Planning Commission - 09/12/2016 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Jon Stoltz, John Kirk, Travis Wuttke, Ann Higgins,
Charles Weber, Andrew Pieper, Ed Farr, Mark
Freiberg, Tom Poul
CITY STAFF: Julie Klima, City Planner
Rod Rue, City Engineer
Matt Bourne, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources
Julie Krull, Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—ROLL CALL
Chair Stoltz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Pieper, Poul and Wuttke were absent.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Higgins moved, seconded by Farr, to approve the agenda. Motion carried 6-0.
III. MINUTES
A. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 22, 2016
Chair Stoltz had a revision to the minutes. He stated under Adjournment it should say
Vice Chair Pieper.
MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Farr, to approve the amended Planning
Commission Minutes. Motion carried 6-0.
IV. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
V. PUBLIC MEETINGS
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
VII. PLANNERS' REPORT
A. DESIGN STANDARDS UPDATE
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September 12, 2016
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Klima stated the City had contracted with Hay Dobbs to work on the Design Standards
initiative. At the July 19 and September 6 City Council work sessions, Hay Dobbs
presented information addressing building materials, architecture, landscaping,
sustainability and public art. These discussions included current code requirements for
each of the topic areas and also provided recommendations to provide further
clarification in either the creation of design guidelines or amendments to the City Code.
Klima said tonight she will review with the Commission the presentations that were
provided to the City Council and get feedback for any potential changes with the draft
design guidelines and code amendments. Klima's first presentation was to focus on the
building guidelines. She stated the approach was to look at the city wide standards
while allowing for flexibility. Klima pointed out at the City Council workshop
discussion focused on how the guidelines and zoning codes would work together.
Discussion was centered on if the City wanted to encourage, incent or require through
the guidelines and zoning code.
Building orientation was one of the first issues addressed. Klima said the primary
building entries would be architecturally emphasized using design features. She also
stated the sides of the buildings that face a public street or sidewalk would have one or
more entrances. Farr wanted the second secure entrance to the building discussed
further. He stated most tenants and retailers would not want a second secure building
entrance and would like more flexibility in regards to this issue. Klima said in regards
to this there would need to be flexibility when looking at these codes.
The second proposed code change was building articulation. Klima said the building
facades greater than 40 feet in length will include recesses or projection in the fagade,
material changes or other methods that create visual interest. In 3+ story buildings, the
ground level must be visually distinct. Higgins asked if there was discussion on when
asking for approaches on the fronts of buildings is repeated elsewhere; has this been
done years before. Klima said conversation with staff and Council wanted Eden
Prairie's goals to have a look of timelessness and that is why universal methods are
being developed. Klima pointed out there needs to be some direction while providing
flexibility with these changes. Corporate identify is important but the City also wants
to uphold the Eden Prairie standards of aesthetics.
The next proposed code change was varied rooflines. Klima said staff has worked very
hard with developers on this change so as to add a variety of different types of varying
rooflines. The design guidelines and code language would address the need for varied
rooflines.
Fenestration was the next proposed code change addressed. This is where the ground
floor is visible so as to provide transparency between the interior and exterior.
And the last proposed code change was building materials. It was discussed that 75%
of the building exterior facades will consist of at least 3 Class 1 contrasting yet
complementary materials. Fewer than 3 materials may be used to create a similar effect
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September 12, 2016
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to contrasting materials through varied texture,pattern or color. Preferred Class 1
materials include brick, stone and glass. Vinyl or plastic can be used as trim or edging
material.
Klima discussed the second part of the guideline changes and that had to do with
landscaping and art. She stated sustainability is partially codified and includes
design/construction process,building systems and operations and site improvements.
Klima pointed out the possible topical areas are sustainable sites, water efficiency,
energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.
The issues that were discussed for sustainable sites were light pollution reduction,
quantity and quality control of storm water design, encourage development density and
community connectivity, protecting and restoring habitat to maximize open space and
lastly the heat island effect. Farr commented that white roofs are not the best for
building efficiency.
