Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

The Transportation Committee of the Planning Commission met on September 27, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The agenda included three presentations on trail reconstruction, transit line, and street reconstruction. No minutes or transcript were available, so no discussion, public comments, or decisions were recorded. Discussion Items - Samuel Morgan Trail Segments 1 & 4 Reconstruction – Bryan Murphy (Parks) presented for 20 minutes. - METRO G Line – Laura Greteman (Metro Transit) presented for 30 minutes. - Rice Street Reconstruction – Nick Fischer (Ramsey County) presented for 30 minutes. Key Outcomes No votes, decisions, or directives were recorded due to the absence of meeting minutes or transcript. Note: This summary uses the date provided in the instruction, while the original agenda listed the meeting date as Monday, October 2, 2023.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on September 22, 2023 (note: the agenda is dated September 29, 2023; the meeting date provided for this summary is September 22, 2023). The commission approved the September 15 minutes, laid over a public hearing, approved two zoning items, received committee reports, and held an extended informational discussion on industrial zoning studies. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from September 15, 2023: Motion made by a commissioner (transcript names "Commissioner Folts," who is not on the appointed membership list; seconded by Commissioner Ochoa). Approved by voice vote. Announcements - Chair's announcement: Commissioner Grill reported on a site walkthrough of a new building visible from Highway 35, designed with involvement from Commissioner Ochoa, which helped contextualize the relationship between elevation and building height. - Planning Director's announcement: The City Council considered the one-to-four unit housing study first read on Wednesday; the public hearing is scheduled for next week. Staff encouraged public testimony and noted a one-pager is available online. - Planning Director also mentioned the upcoming Minnesota APA conference and that an informational presentation on industrial zoning studies would be given today. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were heard. A public hearing on the Micro-unit Dwelling Accessory Use to a Religious Institution Land Use and Standards was laid over to the October 13, 2023 Planning Commission meeting because adequate official notice (a 10-day Pioneer Press notice) was not provided. Planning staff took responsibility for the oversight and confirmed the city attorney's office approved moving the hearing to the next meeting. Discussion Items - Zoning Committee recommendations: - 2285 Hampden Avenue Variances: Request to reduce front yard setback from 25 feet to 9 feet and to allow 15.4% of first floor for non-residential uses (50% required) and 84.6% for residential uses (50% maximum). The Zoning Committee recommended approval with conditions by a 3-to-1 vote (one abstention noted; the reporting commissioner voted against due to the non-residential percentage requirement). After commission discussion, the motion to approve carried, with Commissioners Ortega, Taghioff, and Ochoa voting in opposition. - 597-605 Front Avenue Rezoning: Rezone from B3 general business to T2 traditional neighborhood. The Zoning Committee recommended approval unanimously; the commission approved unanimously. - Committee Reports: - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee: Did not meet; no report. - Transportation Committee: Met September 18; received an update on the Safe Streets for All plan (presented by David Peterson) and noted upcoming presentations on Sam Morgan Trail segments 1 and 4 reconstruction, Metro G Line (Metro Transit), and Rice Street reconstruction (Ramsey County). - Communications-Nominations Committee: Beginning the annual report process; Nellie Jerome and Stefan Hegerson will lead, with an outline being developed. - Task Force/Liaison Reports: Anti-displacement Community Advisory Committee update - the internal work group process concluded; recommendations will be brought to the administration next week, and a CAC meeting is planned for late October/early November. - Industrial Zoning Studies Informational Presentation and Discussion: - Staff (Planning Director and Anton Jerve) reviewed past industrial zoning studies, including the 2013 Industrial Zoning Study (which reduced first-floor residential uses in I-1, did not restrict institutional uses, added design standards to IT, and made certain uses conditional in I2), the West Midway Industrial Area Comprehensive Plan amendments, the Comp Plan 2040 policies protecting industrial land, and the 2021 Industrial Zoning Study (which was put on hold). - Discussion covered the balance between preserving industrial land and addressing housing needs, equity and social determinants of health, first-floor commercial requirements, the need for buffers and site-appropriate transitions, and whether to add a new industrial zoning study to the 2024 work program. Some commissioners cited staff capacity and suggested waiting until 2025; others argued for urgency given housing and equity concerns. No formal action was taken. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 15, 2023 minutes. - Laid over the public hearing on Micro-unit Dwelling Accessory Use to October 13, 2023. - Approved the 2285 Hampden Avenue variances (with opposition from Commissioners Ortega, Taghioff, and Ochoa). - Approved the 597-605 Front Avenue rezoning (unanimous). - No formal decision was made regarding a future industrial zoning study; the presentation and discussion were informational. - Meeting adjourned after the discussion.

