The Blaine City Council unanimously approved annual zoning code updates and several land-use and development actions at its Dec. 15 meeting.
The council approved a package of annual zoning code revisions intended to keep regulations current, clear and effective, according to Community Development Director Sheila Sellman.
Sellman said city staff tracks zoning issues throughout the year and compiles an annual update each fall. The revisions address conflicts with current standards and best practices, respond to feedback from the City Council and the public, clarify unclear language and address situations not previously covered by code.
This year’s changes include removing outdated language related to swimming pools and contractor licenses and replacing it with terminology aligned with state statute and building code requirements. The definition of fencing was revised to clarify that flags, tarps and banners do not qualify as fencing.
The council also clarified that cannabis retail is permitted in B-2, B-3, Planned Business District and Mixed Use zoning districts, while prohibiting outdoor cultivation of cannabis or hemp in those areas.
Additional revisions address electric vehicle charging stations, classifying sites where charging is the primary use as gas stations, which are only permitted in zoning districts that allow gas stations. Residential chargers must meet principal structure setback requirements and are limited to private use.
Updates also allow masonry refuse enclosures in I-1A, I-2 and I-2A zoning districts to be removed if located entirely within an outdoor storage area authorized by a conditional use permit and screened from public view. The definition of medical uses was expanded to include treatment of animals.
Sign code updates added definitions distinguishing off-premise and on-premise signs, as well as indoor and window signs. Monument signs may now be designed with either an enclosed base equal to two-thirds of the sign’s width or two masonry supports totaling at least half the sign’s width. Staff also reorganized and clarified sign code language.
In separate land-use actions, the council unanimously approved three items related to the Northtown Villas development, including a rezoning from County Road 10 mixed use to Development Flex, a conditional use permit and a preliminary plat.
The project, located at 9011 and 9021 University Ave. NE and 120 90th Lane NE, includes a preliminary plat for 11 lots and approval for four twin homes and three detached villa homes. The infill redevelopment proposes a density of 7.7 units per acre, meeting the city’s medium-density residential designation.
The site is bordered by single-family zoning to the north and east, mixed-use zoning to the south and University Avenue and Coon Rapids Boulevard to the west. Access will be from 90th Lane and Third Street, and the plan includes a required right-turn lane on University Avenue.
Sellman said landscaping requirements were met with the addition of one tree on corner lots, and four replacement trees are required under the tree preservation plan. The Planning Commission recommended approval, with one public comment submitted. The rezoning represented a second reading.
The council also unanimously approved a rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment for 8550 Van Buren St. NE, changing the designation from County Road 10 mixed use and community commercial to single-family residential and low-density residential.
Sellman said the amendment allows construction of a single-family home on the site, which is bordered by mixed-use zoning to the west, single-family homes to the north, twin and single-family homes to the east and County Road 10 to the south.
The site was previously occupied by Jimbo’s Restaurant until 2017. The Blaine Economic Development Authority purchased the property and demolished the vacant building in 2019. Potential uses included stormwater ponding, commercial redevelopment and residential construction, with a single-family home ultimately determined to be the only viable option.
Sellman said the Economic Development Authority will consider the sale of the property and the process for identifying a buyer. The former commercial designation did not meet setback and parking requirements.
The council also unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Putt Town mini golf to operate at 1033 109th Ave. NE.
Sellman said the property is zoned Community Commercial, with Development Flex zoning to the north and west and Residential Flex townhomes to the south. The proposal includes 2,000 square feet with no changes to the existing building or site, and the space will be used exclusively for mini golf.
The site includes 145 parking spaces, exceeding the required 139. Two individuals spoke during the Planning Commission public hearing, raising questions about parking lot lighting, the nature of the business and potential noise from an adjacent restaurant space.