Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on March 21, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in City Hall Conference Center Room 40. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, updates on a city council reversal of a planning commission decision, a comprehensive study of the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) zoning, a layover request for a nonconforming use permit, and transportation committee announcements. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the March 7, 2025, Planning Commission meeting were approved by a unanimous vote (motion by Commissioner Presley, second by Commissioner Risberg, no discussion). Chair’s Announcements - Chair Grill announced that items would be taken out of order (Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee before Zoning Committee) to allow staff more time. - She welcomed Bill Germany (city attorney) and the acting planning director. Planning Director’s Announcements - The acting planning director reported that item 560 Randolph (similar use determination) was appealed to the city council and reversed unanimously (5-0). The planning commission had previously affirmed the zoning administrator’s decision that the use was similar to a public works yard. Next steps are not yet known. Discussion Items Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Zoning Study - Tony Johnson presented the study, which updates the city’s MRCCA regulations to comply with 2017 state rules. The proposal deletes the 1982 MRCCA language and adopts the state’s model ordinance (without optional provisions). Key changes include new overlay districts, setback and height limits, vegetation management standards, and moving floodplain management standards into Chapter 68. - Bird-safe glass was discussed: it was in an earlier draft but removed in this version because it is not required by state rules, only 7.5% of recent construction permits are in the MRCCA area, and there are unresolved legal and cost issues. Staff recommended a separate study on bird-safe glass. - Commissioners asked about height limits in downtown districts (e.g., RC4 district with conditional use permits above 75 feet) and the map delineation (prescribed by the DNR, not alterable locally). - The committee recommended releasing the study for public review and setting a public hearing for May 2, 2025. The motion (by Commissioner Holst, second by Commissioner Hood) passed unanimously. Staff noted that further delay could result in the DNR adopting an ordinance on the city’s behalf. 237 Richmond Nonconforming Use Permit – Layover Request - The Zoning Committee item (25-007-238) was presented. Staff requested a layover to further consider how the application relates to state law. - Commissioner Taghioff moved to suspend the rules to allow a layover motion (second by Commissioner Starling). The motion to suspend passed unanimously. - Commissioner Taghioff then moved to lay the matter over to the next full planning commission meeting (scheduled for April 4, 2025). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Starling. - Several commissioners expressed frustration that this was the second time the item was pulled from a vote at the last minute, and asked for better advance notice to the public and committee members. Commissioner Hood raised a procedural question about whether significant staff recommendation changes might warrant reopening the public hearing; the city attorney noted that in this case the changes were substantially the same. - The motion to lay over passed unanimously. The item will return on April 4, 2025. Transportation Committee Announcements - A transportation committee meeting was announced for Monday, March 24, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in the City Hall Annex (13th floor) to discuss the new West 7th Street corridor concept. The concept includes bus rapid transit, pedestrian improvements, on-street parking, a regional multi-use trail, and dedicated lanes for BRT on a railroad spur. Public open houses are scheduled: - In-person: April 8 (6:30–8 p.m.) at Highland Park Community Center - Virtual: April 9 (noon–1 p.m.) - In-person: April 10 (5–6:30 p.m.) at Palace Community Center - Commissioner Riley announced the grand opening of the Gold Line BRT on Saturday, March 22, 2025, with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. in Woodbury and celebrations along the corridor. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - MRCCA study released for public review with a public hearing set for May 2, 2025; motion passed unanimously. - 237 Richmond permit laid over to the next full planning commission meeting (April 4, 2025) on a unanimous vote. - No other business; meeting adjourned.

This regular meeting of the Saint Paul Planning Commission was held on February 21, 2025, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. at City Hall Conference Center Room 40. The commission approved the previous meeting's minutes, acted on several zoning items, released a minor zoning text amendment study for public comment, elected new officers and committee chairs for 2025, and approved the 2024 Annual Report. Winter weather led to the cancellation of one committee meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 21, 2025 Planning Commission meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Hackney, with no discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded. Discussion Items - 2145 Childs Road CUP (Conditional Use Permit for elevation of a structure in the floodplain): The Zoning Committee recommended approval unanimously. Commissioner Martinson expressed concern that the project relies on outdated 100-year flood standards and the NOAA Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, stating climate resilience is not fully addressed. He noted the applicant's projected savings of $40 per ton of cement. Despite his concerns, he voted in favor. The commission voted to approve the permit. - 635 Cleveland Avenue South Rezoning (OS office-service to T2 traditional neighborhood): The rezoning, recommended unanimously by committee, will allow a Montessori center to operate at the location. Staff noted the surrounding area is predominantly T2, making the change appropriate. The commission approved the rezoning without discussion. - 642 Selby Avenue CUP (increase building height from 55 to 60 feet): This conditional use permit follows the earlier rezoning to T3, which allows 55 feet. The proposed additional height was deemed consistent with CUP standards. The committee recommended approval unanimously. Commissioner Khadar was absent; the remaining commissioners voted in favor. - Minor Text Amendment Zoning Study: Commissioner Holst moved to release the study for public review and comment and to set a public hearing for April 18, 2025. The study addresses cleanup of obsolete zoning references (e.g., R1, R2, R3) and typographical errors. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Martinson and approved unanimously. - Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Zoning Study: This item was on the agenda for committee review but was postponed to March 12, 2025, due to a winter storm. Commissioner Riley inquired about the relationship between the MRCCA study and the minor text amendment; Planning Director Robinson explained that the MRCCA text amendment was brought to the commission a couple of years ago but never adopted, and staff are now updating it. - Transportation Committee Report: Commissioner Risberg reported that the March meeting was cancelled; the next meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2025, with no agenda yet. - Election of Planning Commission Officers and Committee Chairs (2025): The Communications-Nominations Committee proposed a slate. Officers: Kristine Grill (Chair), Nieeta Presley (First Vice Chair), Mauricio Ochoa (Second Vice Chair), Elizabeth Starling (Secretary). Commissioners thanked Jeff Risberg for stepping aside to allow broader participation. Committee Chairs: Richard Holst (Comprehensive & Neighborhood Planning), Simon Taghioff (Zoning), Jeff Risberg (Transportation), Seanne Thomas (Communications-Nominations). The slate was approved unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Holst, with no discussion. - 2024 Planning Commission Annual Report: The Communications-Nominations Committee moved to approve the report. Commissioner Starling praised the improved, more concise format and asked if the detailed work plan (list of upcoming studies) could be made available separately. Director Robinson offered to provide an emailed list but cautioned about flexibility. Commissioner Martinson requested a future presentation on the inclusive housing plan and the anti-displacement study, and inquired about potential impacts from federal executive actions. The commission approved the report unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes of February 21, 2025 meeting - Approved: 2145 Childs Road CUP - Approved: 635 Cleveland Avenue South Rezoning - Approved: 642 Selby Avenue CUP - Approved: Release of Minor Text Amendment Zoning Study (public hearing April 18, 2025) - Approved: Slate of officers and committee chairs for 2025 - Approved: 2024 Planning Commission Annual Report - Postponed: MRCCA Zoning Study committee review to March 12, 2025 - No old business or new business was brought forward. Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on March 7, 2025; however, per instructions, the date used in this summary is February 21, 2025.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on February 7, 2025, at 14:30 UTC. Note: The agenda for this meeting is dated February 21, 2025, but the meeting date is recorded as February 7, 2025, per the provided metadata. The meeting included routine approvals, a contested zoning appeal, and committee reports. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the February 7, 2025 Planning Commission meeting (motion by Commissioner Syed, second by Commissioner Presley) – approved unanimously. - 10 River Park Plaza Rezoning (File 24-078480): Rezone from T3M traditional neighborhood with master plan to ITM transitional industrial. The Zoning Committee recommended approval; the Commission approved without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - At the Zoning Committee public hearing for the 560 Randolph appeal, 23 people spoke in favor of the appeal and none against it. Speakers argued that the proposed use conflicted with small area plans, including the Great River Passage Master Plan, and with community visions for a pedestrian-oriented riverfront district. No additional public comment was taken during the full Commission meeting. Discussion Items 560 Randolph Avenue Appeal (File 25-005778) - Staff presentation: T. An Anderson, planner with the Department of Safety Inspections, explained that SCC Environmental Services applied for a statement of clarification for a solid-waste truck dispatch center, fleet maintenance, and compressed-natural-gas refueling on the 4.25-acre parcel zoned I-1 light industrial. The Zoning Administrator determined the use was similar to a public works yard or maintenance facility, which is permitted in I-1. The West 7th Fort Road Federation appealed, arguing the four statutory findings for similar use were not met. - The four findings: (1) use is similar in character to permitted uses; (2) traffic generated is similar; (3) use is not first permitted in a less restrictive district; (4) use is consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Staff stated that the 2040 Comprehensive Plan takes precedence over area plans and designates the property as industrial; the site has an active industrial history (most recently a tow truck operation), and more than 100 uses are permitted in I-1. - Commissioner Reilly asked whether other comparable uses were considered; staff replied that over 100 I-1 uses were examined, and the public works yard was the most similar. - Commissioner Taghioff (who dissented in the Zoning Committee) explained that neighbors pointed to the Great River Passage Master Plan, which envisions the nearby "Island Station" district as a river-oriented arts and leisure area, conflicting with the broader industrial land-use map. He noted the difficult balance between specific area plans and the comprehensive plan. - Commissioner Starling argued the public/private distinction is not a valid basis for dissimilarity, citing privately owned school buses and Metro Transit vehicles; she noted the decision to contract out trash collection is a municipal service choice, not a land-use difference. - Commissioner Riley argued the use fits the I-1 district (service business, vehicle storage/maintenance) and that the question is not rezoning but whether the use is appropriate under current zoning. He also cited potential climate benefits of locating the facility within the city. - Director Robinson noted that the surrounding area remains an active industrial/working waterfront corridor with rail access and grain elevators and that any future rezoning would likely require a property-owner-initiated application or a new zoning study. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved. - 10 River Park Plaza Rezoning approved. - 560 Randolph Appeal: The Commission voted unanimously to deny the appeal, thereby upholding the Zoning Administrator's similar-use determination (solid-waste truck dispatch center/maintenance facility is similar to a public works yard). - The draft annual report from the Communications and Nominations Committee was accepted. The final report and election of officers (including Chair, Vice Chairs, and Secretary) will be considered at the next regular meeting on March 7, 2025. Committee Reports - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee: Reported minor text amendments to the zoning code (housekeeping items, e.g., deleting obsolete references to R1/R2/R3) will come to the full Commission for approval; next meeting scheduled for March 5, 2025. - Transportation Committee: Announced a meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall Annex to discuss the Point Douglas Regional Trail, a 3.5-mile shared-use trail between Battle Creek Regional Park and I-94/Bailey Road, design approximately 60% complete. - Communications and Nominations Committee: Nominated Kristine Grill (Chair), Nieeta Presley (First Vice Chair), Mauricio Ochoa (Second Vice Chair), and Elizabeth Starling (Secretary); subcommittee chairs were also nominated. Elections will take place on March 7, 2025.

