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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-19-2026 Planning Commission August 19, 2026 7:00 PM Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE Minutes Call to Order Chair Hansen called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present Pete Borman Aaron Brom Mark Hansen Mike Heuchert Ross Meisner Absent Aaron Klemz Paul Nealy Others Present Stacy Stromberg, Assistant Community Development Director Nancy Abts, Senior Planner Approval of Meeting Minutes 1. Approve May 20, 2026, Planning Commission Minutes Motion by Commissioner Meisner to approve the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Heuchert. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously. Public Hearing 2. Consider a Conditional Use Permit, CUP #26-03, by Gerhard Builders and Remodeling LLC, for an Oversized Garage at 531 Kimball Street (Previously Item 3) Stacy Stromberg, Assistant Community Development Director, presented a request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from Gerhard Builders on behalf of the property owner at 531 Kimball Street for an oversized accessory structure. She reviewed the site description and history and provided information about the Code requirements and the purpose of a CUP. She explained why the provision was created in 2025 and reviewed an analysis of the issues identified during the application review, concerns expressed by staff as part of the Development Review Committee Planning Commission 8/19/2026 Minutes Page 2 meeting, and anticipated Code adjustments. She recommended approval as presented, subject to the stipulations found within the staff report. Commissioner Heuchert asked about the size of the lot. Ms. Stromberg replied that the lot is 12,366 square feet, which is a large-sized lot for the neighborhood. Commissioner Meisner asked and received confirmation that the current Code language states that if you want a larger-sized garage, you should apply for a CUP, as this would seem like more of a variance request. Ms. Stromberg confirmed that the Code currently states that an applicant should apply for a CUP, but typically there would be additional conditions and parameters included. She agreed that a variance could an alternate path to approving oversized garages in the future and that is something they will discuss in future Code adjustments. Commissioner Heuchert asked about the setbacks for the garage. Ms. Stromberg replied that a detached accessory structure can be three feet from the property line, but the Building Code would require five feet from the property line. She stated that the applicant meets setback and lot coverage requirements. Motion by Commissioner Meisner to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Borman. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously, and the public hearing was opened at 7:14 p.m. Chair Hansen invited input from the public. Ryan Gerhard, applicant, introduced himself, noting that the homeowner is also present. Todd Messer, 531 Kimball Street, appreciated the time of the Commission in hearing this request. He asked about the difference in definitions between a CUP and a variance. Ms. Stromberg replied that a variance is harder to obtain because a practical difficulty has to be identified. She stated that because the Code allows a CUP, that is a better path for the applicant. Mr. Messer asked if there would be any way to keep his shed, perhaps moving it to the western side of his property. He explained that he has large equipment in the shed that he would like to keep secure and noted that the oversized garage would house his vehicles and a fire truck from his late father. He noted that he intends to keep his property clean and secure but understands if he does need to remove the shed. Commissioner Brom asked if the Ordinance limits the number of accessory structures or just the total square footage. Ms. Stromberg replied that a property of this size is typically allowed to have three accessory structures. Planning Commission 8/19/2026 Minutes Page 3 Commissioner Brom asked if the shed would need to be added to the CUP in order to keep it. Ms. Stromberg replied that the Commission could modify the stipulation if desired. Mr. Messer stated that he would agree to no additional structures on the property if he could keep the shed and would also agree that no living quarters would be included in the garage. He noted that his wife and two neighbors are also present to support the request. Kathleen Semke, 518 Kimball, commented that the Messers are great neighbors and she supports the request. She did not feel that the proposed garage would overpower the lot and believed that it would not only look good, but would fit more of the vehicles from the driveway. Janice Born, 8316 East River Road, commented that the Messers are wonderful neighbors and she fully supports the request. She commented that there is a large structure home across from the subject property and the larger garage would bring balance. She commented on the value that the Messers bring to the neighborhood and the assistance that they have provided to her since she has become widowed. She noted that some of the equipment the Messers have is used to help maintain her property and others in the neighborhood as well. She commented that her niece and nephew also live in the neighborhood but could not attend tonight, noting that they also support the request. Lara Messer, Brooklyn Center, spoke in favor of her brother’s request. She commented that their father passed away in 2025 and left her brother his fire truck, which has been in the family since the 1980s. She commented that she supports the garage as it can house the fire truck, which is used in parades in Fridley. Ms. Stromberg stated that staff also received three phone calls in support of the request from members in the neighborhood. Commissioner Brom asked if there is a reason this sized structure is proposed. Mr. Messer explained that the fire truck is approximately 25 feet long and about 12 feet wide. He stated that this Ford F350 is used for plowing, and he would also like to keep that in the garage, along with his wife’s vehicle. He stated that he could also park his trailer in front of his wife’s vehicle so they could get everything in the garage. He stated that he and Mr. Gerhard talked about many different sizes and determined this to be the best size to fit those items. Commissioner Borman asked how the shed would be allowed to remain. Chair Hansen replied that they would need to modify the stipulations. Commissioner Borman stated that he would be in favor of allowing the shed to remain, noting that it would also provide an opportunity for storage of some items when the existing garage is removed, and the new garage is constructed. Planning Commission 8/19/2026 Minutes Page 4 Motion by Commissioner Meisner to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Borman. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously, and the public hearing was closed at 7:27 p.m. Commissioner Brom stated that he does not have any problems with the request but asked if this would set a precedent. Chair Hansen stated that staff has explained that they will be revisiting the Code in the future to discuss this type of item. Commissioner Meisner recognized that in the future they may require a larger lot for this sized structure, but the Code currently allows it. Commissioner Borman commented that someone in his neighborhood has a garage larger than what is proposed and he has no objections to that. He stated that either things are able to be kept in a garage or the large vehicles are kept in the driveway. Commissioner Meisner commented that gabling the ends of this building could make it more attractive, but there seems to be support as proposed from the neighbors. Commissioner Heuchert stated that he does not have any opposition to the design as proposed. Chair Hansen recognized that the neighbors are in support of the request, noting that if there was opposition, the discussion may be different. He stated that he has no objection to leaving the shed, as keeping items contained will look better than having them around the yard. Ms. Stromberg stated that if the shed is allowed to remain, that would equate to 24.7 percent lot coverage, which would mean the site is built out for roofed structures. Motion by Commissioner Meisner recommended approval of a Conditional Use Permit, CUP #26-03, with the listed stipulations, modifying the second stipulation to allow the retention of the existing shed and no further structures. Seconded by Commissioner Borman. Upon a voice vote, with all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously. It was noted that this will move forward to the City Council for consideration on September 14, 2026. 3. Consider a Conditional Use Permit, CUP #26-04, by Jim Mackey, Architect, for a Detached Above-Garage Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) at 60 Talmadge Way (Previously Item 4) Motion by Commissioner Meisner to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Heuchert. Planning Commission 8/19/2026 Minutes Page 5 Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously, and the public hearing was opened at 7:37 p.m. Nancy Abts, Senior Planner, presented a request for a CUP for a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) at 60 Talmadge Way NE. She stated that Fridley adopted its ADU Ordinance in 2022 and since then, seven internal and attached ADUs have been completed with an eighth under construction. She noted that this is the first detached ADU request. She stated that the approximately 980-square-foot, two-bedroom ADU would be built behind and above a new two- story garage and is proposed to be occupied by extended family. She noted that additional conditions would be included that would place restrictions and requirements upon the ADU in the event the property changes ownership in the future. She reviewed the site description, Code requirements, and recommended approval subject to the stipulations found in the packet. She stated that she did not receive any comments via phone related to the request. Commissioner Borman asked for clarification on the stipulation related to stairs. Ms. Abts explained that it would address any future plans for stairs on the exterior, noting that they would be allowed under those conditions. Chair Hansen asked if there would be separate sewer and water connections. Ms. Abts replied that the Code does require a separate connection to the utilities in the street unless it is shown to be impractical. Chair Hansen invited public comments. Christian Idrovo, 60 Talmadge Way, commented that the new garage would allow for both he and his wife’s vehicles to be stored in the garage, and the additional living space would allow for family members to visit them. He stated that they moved to Fridley last fall and have a six-month-old baby, and this would allow for his parents and in-laws to come assist with the baby while having their own space. Jim Mackey, applicant, reiterated that the ADU would be used by extended family and the garage would better meet the needs of the property owners. He stated that they would follow all requirements for utility connections. Commissioner Borman asked if the ADU would have a separate meter for power. Ms. Abts reviewed the Code requirements, noting that the current ADUs in Fridley are on the same meter. She stated that gas and electric connections can be provided as those utility providers see fit, as long as they are properly permitted. Motion by Commissioner Heuchert to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Brom. Planning Commission 8/19/2026 Minutes Page 6 Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously, and the public hearing was closed at 7:48 p.m. Commissioner Borman commented that this seems to be a straightforward request and would be a nice addition. Commissioner Meisner noted that this is a large lot with space for the proposed structure. Commissioner Brom asked if there would be any inspection to ensure family members are using the space rather than a renter. Ms. Abts replied that she does not believe that the City can, or should, enforce that, as rental of ADUs is allowed in Fridley. She noted that any unit that is not occupied by an owner requires a rental license. Commissioner Meisner stated that the larger garage is moving further from the property line, which is nice to see. He stated that he has no issues with the request. Chair Hansen noted that this is a nice-looking structure and the first detached ADU request. He encouraged the applicant to talk with City staff about utility connection, as he would prefer not to have them cut into the street. Motion by Commissioner Meisner recommended approval of a Conditional Use Permit, CUP #26-04, with the listed stipulations. Seconded by Commissioner Heuchert. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously. This item will go before the City Council for consideration on September 14, 2026. Other Business Chair Hansen noted that there was another item on the agenda, but recognized that the Commission does not typically approve and/or modify the agenda. He asked if any action is required on that item. Ms. Abts replied that the petitioner withdrew their request. Motion by Commissioner Meisner to retroactively amend the agenda to remove Item 2. Seconded by Commissioner Borman. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously. Ms. Abts stated that staff has begun the kickoff for the Comprehensive Plan process. She noted a community survey that is currently available and encouraged members of the Commission and other residents to complete the survey. She noted two upcoming workshops on the same topic and other upcoming topics that will be discussed. Planning Commission 8/19/2026 Minutes Page 7 Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Brom to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Heuchert. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Hansen declared the motion carried unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Abts, Staff Liaison