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2026.05.11 - Packet 4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696 Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov Crystal Planning Commission Agenda Summary Monday, May 11, 2026 7 p.m. Crystal City Hall and Zoom Video Conference Zoom call information: https://go.crystalmn.gov/May11 (meeting ID is 821 0050 5608 and password is 414141) or call-in toll free at 888-475-4499 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes* a. Monday, April 13, 2026 meeting minutes 3. Public Hearing* a. Conditional use permit request for Islamic Education and Cultural Center for a religious institution at 4801 Welcome Avenue North (Application Number 2026-04) 4. Old Business - None 5. New Business a. Discuss revisions to the Planning Commission bylaws 6. General Information a. City Council actions on previous Planning Commission items: Conditional use permit for FAIR school at 3915 Adair Ave. N. b. Development and construction update c. Update from Council liaison d. Staff preview of likely agenda items for Monday, June 8, 2026 meeting 7. Open Forum 8. Adjournment * Items for which supporting materials are included in the meeting packet Page 1 of 2 CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION DETAILED AGENDA Monday, May 11, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, Crystal City Hall Commissioners, please call 763.531.1142 or email dan.olson@crystalmn.gov if unable to attend * Items for which supporting materials are included in the meeting packet 1. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at ______ p.m. with the following members present:  Commissioner (Ward 1) Sears [Vice Chair]  Commissioner (Ward 2) Selton  Commissioner (Ward 4) McNutt  Commissioner (Ward 1) Heigel  Commissioner (Ward 3) Sumnicht  Commissioner (Ward 4) Johnson [Chair]  Commissioner (Ward 2) Strand  Commissioner (Ward 3) Buck [Sec. Vice Chair]  Commissioner (At- Large) Scholz 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES * Moved by _______________ and seconded by _______________ to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2026 regular meeting with the following exceptions: Motion carried. 3. PUBLIC HEARING* a. Conditional use permit request for Islamic Education and Cultural Center for a religious institution at 4801 Welcome Avenue North (Application Number 2026-04) Staff presented the following: The following were heard: Page 2 of 2 Planning Commission discussion: Moved by _______________ and seconded by _____________ to recommend ______ to the City Council of the conditional use permit for the Islamic Education and Cultural Center. Motion carried. 4. OLD BUSINESS - None 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Discuss revisions to the Planning Commission bylaws 6. GENERAL INFORMATION a. City Council actions on previous Planning Commission items: Conditional use permit for FAIR school at 3915 Adair Ave. N. b. Development and construction update c. Update from Council Liaison d. Staff preview of likely agenda items for Monday, June 8, 2026 meeting: 7. OPEN FORUM 8. ADJOURNMENT Moved by _____ and seconded by ______ to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at ______ p.m. Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes – April 13, 2026 CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Monday, April 13, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, Crystal City Hall 1. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present:  Commissioner (Ward 1) Sears [Vice Chair] X Commissioner (Ward 2) Selton X Commissioner (Ward 4) McNutt  Commissioner (Ward 1) Heigel X Commissioner (Ward 3) Sumnicht X Commissioner (Ward 4) Johnson [Chair] X Commissioner (Ward 2) Strand X Commissioner (Ward 3) Buck [Sec. Vice Chair] (arrived 7:01) X Commissioner (At-Large) Scholz Other attendees: City Planner Dan Olson, Community Development Director John Sutter, City Council Liaison David Cummings, and Kristen Hoheisel, Robert McDowell, and Liz Vieira, all three representing Robbinsdale Area Schools, and other interested persons. Chair Johnson introduced new Commission member Kelsi McNutt, and Ms. McNutt said a little bit about herself. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Selton and seconded by Strand to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2026 regular meeting. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. 3. PUBLIC HEARING a. Conditional use permit request from Robbinsdale Area Schools to repurpose FAIR school at 3915 Adair Avenue North (Application Number 2026-03) Mr. Olson presented a summary of the staff report, recommended approval of the CUP, and answered questions from the Commission. Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes – April 13, 2026 A Crystal resident asked if the applicant has submitted proposed floor plans for the new uses. Mr. Olson showed the resident the floor plans attached to the staff report. Two Robbinsdale residents said that they would like to see the arts middle school remain on the property since the building was designed specifically for that use. The residents urged that the Commission either table the CUP or vote no. There being no one else from the public to testify, Chair Johnson closed the public hearing. Moved by Selton and seconded by Buck to recommend approval to the City Council of the CUP with the conditions in the staff report. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried. 4. OLD BUSINESS - None. 5. NEW BUSINESS - None. 6. GENERAL INFORMATION a. City Council actions on previous Planning Commission items. Mr. Olson said that City Council approved the rezonings to Town Center from the March Planning Commission meeting. b. Development and construction update. Mr. Sutter provided updates on the following items and answered questions from the Commission: • Lotus Pointe at 6000 - 56th Ave. N. • Wells Fargo site at 7000 56th Ave. N. c. Update from Council Liaison: Council Liaison Cummings said the Council has been working on the the town center map amendments, reviewing the most recent plans for the planned Blue Line LRT extension, decided on recent tobacco and liquor license violations, and discussed possibly adding franchise fees. d. Staff preview of likely agenda items for May 11, 2026. Mr. Olson said that he has not received any applications yet, but the deadline is not until tomorrow. He’s waiting on three possible conditional use permit applications. 7. OPEN FORUM Commission member Scholz asked if the Commission could discuss the current bylaws on an upcoming agenda. Mr. Olson said he will plan for the May meeting if one is held. Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes – April 13, 2026 8. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Selton and seconded by Buck to adjourn. Ayes: All. Nays: None Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. 4801 WELCOME AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION PAGE 1 OF 8 ___________________________________________________________________________________ FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner ___________________________________________________________________________________ TO: Planning Commission (for May 11 Meeting) DATE: May 5, 2026 RE: PUBLIC HEARING – Conditional Use Permit request for Islamic Education and Cultural Center for a religious institution at 4801 Welcome Avenue North (Application Number 2026-04) A. BACKGROUND The Islamic Education and Cultural Center (IECC) has applied for a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow a religious institution at 4801 Welcome Avenue North. The existing commercial building is vacant. The property is zoned Neighborhood Commercial (NC), and the proposed use is a conditional use within that district. Notice of the May 11 public hearing was published in the Sun Post on April 30, mailed to owners, renters and business tenants within 500 feet (see attachment A), and posted to all neighborhoods on Nextdoor. A sign was also posted on the property. Attachments: A. Site location and public hearing mailing notice map B. Zoning map C. Photos of existing property D. Applicant’s project narrative E. Powerpoint F. Site plans (5 sheets) PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Conditional Use Permit for 4801 Welcome Avenue North 4801 WELCOME AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION PAGE 2 OF 8 2025 Aerial Photo: B. PROPOSED CONDITIONAL USE 1. Neighborhood open house The applicant held a neighborhood open house on April 16, 2026, which was attended by four neighborhood residents, the mayor, two planning commission members, and the city planner. The purpose of the open house was to provide information on the proposed use to property owners and tenants near the facility. Attendees asked questions about how the applicant would use the property, hours of operation, and timing of the opening of the religious institution. 2. Existing Use The existing 5,600 sq. ft. building was constructed in 1964 on the 21,185 sq. ft. (0.5 acres) property. The property has 25 parking spaces. The building has been vacant since 2022. 4801 WELCOME AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION PAGE 3 OF 8 3. Adjacent uses The following are the existing land uses and zoning districts surrounding this property: • North. Residential treatment facility, zoned Neighborhood Commercial (NC) • East. Across West Broadway, restaurant zoned NC • West. Single-family homes zoned R-1 • South. Multi-family residential buildings zoned R-2. 4. Proposed use The applicant is proposing to repurpose the existing building for a religious institution. This would involve extensive interior remodeling, including the installation of a fire suppression system (sprinklers). The applicant is not proposing to enlarge the building or increase the size of the existing parking lot. In the NC district, principal uses cannot open before 5 a.m., or be open after 10 p.m., and the applicant is not proposing to exceed those hours. The busiest time will be Fridays from noon to 1:30 p.m., when typically 30 individuals will be congregating at the building for prayer. If needed, this prayer time could be broken into two time slots so that everyone does not attend at the same time. On Saturdays, children will be dropped off for educational purposes. The following are notable site plan elements for the proposed use: (a) Parking. There are 25 parking spaces on the property. For religious institutions the Unified Development Code (UDC) states that the number of required parking spaces is based on the design capacity of the assembly rooms. Attachment F shows the proposed floor plan including the assembly rooms for men and women that limits this capacity to 75 persons. Due to the limited number of off-street parking spaces on the property, a condition of CUP approval has been made that limits the capacity of the building to 75 people at any given time. Any event that will have more than 75 people will be held off-site. Currently parking is not allowed on the west side of Welcome Ave. N. south of 48th Ave., and on the east side of Welcome Ave. north of 48th. That said, the city cannot prohibit attendees from parking on public streets, just as any property owner in Crystal can do. Since 48th Ave. N is narrower than Welcome, on-street parking should be limited to one side of that street to allow for the passage of vehicles. Also, parking on the west side of Welcome north of 48th would cause a hazardous condition for vehicles traveling on Welcome. On May 19, 2026, staff will request that city council approve no parking restrictions for the north side of 48th between Welcome and the alley and for the west side of Welcome from 48th to West Broadway (see the illustration on the next page). If City Council approves these restrictions, the applicant will be required to pay for the installation of no parking signs as part of the site improvement agreement. 4801 WELCOME AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION PAGE 4 OF 8 The existing 25 parking spaces are sufficient for the proposed religious institution as proposed, with the 75-person limit. The applicant will be resurfacing the parking lot, which has reached the end of its useful life. The resurfacing project includes the installation of surmountable curb around the parking lot perimeter. The submittal of additional technical information relating to the parking lot resurfacing has been made a condition of CUP approval. (b) Access and circulation. There are two existing driveways off 48th Avenue N., providing access to the parking lot. The city’s Public Works Director and the West Metro Fire Rescue District staff have reviewed the traffic circulation plan and found it adequate to accommodate vehicle movement into and within the site, including fire trucks and delivery vehicles, provided that the no parking zones on 48th and Welcome are implemented as described in Section B (4) (a) of this report. There is an existing sidewalk along 48th Ave. N. (c) Stormwater management. Since the disturbed area for this proposed use is less than one acre, a stormwater management plan is not required. However the applicant will improve storm drainage on the property by installing surmountable curb and adequate drainage slopes for the resurfacing of the parking lot (currently the