Falcon Heights Planning Commission advances code edits, flags PUD expiration issue

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — At a Planning Commission workshop on April 28, 2026, commissioners reviewed a year-plus of proposed city code updates and agreed to remove the term “boardinghouse” and delete section 113-5(f), a provision addressing relocation of a building or structure.

Staff Liaison Myhren told commissioners the compiled edits reflect discussions from planning workshops over the past one to two years and should be shared with City Council at a Council workshop so the council can weigh in before a Planning Commission public hearing is scheduled. “We’ve assembled the changes for council review,” Myhren said, noting the goal is to ensure Council agreement prior to public notice (paraphrase of staff presentation as recorded in the workshop minutes).

Commissioners also discussed a proposed change to Sec. 113-370(6) to reduce the rear-yard setback for boats and trailers from 10 feet to 5 feet. The commission described the adjustment as reasonable and agreed it should be included in the draft forwarded to City Council for consideration.

The commission was advised by the City Attorney, via staff, that adding an “expiration of PUD” provision cannot be implemented as drafted because Falcon Heights treats a planned-unit development (PUD) as a new zoning district; staff said the legal and procedural implications will need further review so that PUDs that do not move forward do not unintentionally block future development.

Other minor edits in the packet were described as generally acceptable, and commissioners agreed to bring the consolidated draft to City Council for a workshop discussion before scheduling any Planning Commission public hearing. No formal votes or motions were recorded at the workshop. The meeting was adjourned by consent at 8:00 p.m.