Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on March 17, 2023, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. to consider four zoning items, set public hearings for two major planning initiatives, and receive updates on staffing and legislation. The meeting included Director’s announcements, zoning committee recommendations, and committee reports. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was presented. The approval of minutes from the March 17, 2023 meeting was listed but not acted upon due to no minutes being available. Public Comments & Testimony - 1416 Grand Avenue Rezoning (OS to T2): One person spoke in support, two in opposition. The District 14 Community Council submitted a letter recommending denial. - 1045 Arcade Street CUP: No public comment beyond the applicant and tenant. - 931-933 Atlantic Street CUP: No public comment. - 315 University Avenue CUP: No public comment aside from the applicant. Discussion Items - Director’s Announcements: Planning Director Luis Pereira reported two new planning manager positions and a research analyst position will be posted soon. He also testified at the state senate on Senate Bill 2159, which would clarify that comprehensive plans and official controls are not subject to environmental review under the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act, but would not preempt site-specific challenges. - Zoning Committee Items: - 1416 Grand Avenue Rezoning (Case 23-015-210): Application to rezone from OS (Office-Service) to T2 (Traditional Neighborhood) for a retail sneaker store. The T2 zone allows retail and is compatible with adjacent RM2 zoning. Committee recommended approval. - 1045 Arcade Street CUP (Case 23-009-362): Conditional use permit for a paintless dent repair auto service station with modifications to lot size (3,765 sq. ft. vs. required 15,000 sq. ft.), landscape buffer, and ¼-mile proximity to University Avenue. No opposition. Committee recommended approval. - 931-933 Atlantic Street CUP (Case 23-012-807): Conditional use permit for an auto body and repair shop in an industrial area. Committee recommended approval with three conditions, including an opaque fence along Phalen Boulevard to screen vehicles awaiting repair. Commissioner Hackney questioned the fence’s impact on streetscape; staff clarified it was a standard condition. - 315 University Avenue CUP (Case 23-016-317): Conditional use permit for a banquet/reception rental hall attached to an existing restaurant. The proposal included a 50-stall surface parking lot behind the building. The zoning committee recommended approval, but a robust policy debate ensued over parking vs. transit-oriented development. Chair Rangel Morales voted against, citing inconsistency with recent parking policy shifts. Commissioner Ochoa raised concerns about site plan non-compliance (window infill, parking stall dimensions). The full commission approved the CUP with an amended condition (final plans shall be in substantial compliance with the zoning code, not just the submitted plans) but rejected a separate motion to require the site plan to return to the commission (roll call vote: 2 in favor, 9 opposed, 1 abstention). - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee: - Ford/Highland Bridge Master Plan Amendments: Six proposed major amendments to allow University of St. Thomas to build an athletic complex (baseball/softball fields, indoor practice facility, 330-space surface parking lot) on Canadian Pacific parcels. Discussion focused on parking size (20-space max currently), surface parking vs. structured parking, transit connectivity, and potential traffic impacts. The committee recommended setting a public hearing for April 28, 2023. The full commission approved that date. - Parking Landscaping and Design Zoning Study: Proposed text amendments to require interior landscaping for all parking areas with 20 spaces or 6,000 sq. ft., lower internal walkway thresholds near transit (80,000 sq. ft. vs. 125,000 sq. ft.), and increase walkway width to 5 feet. Discussion included pedestrian safety, ADA compliance, and impervious surfaces. The commission approved setting a public hearing for April 28, 2023. - Transportation Committee Update: Commissioner Risberg reported that the Summit Avenue Regional Trail Plan meeting was postponed to April 17, 2023, and will be held in Room 40. The transportation committee will meet April 3. - Communications/Nomination Committee: Discussion on reworking questions for the 1-4 unit housing study into plain language. Commissioners emphasized the need for community engagement and economic considerations. Key Outcomes - Zoning Actions: 1. 1416 Grand Ave Rezoning: Approved unanimously (voice vote) to rezone from OS to T2. 2. 1045 Arcade St CUP: Approved unanimously (voice vote) with standard conditions. 3. 931-933 Atlantic St CUP: Approved unanimously (voice vote) with three conditions, including opaque fence. 4. 315 University Ave CUP: Approved with amended condition 1 (substantial compliance with zoning code). The motion to refer the site plan back to the zoning committee failed (2-9-1). - Public Hearings Set: Both the Ford/Highland Bridge Master Plan Amendments and the Parking Landscaping and Design Zoning Study were set for a public hearing on April 28, 2023. - Next Steps: Staff will continue community outreach on the 1-4 unit housing study. The Transportation Committee will meet April 3 and April 17 (Summit Avenue).

Saint Paul Planning Commission Meeting - March 3, 2023: 1-4 Unit Housing Study Phase 2 Amendments Released for Public Hearing\n\nThe Saint Paul Planning Commission met on March 3, 2023, from 8:30 AM to approximately 11:00 AM. The primary agenda item was the consideration of the 1-4 Unit Housing Study Phase 2 Amendments, which would significantly overhaul the city's residential zoning to allow more housing types (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, ADUs, cluster developments) in most neighborhoods. The Commission voted to release the draft amendments for public comment and set a public hearing for April 14, 2023.\n\n Consent Calendar\n- Approval of Minutes (February 3, 2023): Moved by Commissioner Grove, seconded by Commissioner Syed. Approved unanimously by voice vote.\n\n Public Comments & Testimony\n- No public comments were heard during this meeting. (The item was set for future public hearing.)\n\n Discussion Items\n- Chair’s Announcements: Chair Rangel Morales announced a meeting with three new commissioners for committee assignments and a call for volunteers for the River View Corridor Task Force (a planned light rail line).\n- Planning Director’s Announcements: Director Pereira had no announcements.\n- Zoning Committee Report (Commissioner Riley): The committee did not meet due to weather. Upcoming agenda for March 9 includes a rezoning at 1416 Grand Ave (OS to T2), a conditional use permit (CUP) for an auto service station at 1045 Arcade, a CUP for auto body repair at 931-933 Atlantic St, and a CUP for a large restaurant (over 15,000 sq ft) at 315 University Ave W.\n- Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee (CNPC) Report (Commissioner Holst): The committee discussed the Highland Bridge site zoning changes for St. Thomas ballfields (formerly CP rail yard). The main item was the 1-4 Unit Housing Study Phase 2 Amendments.\n - Presentation by Emma Brown (Planning Staff): Detailed presentation covering:\n - Background: Initiated April 2021; Phase 1 (effective March 2022) allowed smaller homes and flexible ADUs; Phase 2 focuses on allowing duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, cluster developments.\n - Objectives: Increase housing choice, housing type equity, permit 1-4 unit types by right, encourage infill, empower homeowners/small developers, encourage family-size housing via density bonuses, simplify zoning.\n - Data: 72% of residential land currently only permits single-family detached homes; only 11% of housing units are in 2-4 unit buildings; the city faces a housing shortage with low rental vacancy (just above 5%) and rising rents (3-bedroom rents up 10% in past year). Twin Cities has 13th highest housing underproduction among 309 metro areas. Homeownership rate declining; Black-White homeownership disparity highest among top 20 metros.\n - Proposed Zoning Districts: Consolidate existing RL, R1-R4, RT1, RT2 into H1 (up to 3 units interior, 4 corner), H2 (up to 4 units), and H3 (up to 6 units, near transit nodes and corridors within 1/8 mile). Also updates to RL district for two units.\n - Density Bonuses: In H1/H2, allow 1-2 additional units if affordable at 80% AMI for 15 years or if units have 3+ bedrooms. Also 5% additional lot coverage.\n - Other updates: Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) standards (up to 2 per lot, size up to 800 sq ft or 75% of principal unit), cluster development standards (max 4 units per building, common open space, pedestrian connections), subdivision regulations (new lot types: flag lots, reverse flag lots, back lots), and various zoning code updates for consistency.\n - Next Steps: Release for public comment, two webinars in March/April, public hearing April 14, then CNPC recommendation, planning commission final recommendation, city council hearing and adoption anticipated mid-summer.\n - Commissioner Discussion: Extensive comments on:\n - Mapping and visualization: Request for overlay of existing zoning on proposed maps; staff noted a web mapping tool in development.\n - Rationale for 1/8 mile vs. 1/4 mile radius for H3: Staff explained incremental approach; quarter mile would have taken up too much area.\n - Equity concerns: Commissioner Presley noted that H3 zones appeared less in higher-income areas like Grand Avenue, questioning potential inequitable impact. Commissioners acknowledged that existing zoning patterns create disparities; the proposal aims for citywide approach but noted that committee added questions for public input on whether to expand H3.