parking lot has no curbing). The submittal of additional technical information relating to property drainage has been made a condition of CUP approval. (d) Landscape Plan. There is one large existing tree on the north side of the building that appears to have started as a volunteer tree. The applicant proposes to plant 10 new 4801 WELCOME AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION PAGE 5 OF 8 trees (American Linden, Blue Beech, and Swamp White Oak) together with two varieties of shrubs which will screen the east side of the parking lot. For those trees that will be planted in the right-of-way, the applicant will be asked to sign a maintenance and replacement agreement with the city. The submittal of this executed agreement for city signature is made a condition of CUP approval. (e)Screening. The site plan shows a proposed dumpster enclosure on the alley side of the building. The applicant is not proposing new rooftop or ground-mounted mechanical equipment that would need to be screened. (f)Exterior lighting. There are two existing unused light poles on the property that will be removed, and no new ones are proposed. Seven wall fixtures are proposed to be added, but a photometric plan needs to be submitted to ensure that this lighting meets city requirements. The submittal of this plan has been made a condition of CUP approval. 5.Recommended Findings The following are the relevant criteria for approval of a conditional use permit in city code section 510.19: (a)The proposed use has been approved as a conditional use in the zoning district for which it is proposed. Findings: Religious institutions are a conditional use in the NC zoning district. (b)The conditional use will be in accordance with the general objectives, or with any specific objective, of the city’s comprehensive plan and the unified development code (UDC). Findings: The property is guided as Commercial on the 2040 Planned Land Use Map, which includes retail, offices, restaurants and some automobile-oriented uses (on corridors designated in the UDC). The proposed religious institutional use, which is allowed as a conditional use in the UDC, is in conformance to this designation. (c)The conditional use will be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained so as to be harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity and that such use will not change the essential character of the same area. Findings: Since the applicant will not increase the size of the building footprint or parking lot for this use, the existing character of the area will not change. Because the proposed use is allowed as a conditional use in the NC district, it is compatible with the intended character of the area, provided that the CUP conditions are met. 4801 WELCOME AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION PAGE 6 OF 8 (d) Impacts such as noise, hours of activity, and exterior lighting have been sufficiently addressed to mitigate negative impacts on nearby uses. Findings: The proposed use is not expected to generate unusual noise impacts. To ensure compliance with the noise ordinance and to ensure compatibility with adjacent residential uses, no loudspeakers or other external amplified sounds will be permitted. Hours of operation will be in compliance with the limits in the UDC. Submittal of a photometric plan has been made a condition of CUP approval to ensure that new exterior building lighting meets city requirements. (e) Parking is adequately provided for the proposed conditional use. Findings: As described in section 4(a) of this report, the proposed religious institution use will have 25 parking spaces. This CUP approval institutes a maximum limit of 75 persons that can be on the property at any given time. Any event that will have more than 75 people will be held off-site. (f) In the approval of a conditional use permit, the City Council may impose such conditions as it determines is necessary to make the use compatible with other uses allowed in the same district zone or vicinity. Findings: The proposed conditions of approval for the CUP are found in section C of this staff report. 6. Use specific standards The following is the relevant use specific standard in city code section 515.19, Subd. 7 for approval of a secondary school or public or semipublic building, followed by staff’s findings of the standard. a) The facility is served by arterial, collector, or municipal state aid streets and such pedestrian facilities as are necessary to accommodate the traffic generated by the facility. Findings: The property is adjacent to Welcome Ave. N., which is a minor collector street and municipal state aid street. This means that it is designed for higher traffic volumes and larger vehicles than a standard residential street. Welcome Avenue connects 4801 Welcome to West Broadway, a major collector street. There is a public sidewalk along the north side of 48th, directly adjacent to the property, which connects to a network of sidewalks on Welcome Ave. N. and West Broadway. To safely accommodate vehicular access, both for the facility and adjacent properties, additional parking restrictions on 48th and Welcome are necessary as described in Section B 4 (a) of this report. C. REQUESTED ACTION The Planning Commission is being asked to make a recommendation to the City Council to either deny or approve the CUP to allow the Islamic Education and Cultural Center to locate a religious institution at 4801 Welcome Avenue North. The Commission may reference the 4801 WELCOME AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION PAGE 7 OF 8 findings in Section B (5) of this report. Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit, subject to the following conditions of approval: 1.Site Plan. The property shall be developed according to the site plan in attachment F. Prior to issuance of the building permit to renovate the building’s interior and resurface the parking lot, the applicant shall: a.Submittal deadline. The applicant shall submit the permit application for the interior building renovation by May 1, 2027 or submit a request for zoning administrator approval of a one-year extension before that permit application deadline. b.Site drawing. Provide a site plan drawing showing the following information for the parking lot resurfacing: i.Cross-section showing the thickness of class 5 and bituminous material for the project. ii.The location of slopes in the parking lot and along the curb to verify that adequate drainage is provided. c.Photometric plan. Submit a photometric plan for the new exterior lighting on the building. d.Site improvement agreement. Sign a site improvement agreement with the city and provide an escrow to guarantee resurfacing of the parking lot and installation of the landscaping plan. The costs of installing no parking signs adjacent to the property will also be included in the agreement. e.Maintenance agreement. Provide a maintenance and replacement agreement for city approval for the trees planted in public street right-of- way which will be recorded against the property. 