HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 04-11-2023 SpecialCity Council 1 of 1 April 11, 2023
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
AGENDA
Special City Council
April 11, 2023, 5:00 PM
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.TOPICS
2.1 Update on City Center 2.0
Vicksburg - Signs and Lights
Engagement Summary - Plymouth Boulevard
Concept - Plymouth Boulevard
Draft Design Guidelines
City Center Renderings
City Center Code with Tables
2.2 Set future study sessions
April
May
June
July
3.ADJOURN
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Special City
Council
April 11, 2023
Agenda
Number:2.1
To:Dave Callister, City Manager
Prepared by:Chloe McGuire, Planning and Development Manager
Reviewed by:Grant Fernelius, Community and Economic Development
Director
Item:Update on City Center 2.0
1.Action Requested:
Review and provide guidance on City Center 2.0 elements.
2.Background:
Staff would like to provide an update to the city council on the next steps in implementing the City
Center 2.0 plan. Among the topics will be an update and discussion of the planned public
infrastructure projects in the next couple of years and a summary of the new zoning code and design
standards that will help guide future private development.
As background, in 2019, Council adopted a new goal to develop a renewed vision for City Center.
This vision would entail exploring options for continued development and redevelopment of City
Center and would include placemaking efforts, beautification, and safety. Following extensive
public engagement, the City Center 2.0 study and recommendations were developed and then
received by the council in 2021. In 2022 improvements to the pavement of Vicksburg Lane was
completed and curb lines and medians were prepared for a future landscaping project.
Staff will provide updates on the following items at the meeting and are requesting guidance on
next steps.
1. Signing and lighting on Vicksburg Lane: Vicksburg Lane serves an important transportation
purpose for the city and is also a gateway into the City Center area. The council goal for the project
was to maintain the transportation function of the roadway while setting the tone for City Center 2.0
by incorporating elements of the City Center 2.0 study. In August 2021 the city council reviewed
concept plans for the Vicksburg Lane Rehabilitation and provided feedback on landscaping, lighting,
and monument signage. Included for feedback are the following:
-Renderings of two monument sign alternatives for the northwest corner of Vicksburg
Lane/Highway 55.
-Decorative median lighting elements for either side of the intersection of Vicksburg Lane/35th
Avenue.
-A concept of median interpretive signage between 36th Avenue and Rockford Road. Landscaping
has been designed with help from the Parks and Forestry division to ensure long term viability and
maintainability.
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2. Plymouth Boulevard Rehabilitation Concept: The city's pavement management plan has identified
the pavement along Plymouth Boulevard (Highway 55 to Rockford Road) as needing rehabilitation to
extend the useful life of the pavement. The project was delayed to provide time for additional
community engagement on community concerns about the corridor and discussions about how
safety improvements incorporated with this project in 2024 could promote the City Center 2.0 vision
into the future. Themes from the community engagement revolved around improving
walkability/bikeability and improving intersection safety. Based on this the attached preliminary
layout was developed for council discussion.
3. City Center Design Standards and Code Updates: The design guidelines have updated to serve as a
visual guide and articulate standards for new development. The new standards would apply to all
new development and existing sites when 50% or more of a building's facade or site is altered.
Staff is looking for feedback on the standards and if they meet the policy goals of the city council for
City Center 2.0. In addition to the design standards staff has been working on a number of updates
to the zoning code for City Center. The code has been completely re-organized for ease of use and
clarity. The code includes a clearer set of definitions to describe permitted uses. Staff will provide a
high-level summary and focus on the key policy changes that would change under the new code.
The next steps would be further refinement of the design standards and revisions of the code
updates that could be considered for adoption this summer.
Lastly, there are other initiatives that city will need to evaluate in the next few years, including a
potential fourth sheet of ice at the Plymouth Ice Center and some type of public parking facility that
would support the needs of the City Center district. The details of those projects will continue to
evolve and need to be factored into future decisions.
3.Budget Impact:
The Vicksburg Landscaping and Plymouth Boulevard Rehabilitation projects are in the city capital
improvement program.
4.Attachments:
Vicksburg - Signs and Lights
Engagement Summary - Plymouth Boulevard
Concept - Plymouth Boulevard
Draft Design Guidelines
City Center Renderings
City Center Code with Tables
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COLOR CHANGING SIGN PANEL
(LEAF PATTERN COLOR HEX VALUE: #003057)
ALUMINUM CHANNEL
(COLOR HEX VALUE: #7C7E7D)
LIMESTONE VENEER
(HILDE AMPHITHEATER PRODUCT MATCH)
LIMESTONE VENEER
(PLYMOUTH CITY CENTER PRODUCT MATCH)
LIMESTONE VENEER
(HILDE AMPHITHEATER PRODUCT MATCH)
LIMESTONE VENEER
(PLYMOUTH CITY CENTER
PRODUCT MATCH)
LIMESTONE CAP
(MINNESOTA DOLOMITE - KASOTA STONE LIMESTONE
BY HEDBERG MASONRY OR APPROVED EQUAL)
LIMESTONE CAP
(MINNESOTA DOLOMITE
KASOTA STONE LIMESTONE)
LIMESTONE VENEER
(HILDE AMPHITHEATER
PRODUCT MATCH)
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COLOR CHANGING SIGN PANEL
(LEAF PATTERN COLOR HEX VALUE: #2D302F)
BRICK VENEER
(PLYMOUTH LIBRARY PRODUCT MATCH)
LIMESTONE VENEER
(PLYMOUTH CITY HALL ENTRANCE SIGN
PRODUCT MATCH)
BRICK VENEER
(PLYMOUTH LIBRARY PRODUCT MATCH)
ALUMINUM CHANNEL
(COLOR HEX VALUE: #7C7E7D)
LIMESTONE CAP
(INDIANA LIMESTONE
BY HEDBERG MASONRY OR APPROVED EQUAL)
LIMESTONE VENEER
(PLYMOUTH CITY HALL ENTRANCE SIGN
PRODUCT MATCH)
LIMESTONE CAP
(INDIANA LIMESTONE)
BRICK VENEER
(PLYMOUTH LIBRARY PRODUCT MATCH)5
Example Image of Interpretive Signs in Median Technical Specifications with Example Images
Working Example of 1 Panel set.
4 Themed Sets [Exercise, Hilde, Hockey, Nature]
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Example Image of Decorative Light Column Schematic Column with Plymouth Leaf Technical Specification - Pattern
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Memorandum
To: Chris LaBounty, PE, Plymouth City Engineer
From: Andrew Plowman, PE, WSB
Ryan Earp, WSB
Date: March 31, 2023
Re: Plymouth Boulevard Corridor (Highway 55 to Rockford Road) – Public Engagement
WSB Project No. 019599-000
Plymouth Boulevard is planned to be reconstructed in 2024. Preliminary design is currently on-
going and as part of the process, gathering public feedback was initiated in an attempt to
understand the corridor issues. Rather than present options for the public to react to, we
requested information about the current corridor without the influence of options.
In December, a website was created www.plymouthmn.gov/plymouthblvd to explain the project
and request input from residents, business owners, commuters and visitors to help determine
how Plymouth Boulevard functions into the future. The website also provided a link to the City
Center 2.0 Study, which was completed in 2021. The City Center 2.0 study encompassed a
bigger area, but included the Plymouth Boulevard Corridor.
Process
The following were some of the methods to create interest in the engagement process:
One pager explaining project
Information display boards placed in local businesses and City Hall
Email to local business owners
Website engagement on the City Website
Survey Results
98 survey results were completed from December 5, 2022 to February 2, 2023. Several
questions were asked about how individuals use the corridor and what issues are shown. Below
is a summary of the results to the questions:
1. Question: How often do you use Plymouth Boulevard as a motorist?
Answers Count Percentage
Very Often – Multiple Times a Day 12 12.44%
Often - Daily 18 18.37%
Casually – Every Few Days 40 40.82%
Sometimes - Weekly 18 18.37%
Rarely - Monthly 6 6.12%
Very Rarely – Almost Never 3 3.06%
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Plymouth Boulevard Public Engagement
March 31, 2023
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2. Question: How often do you use Plymouth Boulevard as a pedestrian or cyclist?