\n - Homeownership vs. rental: Commissioner Ochoa asked about homeownership opportunities; staff noted the changes may support more homeownership through lot splits and small-scale development.\n - Feasibility and defensibility: Commissioner Kantner stressed the need for clear rationale to defend against litigation.\n - Community education: Need for resources to help homeowners engage in infill development (e.g., ADUs, lot splits).\n - Parking and design: Commissioner Martinson noted lack of garages in examples; staff said building code requirements apply.\n - Motion: Commissioner Holst moved to release the amendments for public comment and set a public hearing for April 14, 2023. Seconded by Commissioner Riley. After discussion, the motion passed by voice vote.\n- Transportation Committee Report (Commissioner Risberg): Upcoming meetings: March 6 on Wabash Avenue Trails Spur, Phalen Trailhead, and Transportation Safety Action Plan; March 20 on Summit Regional Trail Plan (meeting moved to Rondo Library due to anticipated interest). Staff clarified that Summit trail plan will go to Parks and Recreation Commission for public hearing, consistent with past practice.\n- Communications-Nominations Committee Report (Commissioner Kantner): Committee met before the meeting to discuss outreach for the housing study. Plan: two recorded webinars (lunch and evening), attendance at district council meetings, outreach to specific interest groups. Staff will send meeting schedule; commissioners welcome to attend.\n- Task Force/Liaison Reports: None.\n\n Key Outcomes\n- Approved minutes from February 3, 2023, unanimously.\n- Released 1-4 Unit Housing Study Phase 2 Amendments for public comment and set a public hearing for April 14, 2023. The motion included flexibility for staff to refine the accompanying community questions (Appendix D) based on feedback.\n- Upcoming meetings and deadlines:\n - Zoning Committee: March 9 (4 items).\n - Transportation Committee: March 6 (short meeting on trails and safety plan), March 20 (Summit Regional Trail Plan at Rondo Library).\n - Public hearing on housing study: April 14, 2023.\n - Anticipated city council action: mid-summer 2023.\n- Continued engagement: Commissioners encouraged to participate in outreach webinars and district council meetings regarding the housing study.

Note: The agenda lists this meeting for Monday, March 6, 2023, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., but the provided meeting date is March 1, 2023. No minutes or transcript were available; this summary is based solely on the agenda. Discussion Items - Wabash Trail Spur – Presented by Dave Ronzani (Parks). Scheduled for 15 minutes. - Phalen Trailhead – Presented by Dave Ronzani (Parks). Scheduled for 10 minutes. - Transportation Safety Action Plan – Presented by David Peterson (Public Works). Scheduled for 60 minutes. Key Outcomes No decisions, votes, or outcomes were recorded in the agenda. The meeting was scheduled for the above discussions only.

The St. Paul Planning Commission met on February 17, 2023, at 2:30 PM CT. The meeting began with the swearing‑in of three new commissioners (Commissioners Yachty, Luis, and Pega) and introductions of all commissioners and staff. The commission then received reports from its standing committees, discussed ongoing studies (the 1‑to‑4 Unit Housing Study and the Anti‑Displacement Task Force), and was informed of a minor master plan amendment for the Ford site (Highland Bridge) regarding car‑share parking. No public comments or testimony were heard. Three zoning items were voted on and approved. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were heard. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes (February 3, 2023): The minutes were not available; the chair noted they would be addressed later. - Committee Openings: The chair and planning director announced openings on the Transportation Committee and the Communications & Nominations Committee, and invited new commissioners to volunteer. - Zoning Committee Report (Commissioner Riley): Three rezonings were presented and voted on (see Key Outcomes). - 271 Snelling Avenue North: Rezone from RT1 to I1 (light industrial) to provide transitional industrial use. District 13 made no recommendation; no letters of support or opposition. Committee voted 4‑0 in favor. Commission approved with one