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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05 CITY OF LAKEVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 5, 2026 Chair Zimmer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was given. Members Present: Chair Christine Zimmer, Vice Chair Scott Einck, Pat Kaluza, John Swaney, Jason Swenson, Amanda Tinsley, Mark Traffas, Ex-Officio Jeff Hanson Members Absent: None Staff Present : Tina Goodroad, Community Development Director; Dawn Erickson, Community Development Recorder 3. Approval of the Meeting Minutes The January 15, 2026 Planning Commission meeting minutes were approved as presented. 4. Announcements Community Development Director Tina Goodroad stated the February 19, 2026 Planning Commission meeting is canceled, and next Planning Commission meeting is March 5, 2026. 5a. Cedar Avenue Land Use and Market Analysis Ms. Goodroad shared that Community Development staff have been working with a consulting group (TKDA) to evaluate land use along the Cedar Avenue corridor between 185 th and 200th Streets. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan identified this area (one half mile on either side of Cedar Avenue) as a special planning district, intended to align land use strategies with the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plan. The Land Use Plan proposed five transit station areas along Cedar Avenue to support the potential extension of the Red Line through Lakeville and increased residential densities of at least eight dwelling units per acre within the broader Cedar Corridor and 20-40 units per acre within a 1/2 -mile radius of the proposed station areas. With the Red Line BRT no longer included in the Metropolitan Council’s Imagine 2050 Transportation Policy Plan, it is necessary to reassess market conditions and determine appropriate land uses along the corridor to guide development in Lakeville’s upcoming 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The market study for this area has been completed, and City staff have conducted a design charrette to develop an updated land use plan. City staff and a TKDA representative met with study area property owners on December 9th and 11th to share the findings and gather feedback. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, February 5, 2026 Page 2 Ms. Goodroad introduced Sam McKinney, TKDA, who presented the Cedar Avenue Lane Use and Market Analysis. Ms. McKinney summarized the project. The agenda included the study purpose; existing conditions review consisting of transportation and infrastructure, market analysis and development context and land use; concept review and questions. The considered uses from the market analysis for the study are single-family homes, townhomes and twinhomes, multifamily apartment buildings, restaurant and retail space and other commercial land uses. Part of the process of the design charette was to create a design framework. The design framework includes the following: balance community amenities, enhance multimodal connectivity, develop strong east/west connections, provide flexibility in land uses, embrace and protect the green space corridors, develop “complete neighborhoods”, and support Envision Lakeville and the Economic Development Strategic Plan. Chair Zimmer asked for comments from the Planning Commission.  Commissioner Kaluza expressed appreciation for the work put into this project by staff and TKDA.  Commissioner Traffas asked about the range of low to high density areas, and if it is historically true that high density translates to affordability. Ms. McKinney stated that the rental market is very strong and that it may be an opportunity for affordable developments depending on funding sources and other factors, but higher density tends to make it easier to make the math work.  Commissioner Swenson asked if Farmington was consulted regarding what they are planning with regard to their future comprehensive plan since this does area abut Farmington. Ms. McKinney stated there was not a meeting with Farmington regarding what their long-term plans are and what the land use intentions are on their side, however the connection to Farmington would likely come from 185th Street connection.  Commissioner Swenson stated that one area that has received feedback in the past is about topographic sighting regarding the commercial sites, and to make sure that some of the commercial zoning districts mesh with what some of the retail and commercial properties are actually looking for. Ms. McKinney appreciated the feedback and stated they tried to place those zoning districts away from some of the low draining areas.  Chair Zimmer stated she appreciates the comment regarding commercial areas since there are very limited commercial areas left and it’s very important for fiscal concerns for the city, and she would like to see more commercial areas if possible. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, February 5, 2026 Page 3 6a. City of Lakeville Chair Zimmer opened the public hearing to consider the amendment to Title 11 (Zoning) of the City Code relating to requirements for renting of rooms. Ms. Goodroad presented the ordinance outline. At their July 2025 work session, the City Council discussed short term rentals. The current Zoning ordinance language allows for the renting of rooms by administrative permit within most residential districts. The language limits how often a unit may be rented and requires off-street parking but includes no other standards. The City Council directed staff to create a process similar to the long-term rental application, which requires owners of residential rental properties to register with the City. The Council also emphasized that parking must be addressed. The new language is proposed to be added to Title 9: Building Regulations of the City Code, which also includes the rental registration language. Because the new ordinance language will be added to Title 9, the renting of rooms language in the Zoning Ordinance must be deleted. A public hearing is required for amendments to Title 10: Subdivision and Title 11: Zoning while amendments to other titles within the City Code can be adopted by City Council and do not require Planning Commission review. The proposed short term rental language requires a permit from the city and addresses occupancy standards, parking requirements, and enforcement language. It also limits a maximum of two short-term rental permits per person/entity. The text change is only to remove language; there are no additions to Title 11 proposed with this amendment. Community Development Department staff recommend approval of the amendment to Title 11 Chair Zimmer opened the hearing to the public for comment. There was no public comment. Motion was made by Kaluza, seconded by Einck to close the public hearing at 6:29 p.m. Voice vote was taken on the motion. Ayes – unanimous Ms. Goodroad Chair Zimmer asked for comments from the Planning Commission.  Chair Zimmer asked if this would be taking away some of the power because it would no longer be in their jurisdiction. Ms. Goodroad stated that although it would not be in the zoning ordinance any longer it would be in the City Code, and staff and City Council believe having a centralized ordinance for short-term rentals is more appropriate. The rental registration has worked very well. Information will be put on the website, as well as social media and newsletters. Staff does not believe there are a lot of short-term rentals in the community. Previously renting a room was done through an administrative permit, so it is not anything this body had purview over. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, February 5, 2026 Page 4  Chair Zimmer asked if this ordinance would be for VRBO and Airbnb type rentals. Ms. Goodroad confirmed that is correct.  Commissioner Kaluza asked for clarification of what the definition of short-term rental is, as well as expressed appreciation for having everything together in one area. Ms. Goodroad stated the definition of short-term rental is a dwelling unit which is the primary residence of a household in which temporary lodging in all or part of the dwelling unit is offered for remuneration.  Commissioner Swenson clarified that the action being taken today is at the request of the City Council and that the ordinances don’t go into effect until the City Council acts on it.  Commissioner Swaney asked if this item would be on the next City Council agenda. Ms. Goodroad confirmed that is correct. Motion was made by Swenson, seconded by Swaney to recommend to City Council approval of the ordinance amendment to Title 11 (Zoning) of the City Code relating to requirements for renting of rooms. Ayes: Traffas, Kaluza, Zimmer, Einck, Swaney, Swenson, Tinsley Nays: 0 There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dawn Erickson, Community Development Recorder