Answers Count Percentage
Very Often – Multiple Times a Day 1 1.02%
Often - Daily 4 4.08%
Casually – Every Few Days 5 5.1%
Sometimes - Weekly 9 9.18%
Rarely - Monthly 17 17.35%
Very Rarely – Almost Never 61 62.24%
3. Question: What issues do you see with the current roadway?Recurring themes:
In favor of roundabout at the Cub Foods intersection (not in project area)
In favor of roundabout at Rockford Rd and Vicksburg crossing (not in project
area)
Pro current stop signs
In favor of a couple roundabouts (at theme 1 & 2) but not at all the intersections
No complaints with current roadway
4. Question: What issues do you see with the intersections?Recurring themes:
Sidewalk widening
Pedestrian/cyclist considerations with pathways and dedicated lanes
Desire to have trees planted along the corridor
In favor of a couple roundabouts – not at all intersections
Desire for bike pathways
5. Question: Do you feel comfortable navigating Plymouth Boulevard as a
pedestrian or cyclist?
Answers Count Percentage
Yes 41 41.84%
No 43 43.88%
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Plymouth Boulevard Public Engagement
March 31, 2023
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A summary of additional comments can be found in the appendix.
It appears that most of the surveyed public uses the corridor mostly as a motorist, and feel
somewhat uncomfortable using the corridor as a pedestrian or cyclist. Some folks feel that the
intersections need to be upgraded and the introduction of roundabouts may help, but they do not
necessarily want roundabouts at each intersection. Some individuals commented on issues
outside of the corridor, such as the Vicksburg Lane/35th Avenue Intersection.
Next Steps
The following steps will be to balance the feedback with engineering analysis, design and
recommendations approved by engineering staff and the City Council. Below is a list of additional
activities that are proposed for the next few months:
Share finding with City Council – April 11, 2023
In-person Open House – May, 2023 – Share the proposed design and reasons for
enhancements
Virtual Open House – May, 2023 – June, 2023
Complete Preferred Layout – July, 2023
Present Preferred Option to City Council – August, 2023
Begin Final Design/Right of Way Acquisition Process – August, 2023 – March, 2024
Bid Project – April, 2024
Construction – May, 2024 – October, 2024
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Plymouth City Center Design Standards
A New Community Vision
Making Connections | Making a Place | Making a Neighborhood
Adopted:
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Acknowledgements
The overhaul of the City Center Design Standards would not have been possible without the Plymouth
City Council, Planning Commission, Plymouth Arts Council, community stakeholders, residents, and staff.
Thank you to all who provided feedback and helped create this living document. Thank you to the City of
Wayzata for creating Design Standards that provided graphics and context for this document.
Plymouth City Council
Jeff Wosje, Mayor
Alise McGregor, Ward 1
Julie Peterson, Ward 2
Jim Davis, Ward 3
Julie Pointner, Ward 4
Clark Gregor, At-Large
Jim Willis, At-Large
Planning Commission
Mike Boo, Chair
Marc Anderson, Vice Chair
Josh Fowler
Jennifer Jerulle
Neha Markanda
Julie Olson
Bill Wixon
Plymouth Arts Council
Keith Bridges, Executive Director
Tom Freund, President
Lora Horan, Treasurer
May Ling Kopecky, Secretary
Ken Herren, Board Member
Jacque Frazzini, Board Member
City of Plymouth Staff
Dave Callister, City Manager
Maria Solano, Deputy City Manager
Grant Fernelius, Community/Economic Development Manager
Jennifer Tomlinson, Parks and Recreation Director
Michael Thompson, Public Works Director
Chris LaBounty, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer
Chris McKenzie, Engineering Services Manager
Chloe McGuire, Planning and Development Manager
Lori Sommers, Senior Planner
Shawn Drill, Senior Planner
Kip Berglund, Senior Planner
Alyssa Fram, Recreation Supervisor
Project Consultant
NAC Planning, Steve Grittman and Dan Sjordal
City Center 2.0 Planning Team
Hennepin County, Funding
GRAEF, Lead Consultant
Zan Associates, Public Engagement
BDI, Inc., Market Analysis
CDG, Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity
Sources and Fair Use: The illustrations and images herein are prepared exclusively for this document or have been collected
from sources specifically identified as being subject to the Creative Commons licensing, and within the Public Domain for non-
commercial use without copyright, license, or requirement for attribution. The images so collected and used herein are likewise
free for use by others without attribution or license for non-commercial purposes.
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Table of Contents
1. Vision and Goals 4
2. How to Use This Document 5
3. Making Connections
a. Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity
b. Streetscape
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4. Making a Place
a. Art
b. Landscaping
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5. Making a Neighborhood
a. Architecture
b. Building Elements
c. Parking
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6. Implementation Examples
a. City Center North
b. Plymouth Blvd and 36th Ave N
c. 34th Ave N
d. 34th Ave N Terminus
e. Activity Node
f. East Gateway
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7. Checklist for Development Projects 26
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Vision
City Center is a vibrant, safe, walkable area that provides the social hub for Plymouth.
City Center is a mixed-use area that provides places to live, work, play, shop, and eat.
City Center provides the civic heart and anchor for the city.
Goals
Making Connections (The People)
• People can walk and bike safely throughout, and around, City Center.
• People who drive to City Center are encouraged to visit numerous locations after parking
once.
Making a Place (The Feel)
• Create a social hub – an area for food, entertainment, and hospitality.
• Create multiple areas for year-round, outdoor activities that can be programmed for active
uses that complement existing civic areas and events.
Making a Neighborhood (The Uses)
• Encourage residential development to support local businesses with a key focus on nighttime
and weekends.
• Allow a mix of uses, both vertically and horizontally, with a focus on high-quality architecture.
The City Center District is outlined in the above graphic. The Design Standards apply to all parcels within this area.
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How To Use This Document
Enforcement:
• The material in this document illustrates the requirements and standards of the City Center Zoning
district and will be applied with the force of those regulations.
• This document is established as a companion to the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance and the City Center
Zoning District (Section 21475).
• This document shall also be incorporated into the 2040 Comprehensive Plan – City Center Design
Guidelines.
This Design Guidelines are considered an integral aspect of the regulations in the CC, City Center Zoning
District. The images in this document are intended to illustrate the intent of the regulations and images
may vary from one another. It is necessary for developers and landowners design complete projects that
incorporate the concepts illustrated by these images, regardless of scale. The city will provide specific
feedback to any proposal when the project requires enhancement to meet the intent of the Guidelines,
and/or the specifics of the code.
Applicability:
The following types of activities require compliance with these Design Standards:
• Modification involving 50 percent or more of an existing building's exterior facade.
• Addition which adds an additional story to an existing building.
• Addition which increases the existing building's square footage by 50 percent or more.
• Alteration of the roof massing and roof height of an existing building.
• Site alteration that changes 50 percent or more of the existing site.
• New building construction.
• Any use change that results in residential units.
• Any application for Site Plan, Subdivision, Planned Unit Development, Planned Unit Development
Amendments. Submittal requirements can be found in the City Code.
The Design Standards do not apply to the following activities:
• Replacement, repair, or modification of existing windows or doors with those of a similar size and
design.
• Replacement, repair, or modification of roofs with the same or equivalent quality materials.
• Exterior painting.
• Site alterations limited to the repaving or repair of the existing site.
As a component of any proposal, applications should include a narrative that explains how the project
will be consistent with the code requirements of the CC District, and how the project furthers the goals
and policies expressed by this Design Guidelines document. See the Checklist for Development Projects
in this document for more information.
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Making Connections – Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity
Guidelines:
• Enhance bicycle facilities within City Center and connecting outside City Center.
• Provide bump outs at all pedestrian crossings.
• Crosswalks should be designed with a change in material to identify pedestrian crossing areas.
• Encourage a variety of alternative pavements to help delineate different uses (such as patios or
sidewalks)
• Pedestrian ways should be given special treatment to highlight their use and distinguish them from
vehicle circulation.
• Make extensive use of alternative pavements, colors, and patterns to set pathways off from driving
and parking surface.
• Private internal walkways should extend on private property to connect building entrances to rear
or side parking areas. These walkways should provide pedestrian-scale lighting and 5-foot minimum
sidewalk width, and a minimum 6-foot-wide landscape strip at any adjacent building wall.
Requirements:
• Provide connectivity, walkability between buildings and activity centers. All gaps in the pedestrian
network must be filled in as development occurs.
• The sloped portion of access drives or driveway aprons shall not intrude into the public
realm/streetscape.
• Adjacent parking areas shall have a defined edge from any sidewalk or streetscape area.
• Locate bicycle parking close to the building entrance in a manner that does not impede pedestrian
movement.
• Private developments shall pave and dedicate public trail or sidewalk on all adjacent roadways,
complying with current city public works standards.
• In some areas of City Center, roads are intended to be narrowed as development occurs. For these
developments, the city will vacate the necessary road right-of-way and the development is expected
to work said right-of-way into their project, add new curbing, and relandscape the previous right-of-
way area consistent with City Center plans.