2.Maximum number of people. Notwithstanding any other code or rule, due to the limited number of off-street parking on the property, no more than 75 people can be on the property at one time. Any event that will have more than 75 people shall be held off-site. 3.Amplified sounds. No loudspeakers or other external amplified sounds are permitted. 4.Compliance. This conditional use permit is subject to the applicable requirements of the city code, and the applicant is required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances, and is required to obtain such other permits and permissions as may be required. 5.No Waiver. Failure by the City to take action with respect to any violation of any condition, covenant or term of this conditional use permit shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such condition, covenant, or term or any subsequent violation of the same or any other condition, covenant, or term. 4801 WELCOME AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION PAGE 8 OF 8 6.Revocation. The violation of any terms or conditions of this conditional use permit including, but not limited to, any applicable federal, state, or local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances, may result in revocation of the conditional use permit. The applicant shall be given written notice of any violation and reasonable time, as determined by the City, to cure the violation before a revocation of the permit will occur. 7.Binding Effect. This conditional use permit, and the conditions placed on it, are binding on the applicant, their successors and assigns, shall run with the property, and shall not in any way be affected by the subsequent sale, lease, or other change from current ownership, until the conditional use permit is terminated or revoked as provided herein. The obligations of the applicant under this conditional use permit shall also be the obligations of the current and any subsequent owners of the property. 8.Acceptance of Conditions. Utilization of the property for any of the uses allowed by this conditional use permit shall automatically be deemed acceptance of, and agreement to, the terms and conditions of this conditional use permit without qualification, reservation, or exception. City Council action is anticipated on May 19, 2026. Site Location and Public Hearing Notice Mailing Map 4801 Welcome Ave N 4141 Douglas Dr. N. Crystal MN 55422 Attachment A Zoning Map 4801 Welcome Ave N 4141 Douglas Dr. N. Crystal MN 55422 Attachment B Front of building facing east (Welcome Ave. N.) Photo taken from 48th and Welcome Avenues N. Attachment C South side facing 48th Ave. N. West side facing alley Operational Overview, Parking Management & Neighborhood Compatibility The proposed facility will operate as an Islamic Education and Cultural Community Center (IECC), managed by members of the Gambian community, and serving a diverse population of residents in Crystal and surrounding communities. The center registered as non-profit 501(c)3 will provide a range of services including educational programs, youth development activities, cultural events, community gatherings, and daily prayer services. Daily operations are expected to be low in intensity and primarily indoors, generating minimal tra"ic. The primary peak activity occurs during Friday mid-day congregational prayer, which typically lasts approximately 45–60 minutes. The organization recognizes the importance of responsibly managing parking demand and maintaining a positive relationship with neighboring businesses and residents. Operational Measures to Minimize Parking Impact To ensure continued compliance and minimize parking impacts, the organization is committed to implementing the following operational measures: 1.Attendance Management The organization will actively monitor attendance levels to ensure that gatherings remain within the on-site parking capacity of approximately 75 people. Current Friday attendance is approximately 30 individuals, with anticipated growth to approximately 50 individuals as the facility becomes fully operational. Attendance will be managed proactively to prevent overflow beyond available parking capacity. 2.O!-Site Scheduling for Larger Events Any events expected to exceed the 75-person capacity will be scheduled at alternate locations. For example, large gatherings such as Eid prayers (twice annually) are held at the Crystal Community Center, which is better suited for higher attendance. This ensures that high-volume events do not impact surrounding properties and residences. 3.Staggered Friday Prayer Services If attendance increases over time, the organization will implement two staggered Friday prayer services (e.g., 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM). This approach distributes attendance across time periods and can reduce peak parking demand by up to 50%. This measure will be implemented proactively if attendance approaches capacity. Attachment D 4. On-Site Parking Management Volunteer parking attendants will be present during peak times (especially Friday prayers) to: • Direct vehicles e"iciently • Maximize use of available spaces • Prevent congestion or misuse of nearby properties 5. Carpooling and Ridesharing Encouragement The organization will encourage attendees to carpool and rideshare, particularly during Friday prayers. This reduces the total number of vehicles and improves parking e"iciency. 6. Signage and Parking Guidance Clear on-site signage and communication will be provided to ensure attendees: • Park only in designated areas • Do not use unauthorized or restricted spaces Instructions will also be communicated internally to reinforce compliance. 7. Weekend School Tra!ic Management Weekend educational programs will operate primarily on a drop-o! and pick-up basis. These activities are staggered and short in duration, minimizing prolonged parking demand and congestion. 8. Monitoring and Ongoing Adjustment The organization will monitor parking conditions and make operational adjustments as needed to maintain compliance. If any concerns arise, the organization will work collaboratively with City sta! to implement additional measures if required. 