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City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for August 5, 2015 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2015\PC 15-016 - Arden Plaza - Final PUD Phase III\Memos_Reports_15-016 Page 8 of 16 All other requirements under this section are met by the proposal. The building would include façade treatments, such as window openings and architectural details, along all four sides of the building. Additional visual interest has been added through façade modulation and variation of the structure roof heights. A metal canopy roof above the primary entrance would provide protection for pedestrians. Building Color The proposed building colors are white, brown, gray, and beige. These colors are in conformance with the design standard requirements. Window and Door Openings For commercial buildings, at least 50 percent of the first level façade that fronts a public street must be comprised of transparent windows or doors. In this case, the Lexington Avenue façade is required to meet this standard. At least 20 percent of all other façades that are reasonably visible from the public right-of-way must include window or door openings. On these façades, simulated windows may be used on service areas. This standard would apply to the northern and southern building façades. The following table outlines the proposed window and door transparency for the four sides of the building. The City is allowed to grant a proportional reduction in the transparent window requirement on a public street façade if additional transparent glass is used elsewhere on the building. Staff is supportive of the proposed transparency coverage given that the Lexington Avenue façade will not be very visible from the roadway and that transparency coverage has been increased on the remaining three sides of the building. Additionally, the City is allowed to reduce the transparency standards for buildings with a use that does not readily allow windows. The kitchen space takes up a large percentage of the building footprint and it would be difficult to provide transparent windows on this portion of the building. Architectural detailing and landscaping have been provided in these areas to add visual relief. Site Furnishing and Seating Areas Benches and decorative plantings are required near the primary entrance of all buildings. Planting beds are proposed on the west and south side of the building adjacent to the primary entrance. Two benches have also been included on the site plan near the building’s entrance. Transparency Requirements Total Window Transparency Lexington Avenue Façade 50% 22.3% North Façade 20% 23.6% South Façade 20% 23.3% West Façade 0% 42.9%