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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 4, 2014 10 <br />Chair Larson favored an approach that would create regulations to limit light trespass. <br />Commissioner Holewa supported regulations that would limit light trespass as well as setting <br />prescriptive requirements on the design and arrangement of light fixtures to limit light pollution. <br />Commissioner Bartel agreed with this recommendation. <br />Commissioner Jones discussed the Holiday gas station sign and stated glare was a concern for <br />him in residential neighborhoods. <br />Commissioner Thompson also supported the approach to regulate the lumen level of individual <br />light fixtures. <br />Associate Planner Bachler discussed the Ordinances adopted by the cities of Bloomington and <br />St. Louis Park regarding exterior lighting, noting that additional research could be conducted on <br />neighboring communities. <br />Commissioner Holewa commented that up lighting would have to be allowed on Americ an <br />flags in the overnight hours, as this was a federal regulation. <br />Commissioner Zimmerman asked if the City has investigated how neighboring cities address <br />lighting regulations. He anticipated that each zoning district would have to have specific lighting <br />regulations. <br />Discussion ensued regarding lighting regulations for different zoning districts. <br />Chair Larson believed the City should set a reasonable limit for the height of light fixtures. <br />Commissioner Thompson agreed. She questioned if the City could restrict fixture heights on <br />MnDOT and County roads. <br />Associate Planner Bachler stated he would investigate this further. <br />Chair Larson believed it would be difficult for the City to prohibit certain types of exterior <br />lighting. He explained that lighting was creative and was an ever changing market. <br />Commissioner Bartel indicated language addressing temporary Christmas lights that may blink <br />or flash could be included in the lighting regulations. <br />Commissioner Holewa recommended the City encourage the use of LED lights because of the <br />energy efficiencies associated with this type of lighting. <br />Associate Planner Bachler thanked the Commission for their input. <br />UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS <br />None. <br />REPORTS