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Making a Place - Streetscape
Guidelines:
• City Center shall have consistent and expected streetscape improvements throughout the district,
including public signage, benches, garbage cans, and lighting. These improvements shall be distinct
to the City Center district to create a sense of place and continuity throughout the area.
• There is no flexibility for developers or applicants on city-chosen streetscape elements, including
bike racks, lighting, benches, and garbage cans.
• Developers are required to use city-chosen site furnishings for public areas adjacent to the project
and are responsible for ordering and implementing costs.
Requirements:
Signs
• Developers shall be required to provide the city easement for gateway signage at the
entrances/exits to City Center, for the city to install monument signs. If a private development
project is at an edge/gateway to City Center and including a monument sign, the project is required
to include city signage on that monument sign.
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Bike Racks
• Public bike racks will be the Loop Bike Rack (Outdoor). The
rack is both functional and sculptural. Cyclists can loop and
lock one or two bikes around its shape-shifting cast
aluminum ribbon frame. If the Loop Bike Rack is not
available, developers must work with the City Development
Review Committee to find a suitable alterative that is
similar in form and function.
• Commercial development providing more than 20
vehicular spaces shall provide a minimum of 4 secure
bicycle parking spaces.
• Mixed-use development with a retail or commercial
component shall provide a minimum of 4 bicycle parking
spaces located in an access-controlled room or locker.
• All residential development is expected to provide bike
parking (public) within their development site, with space
for a minimum of 5 bikes, and a maximum of 20 bikes, at a ratio of 1 per 25 units. Bike racks must be
within 25 feet of the building.
• Bicycle parking spaces shall be in a visible and convenient location from the main building entrance.
Exterior Lighting
• The city is a partner to Xcel Energy, which provides public light pole
options. Within City Center, the light shall be the Post Top Luminaire
Modern. The Post Top Luminaire is a modern option that creates a
sense of space at a pedestrian scale and provides safe lighting for
pedestrians and bicyclists. The light is downcast to comply with the
City’s Lighting Ordinance, which is modeled after the Dark Skies
Ordinance. If the chosen post is not available, developers must work
with the City Development Review Committee to find a suitable
alterative that is similar in form and function.
Garbage Cans
• The Chase Park Litter Receptacle (Outdoor) is a simple and
structurally sound garbage receptacle. The can is sturdy enough for
Minnesota’s tough winters, and simple enough to not draw significant
attention. If the chosen receptacle is not available, developers must
work with the City Development Review Committee to find a suitable
alterative that is similar in form and function.
The loop bike rack is a sculptural bike rack
that can withstand Minnesota winters.
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Benches
• The Neoliviano Bench is a simple, modern, structurally sound
bench that will be used throughout City Center to provide
public seating. The bench is lighter in structure, not drawing
significant attention, and provides arms for extra comfort. If
the chosen bench is not available, developers must work with
the City Development Review Committee to find a suitable
alterative that is similar in form and function.
• Development sites with street frontage exceeding 100 feet in
length shall provide a minimum of one bench using a City-
approved design for each 150 feet of frontage length.
Hardscape Elements
• Incorporate limestone edges, walls, and similar features.
• Plan for year-round landscape interest, including holiday décor, summer annuals etc.
• All private streetscape elements, such as small tables, planters, and other seating elements, must be
removable and non-permanent. The photo below shows small tables and planters that can be
removed to provide opportunities for other outdoor events in this location.
• Utility lines must be buried as part of new development projects whenever possible to reduce the
visual impact of utility lines. Utility boxes must be fully screened.
Streetscape elements, such as overhead small lights, movable planters, bike racks, and seating, provide a sense of space and
opportunities for many uses.
Benches in City Center must be sturdy
enough for Minnesota winters, but also
comfortable enough for residents.
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Making a Place - Art
Guidelines:
• The city envisions City Center as a creative
district, embracing our local culture through the
arts.
• Creating a space for creatives and artists to
flourish.
• Development projects, both public and private,
should support local artists as much as possible.
• Local art should represent the Plymouth’s unique
community.
• Pedestrian-scale art is encouraged on
development projects, including murals,
sculpture, areas that encourage people to take
photos, and interactive locations.
Requirements:
• All projects, except façade improvements, in City
Center are expected to commit 1% of total
development costs to public art, and work with
Public Art Administrator and Zoning
Administrator to choose art consistent with City
needs. If it is decided by Public Art Administrator
that art doesn't fit the site, the 1% shall go into a
city-wide Public Art Fund, which will allow for
implementation of coordinated art projects
throughout City Center.
• The Public Art Administrator and Zoning
Administrator shall engage the Public Arts
Commission and local artists on their decisions.
This interactive sculpture reads "yo" from one side, and
"oy" from the other. People can sit, climb, and take photos
with the sculpture that provides a fun sense of place and
brings visitors to the area for photos.
Public art on private buildings can provide destinations for
people with niche interests - in this example, a Pokémon Go
event was hosted near this Pokémon mural painted by a
local artist.
Public art reduces the feel of this pre-existing blank wall and
notes the close-by pollinator gardens.
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Gateway signage on private developments can welcome guests to
the district.
Murals next to outdoor seating areas reduce the visual
impact of pre-existing blank walls.
Murals provide visual interest on blank walls that predate Design Standards.
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Making a Place - Landscaping
Guidelines:
• Landscapes are encouraged to provide for a wide range of planting materials, and address multiple
seasons of interest, including leaf texture, stem color, flower color and season, and branching
habits.
• Trees should be incorporated for shade, or if visibility to building signage is at issue, pergolas or
similar shade structures should be a part of the landscape pattern.
• City Center will have lush and abundant plantings that embrace the unique character of the area.
Requirements:
• Perennial plants should be selected to achieve
a target of 60% Minnesota native species,
species attractive to pollinators, and low-
maintenance species to reduce use of
pesticides and water.
• Plantings must come from the city’s approved
Tree List or be separately approved by the
City’s Park and Recreation Department.
• In this dense area, there likely will not be the
area required for significant landscaping.
Projects must also implement plantings
where able – such as window planters and
planter boxes.
• Shrubs and native pollinators are preferred
over other plantings.
• Shrubs and other species that remain in-tact
during winter are ideal to create a sense of
place in the winter.
• Creativity and variety are key to
complementing the City Center character.
• These elements should be an integral aspect
of the site and building design package, much
more than an afterthought.
• Window boxes, hanging baskets and planters
with seasonally appropriate plantings must be
provided at entries to buildings and public
frontages.
• The University of Minnesota Extension
provides a list of plantings for tough sites that
should be utilized throughout projects as
much as possible.
Hanging baskets provide landscaping in an urban environment.
Small street trees and boulevard plantings create a sense of
place and slow traffic.
Purple fountaingrass is drought resistant and is a great planting
option.
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Making a Neighborhood - Architecture
Guidelines:
• The objective of the City Center District is for
an organic mix of architecture that
contributes to an exceptional and vibrant
visual built environment.
• The pedestrian-scale of City Center requires
active uses on the main floor, as well as
significant articulation, visual interest, and
high-quality materials.
• Multi-level and mixed-use buildings also add
significant benefit to the City Center area, as
their mass helps to define and frame the
streets. Unique building treatments at street
corners and a unified, high quality, design
schemes are also encouraged.
• Residential buildings should also address the
street, as well as take advantage of possible
views across the public open spaces.
• Residential buildings may take different
forms, such as townhomes and
condominium or apartment buildings, but
should always be constructed of high-quality
materials and possess varied roof lines and a
clear but approachable differentiation
between public and private space. They
should also include interior parking and
provide residents opportunities to access the
buildings and relax outdoors, adding to
street life and vitality.
• The base or ground floor should appear
visually distinct from the upper stories using
a change in building materials, window
shape or size, an intermediate cornice line,
an awning, arcade or portico or similar
techniques. The base or ground floor of the building should include elements that relate to the
human scale, including texture, projections, door, windows, awnings, canopies, or ornamentation.
• Any building over four stories should include a “step back” of the fourth story and above to
maintain the pedestrian scale and prevent a sense of “looming” buildings.
• A building's roof line can establish its individuality and interest within the context of a commercial
area, and variety in roof lines from building to building can add visual interest to a mixed-use area.
Some techniques that add interest include varying heights and cornices within an otherwise unified
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design scheme, using roof line changes to note entrances or commercial bays, and establishing
contrasting roof lines at street corners.
• Vary materials and colors. Reflect building materials in the site elements and vice- versa. Consider
interior lighting impacts when facing public spaces.
