04-24-2018Minutes of the Planning & Zoning Commission, April 24, 2018— Page 1
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
April 24, 2018
A regular meeting of the Hopkins Planning & Zoning Commission was held on April 24, 2018, at
6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Hopkins City Hall.
Present were Commission Members Elizabeth Goeman James Warden, Brian Hunke, Kristin
Hanneman and Matthew McNeil. Commission Members Laura Daly and Emily Wallace Jackson
were absent. Also present was City Planner Jason Lindahl.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Hunke called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ADOPT AGENDA
Commissioner Goeman moved, Commissioner Warden seconded, to adopt the agenda. The motion
was approved unanimously.
OPEN AGENDA — PUBLIC COMMENTS/CONCERNS — None.
CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioner Warden moved, Commissioner Hanneman seconded, to approve the minutes of the
March 27, 2018, regular meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Application 2017 -08 -TA — Alternative Energy Systems Zoning Text Amendment
Staff recommends the Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2018-02,
recommending the City Council approve an ordinance amending the City Code related to solar
energy systems.
Mr. Lindahl gave an updated overview of this item first presented to the Planning Commission in
late 2017. Based on information from the SolSmart program, the City's sustainability goals, existing
energy conditions in Hopkins and research on solar energy systems standards in other communities,
staff prepared a draft Solar Energy Systems Ordinance for consideration. The ordinance is based on
the Minnesota Model Solar Ordinance but has been modified to address specific needs and
conditions in Hopkins.
Minutes of the Planning & Zoning Commission, April 24, 2018 — Page 2
Mr. Lindahl presented the Commission with an in depth explanation of the following changes that
would be made should the City approve the proposed ordinance:
• Establish the purpose and intent behind the proposed regulations.
• Define specific terms associated with solar energy systems.
• Detail allowable uses by zoning district.
• Create specific performance standards for solar energy systems.
• Outline a review process and necessary application materials.
• Allow for deviations based on criteria unique to solar energy systems.
• Place reasonable limits on private groups to restrict solar energy systems.
• Encourage protection of solar access through easements.
After general discussion from the Commission, Chairman Hunke opened the public hearing. With
no one coming forward to speak Commissioner Goeman moved, Commissioner Warden seconded,
to close the public hearing.
Commissioner McNeil moved, Commissioner Warden seconded, to adopt Planning Resolution
2018-02, recommending the City Council approve an ordinance amending the City Code related to
solar energy systems. The motion was approved unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS — None.
NEW BUSINESS — None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
During the announcements, Mr. Lindahl updated the Planning & Zoning Commission on the
following items:
1. Update on Match Agenda Items
The City Council approved the first reading of a moratorium ordinance on the Auto Repair & Auto
Sales Uses item during their April 17 meeting and approval of the second reading is expected during
the May 1 meeting. If approved, a moratorium of up to one year would be placed on auto repair and
auto sales uses.
2. May 24 - Boards & Commissions Recognition Dinner.
3. May 22 — next scheduled Planning Commission Meeting and the Annual Meeting, which will
include Election of Officers for the next year.
4. June 2 — Artery Grand Opening and Comp Plan Open House.
Minutes of the Planning & Zoning Commission, April 24, 2018 — Page 3
5. Cultivate Hopkins — 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
City Planner Jason Lindahl informed the Commission that the Cultivate Hopkins advisory
committee continues its work on the Comprehensive Plan. The first Implementation meeting on
April 11 focused on Built and Natural Environment and the second Implementation meeting on
May 9 will focus on Social and Economic Environment. The Comp Plan Open House will take
place on June 2 during the Artery Grand Opening. The full Comprehensive Plan will come before
the Planning Commission during the June 26 meeting. The City Council is expected to review the
draft of the Comprehensive Plan during the July 17 meeting after the recommendation of the
Planning Commission. After review by the Council, a 6 -month comment period from the
surrounding community begins. Final submittal of the Comprehensive Plan will be first quarter of
2019.
ADJOURN
Commissioner Goeman moved, Commissioner Hanneman seconded, to adjourn the meeting. The
motion was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Courtney Pearsall