Note: The agenda for this meeting states February 7, 2025, but the provided date is January 31, 2025. This summary follows the provided date. The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on January 31, 2025, to approve minutes, consider three conditional use permits (CUPs) from the Zoning Committee, and receive a presentation on a new SharePoint site. The meeting was chaired by Kristine Grill. Approval of Minutes - The minutes from the January 10, 2025, meeting were approved by voice vote with one abstention (Commissioner Starling, who was not present at that meeting). Zoning Committee – Item 1: 435 University Avenue CUP (24-103-259) - Proposal: Conditional use permit to expand an emergency housing facility (Union Gospel Mission) from 138 beds to 210 beds at 435 University Ave E. - Discussion: Commissioner Taghioff opposed, arguing that the expansion did not meet the code's hardship standard (the facility could continue operating at 138 beds) and would deepen an institutional setting. Commissioner Rad and others supported the expansion, citing the need for safe shelter, the facility's long history (since 1980), and its transit connectivity. Staff confirmed the expansion would allow more humane conditions (e.g., larger cafeteria, living space) and that the applicant might not immediately use the full 210 beds. - Vote: 13 in favor, 1 opposed (Commissioner Taghioff). Roll call: Commissioners Presley, Risberg, Ochoa, Hackney, Hood, Johnson Becker, Khadar, Martinson, Ortega, Riley, Sterling, Thomas voted yes; Taghioff voted no. Zoning Committee – Item 2: Como Park Lutheran Farmers Market CUP (25-004-887) - Proposal: Conditional use permit for a farmers market with a modification for lot size at 1545 Hamline Ave N. - Discussion: The committee unanimously recommended approval. The lot size issue was technical: the church building and parking lot are on separate parcels. The parking lot was deemed sufficient for a farmers market. - Vote: Voice vote, all in favor. Passed. Zoning Committee – Item 3: US Internet Utility Building CUP (25-004-867) - Proposal: Conditional use permit for a utility building (internet switching station) at 1540 Randolph Ave, in a Traditional Neighborhood (T2) district. - Discussion: Commissioners debated the appropriateness of a utility use in a neighborhood node. Some expressed concern about losing a pedestrian-friendly commercial space, but acknowledged the need for internet infrastructure and competition. Concerns about noise from a generator were addressed by staff: the generator would be tested weekly for 15 minutes, with an enclosure reducing noise from 80 dB to 60-65 dB, meeting the city's noise ordinance (65 dB max for residential at night). Commissioner Riley voted no, citing insufficient information on vibration and cooling. The committee had recommended approval with conditions. - Vote: 12 in favor, 1 opposed (Commissioner Riley). Roll call: Commissioners Presley, Ochoa, Hackney, Hood, Johnson Becker, Khadar, Martinson, Ortega, Sterling, Taghioff, Thomas voted yes; Riley voted no. Committee Reports - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee: No meeting; next scheduled February 19. - Transportation Committee: No meeting; next scheduled February 24. - Communications-Nomination Committee: No meeting but upcoming; will work on annual report and executive committee slate. New Business: SharePoint Site Presentation - Staff intern Lucas Allen presented a new SharePoint site for commissioners to access meeting materials, packets, and calendars. Discussion included organizing materials by subject matter rather than date, and a request for better coordination with the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) on information sharing. The site will be shared with commissioners after the meeting. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved. - CUP for 435 University Avenue expansion approved (13-1). - CUP for Como Park Lutheran Farmers Market approved (voice vote). - CUP for US Internet Utility Building approved (12-1). - SharePoint site to be distributed to commissioners. - No other business; meeting adjourned.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The meeting took place on January 15, 2025 at 10:30 AM (UTC). No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Consequently, no details on consent calendar, public comments, discussion items, or key outcomes are available.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

No minutes or transcript were provided for this meeting. The only available document is the agenda for the subsequent meeting on January 24, 2025, which lists the approval of minutes from this meeting as the first agenda item. No discussion items, public comments, or key outcomes can be summarized due to the absence of records.