9. Neighborhood Coordination and Communication The organization is committed to maintaining positive relationships with neighboring businesses and residents. A neighborhood open house will be hosted prior to Planning Commission review to: • Provide transparency • Address questions • Build community understanding and support 10.Commitment to Compliance The organization will operate in full compliance with all City regulations and CUP conditions. All activities will be conducted in a manner that respects surrounding properties and minimizes impact on the neighborhood. Through these measures, the organization aims to ensure that the facility operates responsibly while contributing positively to the local community. Planning Commission Meeting May 11, 2026 Public Hearing Conditional Use Permit for IECC at 4801 Welcome Ave. N. Application Number: 2026-04 Attachment E 2025 Aerial Photo Site Location and 500 foot mailing radius Also published in the Sun Post, on the city website, posted on the property and to all neighborhoods on Nextdoor General Information •Proposed repurposing of vacant commercial building to a religious institution for the Islamic Education & Cultural Center (IECC) at 4801 Welcome Ave. N. •Property is zoned Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Adjacent Uses •North: Residential treatment facility zoned NC •East: Across W. Broadway, restaurant zoned NC •West: Single-family homes zoned R-1 •South: Multi-family apartment buildings zoned R-2 CUP for IECC Site Plan No expansion of facilities •The applicant is not proposing to enlarge the building or parking lot. Parking •The property has 25 spaces. •Due to the limited number of off-street parking spaces, the number of persons on the property at one time is limited to 75. ➢Any events exceeding 75 persons shall be held in another location. Notable Site Elements ✓The proposed use is allowed as a conditional use. ✓Consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. ✓Compatible with adjacent uses. No increase to the size of the building or parking lot. Hours of operation will comply with NC district requirements. Applicant will provide info that new exterior lighting will meet city requirements. ✓Parking is adequate. The 25 existing spaces are sufficient, with the 75-person limit. ✓Conditions may be imposed. Staff proposes 8 conditions for approval. Recommended Findings Staff recommends approval of the CUP with the findings of fact and conditions in the staff report. Staff Recommendation Planning Commission Action ❑Hold the public hearing to receive public comment. ❑Make a recommendation to the City Council. Attachment F REVIEW OF PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAW PAGE 1 OF 1 _____________________________________________________ FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner ____________________________________________________________________ TO: Planning Commission (for May 11 Meeting) DATE: May 5, 2026 RE: Review of Planning Commission bylaws At the April 13, 2026 Planning Commission meeting, Commission members asked if they could review the current bylaws for possible revisions. The bylaws were last revised in 2019. Commission member Scholz provided comments on the bylaws (attachment A), and staff provided additional information to her (see attachment B). Commission members Johnson, Buck and Strand stated they have no suggested changes. Based on that discussion, staff proposes the bylaw revisions in attachment C, but Commission members are welcome to make additional revisions. Attachments A.Comments from Commissioner Scholz B.Relevant sections of the UDC C.Proposed bylaw revisions PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Planning Commission bylaws From:Jill Scholz To:Dan Olson Subject:Re: Proposed Planning Commission agenda and hearing notice - May 11 Date:Monday, April 27, 2026 3:35:25 PM Thank for your response and attachment of the UDC Section 510, Administration for myreview. I see that the duties of the planning commission are outlined there. Regarding addingpreparation for meetings, I will defer to the group Jill Scholz Sent from my iPhone On Apr 27, 2026, at 11:07 AM, Dan Olson <Dan.Olson@crystalmn.gov> wrote:  Thanks Jill! Thought I’d attach the UDC language that relates to the PC. See my comments below in purple. From: Jill Scholz <jillscholz59@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, April 24, 2026 12:22 PM To: Dan Olson <Dan.Olson@crystalmn.gov> Subject: Re: Proposed Planning Commission agenda and hearing notice - May 11 Hi Dan, I reviewed the current bylaws for the Crystal Planning Commission. I think they are in line with what I have seen in my research. The only thing is that I do not see that the general duties of the commissioner’s are not included. According to the Minnesota Revisor’s Office on duties of a Planning Commission are as follows: Legal and Professional Requirements 60-Day Rule Compliance: Ensuring that requests are acted upon within the state-mandated 60-day timeframe. There are a few instances in the UDC referencing state statute 15.99, which governs the “60-day rule” (the rule states that cities have 60 days to make a decision on a land use application, unless an extension is given according to the statute). Ethical Standards: Acting in an independent, impartial, and fair manner to serve the public good. Preparation: Attachment A Reviewing staff reports and meeting materials before public hearings. Page 4 of the pdf has language that speaks about the recommendation made by the PC. In my opinion, its implied that the PC has prepared themselves for the public hearing but I can add some language to the bylaws. Training: Attending orientations and trainings regarding planning practices and regulations. We could add this language to encourage participation. In review of the current bylaws I do see that ethical standards are addressed but I do not see the 60 day Rule compliance, preparation and training addressed. Not sure that the bylaws would be the place for this. Of the three mentioned would it be appropriate to included in the section on “Duties” as general duties for each commissioner? Thanks, Jill Scholz Sent from my iPhone On Apr 22, 2026, at 1:29 PM, Dan Olson <Dan.Olson@crystalmn.gov> wrote:  Hello – I’m attaching the proposed agenda and hearing notice for the May 11th Planning Commission meeting. As you can see, the discussion of the bylaws is on the agenda. Please have your bylaw comments to me by end of the day, Friday May 1st so I can include them in the packet. If you have any questions, let me know. Thanks, <image001.jpg>Dan OlsonCity Planner, City of Crystal 763-531-1142 | Main: 763-531-1000 | www.crystalmn.gov 4141 Douglas Dr. N. | Crystal, MN 55422-1696 29 