Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

The May 30, 2025 Planning Commission meeting was canceled. No items were discussed or voted upon. Cancellation - The meeting scheduled for May 30, 2025, was canceled as indicated on the agenda. No minutes, transcript, or public testimony were available.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on May 16, 2025, from approximately 8:30 a.m. to about 10:15 a.m. to review several zoning and planning items, make recommendations to the City Council, and advance neighborhood plans. The meeting included approval of minutes, a conditional use permit for a farmers market, a large structure reuse permit, a complex rezoning for the historic Hamm's Brewery site, initiation of a minor text amendment zoning study, release of the Hamline-Midway Neighborhood Plan for public review, and a recommendation on a commercial development district for a liquor license extension. Key decisions included approval of most items, but denial of the T3 rezoning for parcels three and four of the Hamm's site due to spot zoning concerns. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 16, 2025, meeting were approved unanimously. (Note: The agenda for this meeting is dated May 30, 2025; the transcript indicates the meeting occurred on the date specified by the user.) Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were presented during this meeting. The public hearing for the Hamline-Midway plan and the commercial development district will occur at later City Council meetings. Discussion Items - Rice/Larpenteur Farmers Market (25-029-508): Valerie Quarles presented a conditional use permit for a seasonal farmers market (15 vendors, May–October) on the southwest corner of Rice Street and Larpenteur Avenue. The zoning committee recommended approval, including a special approval to sell non-crop items. The commission approved unanimously without discussion. - 325 Dayton Reuse of Large Structure (25-030-214): Chris Hong presented a conditional use permit to convert a former bed-and-breakfast into an event hall, short-term rental units, a Montessori school, and a daycare. The Summit University Planning Council recommended approval. The commission approved unanimously. - Hamm's Brewery Rezoning (25-015-702): A complex rezoning of five parcels at 694 Minnehaha Avenue E. and adjacent properties from I2 general industrial to various residential and mixed-use designations. The zoning committee split the recommendation into three motions: - Parcels 1 and 2: Rezone from I2 to RM2 (medium-density multi-family). Passed 8–4. - Parcel 5: Rezone from I2 to H2 (residential). Passed 8–4. - Parcels 3 and 4: Rezone from I2 to T3 (traditional neighborhood). Failed unanimously (0–12) due to concerns about spot zoning, incompatibility of leaving three industrial ‘islands’ within a T3 area, and the lack of a coherent overall plan for the full opportunity site. Commissioners expressed frustration that the application resulted from unresolved negotiations between the city and adjacent property owners rather than a comprehensive land-use vision. - Minor Text Amendment Zoning Study: Initiated and adopted—procedural step to correct outdated language and typos in the zoning code. Passed unanimously. - Hamline-Midway Neighborhood Plan Update (D11): Staff recommended releasing the 10-year plan for public review and setting a public hearing date of July 25, 2025 (amended from July 11). The plan focuses on thriving main streets, affordable housing, and transit-oriented development. Approved unanimously. - Commercial Development District at 1626 White Bear Ave N: Request from Cups and Cheers restaurant to allow liquor service after midnight, requiring creation of a new commercial development district. The planning commission’s role was limited to assessing consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and zoning code. Staff found consistency. Commissioner Houmas moved for denial citing insufficient community notice and neighborhood concerns (noise, crime), but the motion failed. The commission voted to recommend approval (9–2–1, with Commissioners Houmas and Ortega opposed and Commissioner Said abstaining). Key Outcomes - Conditional Use Permits: Both the Rice/Larpenteur Farmers Market and 325 Dayton reuse were approved unanimously. - Hamm's Brewery Rezoning: Parcels 1, 2, and 5 were approved; parcels 3 and 4 were denied. The commission will recommend denial to the City Council for the T3 rezoning. - Minor Text Amendment: Initiated and adopted. - Hamline-Midway Plan: Released for public review with a public hearing set for July 25, 2025. - Commercial Development District: Recommended approval to the City Council, which will hold a public hearing in Ward 6 on June 18, 2025 (tentative).