abstention. - 869 W. 7th Street (Northwest corner of Cayuga and W. 7th): Rezone from RT1 to RT2. District 5 made no recommendation; no letters. Committee voted 4‑0 in favor. Commission approved with one abstention. - 1598 Colborne Avenue: Rezone from I2 to I1 (light industrial) to allow a parking lot for an industrial plant. The site is adjacent to residential parcels. Four letters of opposition were received, but no one spoke at the meeting. The committee discussed whether to use I1 or IT; they chose I1 to consolidate zoning with adjacent I1 parcels. Committee voted 4‑0 in favor. Commission approved with one abstention. - Comprehensive & Neighborhood Planning Committee Report (Commissioner Holst): - The committee has been meeting weekly to discuss the 1‑to‑4 Unit Housing Study Phase 2, which would update zoning in most residential neighborhoods. The committee plans to bring the study to the full Planning Commission for a public hearing in April 2023 (target date April 14). A series of specific questions will be released to guide public feedback. Staff will produce a condensed presentation and summary materials, and will conduct at least two webinars in mid‑March, plus direct outreach to community organizations, including in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. Commissioners encouraged early review of the materials and suggested that the Communications & Nominations Committee assist with outreach. - Transportation Committee Report (Chair): The committee’s next meeting is postponed to March 6. At the last meeting, Public Works Director Sean Kershaw discussed the Mayor’s proposed 1% sales tax proposal, which would add $30 million per year for residential street mill‑and‑overlays. The proposal must first pass the state legislature, then go to a city‑wide ballot. - Communications & Nominations Committee: No updates, but it was suggested that the committee could help with outreach for the 1‑to‑4 Unit Housing Study. - Liaison Reports: - River Corridor Committee: The chair noted that two commissioners will be approached to serve. - Anti‑Displacement Task Force (Commissioner Mitchell): The task force is reviewing data on gentrification across St. Paul, including a 20% drop in Latino population on the West Side and increases in Asian and African American populations. They are also examining business displacement. The task force will move to recommending policy tools soon. It was noted that the 1‑to‑4 Unit Housing Study is being informed by this data, as zoning changes can be an anti‑displacement tool. - Port Authority / Hillcrest (Commissioner Mitchell and staff): The Port Authority has updated its workforce agreement, shifting from a target of 70% St. Paul resident hiring to an incentive‑based system where employers deposit money into escrow and can earn it back by hiring local residents, especially from the surrounding zip code. Concerns were raised about whether these jobs are low‑wage and whether retention is tracked. The Port Authority has not yet reported back to the commission on these issues. - Minor Master Plan Amendment – Ford Site (Highland Bridge): Planning staff announced a proposed minor amendment to allow car‑share parking in the public right‑of‑way, rather than only on private property, to accommodate the car‑share provider Our Car. The amendment would keep the existing requirement but add the option of public‑right‑of‑way spaces. The first hub will be on Cretin Avenue with four parking spaces (two for car‑share, two for electric vehicle charging). The decision is administrative and will be issued after a 10‑day appeal period. Commissioners asked about the number of spaces and the precedent, but no formal action was taken. Key Outcomes - Approved Rezonings: - 271 Snelling Avenue North: Approved (1 abstention) – rezone from RT1 to I1. - 869 W. 7th Street: Approved (1 abstention) – rezone from RT1 to RT2. - 1598 Colborne Avenue: Approved (1 abstention) – rezone from I2 to I1. - Next Steps: The 1‑to‑4 Unit Housing Study will be brought to the Planning Commission for a public hearing on April 14, 2023. The commission will release a set of questions for public feedback. Staff will prepare a condensed summary and conduct outreach in multiple languages. The minor master plan amendment for the Ford site will be issued administratively; the 10‑day appeal period begins after the meeting. Commissioners were encouraged to review materials and submit questions in advance.

