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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-23 Planning Commission Special Work Session MinutesDraft Minutes☐ Approved Minutes☒ Approved Date: August 13, 2025 Page 1 of 4 Minutes City Of Edina, Minnesota Planning Commission Special Work Session July 23, 2025 I. Call To Order Vice Chair Alkire called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. II. Roll Call Answering the roll call were: Commissioners Alkire, Daye, Padilla, Hahneman, Felt, and Nelson. Staff Present: Cary Teague, Community Development Director; Emily Dalrymple, Assistant Planner; Addison Lewis, Community Development Coordinator; and Liz Olson, Administrative Support Specialist. Absent from the roll call: Commissioner Bornstein, Jha and Joncas. III. Kick-Off Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update Community Development Coordinator Lewis introduced the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance update. He provided an overview of the current zoning ordinance, which was established in 1970, and mentioned the issues identified in the zoning and subdivision ordinance audit report. He noted the report highlighted the need for better alignment with the comprehensive plan, organizational issues, contradictions, and complexity in the code. Mr. Sean Suder, Mr. Michael Stein, Mr. Michael Lamb, and Ms. Emily Harold from the consulting team at Zone Co. delivered a presentation on the scope of work and goals for the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance update. Commissioner Smith joined the work session at 5:11 p.m. Mr. Suder highlighted the importance of aligning the zoning code with the comprehensive plan and emphasized the need for an update. He pointed out the challenges of working with a 55-year-old zoning code and stressed the importance of addressing issues such as single-family zoning, non- conformities, and the absence of medium- or high-density districts. He underscored the need to create user-friendly, equitable, and defensible zoning regulations. Chair Bennett joined the work session at 5:17 p.m. Mr. Suder discussed the current zoning code, which emphasizes single-family zoning, double-dwelling units, regional medical zones, and planned automotive parking zones. He highlighted the need to address non-conformities, develop medium- or high-density districts, and improve the lack of mixed- Draft Minutes☐ Approved Minutes☒ Approved Date: August 13, 2025 Page 2 of 4 use districts. The existing subdivision code was also reviewed, pointing out issues with confusing language, the absence of a process for small subdivisions or lot splits, and the need for a simpler, clearer code. He suggested that the community should balance property rights with planning goals and create districts that support the development outlined in the comprehensive plan. The project aims to help Edina reach its desired development goals through clear, consistent, user- friendly, equitable, and defensible zoning rules. There was a discussion about the need to balance development pressure with quality of life and the importance of offering a diverse range of housing options. The team emphasized the importance of community engagement and making sure all voices are heard in the zoning process. They discussed the need for community input to shape the zoning code so it reflects the community’s needs and desires. The conversation addressed the importance of balancing property rights with planning goals and emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan update to reflect evolving community needs. There was a suggestion that the community should consider how future planning impacts the zoning process and the importance of adopting a geographic approach to zoning. The question was raised about the lack of density-related language in the project goals and the need to balance development pressure with quality of life. It was noted that the project aims to create zoning districts that accommodate the development outlined in the comprehensive plan, rather than changing existing zoning. The conversation emphasized the need for a balance between single-family housing and higher-density development, as well as the importance of creating districts that offer a variety of housing options. There was also a focus on prioritizing the needs of different community groups, such as those requiring affordable housing and aging populations, during the zoning process. Current and future transit developments have been discussed, along with their impact on zoning. The discussion highlighted the challenges of balancing transit-oriented development with existing infrastructure constraints, such as sewer capacity. It was noted that a significant portion of the city faces sewer capacity limitations, which will influence future growth. The discussion highlighted the importance of a comprehensive planning approach that accounts for both transit and infrastructure limitations. There was a discussion about the importance of community engagement and the need to provide clear, understandable information to the public. The conversation also covered the use of visual preference surveys and other engagement tools to gather community input. The importance of including industrial and office uses in the zoning process, beyond just residential and housing goals, was emphasized. There was discussion about the need to allow more flexibility in Draft Minutes☐ Approved Minutes☒ Approved Date: August 13, 2025 Page 3 of 4 industrial and office zones to ensure productive property use and prevent vacancies. The conversation highlighted the importance of balancing different land uses, such as retail, office, and residential, to sustain a healthy economic base. Emphasis was placed on supporting the economic drivers of the hospital and other key industries in the community. There was a discussion about the push for affordable housing at the state level and the challenge of balancing local control with state requirements. It was noted that many communities face similar challenges in providing affordable housing while maintaining local control over planning decisions. The conversation emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to affordable housing that considers both zoning and other factors like supply and demand. The discussion continued around the tension between accommodating more people and preserving existing investments, highlighting the high cost of housing caused by scarcity. It was emphasized that it is important to consider future generations and their ability to live in the community. It was pointed out that affordable housing is not just for low-income individuals but also for families who cannot afford high-priced homes. The conversation touched on the difficulty of returning to the community after college due to high living costs. There was a suggestion to improve communication and transparency to build trust with the community, mentioning platforms like “Better Together” and “Know Your City.” The need for education on technical terms such as affordable housing, comprehensive plans, and zoning was emphasized. There was also a recommendation for regular updates from the City Council to keep residents informed about changes and developments. The importance of community engagement and building trust to facilitate necessary changes was highlighted. Legislative changes and zoning adaptations were discussed, and the impact of state legislative changes on single-unit zoning and the potential for non-conforming areas was questioned. Discussions included the challenges of adapting zoning to accommodate new investments and market demands. There was mention of the potential for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a solution, but their high cost was noted. The need for flexibility in building regulations was also discussed, especially regarding parking and other issues. An introduction of bills addressing parking and related issues was mentioned. There were inquiries about best practices for updating commercial zoning chapters, considering a performance-based approach versus specific business lists. A suggestion was made to use broader categories and standards to attract desired retail types while reducing parking requirements. The conversation discussed the possibility of combining retail and industrial uses, with examples like breweries. It also covered the benefits of permitting non-traditional industrial uses to prevent property decay and boost tax revenue. The discussion focused on sewer and water capacity issues in industrial areas, reviewing past resolutions and current challenges. There was also talk about the budget for sewer infrastructure Draft Minutes☐ Approved Minutes☒ Approved Date: August 13, 2025 Page 4 of 4 upgrades and how they affect housing and commercial growth. Tension between commercial and industrial zones was highlighted, stressing the importance of maintaining an employment base. There was discussion regarding the flexibility needed for small businesses, such as chocolate shops and bakeries, to operate in industrial areas. Examples were shared of mixed-use development with a commercial pasta-making business, highlighting the potential for startup businesses in industrial areas. The discussion covered the historical practice of combining living and working spaces, which is being revived in industrial areas. The conversation also addressed the need for retail sales in all businesses, including global companies, to stay connected with customers. Additionally, challenges of operating a restaurant in an office building were discussed. There was an emphasis on the importance of planning and zoning to reserve areas for employment and prevent overdevelopment in hot retail real estate sectors. There was also a brief discussion on the need for flexible zoning and infrastructure improvements to support community growth and development. V. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:31 p.m.