The meeting took place on May 16, 2025, but no agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for analysis. Therefore, no detailed summary can be generated.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on May 9, 2025, to approve minutes, discuss the Traditional Neighborhood District (T) Zoning Study, and receive informational presentations on zoning fundamentals and staff report redesign. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the May 2, 2025, meeting by unanimous vote (motion by Commissioner Ritzburg, second by Commissioner Hackney). Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee - Traditional Neighborhood District Zoning Study: Staff presented a zoning study to update the T districts (last updated in 2011) to implement the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Key changes include clarifying district purposes, increasing height flexibility at nodes/corridors, expanding neighborhood-scale uses in T1, adding an affordable housing density bonus (10% of units at 60% AMI for 0.5 FAR bonus, up to 20% units for 1.0 FAR), streamlining design standards into objective criteria, and modernizing code language. The study does not involve rezoning or map changes. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the work and asked about the affordable housing definition (based on AMI) and deed restrictions. Commissioner Martinson noted the need for larger family-sized units and asked about incentives for three-bedroom units, but staff clarified those incentives are for H districts, not T. The committee recommended, and the full commission voted to release the study for an eight-week public review period and set a public hearing for July 11, 2025 (motion by Commissioner Holtz, second by Commissioner Houmas; passed unanimously). New Business - Zoning 101 Informational Presentation: Staff (Bill Dermody and Paul) presented an overview of zoning basics: zoning districts, the roles of various bodies (City Council, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, DSI), application types (rezoning, conditional use permits, non-conforming use permits, site plans, variances, subdivisions), quasi-judicial vs. legislative decisions, the 60-day rule (Minn. Stat. §15.99), and spot zoning. A significant portion of the discussion focused on quasi-judicial conduct rules: commissioners were advised not to discuss open matters outside meetings, avoid social media comments on cases, refer media inquiries to staff, and recuse themselves when appropriate. Commissioner James requested guidance on handling district council roles. Director Robinson offered to connect commissioners with the city attorney for specific questions. - Zoning Staff Report Redesign: Chris Hong presented a redesigned staff report format aimed at improving readability, accessibility (screen-reader friendly), and clarity for the public. The new format includes a summary snapshot, parcel information with maps, application request, zoning analysis with standards/analysis, and a recommended motion with option options. The first reports using the new format will appear at the May 22 zoning committee meeting. Commissioners provided feedback, including requests to include committee action history, ensure comprehensive plan references are clickable, and list applicable small area plans. Director Robinson noted the previous format had not changed in about 50 years and that the rollout would be iterative. Key Outcomes - The minutes of May2, 2025, were approved. - The Traditional Neighborhood District Zoning Study was released for public review; a public hearing is scheduled for July11, 2025. - No formal votes were taken on the informational presentations, but staff will proceed with the staff report redesign and consider commissioner feedback on quasi-judicial guidance.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. As a result, no summary of the proceedings, discussions, or decisions can be generated.

