St. Paul Planning Commission Meeting – May 26, 2023

The St. Paul Planning Commission met on May 26, 2023, at 2:30 PM UTC. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, director announcements, zoning committee reports, a major discussion on the Ford Site Highland Bridge Master Plan amendments, a parking landscaping zoning study, and a transportation committee update. Several votes were taken, including a recommendation to deny extended hours for a pizzeria and a split recommendation on the Ford Site master plan amendments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from April 28 and May 12, 2023, were approved unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Ritzburg, seconded by Commissioner Saeed.

Discussion Items

Director's Announcements

• Director Predator announced:
  • Two new city planner positions filled (backfilling for Michael Wade and promotion of Emma Brown), starting in June.
  • Hiring a research analyst for the research and mapping team, a new full-time position to support database improvement.
  • Creation of two new planning supervisor positions: one for current planning (zoning administration, environmental review) and one for long-range planning (neighborhood plans, comprehensive plan, zoning studies).
  • The City Council approved the Summit Avenue Regional Trail Plan on May 24, 2023; it will next go to the Metropolitan Council.
  • A budget activity exercise led by John Grevner from the Mayor's office would take place later in the meeting, involving devices and breakout groups.

Zoning Committee – 629 Aldine (Pizzeria Hours Extension)

• Item: Application to extend non-conforming use business hours for a carry-out/delivery pizzeria at 629 Aldine from current 8 AM–12 AM to 8 AM–6 AM (closed two hours). The zoning committee voted 4–1 to recommend approval of the staff recommendation (denial).
• Discussion: Commissioner Acha, the dissenting vote, argued the extension fits the neighborhood character, citing nearby late-night uses (bars, Taco Bell) and 30 letters of support. Commissioner Rowe opposed the extension, citing noise, traffic, proximity to homes, and impact on residential character. Commissioner Riley noted that the pizza ovens can run after 10 PM (fryer must be off) and that the applicant had not proposed a more moderate hour (e.g., 2 AM). Commissioner Martinson expressed concern about setting a precedent for other businesses wanting similar hours. The motion to approve staff recommendation (denial) passed 9–1 (one abstention).
• Outcome: The commission recommended denial of the hours extension.

Zoning Committee – 1566 Rice (Auto Repair and Sales)

• Item: Conditional use permit for auto repair and outdoor auto sales at 1566 Rice Street. The zoning committee voted to approve with modified conditions allowing flexibility.
• Discussion: Minor clarification that the permit is for a new owner relocating from another city; the use is existing. The motion to approve passed unanimously.

Ford Site Highland Bridge Master Plan Amendments

• Presentation: Spencer staff presented six proposed amendments to the Ford Site master plan, primarily related to the civic and institutional land use category:
  1. Exempt civic/institutional uses from minimum FAR requirements.
  2. Add cross-reference to zoning code for maximum parking calculation.
  3. Exempt the project from the 20 surface parking space maximum (the most controversial).
  4. Exempt civic/institutional uses from maximum setback requirements.
  5. Provide flexibility for the shared transportation corridor.
  6. Cleanup items for park land improvement.
• Discussion: Commissioners expressed concerns about the permanence of the zoning changes, the surface parking lot (proposed ~330 spaces, up to ~375 allowed), and equitable public access to the ball fields. Commissioner Martinson noted that denying the amendments could lead to the site being marketed for sale. Commissioner Riley moved to approve amendments 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 (all except 3). That motion passed (voice vote: majority in favor). A separate motion to approve amendment 3 failed (2 in favor, remainder opposed). Commissioner Riley then moved to recommend denial of amendment 3, citing conflict with the master plan's vision for environmental sustainability and neighborhood character. That motion passed (all in favor except Commissioners Starling and Saeed).
• Outcome: The commission recommends approval of amendments 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, and denial of amendment 3 (surface parking exemption).

Parking Landscaping and Zoning Study

• Presentation: Spencer presented proposed zoning code text amendments to landscaping requirements for surface parking lots, including lowering the threshold for internal pedestrian walkways from 425 spaces to 250 spaces, and adding mandatory safety and design standards. The committee recommended approval, with a request for further study on solar energy standards. Staff indicated that future zoning study would be more appropriate.
• Discussion: Commissioner Holst moved to approve the zoning code amendments as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

Transportation Committee

• Commissioner Brisbane reported that the next meeting (scheduled for Memorial Day) was canceled. The committee had a productive discussion about the St. Paul Bike Plan, noting that staff is presenting to all district councils.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Minutes of April 28 and May 12, 2023.
• Approved: Conditional use permit for 1566 Rice Street.
• Recommended Denial: Extension of operating hours for 629 Aldine (pizzeria).
• Recommended Approval: Ford Site Master Plan amendments 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6.
• Recommended Denial: Ford Site Master Plan amendment 3 (surface parking exemption).
• Approved: Parking landscaping zoning code amendments.
• Next Steps: The Ford Site master plan amendments and parking study will go to the City Council for three readings starting June 21, 2023, with a public hearing on June 28, 2023, and adoption anticipated July 12, 2023.