like opportunities to zoom out and look at the bigger picture also or ask wild questions and have an opportunity to discuss. Commissioner Weber agreed and added there are no coffee shops to meet at in his neighborhood, or public gathering spaces except for a park. He agreed that discussing these bigger picture items would be helpful. Commissioner Youngquist noted however these bigger discussions will come with the comprehensive plan discussions, such as residential and commercial zoning issues. Mr. Walther agreed and noted resources will be put toward these discussions related to the comprehensive plan. He noted the visioning process is the kickoff to these discussions, and helps inform strategic goals for the city. Commissioner Hyman added she will want to do a deep dive of the comprehensive plan to understand it better. Mr. Walther thanked the commissioners for sharing their reflections on the process. Mr. Walther shared additional updates regarding city council's approaches to boards and commissions, including an optional stipend and consecutive term limits. He noted this will begin on June 1, 2025, and more information will come from city administration staff. Mr. Walther added the planning commission and BOZA is scheduled to touch base with the council in November 2025, and council members will be attending some planning commission meetings as well. Mr. Walther noted the application process for board and commissions ends on March 31, and then reviews and interviews will be scheduled. He added commission members will be included in this process. Mr. Walther added the new planning commission chair and vice chair will be elected by commissioners in June per the bylaws. Future scheduled meeting/event dates: April 16, 2025 - planning commission regular meeting May 7, 2025 - planning commission regular meeting May 21, 2025 - planning commission regular meeting Adjournment – 7:00 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Sean Walther, liaison Mia Divecha, chair member 11