Note: The agenda and transcript clearly indicate this meeting occurred on May 2, 2025, but the provided instruction states to use the date April 18, 2025. This summary follows the instruction, with the discrepancy noted. The St. Paul Planning Commission convened to approve previous minutes, consider three zoning items, and hold a public hearing on the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) zoning study. All zoning items were approved, and the MRCCA public hearing was closed with the record held open for additional written testimony. Approval of Minutes - The minutes from the April 18, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously with a motion from Commissioner Sayed and a second from Commissioner Holtz. No discussion. Zoning Committee Items - 25-019-991 Impound Lot Building CUP – Conditional use permit for a prefabricated office building on piers at 810 Barge Channel Road (flood fringe). Staff reported no opposition or letters. The committee recommended approval subject to four conditions. The commission approved by roll call (all ayes). - 25-023-207 841-857 Grand Avenue CUP – Conditional use permit to allow a height of 74 feet (55 ft allowed) for a six-story mixed-use building (87 dwelling units, 12,000+ sq ft commercial). The committee recommended approval. Four letters in opposition, five in support, one verbal testifier in opposition, and the Summit Hill Association (SHA) voted in support. Commission approved (Commissioner Ortega abstained). - 25-015-397 560 Randolph Avenue FCC Site Plan Review – Site plan for a public works yard with compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling, truck storage, and parking. Referred proactively due to anticipated appeal. Staff recommended approval with two conditions. Zoning committee recommended approval after hearing 11 speakers in opposition and receiving multiple letters (including from Fort Road Federation). Questions arose about the refueling infrastructure and the scope of review; the city attorney reminded the commission to focus on site plan consistency with findings. Commission approved by roll call. Public Hearing: Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Zoning Study - The public hearing was opened for the MRCCA zoning study. Speakers were limited to three minutes. Over a dozen individuals testified, with the record noting that some submitted letters were not included in the meeting packet (Friends of the Mississippi River, West 7th/Fort Road Federation). - Speakers in support of staff recommendations: - John Perlich (St. Paul Area Chamber) urged support for the draft, arguing it balances economic vitality and housing needs. - Joe Spencer (St. Paul Downtown Alliance) encouraged approval, noting downtown challenges and the need for investment. - Catherine Sarnaky (St. Paul Port Authority) supported the draft, emphasizing the working river and economic balance. - Speakers in opposition or seeking stronger protections: - Ann Lau (412 Hamlin Ave S) supported adding bird-friendly building standards (fritted glass, lighting) for the Mississippi River flyway. - Whitney Clark (Friends of the Mississippi River) stated the draft is “significantly less effective” than the 2023 version; urged inclusion of DNR-recommended language on variances/CUPs, numeric tiering standards, and bird-safe glass. - Monica Beerma (225 9th St E) supported stronger riverfront protections. - Meg Doer (West 7th Fort Road Federation) opposed reduced setbacks, height requirements, and removal of bird-safe provisions; noted the river corridor is a unique asset. - Cheryl Benson (1201 Edgecombe Rd), a birder and kayaker, valued river access and urged bird-friendly standards. - Wendy Newar (St. Paul resident, former city employee) criticized the three-year delay and “watered down” language; asked to revert to the 2023 draft and impose a moratorium on certain developments. - Kiki San (1758 Hewitt Ave, St. Paul Bird Alliance) provided migration data and urged bird-safe glass, pollinator-friendly landscaping, and slope protections. - Tom Diamond (2119 Skyway Dr) listed specific protections removed from the code (e.g., fill restrictions, prohibitions on solid waste disposal, slopes over 12%, alterations diminishing wildlife habitat). - Tom Klein (812 Cherokee Ave) shared a family story about passenger pigeons and urged passage of bird-friendly ordinances. - Adele Binning (812 Cherokee Ave) invited commissioners to see the birds and urged reinstatement of 2023 bird-friendly provisions. - Former Councilmember Jane Prince (through speaker Joseph Collins) and Alan Torsenson (detailed zoning expert) provided technical critique. Torsenson stated tiering language was vague and missing from the correct section; recommended alignment with DNR model ordinance and Minneapolis practices. - Kathy Glover (St. Paul resident) spoke about the mental health benefits of birds and easy development not always being good; played a bird call. - Joseph Collins (534 West Orange) endorsed the expertise of Jane Prince and Alan Torsenson. Discussion on MRCCA - Commissioner Riley noted the compromise is insufficient, citing the rent stabilization ordinance’s unintended throttling of development and the need for clear code. - Commissioner Hackney highlighted the urgency of bird-safe glass, referencing a 2025 report of 1 billion bird deaths per year. - Staff (Tony Johnson) explained bird-safe glass is not part of DNR requirements and recommended a separate study on cost, geography, and design; moving MRCCA forward without it to avoid state adoption without bird provisions. - Chair noted the process: public hearing closed, record open until May 5, then referred to Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee (CNPC), then full commission, then to Mayor and City Council with additional public hearing. Key Outcomes - Approved: Impound Lot Building CUP (unanimous). - Approved: 841-857 Grand Avenue CUP (Commissioner Ortega abstained). - Approved: 560 Randolph Avenue Site Plan (unanimous). - Public Hearing Closed: MRCCA Zoning Study – The commission voted unanimously to close the hearing and hold the record open until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025 (motion by Commissioner Holtz, second by Commissioner Kadar). The item will proceed through CNPC, full commission, and then to Mayor and City Council. Reports - Transportation Committee: Heard updates on shared micro-mobility and downtown streets/sidewalk plan; May 5 meeting canceled. - Communications-Nomination Committee: No update. - No task force or liaison reports. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned after all business.