• Make positive use of roof-top spaces or penthouse balconies.
• Materials should differ by story by building and by block.
Requirements:
• Building design must address both the site, and the surrounding context of surrounding properties
and the vision of City Center.
• Buildings shall consider the pedestrian environment.
• Architecture needs to positively face the street-level visitors and passersby; it needs to differentiate
between vertical changes in use when the building is designed for a mixed-use environment, and it
needs to create a visually appealing upper-floor.
• Must have a well-defined base, middle and top.
• Vary rooflines and cornice treatments or parapets. Create a solid building base through wall
extensions, material change and story height.
• All buildings should be constructed of high-quality materials. The materials must be integrally
colored and may consist of brick, natural stone, pre-cast concrete units or glass. Accent materials
may include door and window frames, lintels, cornices, architectural metal work, glass block, copper
flashing, or similar materials.
• Mechanical equipment must be fully screened in an architectural manner consistent with the
building design.
• No one material shall overpower a single building.
• Entry ways should be prominent architectural features, as well as landscape features.
• Landscape and hardscape elements should be eye-catching and provide spaces for gathering.
• Building walls that face the street or a public pedestrian walkway or trail shall not have a blank,
uninterrupted length exceeding 50 feet for non-residential, mixed-use developments and multi-
family developments without including at least two of the following elements: windows, change in
plane, change in masonry or pattern, and/or other that breaks up the wall into smaller sections with
visual interest.
• All ground floor front building facades shall include display windows to allow pedestrians to view
goods and activities inside and encourage walking.
o Windows shall be clear glass with a visible light transmittance of at least 80%.
o Windows shall cover a minimum of 50% of the ground floor façade facing public streets and
public pedestrian walkway or trail.
o Windowsills of any display window shall be no more than 24 inches from the ground.
o Frosted, tinted, black or reflective mirror glass are prohibited.
o Windows shall not be obstructed with opaque films or signage.
o The minimum unobstructed depth from the required window to the closest parallel interior
wall shall be 10 feet.
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Making a Neighborhood – Building Elements
Guidelines:
• The way the buildings relate to the street and
pedestrian space/streetscape is key to creating a
sense of place in City Center. To create a memorable
environment, structures must have connections into
the active interior portion of a building from the
sidewalk. This creates a building that actively engages
the pedestrian.
• Sites should be seen as an opportunity to fill in gaps
in the built environment to create a building wall to
provide a more sense of place in City Center.
• Buildings provide protection from the elements via
awnings, archways, and recessed entries.
• Site circulation should anticipate future connections
to adjacent properties where street or pedestrian connections are not currently feasible such as
shared access drives, shared parking, and shared sidewalks.
• Commercial uses should provide a setback between the sidewalk and building sufficient to
accommodate outdoor dining and seating areas.
• Buildings adjacent to open space shall provide the primary entrance facing the open space at the
sidewalk level. The buildings windows and balconies shall also be oriented towards the open space.
• Consider the design of outdoor spaces around buildings, as both visual, but also as useful spaces
that employees, customers, and other visitors to enjoy.
Requirements:
• Each development must establish visual and physical connections to the street.
• Building facades must have scaled elements to promote pedestrian comfort, safety, and orientation.
• No street facing façade shall be blank.
The reduced setback, or step-back, of the residential
floors of this building reduce the overall visual of this
building and provide more light and air to the street.
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• Refuse/trash areas shall be located within the
primary building.
• Buildings should be placed out to the sidewalk at
intersections to define the intersections. In some
instances, setting the building back from corner to
create a unique location for open space, art, or plaza.
The design of the building should focus on the street
intersection for the benefit of the pedestrian.
• Parking shall be located behind the building, with
structured or underground parking preferred.
• Building shall occupy a minimum of 50% of the street
frontage.
• Loading areas, as required by Section 21135 of the
zoning code, shall be limited to the rear of the
principal building and away from activity centers and
pedestrian areas and the visual impact to adjacent
properties minimized through building design or
landscaping.
• Service or loading area shall be screened as provided in the zoning ordinance. Loading docks, truck
parking, HVAC equipment, trash collection and other service functions shall be incorporated into the
design of the building or screened with walls of similar design and materials to the principal building.
Landscape material shall also be incorporated to create a screen of at least 6' in height.
Significant windows provide views into the shop from
the street and create a sense of space from within the
shop.
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Making a Neighborhood - Parking
Guidelines:
• Vehicles are fundamental in the use of the district but should
not be the first thing that visitors see. The visual dominance
of vehicles should be reduced through street design, shared
parking, and connectivity. Vehicle parking should prioritize
safe pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.
• Create and encourage shared parking.
• Consider reductions in the number of parking stalls required.
• Encourage other means of transportation – walking/rolling,
biking, and transit.
• Parking structures should integrate electric vehicle (EV)
charging stations or prewire for future EV station
installation.
• Stand-alone structured parking should contain active main
floor uses.
• Most of the parking for residential uses shall be provided
within structured parking.
• Surface parking should be supplemented with landscaping
and sustainability initiatives such as solar-ready rooftops, EV
ready spaces and structures, rain gardens as plantings around
surface lots, permeable pavers, internal bike parking, priority
compact parking stalls.
• A landscaped buffer strip shall be provided between surface
parking areas and all sidewalks or public streets.
• Extensive breaks in parking fields should be created by
planting areas that provide shade, capture stormwater, and
limit long views of pavement. Alternative pavements help
delineate circulation and parking spaces, and in some cases
can help manage stormwater through innovative materials.
• Design for pedestrian ways within parking areas that
minimize walking in drive aisles.
• Emphasize pedestrian ways through private and public areas.
Pavement markings should be supplemented by alternative
colors or materials.
• Construct green spaces in parking lot to separate rows of parking, rather than end-of-row planting
islands.
• Parking lot frontage on pedestrian streets must be reduced, and their edges and interiors should be
extensively greened with a combination of hedges, ornamental railings, walls, bollards, trees, and
other methods to screen parking lots from pedestrian spaces.
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Requirements:
• Large expanses of surface parking lot are not allowed.
• Parking structures, that are below grade or
incorporated into buildings, should be located behind
buildings to the maximum extent feasible.
• Pedestrian circulation is required within and through
parking areas.
• Parking structures shall be designed with architectural
treatments that emphasize materials, corner building
features. Blank facades will not be allowed. Horizontal
banks of concrete are not allowed.
• Parking structure facades must be designed with
architectural details like the principal building.
• The parking structure facades should express top,
middle, and base modules.
• All parking structures entrances (pedestrian and
vehicular) should be clearly defined.
• Parking structures entrance drives should be located to
minimize conflicts with pedestrian traffic.
• Off street parking shall be located behind buildings, or
side yards if a rear location is proven to be infeasible.
• Front yard and corner parking locations are prohibited.
• Parking shall include, at a minimum, one of the following sustainability initiatives:
o EV-ready parking stalls
o Solar-ready rooftops on structured parking
o Raingarden perimeters on surface lots
o Permeable pavers on surface lots
A mixed-use building with a camouflaged parking entrance leading to rear
parking.
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Implementation Examples
The following implementation examples show specific areas throughout City Center fully built out in
alignment with the vision for City Center. Each implementation example has a section identifying key
elements of the graphic, a section identifying where flexibility would be considered, and a section
describing areas where the city would not allow flexibility in the vision. These drawings are meant to
provide a visual that evokes the feeling of City Center, with the spirit and intent of the ordinances and
plan.
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City Center North
Key Elements:
• Two significant residential projects
that anchor Vicksburg Lane and
Rockford Road corners, with
interior courtyard surface parking,
and significant below-ground
and/or ground-level structured
parking.
• Shared parking ramp hidden
behind key corridors.
• The continuation of 38th Avenue
as an internal private roadway.
• To the south of this site is a
location reserved for a restaurant
which would serve the Fitness and
Ice Center traffic.
Flexibility in Vision:
• The Plymouth Boulevard building could incorporate mixed-use development on the ground floor
level.
• A portion of the parking demand in the northerly section of this area would benefit from the
proposed parking structure along the 38th Avenue extension. This structure can provide overflow
for the residential units, much of the parking for the commercial sites along Vicksburg Lane
(including the restaurant site shown), as well as existing commercial uses in the area.
Implementation:
• Projects should include extensive attention to making architectural statements and provide
intensive landscape and hardscape elements.
• Connections through and to the adjoining pedestrian and bicycle circulation system.
• Restaurant locations serve to anchor the string of commercial uses along the major roadways they
face, as well as taking advantage of the adjoining population base in the adjoining residential
buildings.
