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Nowthen Planning & Zoning meeting, September 23, 2025

Planning & Zoning

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

This meeting on the city's website ↗

Agenda

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What was on the agenda.

Packet

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The supporting materials the board reviewed.

Minutes

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The official record of what happened.

One-line summary

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Operation Good Dog kennel IUP with conditions, approved the Plaisted minor subdivision subject to packet conditions, and discussed members for a zoning ordinance working group.

What was on the agenda

8 items as recorded in the agenda, packet, and minutes, each with a short summary of what was at issue.

  1. 1Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

    Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

    The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., the pledge was recited, and roll call showed five commissioners present and two absent. The Commission approved the agenda and the August 26, 2025 minutes, then adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

    Called to order at 7:00 p.m.; pledge recited.

    • meeting administration
    No action
    p. 12025-9-23 Agenda1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance: 7:00 p.m.p. 1September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesChair Ames called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Those assembled recited the pledge of allegiance.

  2. 2Roll Call

    Roll Call

    The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., the pledge was recited, and roll call showed five commissioners present and two absent. The Commission approved the agenda and the August 26, 2025 minutes, then adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

    Commissioners Ames, Jorgenson, Haapala, Bies, and Pearo were present; Commissioners Lewis and Carlson were absent.

    • meeting administration
    No action
    p. 12025-9-23 Agenda2. Roll Callp. 1September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesPresent: Commissioners Ames, Jorgenson, Haapala, Bies, and Pearo Also Present: Planner Nash, City Clerk Johnson, Liaison Mayor Hybben Absent: Commissioner Lewis, Commissioner Carlson

  3. 3Approve/Amend Agenda

    Approve/Amend Agenda

    The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., the pledge was recited, and roll call showed five commissioners present and two absent. The Commission approved the agenda and the August 26, 2025 minutes, then adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

    The presented agenda was approved.

    • meeting administration
    Approved
    p. 12025-9-23 Agenda3. Approve/Amend Agendap. 1September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesMOTION BY COMMISIONER HAAPALA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PEARO TO APPROVE PRESENTED AGENDA. FIVE (5) AYES. MOTION CARRIED.

  4. 4Approve August 26, 2025, Meeting Minutes

    Approve August 26, 2025, Meeting Minutes

    The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., the pledge was recited, and roll call showed five commissioners present and two absent. The Commission approved the agenda and the August 26, 2025 minutes, then adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

    The August 26, 2025 minutes were approved.

    • meeting administration
    Approved
    p. 12025-9-23 Agenda4. Approve August 26, 2025, Meeting Minutesp. 1September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesMOTION BY COMMISIONER HAAPALA, SECONDED BY PEARO TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM AUGUST 26, 2025. FIVE (5) AYES. MOTION CARRIED.

  5. 5aInterim Use Permit: Home Occupation for a Commercial Kennel at 8614 211th Ave NW

    Interim Use Permit: Home Occupation for a Commercial Kennel at 8614 211th Ave NW

    The Commission held a public hearing on Luke Braith's request to operate Operation Good Dog as a home-based commercial kennel and dog training business at 8614 211th Ave NW. The discussion focused on the number of dogs, use of the garage and home, customer traffic, barking control, the 25% home-occupation space limit, and whether dogs could be walked around the property. No public comments were offered. The Commission recommended approval with the staff conditions and added a condition allowing dogs to be walked on leash throughout the property.

    The Commission recommended approval with staff conditions and an added condition allowing dogs to be walked on leash throughout the property.

    • Operation Good Dog kennel IUP
    Approved with conditions
    p. 12025-9-23 Agenda5. Public Hearings a. Interim Use Permit: Home Occupation for a Commercial Kennel at 8614 211th Ave NWp. 3September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesMOTION BY COMMISSIONER HAAPALA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BIES TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR A HOME OCCUPATION COMMERCIAL KENNEL AT 8614 211TH AVE NW WITH THE CONDITIONS AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF AND INCLUDING THE ADDITIONAL CONDITION ALLOWING DOGS TO BE WALKED ON LEASH THROUGHOUT THE PROPERTY. FIVE …

  6. 6aPlaisted Minor Subdivision on 229th Ave NW

    Plaisted Minor Subdivision on 229th Ave NW

    The Commission considered Plaisted Farms' request to create one new home lot on 229th Ave NW from large agricultural parcels. The main issue was road access: 229th Ave NW is maintained by Nowthen but lacks a proper turnaround and recorded easements for the full road width. The proposal included an easement and cul-de-sac at the road terminus, with the applicant either completing improvements before recording or entering an agreement with financial security. The Commission approved the minor subdivision subject to the packet findings and conditions, including the park and trail dedication fee.

    The Commission approved the Plaisted minor subdivision subject to the findings and conditions in the packet.

    • Plaisted minor subdivision
    Approved with conditions
    p. 12025-9-23 Agenda6. New Business a. Plaisted Minor Subdivision on 229th Ave NWp. 4September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesMOTION BY COMMISSIONER PEARO, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JORGENSON TO APPROVE THE PLAISTED MINOR SUBDIVISION ON 229TH AVE NW SUBJECT TO FINDINGS AND CONDITIONS IN THE PACKET. FIVE (5) AYES. MOTION CARRIED.

  7. 6bRecommend members for Zoning Ordinance Committee

    Recommend members for Zoning Ordinance Committee

    Planner Nash explained that the City Council authorized a full zoning ordinance update and that a working group would include City Council members, Planning Commission members, and the City Clerk. Commissioners discussed why the ordinance needed updating and the amount of review work expected. The minutes say the Commission agreed to recommend three names to the City Council, but the names and any formal motion were not recorded.

    The minutes say the Commission agreed to recommend three names, but no names or formal motion were recorded.

    • zoning ordinance working group
    Discussion only
    p. 12025-9-23 Agendab. Recommend members for Zoning Ordinance Committeep. 4September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesThe Commission agreed to recommend three names to the City Council to avoid any potential quorum issues.

  8. 7Adjournment

    Adjournment

    The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., the pledge was recited, and roll call showed five commissioners present and two absent. The Commission approved the agenda and the August 26, 2025 minutes, then adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

    The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

    • meeting administration
    Approved
    p. 12025-9-23 Agenda7. Adjournmentp. 5September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesMOTION BY AMES, SECONDED BY JORGENSON, TO ADJOURN. Meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm

Motions and votes

5 motions on the record.

  • M1MOTION BY COMMISIONER HAAPALA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PEARO TO APPROVE PRESENTED AGENDA.

    moved by COMMISIONER HAAPALA, seconded by COMMISSIONER PEARO

    Passed
    • YCommissioner Ames
    • YCommissioner Jorgenson
    • YCommissioner Haapala
    • YCommissioner Bies
    • YCommissioner Pearo
    • ·Commissioner Lewis
    • ·Commissioner Carlson
    p. 1September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesPresent: Commissioners Ames, Jorgenson, Haapala, Bies, and Pearo Also Present: Planner Nash, City Clerk Johnson, Liaison Mayor Hybben Absent: Commissioner Lewis, Commissioner Carlsonp. 1September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesMOTION BY COMMISIONER HAAPALA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PEARO TO APPROVE PRESENTED AGENDA. FIVE (5) AYES. MOTION CARRIED.

  • M2MOTION BY COMMISIONER HAAPALA, SECONDED BY PEARO TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM AUGUST 26, 2025.

    moved by COMMISIONER HAAPALA, seconded by PEARO

    Passed
    • YCommissioner Ames
    • YCommissioner Jorgenson
    • YCommissioner Haapala
    • YCommissioner Bies
    • YCommissioner Pearo
    • ·Commissioner Lewis
    • ·Commissioner Carlson
    p. 1September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesPresent: Commissioners Ames, Jorgenson, Haapala, Bies, and Pearo Also Present: Planner Nash, City Clerk Johnson, Liaison Mayor Hybben Absent: Commissioner Lewis, Commissioner Carlsonp. 1September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesMOTION BY COMMISIONER HAAPALA, SECONDED BY PEARO TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM AUGUST 26, 2025. FIVE (5) AYES. MOTION CARRIED.

  • M3MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HAAPALA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BIES TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR A HOME OCCUPATION COMMERCIAL KENNEL AT 8614 211TH AVE NW WITH THE CONDITIONS AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF AND INCLUDING THE ADDITIONAL CONDITION ALLOWING DOGS TO BE WALKED ON LEASH THROUGHOUT THE PROPERTY.

    moved by COMMISSIONER HAAPALA, seconded by COMMISSIONER BIES

    Passed
    • YCommissioner Ames
    • YCommissioner Jorgenson
    • YCommissioner Haapala
    • YCommissioner Bies
    • YCommissioner Pearo
    • ·Commissioner Lewis
    • ·Commissioner Carlson
    p. 1September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesPresent: Commissioners Ames, Jorgenson, Haapala, Bies, and Pearo Also Present: Planner Nash, City Clerk Johnson, Liaison Mayor Hybben Absent: Commissioner Lewis, Commissioner Carlsonp. 3September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesMOTION BY COMMISSIONER HAAPALA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BIES TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR A HOME OCCUPATION COMMERCIAL KENNEL AT 8614 211TH AVE NW WITH THE CONDITIONS AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF AND INCLUDING THE ADDITIONAL CONDITION ALLOWING DOGS TO BE WALKED ON LEASH THROUGHOUT THE PROPERTY. FIVE …

  • M4MOTION BY COMMISSIONER PEARO, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JORGENSON TO APPROVE THE PLAISTED MINOR SUBDIVISION ON 229TH AVE NW SUBJECT TO FINDINGS AND CONDITIONS IN THE PACKET.

    moved by COMMISSIONER PEARO, seconded by COMMISSIONER JORGENSON

    Passed
    • YCommissioner Ames
    • YCommissioner Jorgenson
    • YCommissioner Haapala
    • YCommissioner Bies
    • YCommissioner Pearo
    • ·Commissioner Lewis
    • ·Commissioner Carlson
    p. 1September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesPresent: Commissioners Ames, Jorgenson, Haapala, Bies, and Pearo Also Present: Planner Nash, City Clerk Johnson, Liaison Mayor Hybben Absent: Commissioner Lewis, Commissioner Carlsonp. 4September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesMOTION BY COMMISSIONER PEARO, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JORGENSON TO APPROVE THE PLAISTED MINOR SUBDIVISION ON 229TH AVE NW SUBJECT TO FINDINGS AND CONDITIONS IN THE PACKET. FIVE (5) AYES. MOTION CARRIED.

  • M5MOTION BY AMES, SECONDED BY JORGENSON, TO ADJOURN.

    moved by AMES, seconded by JORGENSON

    Passed
    p. 5September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesMOTION BY AMES, SECONDED BY JORGENSON, TO ADJOURN. Meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm

Prior history on this business

When someone referred back to earlier business, we found the matching prior discussion and tied it in here.

  • Chair Ames asked why the ordinance needed updating. Nash explained that the current ordinance is difficult to read, has been amended many times over the years, contains provisions in unexpected locations (including ordinance language embedded within definitions), and needs updating to current statutes and standards.

    — Chair Ames and Nash

    What this is about
    This cue points to the history and condition of the existing zoning ordinance as the reason for forming the zoning ordinance working group.

    p. 4September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesChair Ames asked why the ordinance needed updating. Nash explained that the current ordinance is difficult to read, has been amended many times over the years, contains provisions in unexpected locations (including ordinance language embedded within definitions), and needs updating to current statutes and standards.

    Related history

    The records show this was discussed at the October 28, 2025 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Under “New Business – Recommend Members for Zoning Ordinance Committee,” Planner Cindy Nash said the City Council had authorized a complete overhaul of the zoning ordinance and that a working committee would be formed with two City Council members, two Planning Commission members, and the City Clerk to work with her before bringing a draft back to the full Planning Commission. At that same meeting, Chair Ames asked why the ordinance needed updating. Nash explained that the current ordinance was hard to read, had been amended many times, placed provisions in unexpected locations, and needed to be updated to current statutes and standards. The Commission agreed to recommend three names to the City Council for the committee to avoid quorum issues. The search results do not include the underlying City Council meeting date or vote authorizing the overhaul.