Note: The meeting agenda lists the date as Monday, April 21, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., but the provided instruction indicates the meeting took place on April 18, 2025. This discrepancy is noted. No transcript or minutes are available for this meeting. The agenda includes two items: Shared Micromobility (presented by David Peterson, Public Works) and Downtown Streets and Sidewalks Plan (presented by Anna Potter, Public Works). No additional details, public comments, or decisions are recorded.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on April 4, 2025, to approve minutes from a prior meeting, hear committee reports, conduct a public hearing on minor text amendments to the zoning study, and receive informational presentations on the American Planning Association national conference and a tour of a recently completed mixed-income development at 411 Lexington Parkway. Public Hearing: Minor Text Amendments Zoning Study - The Commission held a public hearing on proposed minor text amendments to the zoning study. No members of the public testified. The hearing was closed, and the matter was referred back to the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee (CNPC) with the record held open for written testimony until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025. The motion passed unanimously, with Commissioner Martinson abstaining on the earlier minutes approval but not on this vote (the motion was made by Commissioner Holtz, seconded by Commissioner Ortega; all in favor, no opposition, no abstentions). - Commissioner Riley asked whether the full Commission would have a chance to deliberate before a final vote; Director Robinson confirmed that deliberation would occur after public testimony was received. Commissioners were encouraged to email questions or comments to staff. - CNPC Chair Holtz reported that the committee met the previous Wednesday and voted to move forward significant adjustments to the T2 and T3 zoning districts, which will come to the full Planning Commission soon. Committee Updates - Zoning Committee: No items at the April 4 meeting. The next meeting is April 23, 2025, with three items: a conditional use permit for an impound lot on Bosch Channel Road, a conditional use permit for 841–857 Grand Avenue (height increase at Victoria and Grand), and a site plan review for 560 Randolph Avenue. - Transportation Committee: No meeting on April 7. The April 21 meeting will include public works items on shared mobility and the downtown sidewalk plan. New Business: Informational Items - Summary of American Planning Association National Conference: Director Robinson presented highlights from a session titled "Can Your Zoning Hack It" attended in Denver. The session featured speakers from Greenville, Pomona, and Code Studio. They discussed Euclidean vs. form-based vs. modular zoning codes, defining zoning problems, and the importance of aligning zoning with economic and consumer trends (e.g., delivery-based consumption). The session included a hands-on "code hack" exercise where participants tried to fit different housing types onto a lot given current regulations. Robinson noted that Saint Paul’s code already addresses many issues other cities are struggling with, such as parking minimums. Commissioners discussed the need to integrate land use and transportation planning, the impact of delivery services on building design, and the potential value of conducting a similar activity for public outreach or commission education. - Summary of 411 Lexington Parkway Tour: Director Robinson shared a virtual tour of “The Nine at Lexington Station,” a mixed-income development that had previously come before the Commission. The building includes amenities such as a lobby with real-time transit information, transit passes for all residents, an accessible mailroom, remote work pods, a gym with a dance studio, a pet spa, a swimming pool, a bike garage with a washing station, a special loading dock for moving trucks, a solar array, and a rooftop deck. Affordable units are provided through the 4D program; the building is mixed-income. The manager is a local resident, and a coffee shop will open on the ground floor. Commissioners appreciated seeing the completed project and noted the transparency of the building’s website regarding fees and utilities. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from the April 4, 2025 Planning Commission meeting (motion by Commissioner Holtz, seconded; one abstention from Commissioner Martinson). - Closed the public hearing for the minor text amendments zoning study, referred the matter to CNPC, and held the record open until April 21, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. (motion by Commissioner Holtz, seconded by Commissioner Ortega; unanimous vote). - Received informational updates on the APA conference and the 411 Lexington Parkway tour, with no formal action taken.