Section 510 Administration 510.01. Applicability. Subd. 1. Procedures. All land use and development permit applications, except building permits, shall be governed by the procedures contained in this section. Subd. 2. Procedural review processes. There are three different levels of procedural reviews for applications submitted to the city. These three types of review procedures are described in the Crystal city code, subsection 510.11. This UDC further identifies which procedural review shall be necessary based upon each type of application. To the extent that any application process does not outline a procedural review, the zoning administrator shall determine the appropriate level of review. Subd. 3. Specific review processes. Specific procedures and decision criteria for each type of development review application are contained in the Crystal city code, subsection 510.13. Subd. 4. Appeals of administrative decisions. Appeals of any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative officer in the enforcement of the UDC may be brought as provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 510.35. Subd. 5. Appeals of final decisions. The decisions of the city council under this UDC are final, except that any person aggrieved by a final decision of the city council may appeal the decision to district court as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 462.361. In order to be timely, any such appeal shall be filed with the district court within 30 days of the date of the decision. 510.03. Planning commission. Subd. 1. Established. The planning commission is hereby established for the city. The planning commission is designated as the planning agency of the city in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 462.354. Subd. 2. Purpose. The purpose of the planning commission is to assist the city council in all matters relating to zoning and development or redevelopment of properties within Crystal. The planning commission’s role is advisory in nature. Subd. 3. Duties. The planning commission has those powers and duties assigned to it by Minnesota Statutes, sections 462.351 to 462.364, (the Municipal Planning Act) and as further provided under this UDC. Subd.4. Members. The planning commission shall be made up of nine members. There shall be at least two planning commission members from each of the four city wards. The remaining planning commission member shall be appointed on an at-large basis. Subd. 5. Qualifications. Planning commission members must be residents of the city and be at least fifteen years old. Subd. 6. Removal. Planning commission members serve at the pleasure of the city council and may be removed from the commission, with or without cause, upon a majority vote of the city council. Subd. 7. Terms. Planning commission members shall be appointed to three-year terms. There are no term limits. To help ensure continuity in the planning commission’s work, the terms shall be staggered. Attachment B 30 As such, terms for the first nine planning commission members prescribed by this UDC shall expire as follows: (a) Four terms shall expire on December 31, 2017. (b) Three terms shall expire on December 31, 2018. (c) Two terms shall expire on December 31, 2019. Subd. 8. Other commissions. While serving on the planning commission, planning commission members may not also concurrently serve on the city’s parks and recreation commission or environmental quality commission. Subd. 9. Compensation. Planning commission members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses if funds for that purpose are identified in the adopted city budget. Subd. 10. Liaison. The planning commission shall have both a city council liaison and a staff liaison. The city council liaison shall be assigned by the mayor. The staff liaison shall be assigned by the city manager. The commission may also have a staff secretary who is responsible for taking and preparing minutes during planning commission meetings. Subd. 11. Operations. The planning commission shall conduct itself in accordance with this UDC, the Crystal city code, section 305, the planning commission’s bylaws, and all other applicable laws and ordinances. 510.05. Board of appeals and adjustments. Subd. 1. Board of appeals and adjustments. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 462.354, the city of Crystal board of appeals and adjustments is hereby established for the city. The city’s planning commission shall serve as the board of appeals and adjustments for the city. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 462.354, subdivision 2, the decisions of the board of appeals and adjustments are advisory to the city council, which will make all final decisions. The Board shall operate under the same requirements as the planning commission in the Crystal city code, subsection 510.03. Subd. 2. Duties of the board. The board of appeals and adjustments shall have the following duties: (a) The board of appeals and adjustments hears and makes recommendations with respect to appeals from any order, decision, or determination made by an administrative officer in the enforcement of this UDC. (b) The board of appeals and adjustments hears requests for variances from literal provisions of this UDC in accordance with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 462.357. (c) The board of appeals and adjustments hears appeals from the denial of a building permit for structures within the limits of a mapped street pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 462.359. 510.07. Zoning administrator. Subd. 1. Appointment. The city manager shall appoint a zoning administrator to administer and enforce this UDC. Subd. 2. Authority. The zoning administrator is authorized to perform the following duties for the city: 31 (a) Accept applications, determine their completeness, and identify what additional information is required to make an application complete; (b) Process and issue permits once they have been approved in accordance with this UDC; (c) Issue notices of denial; (d) Create reports with recommendations on zoning matters for the planning commission and the city council; (e) Provide for notices required under this UDC; (f) Conduct inspection as may be needed; (g) Administer and issue notices under Minnesota Statutes, section 15.99; (h) Enforce this UDC through the issuance of violation notices, cease and desist orders, and correction orders as may be needed; and (i) Perform such other duties and responsibilities as identified in this UDC or as may otherwise be needed to administer this UDC as directed by the city manager. 