St. Louis Park Advances Major Land Use Change for Highway 7 Site
The Planning Commission recently recommended a redesignation for the prominent 8800 Highway 7 parcel, paving the way for a significant high-density residential development.
St. Louis Park’s vision for future development along key corridors took a significant step forward last week as the Planning Commission recommended approval for the future land use redesignation of the property at 8800 Highway 7. The decision, made during its June 17 meeting presided over by Chair Flanigan, moves the city closer to redeveloping a prominent parcel into a high-density residential hub, potentially adding 208 new units to the community.
The proposed redesignation shifts the parcel, located near Minnehaha Creek and Excelsior Boulevard, from its previous commercial-oriented status to a high-density residential classification. This change is crucial for facilitating a planned project that aims to bring much-needed housing, including affordable units, to a strategically important area. The move is part of the city’s broader Comprehensive Plan Amendment Phase Two, designed to align land use policies with St. Louis Park's long-term growth and housing goals.
This amendment is really intended to close policy gaps. It's not intended to change any policy decisions that were made in previous zoning code update phases.
Ms. Shampo, a City Planner in the Community Development Department, made her remarks during a presentation on the comprehensive plan amendment, underscoring the city’s methodical approach to updating its regulatory framework. Her comments suggested that land use redesignations like 8800 Highway 7 fit within a consistent, evolving policy landscape rather than representing an isolated shift.
Complementing the comprehensive plan updates, the Planning Commission also considered a broader Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment, part of a citywide effort to streamline regulations. Gary Morrison, Zoning Administrator, detailed aspects of the zoning code consolidation.
We're taking the performance standards that are in article four and moving them into the new article that addresses only performance standards for uses throughout the city.
Mr. Morrison explained that this reorganization aims to create a more efficient and user-friendly regulatory environment, which supports the implementation of new land use designations and facilitates appropriate development throughout the city. This larger regulatory framework provides the administrative backbone for specific site redevelopments like the one proposed for 8800 Highway 7.
The commission's recommendation for 8800 Highway 7, along with the broader zoning adjustments, now proceeds to the St. Louis Park City Council. An anticipated City Council hearing is scheduled for July 20, followed by a second reading for the ordinance and map amendments on August 3. If approved, the changes are expected to be published on August 13 and officially become effective on August 28, marking a new chapter for development at this key St. Louis Park location.
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- City of St. Louis Park initiates Phase Two of zoning code overhaul to standardize districts and consolidate regulations.
- Proposed affordable housing project at 8800 Highway 7 aims to add 208 units, requiring a significant zoning map amendment.
- New zoning rules suggest citywide permission for food trucks at residential events, moving away from existing restrictive codes.
- Controversial sport court definitions in neighborhood zoning updated following local resident disputes.
- City staff attempts to reduce parking minimums in the historic Walker Lake overlay district to spur development flexibility.
Approve minutes for March 25, April 8, and March 6 meetings
Moved by Unspecified · Seconded by Unspecified
This amendment is really intended to close policy gaps. It's not intended to change any policy decisions that were made in previous zoning code update phases.
We're taking the performance standards that are in article four and moving them into the new article that addresses only performance standards for uses throughout the city.
I was pleased to see some language clarifying restrictions on the definition of sport courts. In my neighborhood, there was a kerfuffle recently involving sport courts.
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Other Topics from This Document
Comprehensive Plan Amendment Phase Two
Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment
Zoning Map Amendment
Residential land use density adjustments
Zoning code consolidation into 10 articles
Expansion of height and density bonuses
Parking requirement standardization
Visibility triangle regulation modifications
Food truck operation standards at residential properties
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