The St. Paul Planning Commission convened on April 4, 2025, from approximately 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. in City Hall Conference Center Room 40. The meeting covered approval of minutes, zoning committee items, and updates from various committees. Key actions included approval of minutes, a nonconforming use permit for a concrete contractor, and a rezoning for a cannabis-related business. The meeting was briefly recessed due to a technical issue. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the March 21, 2025, Planning Commission meeting. Motion by Commissioner Risberg, seconded by Commissioner Starling. Passed with Commissioner Martinson abstaining. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded during this meeting. Discussion Items 237 Richmond Nonconforming Use Permit (25-007-238) - Item: Request to reestablish a nonconforming use as a service business with a workshop (concrete contractor) at 237 Richmond St. (T1 zoning, District Council 9, Ward 2). - History: The business operated without proper permits previously; neighbors complained about noise, illegal parking, and other nuisances. - Staff/Zoning Committee Recommendation: Approval with six conditions: operations 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; no concrete/construction waste dumping; orderly storage of materials; fence repair/replacement for screening; installation of at least three trees (or alternative landscaping); and no business vehicles parked on boulevards or blocking driveways. - Discussion: Commissioners debated whether conditions adequately mitigate impacts. Commissioner Martinson noted the site's limited viability for other uses. Commissioner McTeague (misidentified as Teague) expressed discomfort with retroactive approval. Commissioner Hackney asked about enforcement if conditions are violated; staff explained DSI enforcement and permit revocation possible. Zoning committee split 3–2 in favor. Commissioner Homas (voting no) argued the use is more intensive than the previous auto repair. Commissioner Starling and Chair Grill voted in favor at committee, citing enforcement potential. - Alternate Findings: The committee also requested draft findings for denial, but staff did not recommend them. - Vote: Motion for approval passed on a roll call vote: Yes – Martinson, Presley, Riley, Risberg, Starling, Thomas (6); No – Hackney, Homas, Ortega, Ochoa (4). (Note: One vote was recorded as "Yes" for Commissioner Presley; the summary reflects the roll call as read.) 959 Payne Rezoning (25-010-953) - Item: Rezone from B2 (community business) to T2 (traditional neighborhood) at 959 Payne Ave. (SW corner of Case and Payne). Applicant intends to operate a cannabis business, which requires T2 for limited production/processing. - Staff/Zoning Committee Recommendation: Approval (unanimous). Payne Avenue and Community Council did not submit a formal recommendation but sent a letter listing concerns. - Discussion: Commissioner Riley supported the rezoning and asked about future corridor-wide rezoning; Planning Director indicated no immediate plans but possible future text amendments. Commissioner Homas expressed concern about adding manufacturing near existing pollution issues (e.g., Northern Metals), but other commissioners noted T2 is appropriate for Payne Avenue's intended character. Commissioner Ortega questioned why T2 allows limited production/processing while B2 does not; staff clarified council decisions from 2006 and 2024. - Vote: Motion for approval passed by voice vote with Commissioner Martinson and Commissioner [Tegiaff] abstaining. Committee Reports and Announcements - Planning Director: Announced attendance at the American Planning Association conference in Denver; plans to share highlights at a future meeting. - Zoning Committee: Upcoming meeting on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in Council Chambers; three members needed (minimum); agenda includes three items. - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee: Meeting last Wednesday discussed language changes to T districts; will continue next week. Future meetings moved to City Hall Room 40. - Transportation Committee: Reported on a robust discussion about the 7th Street corridor transformation; public meetings may be ongoing (details on Public Works website). Next meeting April 21. - Communications-Nomination Committee: No report. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved for the March 21, 2025 meeting. - 237 Richmond: Approved nonconforming use permit with six conditions by a roll call vote of 6–4. - 959 Payne: Approved rezoning from B2 to T2 by voice vote, with two abstentions. - Recess: A five-minute recess was taken to resolve a technical issue with audio equipment. Note: The meeting experienced ongoing audio interference; staff contacted tech support and building maintenance to address the issue.