The Transportation Committee met on September 14, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. to receive an update on the Transportation Safety Action Plan. The meeting was a single-agenda session with no public testimony or formal votes. Discussion Items - David Peterson of Public Works presented an update on the Transportation Safety Action Plan. The presentation covered current progress and next steps for the plan. No detailed discussion points or statistics were available from the provided materials. Key Outcomes - The committee received the update. No votes, directives, or actions were taken. The item was informational only.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on September 15, 2023, to approve minutes, honor retiring Principal Planner Alan Torstenson, and vote on a rezoning application. The meeting featured a lengthy tribute to Torstenson's 43-year career, followed by discussion and approval of a rezoning from I1 (Light Industrial) to IT (Transitional Industrial) at 2285 Hampden Avenue. The commission also received updates on upcoming transportation and planning initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (September 1, 2023): Motion by Commissioner Hood, second by Commissioner Hackney. All in favor, motion carried. Discussion Items - Honoring Alan Torstenson: The commission celebrated Torstenson's retirement after 43 years of service (starting January 1980). Planning Director Luis Pereira and staff highlighted his major contributions, including authoring the 1983 Grand Avenue design guidelines, the 1993 Phalen Corridor Redevelopment Proposal, and leading the 2004 restructuring of the zoning code to include use tables. Torstenson spoke about his work on the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) updates and the Phalen Village plan. Commissioners and staff shared personal anecdotes, emphasizing his dedication, historical knowledge, and mentorship. A mock "Torstenson Day" proclamation was read, humorously establishing a 40-acre overlay district. - Rezoning 23-075-366 – 2285 Hampden Avenue: The staff recommended rezoning from I1 (Light Industrial) to IT (Transitional Industrial) to facilitate affordable housing development with variances to be heard later. Commissioner Martinson, who initially opposed the change due to industrial land loss, noted his support after reviewing the project context. Discussion addressed the site's location on the edge of the West Midway area, proximity to residential uses, and the influence of the Creative Enterprise Zone and the new Taproot Investment co-op. Commissioners agreed that IT zoning was appropriate given the area's transition and the underutilized industrial land. Key Outcomes - Vote on Rezoning: The motion to approve the staff recommendation (rezone to IT) passed unanimously. The rezoning will allow a mixed-use development with affordable housing; related variances are scheduled for the next Zoning Committee meeting on September 21, 2023, at 3:30 PM. - Upcoming Meeting Schedule: - September 18, 2023: Transportation Committee hearing on the Safe Streets for All action plan (goal of zero traffic deaths by 2030, interim 50% reduction in 10 years), including a $12.4 million grant proposal for the East Side. - October 2, 2023: Hearing on the G Line (Rice Street and Maryland Avenue). - October 16, 2023: First meeting on rethinking I-94. - APA National Conference: Staff submitted sessions on missing middle housing reform and anti-displacement in Saint Paul. Mobile workshops are being finalized, covering topics such as downtown, the Midway, Grand Round, Rondo, Capitol City Bikeway, and the Keg and Case project. Commissioners were invited to volunteer as hosts or speakers. - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee: No meeting on September 13; next scheduled for September 27. Staff continue work on electric vehicle charging zoning amendments, with briefings ongoing.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on August 29, 2023. Note: The agenda was dated September 1, 2023, but the provided timestamp indicates the meeting took place on August 29; this summary uses that date. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, staff announcements, a conditional use permit for District Energy, and release of a draft ordinance for micro-unit dwellings accessory to religious institutions. Approval of Minutes - The commission approved the minutes from the August 4 and August 18, 2023 meetings by voice vote, with no opposition. Chair’s Announcements - Chair Luis Rangel Morales shared a personal anecdote about winning a plush mellow at the state fair. Planning Director’s Announcements - Planning Director Luis Pereira announced a reorganization of the planning department into current planning and long-range planning subteams. He introduced Yasmin Robinson as the new Current Planning Manager and Anton Jervey as the Long-Range Planning Manager. He also introduced two new city planners, including Nellie Jerome, and research analyst Stefan Hackerson. Zoning Committee: District Energy Conditional Use Permit - Commissioner Martinson reported that the Zoning Committee recommended approval of conditional use permit 23-065-493 (50-76 Kellogg District Energy) to use a structure rather than fill to elevate a generator above the regulatory flood protection elevation. The project will install a hydrogen and natural gas fuel generator at 76 Kellogg Blvd W, in partnership with Caterpillar and funded by the Department of Energy. The commission approved the CUP by voice vote. - Martinson also previewed upcoming zoning items: a rezoning from I1 to IT at 2281 and 2285 Hampton Avenue, with variances for minimum non-residential and maximum residential ground-floor uses. A commissioner noted that the BZA previously denied a variance because residential use is essentially prohibited on the first floor in I1, and the applicant is now seeking the more flexible IT zoning, which requires 50% non-residential ground floor; the proposal has 15% non-residential and the rest residential, including basement residential. Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee: Micro-Unit Dwellings - The committee chair reported on the proposal to amend the zoning code to permit micro-unit dwellings accessory to religious institutions, following a state statute effective January 1, 2024. Staff recommended permitted use, since no additional conditions can be attached to a conditional use. - Nellie Jerome presented the draft ordinance and described the pilot at Mosaic Church (540 Wheelock Parkway), which has six micro-units and eight residents, developed in partnership with the nonprofit Settled. Units are limited to 400 square feet, must meet ANSI standards (e.g., electricity, insulation, heat, and a toilet), and must provide access to toilets, showers, laundry, and kitchen facilities either in the unit or in the main building. - Discussion addressed regulatory authority and building code oversight. A commissioner expressed concern about ensuring safety rather than deferring to the state, and recommended cities retain clear authority. Another commissioner asked about tenant selection; staff noted Mosaic and Settled conduct outreach through organizations like Walking with a Purpose, and a portion of residents are required to be volunteers who have never been unhoused (one-third to 40%). - The commission approved a motion to release the draft ordinance for public review and comment and set a public hearing date of September 29, 2023. (The agenda did not specify a public hearing date; the motion set September 29.) Transportation Committee - A commissioner reported that there was no Transportation Committee meeting due to the upcoming holiday; the next meeting is scheduled for September 18, 2023. Communications-Nomination Committee - Commissioner Seanne Thomas reported that the committee had not met and had nothing to report. Key Outcomes - Minutes of August 4 and August 18, 2023, approved unanimously. - Conditional use permit 23-065-493 for 50-76 Kellogg District Energy approved. - Draft ordinance for micro-unit dwellings accessory to religious institutions released for public review and comment; public hearing set for September 29, 2023. - Planning department reorganization announced, with Yasmin Robinson as Current Planning Manager and Anton Jervey as Long-Range Planning Manager.