    • Oct 28, 2025Luke Braith, the applicant and owner of Operation Good Dog, addressed the Commission. He explained that he moved to Nowt
    • Oct 28, 2025### NEW BUSINESS - RECOMMEND MEMBERS FOR ZONING ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Cindy Nash explained that the City Council has autho
    • Feb 24, 2026## SELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR <figure> </figure> Chairman Ames opened the floor for nominations for the Chair pos
    • Oct 28, 2025Commissioner Pearo asked if the proposed 28'x40' outdoor fenced area would be sufficient. Braith confirmed it would be a
    • Dec 23, 2025## CITY OF NOWTHEN MEETING MINUTES PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2025 ### CALL TO ORDER Cha
  • The city doesn't have recorded easements for the full 66-foot width typically required for roads, but instead has rights through use and maintenance over time.

    — Cindy Nash

    What this is about
    This cue points to past maintenance and implied road rights for 229th Ave NW that may be relevant to earlier road or subdivision decisions.

    p. 3September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesThe city doesn't have recorded easements for the full 66-foot width typically required for roads, but instead has rights through use and maintenance over time.

    Related history

    The records searched show a partial match. For 229th Avenue NW specifically, the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project included portions of Westpahl Country Acres, including 229th Avenue, Argon Street, and Waco Street. At the April 14, 2026 meeting, the packet included resolutions to approve plans/specifications and advertise for bids, and to prepare proposed assessments; the initial estimated project cost was $491,400, with $245,700 proposed to be paid by the City and $245,700 assessed to benefited properties, plus overruns and $128,000 in budgeted road repair costs. A May 12, 2026 amended assessment resolution revised the estimate to $462,800, with $227,840 City share, $227,840 assessed share, plus overruns and $81,710 in budgeted road repair costs. The clearest record of the “use and maintenance” concept is not for 229th Avenue, but for Pinnaker Road NW in the Mark Limpert minor subdivision materials. At the February 24, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, and again in the March 10, 2026 Council packet, the findings stated that Pinnaker Road NW appeared to exist by “use and maintenance” only, meaning the City had maintained it as a public road but it had not been dedicated or conveyed by deed or easement. Those findings also said granting a right-of-way easement where the road abutted the property was required for the subdivision. The records provided do not contain a prior decision specifically finding that 229th Avenue NW lacks a full 66-foot recorded easement or relies on implied road rights, but they do show related road-improvement and subdivision discussions where that legal issue was relevant.

    • Apr 14, 2026any obstructions (vehicles, dumpsters, etc) at the scheduled project start date and time. MP Asphalt Maintenance reserve
    • May 12, 2026## CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA ## RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX ## AMENDED RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE
    • Apr 14, 2026# CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA # RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX # RESOLUTION DECLARING COSTS TO BE ASSESSED A
    • Mar 10, 2026FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISION Minor Subdivision APPLICANT: Mark Limpert APPLICATION: Request for approval of a 2-lot sub
    • Mar 10, 2026# Collaborative Planning, LLC ## Memorandum <table> <tr> <td>To:</td> <td>Planning and Zoning Commission</td> </tr> <tr>
  • City Clerk Johnson confirmed that road maintenance agreements with neighboring jurisdictions are generally informal "gentleman's handshakes" rather than formal agreements.

    — City Clerk Johnson

    What this is about
    This cue points to prior informal road maintenance arrangements with neighboring jurisdictions, especially for town line roads such as 229th Ave NW.

    p. 4September 23, 2025, Signed MinutesCity Clerk Johnson confirmed that road maintenance agreements with neighboring jurisdictions are generally informal "gentleman's handshakes" rather than formal agreements.

    Related history

    The records searched do not contain a prior decision or formal agreement matching the recollection that road maintenance with neighboring jurisdictions was handled by informal “gentleman’s handshake” arrangements. The closest related item is the 2026 Overlay Road Improvement Project: at the April 14, 2026 meeting packet, 229th Avenue was listed among the streets included in the proposed overlay work, along with roads in Country Meadows, Westpahl Country Acres, Morton Farm Preserve, 224th Court, and 218th Avenue. That record concerns city road improvements and bid authorization, not an agreement with a neighboring jurisdiction. The records provided do not show a formal vote or written agreement specifically about town line road maintenance arrangements.

