Council adopts zoning map and code amendments for residential districts with minor deletion for garage‑facade setback

The St. Louis Park City Council approved the second reading and adoption of zoning ordinance amendments Thursday that implement updated residential district standards and update the zoning map, with one modification: council voted to delete a standalone clause requiring attached garage facades to be set back five feet from the front face of the principal building (and a further three feet for a third garage stall) and asked the planning commission to study alternatives.

Gary Morrison, zoning administrator, and staff had presented the ordinance package for second reading. After receiving three public comments since first reading, council members discussed a specific provision (Section 36‑168 G14(c) in the packet) that some planning commission members and a resident had flagged as potentially unworkable for common contemporary house designs and remodeling projects.

Council Member Ragh moved to delete the garage‑facade setback provision and asked staff and the planning commission to refine alternative language. Staff said the provision is stand‑alone and can be removed without further code conflicts.

Council members expressed support for revisiting the design standard rather than adopting it now. One council member noted the planning commission had already bookmarked the issue for further review. The ordinance amendment and zoning map changes otherwise passed as presented; the council approved both motions unanimously.

The deletion means the existing setback and design standards remain in place until the planning commission and staff propose replacement language for council consideration.