This meeting of the Transportation Committee featured a single agenda item: a presentation on the Purple Line Bus Rapid Transit project. Note: There is a discrepancy between the meeting date in the agenda (August 21, 2023) and the specified date for this summary (August 17, 2023). Discussion Items - Purple Line Bus Rapid Transit: Craig Lamothe and Liz Jones from Metro Transit, along with Emma Lucken from Ramsey County, provided a 60-minute presentation on the Purple Line BRT project. No additional discussion or public testimony was recorded. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions were taken. The presentation was informational in nature.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met to consider and act on recommended zoning code amendments from the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee for the 1-4 Unit Housing Study Phase 2. The commission heard staff presentations, discussed fence height standards, cluster development clarifications, and building height limits for low-density residential districts, and ultimately approved forwarding the amendments to the City Council. Announcements - Planning Director Luis Pereira announced the American Planning Association (APA) national conference in Minneapolis in April 2024, with mobile workshop and session proposal deadlines extended to September 22, 2023. He encouraged commissioners to participate in proposing workshops and sessions. Zoning Committee Update - Commissioner Riley reported that the applicant for a conditional use permit withdrew their application. The next zoning committee meeting on August 24, 2023 will consider a conditional use permit at 50-76 West Kellogg for district energy, specifically to elevate a generator above the regulatory flood protection elevation. Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee Discussion (1-4 Unit Housing Study Phase 2) Staff presented recommended amendments, including: - Fence height standards for back lots and flag lots, with limits of 4 feet in front yard areas and 7 feet elsewhere, plus a 4-foot height limit for gates crossing required pedestrian connections. - Cluster development clarifications, including an exemption for lots of record larger than half an acre (e.g., around 20,000 square feet) to allow cluster developments, and a note that minimum lot width standards apply. - Building height maximums: 33 feet for RL and H1 districts, 39 feet for H2 (with 36 feet for flat/shed roofs). These represented a compromise developed by Commissioner Ochoa and staff to accommodate three-story construction while maintaining neighborhood scale. Commissioner Positions: - Commissioner Martinson supported returning to the original public hearing draft heights of 35 feet (RL/H1) and 40 feet (H2), citing public comments and the desire to reduce variance requests. - Commissioner Ochoa explained that 33 feet is the practical minimum to accommodate three-story buildings with current construction methods, and he supported the staff recommendation. - Commissioner Grill expressed concerns that taller heights (e.g., 50 feet for non-residential uses) would be out of scale and not fit the "missing middle" concept, especially when combined with the consolidation of zoning districts. - Commissioner Starling and others supported the compromise, emphasizing the need for flexibility to reduce project delays and variances and to encourage the building of missing middle housing. - Commissioner Taghioff opposed the proposed non-residential height exemption (applying RM2 dimensional standards to RL/H1/H2), arguing it would allow institutional uses up to 50 feet by right, which he felt was inappropriate near one-story homes. Amendments and Votes: - A friendly amendment to increase heights to 35 feet for RL/H1, and 40 feet for H2 (with 36 feet for flat/shed roofs) was moved by Commissioner Hood. After debate, the motion failed on a roll call vote: 6 yes, 8 no. - Commissioner Taghioff moved to approve the staff recommendation but remove the non-residential height exemption. The motion lacked a second and died. - Commissioner Riley then moved to approve the staff recommendation as originally presented (including the non-residential exemption and the 33/39 heights). This was seconded and passed unanimously on a roll call (14 yes, 1 absent). Key Outcomes - The Planning Commission approved the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee's recommendation with staff amendments for the 1-4 Unit Housing Study Phase 2 zoning code amendments. - The approved recommendation includes maximum building heights of 33 feet for RL and H1 districts, 39 feet for H2 (with 36 feet for flat and shed roofs), and the non-residential height exemption allowing up to 50 feet for institutional uses in RL, H1, and H2 districts (by applying RM2 dimensional standards). - The recommendation will be forwarded to the Saint Paul City Council for adoption. Note: The agenda listed the meeting date as August 18, 2023; however, the provided date for this summary is August 11, 2023, as specified.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on August 4, 2023, to approve minutes, receive committee reports, and discuss the 1-4 Unit Housing Study Phase 2 zoning amendments. Key actions included approval of a rezoning at 1500-1510 York Avenue, updates on commission vacancies and youth participation, and a detailed presentation on proposed code changes. The commission deferred a vote on the housing study to a future meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the July 7, 2023 meeting were approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Risberg, second by Commissioner Grill). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the full commission meeting. Public testimony was previously heard at the Zoning Committee and Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee meetings. Discussion Items - Chair's Announcements: Chair Luis Rangel Morales announced the departure of two commissioners (Commissioners Mitchell and another) and called for volunteers on the Communications-Nominations Committee, which meets infrequently before planning commission meetings. - Planning Director's Announcements: Director Luis Pereira reported on the Youth on Boards cohort, a program to place youth on city boards and commissions. He noted that the planning commission may have one or two youth voting members as early as next year. The youth members would be voting members, as confirmed by Commissioner Martinson based on the Transportation Committee's experience. - Zoning Committee Report: Commissioner Riley reported on Item 23-059-798, the rezoning of 1500-1510 York Avenue from R4 (one-family residential) to RM2 (multiple-family residential). The committee received a letter of support from District 2, 16 letters in opposition, and a letter of favor from the Metropolitan Council. The committee voted 5-0 to recommend approval. The full commission voted to approve the rezoning (Commissioner Ochoa recused himself). The related conditional use permit (CUP) for a height increase from 50 to 67 feet was laid over and will be heard at the August 10, 2023 Zoning Committee meeting. - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee Report: Commissioner Holmes introduced the 1-4 Unit Housing Study Phase 2. Staff planner Emma Brown presented extensive recommended amendments to the March 3, 2023 public hearing draft, based on public testimony and committee discussions. Key proposals included: - Zoning Districts: Consolidation of H1 and H2 (formerly H1 and H2 with H3 renamed H2). RL district unchanged. H1 allows up to 4 units per lot by right; H2 allows up to 5 units by right (reduced from 6). Density bonuses allow up to 6 units. - Height Limits: RL and H1: 30 feet maximum; H2: 35 feet maximum, with 30 feet at side setbacks. Additional height by stepping back was removed. - Lot Coverage: Maximum building lot coverage: 40% for RL, 45% for H1, 50% for H2. For density bonus or cluster developments, an additional 5% is allowed. Parking and paving coverage capped at 10% for lots on alleys or corners, 15% for others, leading to total maximum impervious coverage of 50-70% (targeting 65% per MnDOT drainage manual). - Density Bonus: Four options: 20% of units affordable at 60% AMI (rental, 10-year affordability), 80% AMI (owner-occupied, first sale), units with 3+ bedrooms, or retention of at least 50% of existing residential floor area. - Setbacks: Front yard setback determined by a midpoint system: if both adjoining setbacks are 15 feet or less, minimum is 10 feet; otherwise, the midpoint of 10 feet and the larger adjoining setback. For RL, a modified system uses 30 feet as the district standard. - Design Standards: Additional standards for primary entrance delineation, compatible remodels, and front yard landscaping. Fence height limited to 4 feet in the front yard (area between front property line and principal building) and for back lots along the street-facing property line. - Zoning Map: Expanded H2 district to include parcels within 1/8 mile of the planned H Line, A Line, B Line, Gold Line, Purple Line, Riverview, G Line, high-frequency bus routes 63 and 64, and Randolph/E7th Street. Major parks and open spaces retained as H1. - Commissioners discussed concerns: Commissioner Ochoa noted that 30 feet may not accommodate three stories due to parapet and grade requirements; Commissioner Grill raised questions about lot coverage and pervious surface; Commissioner Riley expressed concerns about the fence height provision for back lots. Director Pereira suggested staff work with commissioners on fence language and height details before the next meeting. - The committee will vote on the recommendation at the next Planning Commission meeting. - Transportation Committee: Commissioner Martinson reported that the next meeting (scheduled for Monday) was canceled. - Communications-Nominations Committee: Commissioner Khadar sought volunteers for the committee and chair. Chair Rangel Morales noted low commitment but high recruitment needs later in the year. - Task Force/Liaison Reports: Director Pereira updated on the Riverview Corridor project, noting ongoing review of draft station plans and discussions about station locations on Randolph and Grand Avenue to align with development opportunities and future transit connections. Key Outcomes - Approved: Rezoning of 1500-1510 York Avenue from R4 to RM2 (unanimous vote, Commissioner Ochoa recused). The recommendation will go to the City Council. - Deferred: The 1-4 Unit Housing Study Phase 2 zoning amendments will be voted on at the next Planning Commission meeting (date not specified, likely later in August). - Next Steps: The Zoning Committee will consider the conditional use permit for 1500-1510 York Avenue on August 10, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. Staff will work with commissioners on fence height and height language for the housing study. - Recruitment: Commissioners are encouraged to volunteer for the Communications-Nominations Committee.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no substantive summary can be generated. No discussions, decisions, or public comments are documented.