December 16, 2009

The Planning Commission of a small community I work with has expressed concern about the proliferation of temporary merchants operating in the town during the summer. The community is located along a trunk highway that is also designated a scenic byway. The Planning Commission is concerned that temporary merchants are creating a visual blight and not following all the rules that permanent businesses are expected to follow such as sign regulations. I am interested to know what steps other communities have taken to address similar problems including but not limited to granting permits (and what stipulations are attached to the permits). Thank you. My contact information is:

Josh Bergstad
Senior Planner

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission
221 West First Street
Duluth, MN 55802
www.ardc.org

phone: 218.529.7516
fax: 218.529.7592
jbergstad@ardc.org

There is a property owner in our city that would like to subdivide land into 2+ lots. This subdivision would require a new street to be put in, extended from one that is already there. However, the property owner wants a variance from City Ordinance that requires the property owner to make street improvements before a final plat can be approved. It would seem to me by grant the waiver and taking away the owners responsibility to put in the street that the city would have to bear the full cost of the development. I’m trying to figure out a way this could get done but making sure the city isn’t on the hook to pay for the entire project. If you have any tips or ideas that might help I would appreciate it.

Dear MnAPA Members;

The City of Golden Valley has received a request from a resident to use corrugated steel siding on a single residential house. The City is researching ordinances that specify building construction material standards in all zoning districts including; residential, commercial, industrial and institutional. If your community has specific building material standards, could you please let me know?

Thank you,

Joe Hogeboom | City Planner | City of Golden Valley
7800 Golden Valley Road | Golden Valley, MN 55427 | 763-593-8099 | 763-593-8109 (Fax) | 763-593-3968 (TTY)
jhogeboom@ci.golden-valley.mn.us