• Stormwater treatment area designed as a site amenity (as well as its more functional role).
o Connecting to other such treatment in the district, these areas can serve a combined utility
and open space purpose. Development proposals made for the area should expect to
incorporate stormwater design that can accommodate this plan, both from a drainage and
landscape perspectives
View looking south at the Plymouth Blvd/Rockford Road Intersection
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Plymouth Boulevard and 36th Avenue
Key Elements:
• Infill of existing underutilized areas for either new buildings or parking structures
• Intensive mixed-use development along the Plymouth Boulevard frontage of the Ice Center
• Infill along 36th Avenue emphasizes this street as a Main Street entry into City Center.
• Viewsheds considered north and east of Plymouth Boulevard.
• Ponding as an open space amenity.
• Development along Plymouth Boulevard can utilize existing grades for structured parking below the
principal building, provide commercial frontage and exposure along Plymouth Boulevard, and
incorporate convenience commercial services to users of the Fitness and Ice Center facilities.
o The mixed-use building in the lower center of the view provides one of the best opportunities
for such a development.
Flexibility in Vision:
• The PIC/Lifetime Fitness parking lot is city-owned and is a unique site that could support a variety of
uses, including a public parking garage, residential development, an additional sheet of ice, outdoor
amenities and activity spaces, or vertically mixed-use buildings.
Implementation:
• The city-owned parking lot at the PIC/Lifetime Fitness, while a flexible site, should include increased
density regardless of use. This area should provide a public amenity, whether that be affordable
housing, public parking, an additional sheet of ice, or outdoor activity areas that can be
programmed for the city’s specific needs.
• Residential development should be incorporated into this area.
• Infill development on smaller and underutilized parcels.
View looking east
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North Neighborhood – Fitness/Ice Center/Plymouth Boulevard
Looking southwest towards Plymouth Boulevard and 37th Avenue
Key Elements:
• Multi-level parking structure that adjoins the new mixed-use buildings along Plymouth Boulevard.
Flexibility in Vision:
• Highly flexible area under City-ownership.
• Site could include structured parking, residential, or mixed-use development.
• Site could also accommodate transit stop.
• Parking structure should be provided in this general area, flexible on location.
Implementation:
• High quality, 4-sided architecture regardless of use.
• Structured parking on the PIC/Lifetime Fitness Site.
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34th Avenue Terminus
Site looking east at the PIC/Lifetime Fitness parking lot
Key Elements:
• The connection of 34th Avenue to Plymouth Boulevard provides one of the major crossings of
Plymouth Boulevard between the east and west sides of City Center.
• A significant terminal view for those coming east on 34th Avenue a notable opening in the line of
buildings that are shown to front Plymouth Boulevard, and a design which takes its shape from the
Hilde Center access location just to the south.
• This layout creates a pedestrian landing area for foot traffic crossing Plymouth Boulevard and
focuses traffic to the fitness facility to increase pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
• Infill buildings with frontage on Plymouth Boulevard, with joint structured parking behind and below
Flexibility in Vision:
• Highly flexible area under City-ownership
• Site could include structured parking, residential, or mixed-use development
• Site could also accommodate transit stop
Implementation:
• High quality, 4-sided architecture regardless of use
• Structured parking on the PIC/Lifetime Fitness Site
• Density within parking lot site
• High quality landscaping and treated pavement
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Activity Node
Key Elements:
• Open space creating an amenity
for commercial uses.
• Restaurant spaces across 34th
Avenue to the north.
• Bulk of the uses around the
square, at ground level, are
encouraged to be commercial in
nature. The public or quasi-
public uses in this area should
complement, and drive traffic to,
the surrounding commercial
businesses and the Hilde just to
the east of this district.
• Pavement surfaces are encouraged to avoid asphalt or typical smooth grey concrete.
• Alternative surfaces, colors, and materials are encouraged in both public and private areas.
• On-street parking as alternative pavement, including permeable pavements to manage stormwater.
Flexibility in Vision:
• A key component of implementing this vision as shown above is either the city purchase of a
piece of land, or a private redevelopment project that is required to dedicate land to the city for
public open space. With a private redevelopment project, the amount of land dedicated to
public open space could decrease significantly from what is seen above.
• Commercial spaces should consider rooftop amenities in this area, which provide a unique view
of the public open space and the Hilde.
• This area provides a unique opportunity to close the road from the existing movie theater to the
Hilde and could provide a location for festivals and events.
Implementation:
• Implementation of proposed open space involves public purchase of this site, or land dedication
through adjacent development.
• Public open space required in this area to provide another gathering space and refuge for
pedestrians walking throughout City Center, especially those going to/from the Hilde.
• Require active commercial spaces on main floor spaces on 34th Avenue.
• Uses around this area must consider and provide for connections to the Hilde, as well as adjacent
commercial spaces.
View to southeast
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East Gateway
Key Elements:
• Plymouth Boulevard sweeps into the area through a green-flanked landscape to a roundabout.
• The separation of this area – with its valuable Highway 55 frontage – provides an attractive site for a
Hotel and Business Center or Convention facility.
• Enhancing the entry drive along 34th Avenue provides an opportunity to create a unique gateway to
the City Center area, and the hotel complex helps attract visual attention to the district.
• The area between City Hall and Highway 55 sits lower than the highway, and can accommodate a
multi-story facility, with tiers of lower-level structured parking below, without creating an overly
dominant building height.
Flexibility in Vision:
• Flexible on uses, overall height, and massing.
Implementation:
• Increased density onsite, regardless of use.
• Gateway from Highway 55 into City Center. Signage should be considered at this intersection.
• Allow increased height here since no adjacent neighbors impacted.
• Pedestrian crossings to Post Office and City Hall, with an increased trail network.
• Increased high-quality landscaping in this area that provides a lush entrance to City Center from
Highway 55.
Looking towards Highway 55 from City Hall
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Checklist for Development Projects
In addition to individual application requirements, projects within City Center shall provide:
Narrative describing how the project aligns with the City Standard vision and goals
Narrative responding to City Center City Code requirements
Four-sided building elevations in color including:
o Elevations must specifically call out and show full screening of mechanical equipment
o Elevations must provide building materials palette describing proposed materials
o Elevations must include utility boxes and any overhead utility lines
Firetruck turning radius diagram showing how a firetruck can maneuver through the site
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SECTION 21475. - CC, CITY CENTER DISTRICT
21475.01. - Purpose
The purpose of the City Center (CC) District is to provide for a mixture of residential,
commercial, entertainment, civic, institutional, and related public facilities in a pedestrian-
oriented streetscape. Standards are set forth to promote high standards of building and site
design which will foster a vibrant, safe, attractive, and walkable pedestrian environment.
21475.XX. – Procedures
Approval procedure requirements in the CC District shall be applied as per the requirements of
Sections XXX.
21475.XX. – Non-conforming Buildings, Structures, and Uses
Lawful non-conforming uses in this category may be expanded one time after the effective date
of this ordinance, by a maximum of 25% of the gross floor area of the principal building, as an
exception to the prohibition on expansion of non-conformities.
21475.XX. - Allowed Uses
Table XX lists the uses allowed within the CC District, and whether they are Permitted Uses,
Conditional Uses, allowed by Administrative Permit (including Temporary Uses), or Prohibited.
The Table includes both Principal and Accessory Uses as identified. Uses are presumed to be
allowed as both Principal and Accessory Uses unless otherwise noted as Accessory only.
Table XX identifies several Prohibited Uses, which are explicitly not allowed under any permitting
process. A use that is specifically not allowed in the district, does not fall within a use definition,
or is interpreted as not part of a use definition, is prohibited.
This district stands alone in terms of uses, and where the standards vary from those of the general
zoning ordinance or City Code, shall be considered the applicable standards. The Community and
Economic Development Department may determine that a particular standard or use is subject
to either or both of any competing standards and uses in the City Code.
