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AttachmentD ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION November 6, 2013 1 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2013 6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL A.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- 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 develop 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. It was noted the Planning Commission previously discussed the proposed amendments at the May 8, 2013, meeting. A draft was also reviewed by the City Council at a work session on October 21, 2013. Comments from these two meetings have been incorporated into the revised ordinance. Community Development Intern Bachler reviewed the summary of proposed Ordinance Amendments. Community Development Intern Bachler provided the Findings of Fact for review: 1. The City Council accepted the Guiding Plan for the B-2 District on October 27, 2008. 2. The City Council adopted design standards in Section 1325.05 of the Zoning Code on November 24, 2008, that was in substantial conformance with the Guiding Plan for the B-2 District.