The next potential topic discussed was water efficient landscaping and water use
reduction.
Also addressed was energy and atmosphere. Such topics were commission of building
energy systems, minimum energy performance, and fundamental refrigerant
management and to optimize energy performance.
Materials and resources were also discussed. This included storage and collection of
recyclables, construction of waste management, recycled content and regional materials
to align with Class 1 materials, and rapidly renewable materials.
The next topic was indoor environmental quality. Discussed was the minimum IAQ
performance, low-emitting material, controllability of lighting and thermal comfort
systems and daylight and views.
In regards to site and landscape design, the items addressed were designing a holistic
site design that unites landscaping, paving and building. The next item was to
encourage designers to view landscaping as an amenity to design for pedestrian
connectivity.
Plant materials was also discussed and that would include using a variety of plant types,
promote diversity of species, use low water consumption plant martials, use pollinator
friendly plant materials and use a variety of plant materials with seasonal variety.
Screening guidelines was also another potential code change discussed. The topics
addressed were using plant materials to screen at-grade utilities, service and trash areas
and vehicles. it is important to ensure the CPTED principles are followed and
supplement screening with decorative fencing or low walls.
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Parking lot landscaping included reducing large expanses of paved areas with islands
that beautify the site,provide pervious surface and reduce heat island effects. Design
for dual duty landscapes that serve more than one purpose and encourage the design of
landscape as an amenity. Also to incorporate pedestrian amenities into the design and
ensure compatibility with CPTED principles.
Public art was the next topic addressed with the premise of promoting art within the site
and using art as part of a building exterior. Art within the site could be sculptures,
lighting, paving and fencing. The building exterior could include windows, doors,
fagade and roofs. A public art development dedication was also discussed and this
would be a separate program and use private dollars for public art within development
projects.
Freiberg commented he does not think it is a good idea to have art in the code. Klima
said there would be an opportunity to open the door for art if it were in the code.
Freiberg said what one person thinks is appropriate may not be viewed by other as
appropriate. He does not want people to be offended and again stated he felt it should
not be in the code. Klima said there will be discussions with developers on the concept
of public art. An example of art would be the sculpture in front of the Community
Center.
Klima said the next steps would be to finalize the Design Guidelines and Zoning
language changes and have a public review and adoption process.
Weber asked, in regards to the art,how we could put in the code, "subjective values",
in writing. And asked if this is something we want or are we just meeting a standard.
Klima said in regards to this code there would be numerous factors taken into account
as to what is around the area and what is being developed. She stated by having Design
Guidelines they provide options for developers but also sets guidelines.
B. TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD) UPDATE
Klima said the City Council approved the Transit Oriented Development Ordinance on
August 16, 2016. Staff will provide a review of the final adopted ordinance
highlighting modifications that were made to the ordinance following Planning
commission review. Klima pointed out one of the areas modified following PC review
was landscaping. Stakeholders concern was that the requirements were
disproportionate. The adopted language would provide for flexibility to landscaping.
The second issue that was addressed was warehousing uses and Klima said the final
TOD allows for 15%. Other topics that were discussed were visitor parking whereas a
definition of this was defined in code. Public open space was also addressed and
defined to establish expectations. And lastly housekeeping revisions included adding
public infrastructure, towers and antennas as permitted uses consistent with other
zoning districts and sidewalks and trails as consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
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The next steps would be a review of the Comprehensive Plan Language and Map, draft
recommendations, outreach to property owners, and Planning Commission and City
Council review of recommendations. The Metropolitan Council will also review the
comp plan changes and there will be potential implementation of zoning changes to
certain properties.
VIII. MEMBERS' REPORT
IX. CONTINUING BUSINESS
X. NEW BUSINESS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Weber moved, seconded by Higgins, to adjourn the Planning Commission
meeting. Motion carried 6-0.
Chair Stoltz adjourned the meeting at 8:07p.m.