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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 d 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. The Planning Commission previously discussed the proposed amendments at the May 8, 2013, meeting (Attachment C). 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. Summary of Proposed Ordinance Amendments The ordinance includes amendments to the following sections of the design standards: building materials, building design, commercial facade transparency, and bicycle parking. Other minor changes included removing provisions that were either redundant or subjective, or that did not directly address design or land use concerns. In preparing the amendments, staff reviewed similar design guidelines adopted by eight cities in the metro area. The proposed Ordinance 2013-012 amends Chapter 1325 (General Regulations) of the Zoning Code. The recommend changes are outlined in the below section. Ordinance 2013-012 is included as Attachment A. Section 1325.05, Subd. 8 Additional Design Standards for New Development, Redevelopment, and Modifications to Existing Sites in the B2 and B3 Districts Section D: Building Materials Section D specifies acceptable and undesirable building materials. Research was conducted on materials that are currently not on the acceptable materials list and which meet the requirement that building materials be enduring, timeless, and well detailed. Under the acceptable principal building material category, tile masonry and synthetic stone were added. A specification was included to clarify that brick building walls should be of masonry construction and not precast. Split faced block and stucco were added as acceptable building trim and accent materials. A provision was included to limit the use of EIFS to 12 feet above the ground line. EIFS can be easily damaged and prohibiting its use within 12 feet of the ground floor can help prevent the material from being compromised. A revision was made to build in more flexibility for staff in the development review process. Given the pace at which building material technology evolves, staff included a provision in City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for November 6, 2013 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2013\PC 13-007 - B-2 Design Standard Amendments (Pending)\PC Packet (11-6- 13)_PC 13-007 25 Page of