Planning Commission Packet - February 24, 2026

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Planning Commission Minutes January 27, 2026 --------- Page 7 of 8 Commissioner Bland commented that there seemed to be different behavior between renters and owners. He stated he would like it to be an active decision to allow multifamily housing, meaning the applicant has to have a structure of approval. Commissioner Johnson referenced the recent application for an apartment building. He commented that, if not for a variance, the site could have been developed. He reiterated that the site was not suitable for an apartment because of the easement allowing access to nearby properties and the proximity to single-family homes. Commissioner Johnson stated the site needs to be looked at holistically because of the train station. What will happen with the huge vacant parking lot? Mr. Carlton stated that a bus service now runs out of the area and uses the parking lot, so mass transit is not totally gone. Commissioner Johnson commented that there are people who work in Elk River who can't afford to live here. Mr. Carlton stated the area near the former light rail train station is a great area for density as it is located along major transportation corridors. Commissioner Bland felt strongly that Chapter 30 of the City Code could be rewritten and volunteered to help. The Commission suggested a moratorium on apartment complexes, which would allow for more information on what mass transit systems will look like with the loss of the light rail train, and to identify the quantity and location of apartment buildings within the city. Mr. Carlton commented that any active applications need to be processed. Commissioner Zahler agreed that there are areas of Elk River where the buildings are valued less than the land. He does not want to put zoning limits on what Elk River can become. Commissioner Rydberg suggested adding conditions to a multifamily housing application such as how many feet the proposed project is to a single-family home. Commissioner Bland agreed that existing community members need to be taken into consideration when adding a new project near their home. Commissioner Johnson asked if architectural standards of apartment buildings could also be considered, citing concerns with the amount of space on an apartment building lot to allow residents to use the site instead of going into neighboring properties. Commissioner Johnson stated the city should be careful with mandatory regulations that suppress development. Chair Beise commented that he does not want to make exceptions for every project that comes in. Commissioner Zahler agreed that he would like to see a structured approach to avoid making arbitrary decisions. Councilmember Wagner asked, "What do we want the population of Elk River to be?" It is not unending. Mr. Carlton stated he had heard a goal or projection of 35,000-40,000. Mr. Carlton reviewed the Commission's concerns with apartment complexes and their desire for Page 8 of 71