The St. Paul Planning Commission held its annual meeting on February 3, 2023, at 2:30 PM. The meeting included approval of minutes, election of officers and committee chairs, presentation of the 2022 annual report, and discussion of the 2023 work program. Commissioners also approved a conditional use permit for a supportive housing facility. Consent Calendar - Approval of January 20, 2023 Minutes: Motion by Commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Hold, approved unanimously after clarifying which commissioner seconded a previous vote on the Mississippi River Critical Area public hearing. - Conditional Use Permit for Supportive Housing at 135 Geranium Avenue East: Commissioner Riley reported that the zoning committee recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a residential treatment facility serving 81 residents, operated by Pyramid Health Care Inc. The public hearing had been closed with no opposition after the applicant met with the neighborhood. The commission approved the permit unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments or testimony were recorded during the meeting. Discussion Items - Announcements: Chair noted vacancies on the Transportation and Nominations committees and encouraged commissioners to consider switching. - Annual Meeting Agenda: The commission proceeded with its annual meeting, focusing on the 2022 annual report and 2023 work program. - Committee Reports: - Zoning Committee: Upcoming meeting on February 9, 2023, with three items including a conditional use permit and rezoning at 271 Sailing. - Comprehensive Planning Committee: Committee is approximately two-thirds through a study on 1-4 unit housing; expects two more meetings before setting a public hearing date. - Transportation Committee: Next meeting February 6 at 4:30 PM with agenda including the 1% city sales tax proposal (public works director Sean Kershaw speaking), the five-year capital improvement plan, and the Phalen's Street Bicycle Boulevard Vision Plan. Commissioner Rosberg clarified the sales tax is a local option for St. Paul, not statewide. - Election of Officers and Committee Chairs: The Communications and Nominations Committee proposed a slate: Chair Morales, First Vice Chair Grill, Second Vice Chair Presley, Secretary Risberg. Committee chairs: Commissioner Holst (Comprehensive Planning), Commissioner Risberg (Transportation), Commissioner Riley (Zoning), Commissioner Cantner (Communications and Nominations). All approved unanimously. - 2022 Planning Commission Annual Report: Director Pierre presented the report, which is now a website format with PDF option. Report includes statistics on zoning cases (decrease in 2022), geographic distribution maps, commissioner quotes, and features on major projects (The Heights, Hillcrest, Rondo, etc.). Commissioners praised the report for its comprehensiveness and readability. Discussion included ideas for distributing the report to district councils and using it as a recruitment tool. Commissioner Holmes asked about the youth on boards initiative, which is being pushed by the mayor's office with staff support. - 2023 Work Program: Director Pierre presented a preliminary work program, highlighting new projects: programmatic agreement with SHPO for HUD-funded historic review, Rethinking I-94 alternatives (expected release by MnDOT), Transportation Safety Plan, Downtown Plan update preparation, EV charging infrastructure zoning amendments (focusing on surface parking lots), zoning fee updates, and internal reorganization into current and long-range planning teams. Commissioner Rosberg suggested adding measurable goals to track outcomes. Director Pierre agreed but noted time constraints for evaluation work. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: Unanimously approved. - Approval of Conditional Use Permit for 135 Geranium Ave E: Unanimously approved. - Election of Officers and Committee Chairs: Unanimously approved for 2023. - Annual Report and Work Program: Discussed and noted; no formal vote required. - Meeting Adjourned: Motion by Commissioner Underwood.

The Transportation Committee of the Planning Commission met on January 31, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Annex 13th Floor Front Conference Room. The meeting included three agenda items: a Q&A on the 1% Sales Tax, the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, and the Flandrau Street Bicycle Boulevard Vision Plan. No minutes or transcripts were available, so the summary is based solely on the agenda. Discussion Items - 1% Sales Tax: Q&A dialogue with the Transportation Committee – Sean Kershaw, Director of Public Works, scheduled for 30 minutes. - 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan – Presented by Anne Weber (Public Works), scheduled for 15 minutes. - Flandrau Street Bicycle Boulevard Vision Plan – Presented by Joe Widing (Public Works), scheduled for 30 minutes. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions recorded; the meeting was intended for discussion and information sharing. Note: The agenda lists the meeting date as February 6, 2023, but per instruction the meeting date is January 31, 2023. This discrepancy is noted.

This meeting was scheduled according to the agenda for January 23, 2023, but the user specified that the meeting took place on January 18, 2023. No minutes or transcript were provided, so only the planned agenda items are known. Discussion Items - Evie Carshare and EV Spot Network update – Erin Kayser (Public Works), 30 minutes allocated. - Scooter Sharing update – David Peterson (Public Works), 30 minutes allocated. Key Outcomes No decisions, votes, or public testimony are recorded due to the absence of minutes or transcript. Note: The agenda and user-provided date conflict; the agenda lists January 23, 2023, while the user instructs to use January 18, 2023.