510.09. General development review requirements. Subd. 1. Applicability. The requirements of this subsection shall apply to all development review applications and procedures subject to development review under this UDC, unless otherwise stated. Subd. 2. Applications. (a) Unless otherwise specified in this UDC, development review applications may be initiated by: (1) The planning commission or city council, where applicable; (2) The owner of the property that is the subject of the application; or (3) The owner’s authorized agent. (b) Unless otherwise specified in this UDC, development review applications shall be submitted to and filed with the zoning administrator. (c) When an authorized agent files an application under this UDC on behalf of a property owner(s), the property owner(s) shall be required to sign the application. An application shall not be deemed complete if it is not signed by the owner(s). Subd. 3. Application submission schedule. The schedule for the submission of applications in relation to scheduled meetings of the review bodies shall be established by the zoning administrator and made available to the public. Such schedule shall be used for informational purposes only. The zoning administrator shall determine when an application shall be submitted to the planning commission or city council based upon the completeness of the application received by the city. Subd. 4. Application contents. (a) Applications required under this UDC shall be submitted using the application form established by the city. The materials and quantities to be submitted with each application are listed on each application form. 32 (1) In addition to other requirements on the application form, applications to improve a property shall be accompanied by a certified survey completed by a land surveyor licensed by the State of Minnesota. (2) After the property improvement is completed, an as-built certified survey may also be required, including those situations where the location of improvements was changed since the application submittal. (b) Applications shall be accompanied by a fee as established by the city council and as identified in Crystal city code, appendix IV. (1) No application may be deemed complete, processed, or considered until the established fee(s) has been paid. (2) Application fees are not refundable except where the zoning administrator determines that an application was submitted in error, or the fees paid exceed the amount due, in which case the amount of the overpayment shall be refunded to the applicant. (c) The zoning administrator shall review and make decisions on the completeness of an application as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, section 15.99. Subd. 5. Public notice. (a) For all applications for development review that are subject to public notice requirements under this UDC or any applicable law or rule, the zoning administrator shall prepare and provide to the public the required notice in compliance with this subdivision 5. (b) Notices for public hearings, whether by publication or mail (written notice), shall, at a minimum: (1) Identify the address or location of the property subject to the application and the name of the applicant or the applicant’s agent; (2) Indicate the date, time, and place of the public hearing; (3) Describe the land involved by street address, legal description, or the nearest cross street and project area (size); (4) Describe the nature, scope, and purpose of the application or proposal; (5) Identify the location (e.g., city hall) where the public may view the application and related documents; (6) Include a statement that the public may appear at the public hearing, be heard, and submit evidence and written comments with respect to the application; (7) Include a statement describing where written comments will be received prior to the public hearing; and (8) If applicable, indicate the date of the city council meeting at which the application will be considered. (c) Minor defects in any notice shall not impair the notice or invalidate proceedings pursuant to the notice if a bona fide attempt has been made to comply with applicable notice requirements. 35 (3) Appeal. The decision by the zoning administrator may be appealed to the board of appeals and adjustments as provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 510.35. The board of appeal and adjustments shall hear the appeal and forward it, with a written recommendation, to the city council for a final decision. (b) Type 2 review procedure. Type 2 review procedure decisions are made by the city council after a recommendation is made by the planning commission at a public hearing. Type 2 review procedure decisions require both published and mailed notice as provided in this subsection. (1) Application submittal. The applicant shall submit an application, in writing, to the zoning administrator in accordance with the Crystal city code, subsection 510.09. (2) Review by the zoning administrator. The zoning administrator may consult with other city staff on the application. The zoning administrator shall provide the applicant with comments and changes that are required to be in compliance with the provisions of this UDC. The applicant shall be required to submit revised plans and documents incorporating the required changes prior to the planning commission meeting. (3) Notice and public hearing. After determining that an application contains all the necessary and required information, the zoning administrator shall place the application on the planning commission agenda, schedule a public hearing on the proposed request, and notify the public pursuant to the Crystal city code, subsection 510.09. (4) Preparation of staff report. The zoning administrator shall prepare a staff report providing an analysis of the proposal and a recommendation. The zoning administrator shall consider comments from other city staff in formulating the recommendation. The written staff report shall be forwarded to the planning commission and the contact person listed on the application form prior to the meeting at which the planning commission will consider the application. (5) Recommendation by planning commission. The planning commission shall hear and make a recommendation on the application in accordance with the following: (i) The planning commission shall consider the application at its public hearing. It shall consider comments by staff as appropriate, the presentation made by the applicant, and comments by interested parties. (ii) The planning commission shall consider this information and make a recommendation following the public hearing. If the planning commission so desires, it may continue the public