PCM 03/16/2022
PLANNING COMMISSION
March 16,2022
7:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Avenue N.E.
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hansencalled the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Mike Heintz
Terry McClellan
Mark Hansen
John Buyse
Ryan Evanson
Stacy Stromberg, Planning Manager
Nancy Abts, Associate Planner
nd
Street N.E.
Keith Eliason, 4623 2
th
Ondi Lemny, 6034 4Street N.E.
th
Kevin Fay, 6034 4Street N.E.
Londa Kroone, 5933 Main Street N.E.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
1.Approve December 15, 2021Planning Commission Minutes
Motionby Commissioner Evansonto approve the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Heintz.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HANSEN DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
ACCEPTANCEOF MINUTES FROM OTHER COMMISSIONS
2.ReceiveOther Commission Minutes
Motionby Commissioner Evansonto receivethe minutesfrom other Commissions. Seconded by
CommissionerHeintz.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HANSEN DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC HEARING
Planning Commission 3/16/2022 Minutes Page 2
3.Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance Amendment, TA #22-01 to Allow Accessory Dwelling Units
Motion by Commissioner Evanson to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Heintz.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HANSEN DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:02 P.M.
Nancy Abts, Associate Planner, presented an overview of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and reviewed
benefits and concerns related to ADUs. She reviewed the different elements within the proposed
ordinance amendment that would allow ADUs.
The Commission asked clarifying questions. It was confirmed that an ADU would require a separate
entrance. A property would only be eligible for one ADU and the owner of the property must occupy the
principle or accessory dwelling unit. Staff also reviewed the minimum and maximum size for an ADU,
clarification between an ADU and mother in-law apartment, resale value, and parking. Approval would
be provided administratively, and enforcement could occur through the rental license. Concern was
expressed relating to the impact to adjacent properties.
Members of the public addressed the Commission. Questions were raised to as to whether both the
home and ADU could be rented for a portion of the year, parking violations, and whether neighbors
would be allowed to provide input on an application request. Rental of both the home and ADU would
not be allowed, parking would be regulated through code enforcement, and input from neighbors would
not be solicited. It was noted that if allowed, an ADU would be permitted in the same manner as a
detached garage or other accessory structure that meets Code requirements. It was confirmed that an
ADU could be allowed above a garage (detached or attached).
Motion by Commissioner Evanson to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Buyse.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HANSEN DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 7:51 P.M.
The Commission recognized that there are pros and cons and that this would provide additional options
for Fridley residents to remain in Fridley. It was agreed upon that the Commission recommends to the
Council that the code language be modified to require a Special Use Permit for a detached ADU, which
would be reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the Council.
Motion by Commissioner Evanson to recommend approval of Ordinance No. 1400 Amending the Fridley
City Code Chapter 205, Zoning, to Allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) with the added condition that
a detached unit would require a Special Use Permit. Seconded by Commissioner Heintz.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HANSEN DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Planning Commission 3/16/2022 Minutes Page 3
4. Public Hearing to Consider Text Amendment TA #22-02, to Amend Chapter 205, Zoning to Allow 40-
Foot-Wide Lots to be Considered Legal Conforming if the Lot was Platted Prior to 1955
Motion by Commissioner Evanson to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Heintz.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HANSEN DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 8:02 P.M.
Stacy Stromberg, Planning Manager, presented a text amendment to consider allowing 40-foot single-
family lots to be conforming. She noted that this would promote the goal of affordable housing and
would also allow investment and improvement in existing housing stock. She confirmed that the lots can
be served by public water and sewer.
Residents provided input expressing concern in allowing construction of new homes on the vacant 40-
foot lots and ability would lend itself to rental units. Concerns were also expressed related to drainage
and sewage backups. There was support for a maximum height to ensure new homes match the existing
character and to allow existing residents to improve their homes.
The Commission reinforced the concept that a resident could purchase an adjacent 40-foot lot to prevent
it from being developed.
A resident with a current nonconforming home asked about the ability to rebuilt even though it does not
meet the current setbacks. Staff confirmed that if the home were damaged, it could be rebuilt to its
current footprint.
Motion by Commissioner Evanson to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Buyse.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HANSEN DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 8:37 P.M.
The Commission commented that Fridley is developed and therefore the opportunity is redevelopment
and also recognized the importance of property rights for all parties and supported the condition that
the new home must blend into the neighborhood. The Commission found value in allowing construction
on 40-foot lots to promote affordable housing and use of those lots.
Motion by Commissioner Evanson to recommend approval of Ordinance No. 1402 Amending the Fridley
City Code Chapter 205.31 Overlay District 0-6, Pre 1955 Lots. Seconded by Commissioner Buyse.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HANSEN DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Planning Commission 3/16/2022 Minutes Page 4
OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Stromberg provided development updates.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Evanson to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner McClellan.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIR HANSEN DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY AND THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary