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May 12th, 2026 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 4 <br /> <br /> <br />decisions may not be beneficial. He proposed increasing education on the importance of <br />sustainability rather than adding additional regulations to personal home redevelopment. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elnagdy acknowledged that Councilmember Doolan was not seeking to limit <br />remodels, only when someone is paying the price for an average home in St. Anthony to tear it <br />down and build an entirely new structure where a single-family home once was. Councilmember <br />Randle stated that he felt that it should be their option. Councilmember Elngady expressed that <br />they are not removing the choice to do so, but rather requiring builders to comply with the rules if <br />they choose to rebuild in a way that helps meet City goals. Councilmember Randle perceived this <br />as pushing their agenda on residents. Councilmember Elnagdy stated that that is what all policy <br />initiatives do. <br /> <br />Councilmember Doolan noted that it is not only about energy efficiency, but also about waste. She <br />stated that she felt the Council has the right to acknowledge that residents are creating great <br />amounts of waste through these projects and tell them to do so in a responsible manner. <br /> <br />Mayor Webster asked if other cities have incorporated teardown policies into sustainable building <br />policies. City Planner Grittman stated that Edina's teardown policy does relate to single-family <br />homes. <br /> <br />Assistant City Manager Morello informed the Council that most cities engage in more educational <br />practices when a single-family home teardown begins. <br /> <br />Councilmember Randle expressed approval of this option. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elnagdy noted concerns surrounding the wording of section B7. This section <br />allows the Council to exempt any project from the requirements if they find that the requirements <br />would be unduly burdensome. She asked whether there are statutory requirements for zoning and <br />sought clarification on whether any project could truly be exempted. City Planner Grittman <br />confirmed that if an individual seeks a variance, they must prove that there are unique <br />circumstances on their property that create difficulties in putting the property to a reasonable use. <br />If this can be done, the builder will be allowed to proceed with a project that varies from the code. <br />City Planner Grittman stated that item seven was simply added to allow flexibility. Councilmember <br />Elnagdy sought clarification on the language defining what constitutes an unduly burdensome act. <br />She stated that she felt that the practical difficulties of language, which are already well defined, <br />should be added here instead, even if it limits flexibility. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jenson noted that he does not feel they should write policy that encourages <br />seeking loopholes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Doolan asked whether there are purchases that require the owner to change the <br />zoning for the intended use of the new facility. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jenson asked Councilmember Doolan to clarify her question. He summarized his <br />interpretation of the question as whether a building owner seeking to improve their facilities must <br />comply with sustainable building practices. Councilmember Doolan stated that she was <br />discussing individuals who are seeking to change the purpose of their property. <br /> <br />5