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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – November 6, 2013 6 City Planner Streff stated the brick material was a cement board and the appearance was not compatible with the existing structure. Commissioner Hames suggested the accessory structure building materials be adapted and be trimmed in bronze to more closely match the principle structure. Chair Larson was comfortable with the condition recommended by staff requiring the exterior of the accessory structure be constructed with a material that is compatible to the principle building and be approved by the City Planner before a building permit was issued. The Commission was in agreement. Chuck Lucius, Gradient Financial building owner, questioned if the accessory structure could be painted brown as this would allow it to blend in with the surroundings. Chair Larson indicated the structure would have to more closely match the main building and its color scheme. He encouraged Mr. Lucius to speak further with staff regarding the exterior building materials. Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 13-019 for a Accessory Structure at 4105 Lexington Avenue N based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the four (4) conditions in the November 6, 2013, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). C.Planning Case 13-007; Zoning Code Amendment; B-2 & B-3 Design Standards – Public Hearing Community Development Intern Bachler stated in October 2008, the City Council accepted the Guiding Plan for the B-2 District. The plan included design guidelines for development in the B- 2 District and proposed standards for building and site design, façade treatment, pedestrian circulation, and parking. The City Council subsequently approved ordinance amendments that adapted the design guidelines for the Zoning Code. The guidelines now apply to all properties in both the B-2 and B-3 Districts. Since their adoption, four development projects have been evaluated based on these design standards: Planning Case 11-01: McDonald’s, USA LLC Master PUD Planning Case 11-16: Arden Plaza PUD Amendment (Walgreens Pharmacy) Planning Case 12-19: 1201 County Road E Master PUD Planning Case 13-04: Lexington Station Master PUD Community Development Intern Bachler commented that through the process of reviewing these developments, the City has had the opportunity to identify sections in the design standards that need adjustments or additions. It is important to strike a balance between having design standards that are either too prescriptive or too permissive. When cities put in place strict standards, it can have the effect of deterring development. On the other hand, relaxed standards can result in development that is not in line with a City’s vision and goals for their community. Staff has completed revisions to help clarify certain design requirements and to provide developers with more flexibility in the development review process. The updated standards also ensure that future development in the B-2 and B-3 Districts will continue to be well designed.