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City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for November 30, 2015 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2015\PC 15-019 - Zoning Code Amendment - B-2 & B-3 Design Standards - Window Transparency\Memos_Reports_15-019 Page 2 of 3 Discussion The recommended revisions to the Design Standards state that transparent windows or doors must allow views of interior uses or activities. The purpose of this revision is to prohibit the use of walls, display areas, or other obstructions that could block views of the building’s interior from the exterior. The recommended language is similar to that used by the City of Eden Prairie in their Town Center Zoning District. It should be noted that because new development and significant redevelopment projects in the B-2 and B-3 Districts are required to use the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process, developers will still be able to request flexibility from these transparency requirements. Ordinance Number 2015-010 and the Summary for publication are included in Attachment A. The red-lined version of the proposed amendment has also been provided in Attachment B. The City Attorney has reviewed the amendment and does not have concerns with the proposed language. The City Attorney has noted that in cases where there are privacy concerns, such as patient or client treatment, the City should be flexible on the transparency requirements. Findings of Fact The Planning Commission reviewed Planning Case 15-019 at their regular meeting on November 4, 2015. Draft minutes from the meeting are included in Attachment D. The Planning Commission offers the following findings of fact for consideration: 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. 3. The City Council amended Section 1325.05 Subd. 8 of the Zoning Code on December 8, 2008 to apply the B-2 Design Standards to the B-3 District. 4. The proposed amendments would provide developers with clarity in the development review process and ensure that development in the B-2 and B-3 Districts continues to be well-designed. 5. The proposed amendment is in conformance with the Guiding Plan for the B-2 District. 6. The proposed amendment is in conformance with the Purpose and Intent of Section 1325.05 Subd. 8 of the Zoning Code, Additional Design Standards for New Development, Redevelopment, and Modifications to Existing Site in the B-2 and B-3 Districts. 7. The proposed amendment advances the land use goals in the City’s Comprehensive Plan because it establishes design standards that will ensure the construction of high-quality and aesthetically enhancing development.