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TABLE XX: USE MATRIX
Key: P=Permitted, C=CUP, AP=Administrative Permit, X=Prohibited
Uses listed as Permitted shall be subject to separate CUP review when any component of the site use, existing or proposed, is
listed as requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
Use CC Use Standard Section
Residential
Dwelling - Single-Family Detached X
Dwelling - Townhouse C Sec. IV.(1)
Dwelling - Multiple-Family C Sec. IV.(2)
Dwelling - Above the Ground Floor P Sec. XXX.(1)
Residential Care Facility C State Statue 462.357, Subd. 8; Sec. IV.(3)
Public/Institutional
Community Center P/C Sec. XXX (2), Sec. IV.(4)
Governmental and Public Buildings P/C Sec. XXX (2), Sec. IV.(4)
Parks and Recreational Facilities P/C Sec. XXX (2), Sec. IV.(4)
Other Public Uses P/C Sec. XXX (2), Sec. IV.(4)
Retail, Hospitality, and Office
Recreation - Commercial, Indoor P Sec. XXX (3)
Entertainment - Commercial, Indoor P Sec. XXX (4)
Offices, Administrative/Commercial P Sec. XXX (5)
Offices, Professional P Sec. XXX (6)
Personal Services P Sec. XXX (7)
Retail Sales and Service P Sec. XXX (8)
Prepared Food and Beverage P Sec. XXX (9)
Outdoor Dining AP Sec. V (4)
Hotel P Sec. XXX (10)
Contracting for Off-Site Delivery of Goods, Services AP Sec. V (7)
Motor Vehicle Fuel Station C Sec. IV.(x)
Firearms Sales and Ranges (Indoor or Outdoor) X
Pawn Shops X
Recreational Cannabis/THC Shop or Similar
Establishments X Reserved Pending State of MN Legislation
Secondhand Goods Dealer X
Vehicle Sales, Leasing, or Rental Dealership X
Overnight Storage, Parking of Company Vehicles or
Trailers X
Check Cashing Facilities, Same-Day Loan Services,
and Similar Non-Full-Service Financial Institutions X
Uses without an Active Use on the Main Floor X
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Service
Animal Care Facility - Fully Enclosed X
Animal Care Facility - With Outdoor Area X
Body Modification Establishment (e.g. Tattoo
Shop, Piercing Studio) X
Car Wash X
Commercial Daycare Facility C Sec. IV.(x)
Educational Facility X
Funeral Homes and Mortuaries X
Religious Institutions with Assembly Only C Sec. IV.(x)
Self-Storage Facility X
Tutoring/Learning Centers X
Vehicle Repair/Service - Minor X
Vehicle Repair/Service - Major X
Transportation
Drive-Through Facility X
Private Parking Structure AP Sec. XXX (12)
Transit Station P
Vehicle Alternative Fueling Facility P/C Sec. XXX.(11); Sec. IV.(13)
Walk-Up Window AP
Other
Antennas C Sec. 21175
Essential Services AP
Fences P Sec. 21130
Radio and Television Stations X
Signs P Sec. 21155
Temporary Use
Farmers’ Market AP
Greenhouse/Nursery AP Sec. V (2)
Real Estate Sales Office/Model Unit AP Sec. V.(6)
Contractor's Office AP Sec. V.(2)
Mobile Food Sales AP Sec. V.(3)
Pop-Up Business AP
Outdoor Entertainment/Promotional Event AP
Outdoor Storage Container AP Sec. V.(5)
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Section XXX: Permitted Use Standards
Where applicable, principal uses are required to comply with all use standards of this section, in
addition to all other regulations of this Ordinance.
1. Dwelling, Above Ground Floor
Multi-family units in mixed-use buildings may be constructed on upper floors, or on the
ground floor with access separated from ground-floor commercial uses, preferably utilizing
building sides not required for commercial use.
a. The architectural design of mixed-use buildings shall incorporate specific design elements
that visually separate the commercial level from the residential levels above, through
prominent building ornamentation and/or stepped-back front wall exposure for upper
levels. Parking for the residential components of the project shall be set aside on-site for
no fewer than 1.2 spaces per bedroom, consistent with the requirements for other
multiple family dwelling buildings.
b. Density of Multi-Family buildings shall not be less than 20 units per acre, nor exceed 40
dwelling units per acre of the contiguous privately owned project property, in addition to
other approved uses on the subject property.
c. Floors containing residential units above the ground floor of commercial buildings may
be constructed to accommodate residential units as a mixed use, provided adequate
reserved parking is provided on-site, a separate residential entrance is provided to the
unit(s), and the units are designed and constructed to mitigate the impacts of commercial
noise, lights, ventilation, and have dedicated emergency access and egress.
2. Public/Institutional
The uses in this Subsection shall be Permitted when owned and/or operated by the City of
Plymouth. When owned and/or operated by another public or quasi-public agency, the
proposed uses shall require a Conditional Use Permit, and be evaluated as to whether such
uses contribute to the success and intent of the CC Zoning District. Considerations shall
include the attraction of clients and cu stomers to the area, the employment of significant
numbers of daytime employees, the minimization of parking of commercial vehicles, heavy
equipment, or trucks, and other objectives of the district.
3. Recreation - Commercial, Indoor
Defined for the purposes of this District as: Indoor commercial activities in which the
consumer/participant engages in a recreational, sports, and/or athletic experience. Examples
include health clubs, bowling centers, tennis and pickleball facilities, and similar activities.
4. Entertainment - Commercial, Indoor
Defined for the purposes of this District as: Indoor commercial activities that provide
entertainment presented to the consumer or provides interactive entertainment to the
consumer. Examples include amusement centers, live theater, art galleries and studios, or
other exhibition spaces, and similar activities.
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5. Offices, Administrative/Commercial
Defined for the purposes of this District as: Facilities that provide, for rent or ownership,
space for the administrative, clerical, commercial, corporate, or general office operations
activities of business entities and their employees. Such spaces may include business meeting
facilities, but typically, not facilities to provide direct services or sales to customers on site.
6. Offices, Professional
Defined for the purposes of this District as: Facilities that provide, for rent or ownership,
space for the conduct of business activities of various professions, including those which
routinely provide services directly to individual customers, clients, and patients on site.
Examples include medical and dental clinics, legal offices, financial services, real estate
offices, insurance offices, and similar uses. Services are delivered to individuals or families,
but typically do not include services to groups.
7. Personal Services
Defined for the purposes of this District as: Facilities that provide non-medical services to
individuals or their persons on site. Examples include hair and beauty salons, licensed
therapeutic massage, or similar uses.
8. Retail Sales and Service
Defined for the purposes of this District as: Uses which provide the sale of goods to the end
consumer, and which maintain both stock and sales area facilities on site for commercial
transactions and product delivery. Such uses may include online sales and remote delivery as
an accessory aspect of the business enterprise and may include limited (no more than 25% of
the net usable floor area) on site accessory services related to repair or fabrication, such as
plumbing supplies, electrical, appliance, electronic, and similar goods and services.
9. Prepared Food and Beverage
Defined for the purposes of the District as: Cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, on-sale liquor
establishments, brewery taprooms, and other establishments which prepare and serve food
and/or beverages to the public, either for onsite consumption, pick up for offsite
consumption, or for delivery to the end consumer. This use does not include drive-up or drive-
through window service. Specified pick-up lanes accessory to on-site sit-down food and
beverage service may be allowed by Conditional Use Permit if such lane does not create
undue traffic congestion and is located in areas of the site that are not adjacent to public or
private streets. Catering services shall only be allowed as accessory to on-site service and
sales.
10. Hotel
Allowed as a permitted use and may include prepared food and beverage uses as an
additional principal use or as an accessory use on the same parcel.
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11. Vehicle Alternative Fueling Facilities
Such facilities shall be permitted accessory uses provided:
a. Each facility shall be permitted 1 sign identifying the fueling facility to the public. The sign
may be two-sided. Such sign shall be ground-mounted, no higher than 10 feet in height
and no greater than 30 square feet in area per side.
b. Permanent signage may be placed on the individual fueling stations at no more than 2
square feet per station, including all identifying materials, instructions, and other
components.
c. No temporary or off-site signage may be allowed for the use generally, nor for the
individual stations.
d. Alternative Fueling Facilities may be allowed with 3 or more charging stations by
Conditional Use Permit.
12. Parking Structures
Parking Structures shall be permitted accessory uses and may include Public-Private ventures
for the purposes of this Section. Such structures shall minimize exposure of the structure to
public streets or primary access private drives. Public parking structures on public land shall
be permitted as a Principal Use.
13. Surface Parking Lots
Off-street parking as an accessory use for the keeping of passenger vehicles, as well as
business vehicles in designated private parking lots which are no greater in size than a
standard passenger vehicle in height, width, or length. Permitted surface off-street parking is
limited to no more than 50% of the required parking for the principal use to which such
parking is accessory. All other required parking shall be provided in a covered structure
and/or provided by public off-street parking structures according to fees for parking
reduction as regulated by Section XX of this Chapter.
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Section IV: Conditional Use Permit Standards
Where applicable, principal uses are required to comply with all use standards of this section, in
addition to all other regulations of this Ordinance.
1. Dwelling, Townhouse
Townhouses may occupy ground-floor level parcels with integrated parking for resident
vehicles in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance requirements for parking spaces per unit.
