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2022-09-28 Planning Commission Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP NOTES SEPTEMBER 28, 2022 A special workshop relating to the Zoning Code Update was held on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve at 5:30 P.M. The following Commissioners were present: Chair Litton Field, Commissioners Sally Lorberbaum, Cindy Johnson, Brian Petschel, and Andrew Katz Also present: Community Development Director Tim Benetti; Planning Consultant Jennifer Haskamp; City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, City Engineer Ryan Ruzek Commissioner Lorberbaum made a motion to approve the workshop notes from July 27, 2022; Commissioner Katz seconded. Motion carried. Commissioner Lorberbaum made a motion to approve the workshop notes from August 24, 2022; Commissioner Katz seconded. Motion carried. Character, Design and Building Standards Discussion Planner Haskamp introduced the Character, Design and Building Standards topic. Planner Haskamp started with the Residential Zoning Districts. The Commission discussed the reason for the Traditional Neighborhood Overlay instead of a new zoning district. Planner Haskamp discussed the existing residential standards in the Code and requested feedback from the Commission on the potential of adding character, design and building standards. The Commission discussed that the City doesn’t want to allow Accessory Dwelling Units. Planner Haskamp and the Commission discussed landscape standards for the R-1 District. The Commission discussed tree requirements and the lack of the tree removal/replacement standards. A resident attending the meeting commented that landscape standards, including ground vegetation and tree requirements, change the character of the street. The resident asked the question about how the City would respond to the question of residents about why the City would require residents to plant trees if the City itself is not planting trees. The Commission discussed adding a tree requirement to the front yard (in new development) and impervious surface coverage maximums (to allow for flexibility for sod, mulch, native plants in yards). Planner Haskamp discussed that the landscape requirements would cross reference the Environmental Ordinance. A resident attending the meeting asked about tree species allowed. Planner Haskamp answered that the ordinance would reference an approved and prohibited list of species. The Commission discussed the potential differences of a tree requirement in the different zones. The Commission agreed that a tree requirement in the front yard (in new development) would be based on street frontage. Planner Haskamp presented the R-2 district for discussion. The Commission would like the same tree requirements. Planner Haskamp asked if the Commission would like to add an articulation requirement to R-2. A resident asked the question about turning a duplex into a fourplex. Planner Haskamp answered that if the parcel meets dimensional standards, a fourplex would be allowed. Planner Haskamp presented the R-3 district for discussion. The Commission would like to add standards for a landscaped islands in parking lots, an articulation requirement, an impervious surface coverage maximum. The Commission brought up the topic of limiting a large parking lot and encouraging underground parking. A resident asked about pervious pavement for parking lots and brought up the potential longevity of pervious pavement. The Commission would like to change the parking standards to 1 parking space per bedroom. Planner Haskamp presented the TN-O Overlay district for discussion. Planner Haskamp discussed the option of front yard setback averaging or a build-to line. Planner Haskamp discussed the option of height averaging as well. The Commission would like to implement a front yard setback averaging, height averaging, and an impervious surface maximum. Planner Haskamp asked if the Commission would like to allow for parking in front of the principal structure. The Commission discussed and the majority would not like to regulate for it. Planner Haskamp presented the Retail/Commercial districts for discussion. Planner Haskamp asked the Commission if they would like to change the accessory building standards for the districts. The Commission discussed keeping the residential requirements. The Commission discussed the location of parking lots and would like to keep parking lots in front of the business. The Commission would like landscape requirements, impervious surface maximum, increased setbacks and screening adjacent to Residential districts. The Commission would like to see the same requirements in B-2. Planner Haskamp presented the Industrial district for discussion. Director Benetti brought up an issue with Floor Area Ratio. The Commission discussed the potential to change the FAR and concluded the existing FAR should remain. Planner Haskamp presented the Public Semi-Public district for discussion. The Commission would like to see increased setbacks adjacent to Residential uses. The Commission brought up issues with the size of accessory buildings in this district. The Commission discussed the potential of removing size standards for PSP. A resident expressed concern if the accessory building standards are removed, there would be no opportunity for public input. The Commission discussed potential material standards. Planner Haskamp discussed that similar cities have implemented that accessory buildings must be compatible, blend into landscape, etc. Planner Haskamp will work with Director Benetti on accessory structures in PSP. The Commission discussed the addition of the definition of a tree house, in terms of privacy, height, safety, etc. The work session adjured at 8:04 p.m.