North St. Paul City Council — Transcript
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Election of Planning Commission Chair and Vice Chair for 2026
Introduction to the 'BOOST' Initiative
Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments
Planning Commission Work Plan Review
Public Perception and Special Event Permitting
Votes (3)
Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2026
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Gadboy [04:47] · Seconded by Commissioner Alvarez [04:50]
The Planning Commission conducted its annual elections. Patrick Biz was nominated as Chair, and after no other nominations, the motion passed. Andrew Weiss nominated himself for Vice Chair and, with no other nominations, the motion passed.
Introduction to the 'BOOST' Initiative (Better Ordinances and Ongoing Streamline Transformation)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [11:30] · Seconded by Commissioner Alvarez [11:35]
Staff presented the BOOST initiative, explaining its purpose to modernize North St. Paul's land use regulations by improving clarity, eliminating redundancies, and aligning the code with current practices. The initiative will involve bringing forward several code amendment packages over the coming months. Commissioners expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing its potential for process improvement and better user experience.
Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments
Dissent: None, but several points of discussion led to proposed modifications to the staff's initial language.
Moved by null · Seconded by null
This item involved a detailed review of proposed amendments. Key changes included clarifying the definition of 'limited production and processing,' updating the land use table to include categories like 'bakery' and 'charging station' (after discussion), and distinguishing between manufactured home parks and individual manufactured homes. The most extensive part involved incorporating Downtown Design Manual elements into the Downtown Overlay District, with discussions on facade materials (changing 100% brick to 75% brick or stone), architectural detail repair/replacement (allowing 'like-kind' materials), and facade design to avoid blank walls. The item was for discussion and will proceed to a public hearing.
Notable Quotes (8)
I will officially nominate uh Commissioner Biz for chair position.
I I would agree to serve as vice chair again. Yes, I would do that.
The initiative aims to update selected portions of the city land use regulations. We'll be tackling this over the next few months by bringing forward several code amendment packages improve to that are intended to improve clarity, eliminate redundancies and ensure the code reflects current practices and expectations in North St. Paul.
I think I'd like to make a motion actually that uh in support of this this so that we go on record saying that uh we agree with it.
So what again what I'm trying to clarify here is to make sure we are really if somebody comes in with a proposal to build the widget factory that is that a really a limited production or processing facility or is it more a heavy production kind of thing that would not necessarily fit?
How about changing that to refueling station? Because what I'm thinking of is fuel sales sounds like gasoline, but you know, if it they've got a a energy recharger.
I'm just thinking that there are some very attractive manufactured homes out there and I just would kind of like it to be spelled out a little bit more so that someone in the future doesn't say well it says manufactured housing is is not permitted. Uh, even though it does say home parks in parenthesis, you know, I just would like to make it clear, more clear that they're talking about manufactured home parks as opposed to just manufactured homes.
I have not ever seen another city like demand 100% of a material before and that and especially with brick even though it's great it's very expensive and if we're we're saying you know like I I would be more comfortable if it said brick or other approved I mean like you have to get an approval something like At least it's allowable then to do something else.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
The primary municipal code being modernized by the BOOST initiative.
Specific regulations within the City Code targeted for update by BOOST.
Portions of the City Code undergoing incremental changes, leading to inconsistencies.
An example of a past update falling under the BOOST initiative's goals.
An example of a major rewrite falling under the BOOST initiative's goals.
A table within the Zoning Code listing possible land uses in different zoning districts, proposed for amendment.
A manual providing design elements, some of which are being incorporated into the Downtown Overlay District zoning code.
The ordinance governing special events permits, currently being updated to streamline processes.
A long-term planning document that will be reviewed by the Commission in the next two years.
The Capital Improvement Plan, included in the work plan for annual review.
A specific request for a variance from fence height code in a front yard, scheduled for a future public hearing.