Visitor parking shall be located in public ramps or on-street, subject to applicable restrictions.
a. Townhouse dwellings shall incorporate a variety of articulated building wall planes, and
varied roof lines. Window and architectural features shall be incorporated into all exterior
walls. Access to living space shall include a prominent front entry; access to internal
garage parking shall be architecturally minimized, with a preference for rear-entry access.
b. Townhouses shall be provided with street-facing living space with an entry door on the
ground floor of at least 16 feet in width, or in the alternative, a usable front porch at least
5 feet in depth. All townhouse units shall have a street-facing front door entrance.
Individual units shall rely on parking garages that are rear-loaded, and which do not gain
direct access from the street-facing aspect of the unit.
c. No individual parcel or any combination of contiguous parcels of more than 2 acres may
be dedicated to townhouse development. No parcel adjoining any parcel with townhouse
units shall be eligible to be developed with townhouses, nor with any residential project
of less than 20 units per acre.
2. Dwelling, Multiple Family
Multiple family buildings may occupy ground-floor level parcels with internalized parking for
resident vehicles.
a. Visitor parking shall be located in public ramps or on -street, subject to applicable
restrictions. Garages shall be underground, under the principal building, and/or attached
to the principal building – no detached garage buildings shall be permitted. Garage shall
be hidden from main public facing street view. Public or public-private standalone
partnership ramps shall be allowed with multifamily buildings with approval of Council.
b. Multiple family dwellings shall incorporate a variety of articulated building wall planes,
and varied roof lines. Window and architectural features shall be incorporated into all
exterior walls. Access to living space shall include a prominent front entry; access to
internal garage parking shall be architecturally minimized, with a preference for rear-
entry access.
3. Residential Care Facility
Licensed or registered group care residential housing from 12-16 residents with services,
allowed by Conditional Use Permit per MN Stat. Section 462,357, Subd. 8. The residential
facility shall be subject to the requirements of this district, as well as those applied to Dwelling
– Multiple Family in this section, including architecture, parking, site design and all other
elements.
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4. Public/Institutional
The uses in this Subsection shall be permitted when owned and/or operated by the City of
Plymouth. When owned and/or operated by another public or quasi-public agency, the
proposed uses shall require a Conditional Use Permit, and be e valuated as to whether such
uses contribute to the success and intent of the CC Zoning District. Considerations shall
include the attraction of clients and customers to the area, the employment of significant
numbers of daytime employees, the minimization of parking of commercial vehicles, heavy
equipment, or trucks, and other objectives of the District.
14. Commercial Daycare Facility
Commercial daycare facility as a principal use of property, or a tenant in a multi -tenant
commercial building, shall be a Conditional Use, subject to required agency licensing.
15. Antennas
Mounted only on existing structures, but not new freestanding towers, and subject to Section
21175 of the City Code.
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Section V: Temporary Use Standards
Temporary uses are required to comply with the standards of this section, in addition to all other
regulations of this Ordinance. These regulations are for temporary uses located on private
property. All temporary uses require an Administrative Permit unless specifically cited as exempt
or are required to obtain a license per the City Code.
1. Contractor’s Office
A contractor’s office is only allowed with, and during, an active city building permit.
2. Mobile Food Sales
a. Mobile food sales shall meet the standards and any licensing requirements as required by
Public Health.
b. On private property, mobile food sales (e.g. food trucks or food stands) shall be allowed
no more than 18 consecutive hours on public right of way.
3. Outdoor Dining
a. Adequate parking must be provided, including ADA accessible parking spaces.
b. No portion of outdoor dining shall be located within any public right -of-way
(sidewalks/trails, boulevard, streets), unless the city has granted specific approval.
c. Outdoor dining may not occupy more than 600 square feet of any required parking area.
d. Outdoor dining shall not obstruct required drive aisles or fire lanes.
e. Outdoor dining shall not interfere with any pedestrian walkways or impede ADA
accessible routes intended for the general public, unless other accommodations are
provided. A minimum 4 feet wide area shall remain clear on walkways for entry into the
restaurant building and adjacent uses.
f. Outdoor dining shall meet the standards and licensing requirements of the city.
4. Outdoor Storage Container
A maximum of one outdoor storage container is allowed with and during a valid active
building permit.
5. Real Estate Sales Office/Model Unit
Allowed for new, or newly remodeled, residential structures with more than 10% of the units
unrented or unsold. This does not prohibit on-site management offices for the purposes of
management of residential units or commercial uses on the same premises.
6. Contracting for Off-Site Delivery
Allowed as an accessory use to a facility that provides on-site sales and/or services of the
same activities or goods.
7. Essential Services
Services as defined in Section 21005.02 and as regulated and provided for in Section 21160
of the City Code, but not buildings of more than 200 square feet, nor as the only structure on
any parcels of more than 3,000 square feet in lot area.
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Section XXX: Lot Requirements and Setbacks
1. Lot Requirements
The following requirements shall be observed in the CC District, subject to additional
requirements, exceptions and modifications set forth in this Chapter. All standards relate to
both Principal and Accessory Buildings.
2. Building Design and Materials
a. The architectural appearance, including building character, permanence, massing,
density and composition, scale, construction materials, and functional plan of all
principal buildings shall comply with the Comprehensive Plan, and specifically the
applicable Sections of the Plan related to City Center land use and objectives.
b. All sides of buildings shall have an equal appearance in terms of materials and general
design.
c. All principal buildings shall have an entry on the street and an active main floor use.
d. The major building massing of the principal structure shall parallel the street frontage
of the lot.
TABLE XX: Lot Requirements
Requirements CC Use Standard
Bulk Requirements
Lot Area Minimum
Lot Area Maximum – Townhouse 2 acres Sec. IV (1)
All Other Uses 0
Lot Width Minimum 0
Lot Depth Minimum 0
Structural Coverage Maximum 80%
Overlay Districts - Sec. 21665
Setback Requirements
Front Yard – Minimum 5'
Front Yard – Maximum 20'
Side Yard 0
Rear Yard – Minimum 10'
Rear Yard – Maximum 50’
Building Height Requirements
Height – Maximum Permitted 60'
Height – Maximum with CUP 75' Sec. IV (x)
Density Requirements
Dwelling Units Per Acre
Multiple-Family 20 - 40 Sec. IV (2)
Townhouse 6 - 20 Sec. IV (1)
Other
Lighting Fixtures Sec. 21105.06
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e. Trash and recycling storage areas shall be designed internal to the principal building
and shall not be allowed in an external location.
f. Building elevations shall be articulated to reduce the apparent size and undulate their
facades.
g. Buildings shall provide a base and top to their architecture.
h. The tops of buildings shall be articulated to minimize box-like images.
1. Buildings shall be architecturally unique and shall not be of corporate architecture
(including roof patterns, corporate colors, architectural elements, and similar
treatments).
i. Large blank exterior wall surfaces shall be prohibited; walls shall be articulated to
create significant variation in wall planes, and emphasize shadowing, window
placement, balcony placement, and interacting with roofline variations.
j. Buildings shall comply with the following list of allowable and prohibited materials:
1. Allowable Materials
a. Easily maintained materials that are durable and attractive at close distances
(e.g. from the view of a pedestrian).
b. Materials that have an attractive pattern, texture, and quality detailing.
c. Brick, stone, or high-quality pre-cast concrete (colored and textured).
d. Transparent glass.
e. Canvas awnings.
f. Metals with matte finish and with neutral or earth tone colors as accent only.
2. Prohibited Materials
a. Non-durable siding materials such as plywood, corrugated metal or fiberglass,
or other materials that decay rapidly when exposed to the elements.
b. Materials that have no pattern or relief.
c. Simulated brick or stone.
d. Wood, except as accent materials or in elements that are integrated with other
"desired" materials.
e. Mirrored glass that faces an active pedestrian street.
f. Materials that represent corporate colors, patterns, or trademarks.
g. Brightly colored metal roofing or canopies.
h. Concrete that is not enhanced as indicated under "Allowable Materials" in (1)
above, especially pre-cast, tilt-up walls.
i. Synthetic awnings and awnings designed to be illuminated from within.
j. Metal siding as a primary material (more than 50% of any façade).
3. Landscaping
a. The dominant tree species and planting patterns utilized on site shall be
complementary to the species of street tree and planting patterns to the front of the
property whenever such a theme can be utilized.
b. The periphery of all parking lots shall be landscaped and screened in compliance
with Section 21130 of this Chapter and the City Center provisions of the
Comprehensive Plan. Internal areas of parking lots shall be provided with landscaped
islands or other features to minimize large expanses of uninterrupted pavement.
