St. Louis Park City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
2026 Planning Commission Annual Review
2027 Planning Commission Work Plan Development
City Communications and Upcoming Events
Votes (1)
2026 Planning Commission Annual Review and 2027 Work Plan Discussion
Dissent: N/A
Laura presented a review of the Planning Commission's 2026 accomplishments, emphasizing the success of Zoning Code Update Phase Two, which introduced new mixed-use districts (e.g., MU-1 from C-1) to facilitate development opportunities by reducing parking burdens. Other key achievements included the launch of the Comprehensive Planning Process and the development of the Arrive and Thrive implementation tracker. Approved applications such as the Park Community Church conditional use permit and Parkway on five plat/variances were noted, alongside the rescission of variances for 2625 Louisiana and a zoning text amendment for medical/dental offices. The discussion then pivoted to the proposed 2027 work plan, where commissioners requested more strategic detail for the Comprehensive Plan, a more aggressive timeline for amending parking minimums, and a clear scope for Zoning Code Update Phase Three to address issues like landscaping modernization and online accessibility. Additional requests included a primer on Robert's Rules and enhanced connectivity with city lawmakers, especially in preparation for the upcoming City Council presentation on November 9th.
Notable Quotes (5)
So far, you know, there's um we're we're seeing some uh interest, especially with a lot of the um former C-1 district properties now are MU-1, um not having to uh have more parking for changing uses in existing buildings, and that is opening up those properties for a bit more opportunities.
I have an I like this and I have an initial desire for a little more strategic detail on the comp plan part of it. ... we're we're we've kind of been waiting for the comp plan to accomplish a lot of the things we've never been able to do in our approval of variances and even in some of the zoning code updates.
With respect to the parking discussions, I also would propose to be a little more specific. ... we would like to consider the possibility of amendment of the zoning code. Right? Uh more more in a more aggressive timeline. That I also would like them to have their eyes on.
One of the things that will be included in zoning code update three is updated handouts, kind of a how to use the zoning code guide for people in the in the community. ... we are looking at is doing some test case projects where we have a just a made up project that we then go through the zoning code and see how that is actually is are we achieving what we are what we hoped to achieve and what edits to the code need to be made.
One I will keep asking for is a 30-minute primer on Robert's Rules. ... we also talked about connectivity with our lawmakers specifically. ... I think that would be something good for the City Council to see uh and potentially have them join for as well. I would like to include that if you are all in support of that as well.
Ordinances & Resolutions (17)
Implemented new and expanded mixed-use districts, enhanced organization, and went into effect August 28th.
An ongoing initiative built upon Vision 4.0 and strategic priorities, with its first phase of engagement commencing soon.
A foundational document guiding the Comprehensive Planning Process.
Guiding principles that inform the Comprehensive Planning Process.
A built and interactive tool nearing publication for monitoring progress.
An approved permit allowing a specific land use at the church's location.
Approved plans for the subdivision and development of the Parkway on five property.
Approved deviations from zoning code requirements for the Parkway on five project.
An approved deviation from zoning code requirements for the Creek Line Flats project.
Previously approved deviations from zoning code requirements that were officially rescinded.
An amendment to the zoning code allowing medical and dental offices in N districts.
An area of ongoing policy discussion, with a desire to dedicate specific time for review and potential amendment of the zoning code.
The next phase of zoning code revision, focusing on cleanup, online accessibility, modernization of sections like landscaping standards, and test case projects.
A requested 30-minute primer or training session on parliamentary procedure for commissioners.
An upcoming online platform for public engagement and feedback on the Comprehensive Plan.
Specific sections of the zoning code identified for modernization during Zoning Code Update Phase Three.
Standards within the zoning code considered for potential adjustments during Zoning Code Update Phase Three.