A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the public hearing for ZOP 4066, a conditional use permit allowing a dental workshop specializing in the creation of crowns and dentures to operate from a garage on Goodwin Avenue North. Situated across from Goodwin Park, the property is zoned R1, where such home occupations require this specific permit. The applicant, who runs the business solo, uses polishing machines, suction units, and molds for polymer impressions, with no customer visits or unusual deliveries. They personally transport products to and from dental offices.

During the review, staff outlined several criteria for the permit’s approval, including adherence to the comprehensive plan, compatibility with the zoning district, and minimal environmental impact. They recommended approval with conditions: operating hours from 9 AM to 5 PM, a limit of one outside employee, compliance with signage regulations, and acquiring any necessary licenses.

The commission’s discussion revealed varying opinions on the proposed conditions. One member questioned the necessity of limiting operational hours to 5 PM, suggesting that if noise and visibility were minimal, extended hours might be feasible. The staff responded that the applicant had proposed these hours. Another member clarified that there were no ordinance limitations on customer numbers, with the applicant confirming no customer visits occur.

Community feedback during the hearing was mixed. Robert Betts, a neighbor since 1977, expressed concerns about noise and chemical fumes, particularly at night. He noted his discomfort with the proximity of the garage, which was closer to the property line due to a prior variance, and supported the operational hour restriction if the business continued. Contrastingly, Mike Marone, residing directly opposite the applicant, reported no disturbances, describing the applicant as a considerate neighbor. He questioned the need for permits for home-based computer work, which the staff clarified were only necessary when there are external impacts on neighbors.

The applicant, referred to as Z, addressed the commission, expressing confusion over the permit requirement and emphasizing their compliance with local ordinances. Z shared positive community interactions and a desire for neighborhood stability, asserting that the garage noise was minimal and largely unnoticed by passersby. A supportive neighbor corroborated Z’s account, stating they were unaware of the business due to its unassuming presence. The commission acknowledged this unawareness was common among homeowners running home businesses without permits, sparking a broader discussion on the implications of such permitting.

The meeting also addressed a proposed amendment to the 3M Imation planned unit development (PUD) to allow an additional 50-foot pylon sign on Hayward Avenue North, exceeding the city’s typical 30-foot height limit for such signs. The amendment aimed to increase visibility from Interstate 694 for the Forefront campus. Concerns arose over the potential for future conversion to digital signage, requiring a new permit and review. The Minnesota Department of Transportation advised managing illumination levels to prevent driver distraction.

In concluding the meeting, it was announced that no Planning Commission meeting would occur in January due to a lack of applications. Additionally, Council Liaison Jake Ingebrigtson offered a farewell.