hearing and/or table the item to allow for further review, so long as such action is in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 15.99. (iii) The planning commission shall also consider the applicable decision criteria of this UDC and shall recommend approval, recommend approval with conditions, or recommend denial of an application, citing the specific reasons therefor. (6) Action by the city council. The city council shall consider and make the final decision on the application in accordance with the following: PLANNING COMMISION BYLAWS - APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL 2/05/19 Page 1 of 3 CITY OF CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION BY-LAWS ARTICLE I. MISSION STATEMENT The role of the Crystal Planning Commission is to serve the City Council and citizens of Crystal by formulating recommendations in land use matters and by devoting the time necessary to listen to fact, to consider public input and to render decisions in an objective manner. To be successful in this role, Planning Commissioners acknowledge and honor these values: •Open-mindedness: Decisions are made free from prejudice or bias; Commissioners are receptive of new ideas and to reason. •Respect: Commissioners listen to and show respect for the opinions and positions of fellow Commissioners as well as those who come before the Commission. •Equal treatment: Everyone appearing before the Commission has the same privileges, status and rights. •Attack the problem, not the person: Personal attacks are not tolerated, but honest and informed debate is encouraged. •Offer and accept constructive criticism: Constructive comments are to be encouraged and welcomed; unfavorable judgments that find fault and fix responsibility are not. •Responsibility to the City of Crystal: The best interests of the city of Crystal are paramount and rise above parochial interests. •Shared responsibility: The Commission as a whole bears the responsibility for decisions and recommendations that are made. ARTICLE II. ORGANIZATION A.Election of Officers The officers of the Commission shall be elected by the members of the Commission at the first meeting each year. Officers shall serve for a period of one year, commencing with the first meeting of each year. The term of office for each Officer is one year. B.Officers The officers of the Commission shall be a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Second Vice Chairperson. Attachment C PLANNING COMMISION BYLAWS - APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL 2/05/19 Page 2 of 3 C.City staff liaison There shall be a city staff liaison who is not a member of the Commission. D.Duties 1.The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Commission, shall have such powers of the supervision and management as may pertain to the office of the Chairperson. 2.The Vice Chairperson shall preside and perform all duties of the Chairperson in the event of the Chairperson’s absence, disqualification or disability. 3.The Second Vice Chairperson shall preside and perform all duties of the Chairperson in the event of both the Chairperson’s and Vice Chairperson’s absence, disqualification, or disability. 4.The city staff liaison shall keep the minutes of all meetings and all records of the Commission. Minutes of the meetings shall be mailed or delivered to all Commission members and shall include the notice and agenda for the next regular meeting. The liaison shall notify all members of any special meeting of the Commission. 5.It shall be the duty of each member to: a.notify Notify the city staff liaison if such meeting cannot be attended. The liaison will then notify the chairperson of such absences. b.Review the Commission packet prior to each meeting. c.Educate oneself on city planning principles and practices. D.Task Force Task forces shall be formed when deemed necessary by the Chairperson. Such Task Forces shall consist of a leader, who shall be a member of the Commission, and any number of people, members or non-members, the leader deems necessary to successfully complete the task. The Chairperson shall appoint the leader of any Task Force, keeping in mind the interests of individual members. The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall be ex officio members of any Task Force formed. ARTICLE III. MEETINGS A.The Commission shall hold a minimum of twelve regular monthly meetings on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise set by the Commission at the January meeting of each year. In addition, the date and time for any one monthly meeting may be changed by a majority vote of the quorum. Meetings may be cancelled if there are no scheduled public hearings. B.Quorum, consisting of a majority of the members of the Commission, shall be sufficient to transact the business of the Commission. PLANNING COMMISION BYLAWS - APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL 2/05/19 Page 3 of 3 C. The Commission may hold special meetings to complete or initiate business at the call of the Chairperson, or upon the request of three members of the Commission. D. The roll shall be called at each meeting and a record of those members present or absent shall also be recorded in the minutes of such meeting. E. The order of business will be as follows: Call to Order Approval of Minutes Public Hearings Old Business New Business General Information Open Forum Adjournment ARTICLE IV. ATTENDANCE Attendance is required at all meetings. Absence from more than three regular meetings in a calendar year is not considered acceptable because it impairs the Commission’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities to the community. For this reason, upon a Commissioner’s fourth absence from a regular meeting within a calendar year, the Chairperson shall notify the Mayor of such absences and the City Council may take action to remove the Commissioner. ARTICLE V. GENERAL PROVISIONS No member of the Commission shall be authorized to speak on behalf of the Commission publicly until the Commission has first considered and approved such statements. The City Council or City Manager shall be notified in advance of the nature of any public statement of official policy concerning the Commission. ARTICLE VI. AMENDMENTS These rules and procedures may be amended by the city council after a majority of the membership makes a recommendation for an amendment. Notice of the proposed amendments shall be mailed to all members of the Commission by the city staff liaison prior to the meeting at which the amendments are to be voted upon. Any member of the Commission may, in writing, propose amendments to these rules and procedures.