The council, along with consultants from HKGI, delved into the intricacies of updating the zoning code. The urgency of this task is heightened by the necessity to utilize American Rescue Plan Act funds by the end of the next year. This financial constraint has propelled zoning code updates to the forefront, even as the city anticipates minor adjustments once the 2050 comprehensive plan is finalized. The consultants presented a detailed approach that builds on the existing midcycle comprehensive plan. Notable proposed changes include representing zoning uses in a table format rather than a list, a modification intended to simplify navigation for users.

Public engagement emerged as an element in this process. A comprehensive outreach strategy was outlined, highlighting multiple phases designed to solicit feedback from various stakeholders. The initial phase involves disseminating basic project information through the city’s website. Subsequent phases will gather insights from developers and designers, followed by downtown property and business owners, to ensure that zoning updates reflect the community’s diverse needs. The Council emphasized the importance of aligning zoning regulations with the Met Council’s impending system statements, which will provide guidance on critical factors such as population growth and infrastructure needs.

The potential expansion of the downtown overlay district was another focal topic. The proposal advocates extending the district from Elm Street to Highway 3 and south to Ash Street. This expansion aims to integrate mixed-use environments that blend residential and commercial spaces. The council acknowledged concerns about how these changes might impact existing neighborhoods, particularly regarding increased density and shifts in neighborhood character. There was a concerted effort to ensure that residents are well-informed about these developments, with plans to hold neighborhood meetings to address their concerns directly.

A concern was maintaining the integrity of multigenerational residential communities amidst potential commercial development. Comparisons were drawn to neighboring cities like Edina and Richfield, which have successfully managed commercial growth along arterial roads without disrupting residential areas. Discussions emphasized the need for continuity in visual aesthetics and the importance of careful management to avoid future complications in the overlay district. Suggestions included integrating design standards directly into the zoning code to enhance usability for developers.

The council also addressed the need for strategic planning in the Spruce Street overlay, a district marked by prescriptive standards developed in 2003. The discussion revealed a desire to reassess these standards to ensure they align with current community visions. The potential for industrial expansion along Pilot Knob was debated, with recommendations for a new overlay to preserve development standards and maintain continuity in anticipation of future changes.

The council recognized the challenges of crafting a plan that encourages growth without the city directly purchasing properties for redevelopment. There was an ongoing debate about how to foster effective redevelopment along the Highway 3 corridor, with calls for zoning reforms to enable necessary commercial and residential developments.