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

The St. Paul Planning Commission held its regular meeting on January 9, 2023, at 2:30 PM. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, announcements from staff, committee reports, a presentation on updated district plan guidelines, and action on two zoning items. The commission approved a conditional use permit for additional short-term rental units and a development proposal for affordable housing on Marshall Avenue. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the December 9, 2022 meeting were approved by voice vote (all in favor, no opposed). Announcements & Reports - Luis (staff) provided highlights from the city's legislative agenda, including bonding priorities such as the eastbound Kellogg River Center Bridge, the park at River's Edge, Great Urban Passage, Como Park Zoo Conservatory, the Heights (Hillcrest) infrastructure, and the North End Community Center. The city also supports reinstatement of the state historic tax credit, continued funding for affordable housing (4D program, housing infrastructure bonds), a sales tax increase for Metro Transit, and resilience initiatives. - Commissioner Hallstone (Comprehensive Neighborhood Planning Committee) reported that the committee received background on the one-unit housing study and will continue discussions in three weeks. - Commissioner Foles noted that the committee will review a commercial development district proposal related to liquor license introduction, which requires planning commission review for comprehensive plan conformance. - Transportation Committee: The next meeting on January 12 will discuss the 2024 Grand Avenue Reconstruction Project (Snell to Fairview) and the Robert Street Reconstruction (Kellogg to 11th). - Riverview Corridor Station Area Planning Task Force: The task force last met in December, focusing on stations at Davern, Montreal, Homer, and St. Paul Avenue, and connections to the Ford site and rail spur. No meeting in January. - Commissioner Mitchell reported on the Community Advisory Committee for the Rice Street corridor, noting that a survey is being distributed and the next meeting is February 8. The second report is not yet released for public discussion. Discussion Items District Plan Guidelines Update Spencer Miller Johnson (PED staff) presented the updated district plan guidelines, a resource document for district councils updating their small-area plans. Key points: - The document is intended for district councils, community members, and city staff; it is not regulatory. - It includes 32 steps under six categories: request plan initiation, establish steering committee, conduct public engagement, prepare draft plan, plan review (staff, planning commission, city council). - The guidelines provide best practices for plan content, format, and implementation strategies, but allow flexibility for neighborhood-specific needs. - Commissioner Riley expressed support, noting the complexity of the process for volunteers and the value of guidance. - Commissioner Grill asked about aligning district plan schedules; staff noted that each district has different capacities and timelines, and the city does not mandate updates. - Commissioner Riley suggested sunsetting plans adopted before the current 2040 comprehensive plan due to policy inconsistencies and equity concerns. - Commissioner War suggested using district plans as input for the next comprehensive plan (2050) rather than only responding to it. - Commissioner Starling asked about the turnover of district council members and staff ownership of plans. - Staff responded that neighborhood planning liaisons can assist with technical support and that the guidelines will be published online by the end of January. Zoning Items 1. Conditional Use Permit – Short-Term Rental Units at 141 4th Street East - The applicant sought to increase short-term rental units from 4 to 9 in the Pioneer Endicott building (over 200 units). The zoning committee recommended approval with a condition that each additional unit obtain a license from the Department of Safety Inspections. - The district 17 council supported the proposal. No public testimony was received. - Commissioner Riley expressed concern about reducing the long-term rental supply amid a housing shortage. Commissioner Grill noted the units are a small percentage of the building and that the precedent could be managed. - Commissioner Tagya (opposed) cited the housing crisis and the need to prioritize permanent housing. - Commissioner Broek (supported) noted the units are within a large building, the existing operators are local, and the building offers amenities for guests of residents. - Vote: The motion to approve with the licensing condition passed 7-3 (Commissioners Riley, Venture, and Tagya opposed). 2. Conditional Use Permit and Variances – Marshall Avenue Flats (1619 Dayton Avenue) - The project proposes a six-story, 98-unit affordable apartment building (44 one-bedroom, 49 two-bedroom, 5 three-bedroom) on the site of a former office building. The building height is 75 feet (with a variance for 68 feet proposed) and a front yard setback variance of 5 feet (required 10 feet). - Staff recommended approval, with conditions that 100% of units be affordable (30% AMI for the three-bedroom units, 50-70% AMI for the remainder) for at least 30 years. - The project was previously approved in May 2020 with similar affordability conditions. - Vote: The motion to approve the CUP and variances passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes of December 9, 2022. - Approved: Conditional use permit for 5 additional short-term rental units at 141 4th Street East (7-3), with condition that each unit obtain a license from Department of Safety Inspections. - Approved: Conditional use permit and variances for Marshall Avenue Flats (unanimous), with affordability conditions. - Next Steps: The district plan guidelines will be published online by the end of January after incorporating feedback from the meeting and staff review. - Upcoming: The annual meeting on February 3, 2023, will include the annual report and work plan discussion. Officer positions for the commission are open for expressions of interest.