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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – DECEMBER 3, 2014 2 <br /> <br />and typical uses for these open spaces. Chapter 9 also sets requirements for common and <br />personal private open space for commercial and residential developments. For residential uses, <br />these requirements would only come into effect for developments with a density of five units per <br />acre or greater. This section of the TRC also includes the minimum permeable ground area <br />requirements for all developments. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler indicated that Chapter 10 provides detailed design standards for <br />development that takes place within the public realm. Specific areas addressed include minimum <br />dimensional standards for sidewalks and boulevards, requirements for street tree plantings, and <br />standards for screening, exterior lighting, and street furniture. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler commented that Chapter 11 establishes sign regulations for <br />properties on the TCAAP site. The permitted sign types and the zoning districts in which they are <br />each allowed is described in the first section of this chapter. The general dimensional standards <br />for signs are based on frontage type and use of the building. In comparison to the Arden Hills <br />Sign Code, the TRC bases permitted signage on the length of property frontage for freestanding <br />signs and façade length and area for wall signs. <br /> <br />Staff has provided the latest comment tracking spreadsheet to the Commission, which compiles <br />all of the comments received to date on the draft TRC from the City Council, Planning <br />Commission, and Ramsey County. Gateway Planning has been reviewing these comments and <br />making changes where appropriate. Explanations on their actions in response to the comments <br />are included in the spreadsheet. <br /> <br />Chair Larson opened the floor to Commission questions. <br /> <br />Chair Larson asked why roof-mounted solar panels did not require screening. <br /> <br />Further discussion ensued regarding potential screening requirements for solar panels. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff explained that staff could look into this matter further. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes wanted solar energy to be encouraged within TCAAP. <br /> <br />Commissioner Thompson agreed but recommended that height restrictions be set and that <br />screening be required. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler discussed the height restrictions within the TRC and noted that this <br />section of the code could be further discussed with Gateway Planning. <br /> <br />Chair Larson suggested that in the section regarding Street Lighting all references to “pollution” <br />be replaced with “trespass”. <br /> <br />The Commission supported this recommendation. <br /> <br />Chair Larson requested further information on how staff was defining “open air” and <br />“unenclosed”, as found in the open space requirements in Section 9.5 of the TRC. He <br />recommended that the definitions for these two items be clarified.