    • Apr 14, 2026## Municipal Services and Operations Several operational priorities were discussed: Seasonal Employee Hiring: The counci
    • Mar 23, 2026### Municipal Services and Operations Several operational priorities were discussed: Seasonal Employee Hiring: The counc
    • May 12, 2026## 9. Clerk's Update City Clerk Natalie Johnson reported that Miss Riley had returned, and is filling in while another e
    • Apr 14, 2026## 9. Clerk's Update City Clerk Natalie Johnson reported that Miss Riley had returned, and is filling in while another e
    • Apr 14, 2026# CITY OF NOWTHEN ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX # RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Where this came up before

  1. Oct 28, 2025
    City Meeting

    Luke Braith, the applicant and owner of Operation Good Dog, addressed the Commission. He explained that he moved to Nowthen in April 2025 and clarified that while he had indicated potential use o

    DocLuke Braith, the applicant and owner of Operation Good Dog, addressed the Commission. He explained that he moved to Nowthen in April 2025 and clarified that while he had indicated potential use o
  2. Oct 28, 2025
    City Meeting

    ### NEW BUSINESS - RECOMMEND MEMBERS FOR ZONING ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Cindy Nash explained that the City Council has authorized a complete overhaul of the zoning ordinance. A working committee will be f

    Doc### NEW BUSINESS - RECOMMEND MEMBERS FOR ZONING ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Cindy Nash explained that the City Council has authorized a complete overhaul of the zoning ordinance. A working committee will be formed including two City Council member
  3. Feb 24, 2026
    City Meeting

    ## SELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR <figure> </figure> Chairman Ames opened the floor for nominations for the Chair position. Commissioner Bies nominated Commissioner Pearo. Commissioner Jorgensen no

    Doc## SELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR <figure> </figure> Chairman Ames opened the floor for nominations for the Chair position. Commissioner Bies nominated Commissioner Pearo. Commissioner Jorgensen nominated Commissioner Haapala. A roll
  4. Oct 28, 2025
    City Meeting

    Commissioner Pearo asked if the proposed 28'x40' outdoor fenced area would be sufficient. Braith confirmed it would be adequate but mentioned he would like to be able to walk dogs on leash around

    DocCommissioner Pearo asked if the proposed 28'x40' outdoor fenced area would be sufficient. Braith confirmed it would be adequate but mentioned he would like to be able to walk dogs on leash around
  5. Dec 23, 2025
    City Meeting

    ## CITY OF NOWTHEN MEETING MINUTES PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2025 ### CALL TO ORDER Chair Ames called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Those assembled recit

    Doc## CITY OF NOWTHEN MEETING MINUTES PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2025 ### CALL TO ORDER Chair Ames called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Those assembled recit

Sources

Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.

Show a sample of the transcript (346 segments, 51:28 total)
  • 0:00 from where we're at or >> Sure. >> Okay. No, we got
  • 0:08 this straightened out. >> Okay. Chair Ames >> here. >> Commissioner Ha
  • 0:18 >> here. >> Commissioner Bees >> here. >> Commissioner Carlson he is an excused absence. Commissioner Perroll
  • 0:27 >> here. Commissioner Jorgensson >> here. >> Commissioner Lewis, Miss Lewis is absent, Mayor Hibbon
  • 0:36 >> here, >> Cindy Nash here, and myself, Natalie Johnson. All is complete. >> Okay. Thank you. The next thing on
  • 0:45 agenda was approve approve the August 26 25 meeting
  • 0:51 the first agenda first. Okay. agenda. We have the agenda first. Would somebody make the motion that we make a motion to approve
  • 1:00 the agenda? Commissioner Hip made this. Somebody like to second this. >> I'll second that. >> Okay. Anybody got any discussion? See
  • 1:10 none. We'll call for a vote. All say I. >> I. >> I. Okay. >> Mr. Chair.
  • 1:19 >> Pardon. Um could you when people make a motion please repeat who did first and second please.
  • 1:27 >> Oh I said I did say it's commissioner hipla and >> arrow >> you need to speak louder. >> Okay
  • 1:35 >> just a bit. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Uh the next thing on the agenda for the August 26 2025 meeting is and I'd like
  • Showing first 12 segments. Open the YouTube video for the full transcript.

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