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Rows of parking spaces more than 100 feet in length shall be separated by at least
one landscaped planting area at least 12 feet in width for each 4 rows, running for the
length of the parallel rows. The planting area shall include a combination of trees,
shrubs, and perennial plantings appropriate to the environment.
c. Parking lots shall be designed to utilize pavements that differentiate between the
parking areas and pedestrian ways in accord with the Pedestrian Circulation section
of this Code.
d. Water quality ponding areas shall be designed and landscaped in a park-like character,
provide spaces for active use, both public and private, as specified by the City Center
portion of the Comprehensive Plan and the Design Standards. Water quality ponds
shall also be designed to city engineering standards. If an alternative design is
required, city approved plantings shall be installed as opposed to fencing , except in
locations where the city expressly allows or requires fencing as a safety requirement
e. Existing trees shall be maintained and preserved to the extent possible and in
compliance with Section 21130 of this Chapter.
f. The landscaping of areas along pedestrian corridors shall have a consistent character
throughout the City Center Zoning District and shall be comprised of design and
landscape features as specified by the City Center portion of the Comprehensive Plan
and related documents.
g. Sites adjacent to the pedestrian spine shall provide landscaping adjacent to the spine.
The city may specify that required landscaping shall include h ardscape and active use
areas in these locations.
h. Shade trees shall be planted in all parking lot islands. A minimum of one tree shall be
planted in each island and one tree shall be planted for each 200 square feet of island.
i. A consistent landscaped edge, utilizing plant materials and/or decorative hardscape,
shall be constructed between parking areas and streets.
j. The edges of the sidewalks and trails shall be reinforced with street trees, plantings,
pedestrian-scale streetlights and other similar amenities.
4. Plazas and Entries
The primary public entry to any building shall be designed to stand out from other areas
of the building façade through architectural features and site elements that encourage
pedestrian use.
a. All properties shall be required to have a public or private plaza area(s) supporting
their main entries and/or at other prominent locations.
b. The design of plazas shall include special paving, benches, trash receptacles, lighting
fixtures and other similar type features which comply with th e Comprehensive Plan
and city specifications.
c. Each entry plaza space shall include landscaping for year-round aesthetic
enhancement and may include both permanent landscape plantings and/or movable
containers for seasonal use.
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5. Pedestrian Circulation
Every building and development project shall include a specific plan for pedestrian
circulation routing, to be approved by Zoning Administrator. Elements of such plan shall
include and be consistent with the following elements:
a. Each property shall be responsible for the installation and maintenance of a sidewalk
pursuant to city standards at all lot lines abutting streets except Highway 55. Such
sidewalk and other related pedestrian facilities shall maximize cross-site pedestrian
access between the subject property, adjoining parking areas, and neighboring uses
and properties. Completion of the pedestrian system is a fundamental component of
the land use standards of the district, and projects may be denied for failure to comply
when such connections are not completed in accordance with the city’s requirements.
Because the requirements may vary by site, the City Council’s determination of
completeness will be made at the time of approval, dependent on the proposed
development, the surrounding uses (both existing and future), parking facility
locations, open space locations, and other pedestrian facilities.
b. Each property shall provide a sidewalk pursuant to city standards from the front lot
line to the main entrance of the principal structure. Included with such sidewalk shall
be an entry plaza, structural elements, and landscape that provides a robust entry
treatment for all primary building entrances.
c. Each property shall provide a designated pedestrian circulation system through and
from off-street parking areas into the principal structure. This circulation system shall
also connect to circulation systems of adjacent properties. The pedestrian through the
parking areas and to individual buildings should be designed as a prominent feature
of the hardscape, enhancing pedestrian circulation and safety.
d. Properties which are adjacent to the pedestrian spine shall be required to dedicate
land or provide easements as may be applicable for the spine and shall make
appropriate landscape improvements and pedestrian connections. The property
owner and/or developer should take care to select complementary materials,
including street furniture and lighting elements, to those that exist in the immediate
area. If the city has adopted a standard plate for such imp rovements, said
improvements shall comply with any such standard plate(s).
e. All crosswalks across public or private drives shall be a minimum of 5 feet wide and
shall be constructed with a distinctive paving material and other design elements, as
approved by the city. Examples may include pavers, stamped and/or colored concrete,
pedestrian scale lighting, wayfinding signage consistent with other such elements or
required standard designs, as may be adopted.
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Section 21475.XX. – Parking and Loading Requirements
Parking requirements in the CC District shall be applied as per the requirements of Section 21135,
with the following exceptions:
1. Parking supply requirements may be modified for certain uses as listed in the District. These
requirements apply in the CC district only.
2. Parking supply requirements in the CC District for any use and/or development under the
following terms:
a. For any use that is applying the parking supply requirements of Section 21135, a reduction
in the required parking supply may be made to supply no less than 60% of the required
supply in Section 21135, when the conditions of this section are met.
b. To qualify for the reduction, an applicant must pay a Parking Supply Reduction Fee equal
to the number of spaces times the per-space fee as adopted by the City’s Fee Ordinance;
and
c. An applicant must sign and record a legal instrument approved by the city which provides
for access to the applicable parking lot for general public use; and
d. The parking area must be marked with a notice that states the availability of the area to
public use; and
e. No more than 25% of the spaces in the lot may be marked for specific tenants or
customers of any specific business location, or for limited hours.
3. Residential uses shall not be eligible for the Parking Supply Reduction in this Section, and shall
provide parking at a rate as specified in the applicable code and Table XX.
TABLE XX: Parking Requirements
Multiple-Family
Number of Spaces - Minimum 1.2 spaces per bedroom
4. The city may, by Conditional Use Permit, waive or modify the terms of this Section when it
finds that the applicant or property owner has otherwise provided for adequate parking
that complies with the requirements and intent of this Section.
5. Off-street loading as an accessory use, as regulated by Section 21135 of this Chapter, but
not including parking of semi-trailers or semi-trailer trucks. Off-street loading shall be
located on a parcel in such a way as to minimize its exposure to public rights of way and
adjoining private development. Such loading areas in the CC District may be located on a
parcel without regard to formal zoning “yard”, provided it meets all other requiremen ts,
including the requirements of this Section.
6. Surface parking lots, or off-street parking as an accessory use for the keeping of passenger
vehicles, as well as business vehicles in designated private parking lots which are no greater
in size than a standard passenger vehicle in height, width, or length. Permitted surface off -
street parking is limited to no more than 50% of the required parking for the principal use to
which such parking is accessory. All other required parking shall be provided in a covered
structure and/or provided by public off-street parking structures according to fees for parking
reduction as regulated by Section XX of this Chapter.
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Special City
Council
April 11, 2023
Agenda
Number:2.2
To:Dave Callister, City Manager
Prepared by:Jodi Gallup, City Clerk/Administrative Coordinator
Reviewed by:Maria Solano, Deputy City Manager
Item:Set future study sessions
1.Action Requested:
Schedule study sessions and/or add topics as desired. Calendars are attached to assist with
scheduling.
2.Background:
Pending study session topics (at least three Council members have approved the following study
items on the list):
- None at this time.
Other Council Requests:
- None at this time.
Staff requests for Special Meeting topics and/or changes:
- Schedule 2024/2025 budget goals discussion and accessible dwelling units (ADUs) discussion on
June 27 at 5 p.m.
- Schedule environmental stewardship discussion on July 25 at 5 p.m.
3.Budget Impact:
N/A
4.Attachments:
April
May
June
July
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April 2023
3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 763-509-5080 plymouthmn.gov
SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT
4:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING HRA Interviews Medicine Lake Room 5:00 PM CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING Labor Strategy Discussion City Hall 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
CHANGES ARE
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5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING City Center Update Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR
7:00 PM HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MEETING
Council Chambers
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3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR 763-509-5080 plymouthmn.gov
SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT
5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Plymouth Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Discussion Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUCIL MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Council Chambers
5:00 PM CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING City Manager Annual Performance Evaluation City Hall 7:00 PM REGULAR COUCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
6:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
MEMORIAL DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED
7:00 PM HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MEETING
Council Chambers
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Council Chambers
7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake Room
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3400Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447
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CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED
7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
6:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MEETING
Council Chambers
5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Board and Commission Discussion and Beekeeping regulations Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Council Chambers
7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake Room
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3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR 763-509-5080 plymouthmn.gov
SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT
7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
INDEPENDENCE DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED
7:00 PM HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MEETING
Council Chambers
7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake Room
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Council Chambers
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7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
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