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<br />City of Arden Hills <br />Planning Commission Meeting for November 4, 2015 <br />P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2015\PC 15-019 - Zoning Code Amendment - B-2 & B-3 Design Standards - Window <br />Transparency\Memos_Reports_15-019 <br /> <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />Discussion <br /> <br />The recommended revisions state that transparent windows or doors must allow views of interior <br />uses or activities. The purpose of this revision is to prohibit the use of walls, display areas, or <br />other obstructions that could block views of the building’s interior from the exterior. The <br />language being recommended by staff is similar to the standard used by the City of Eden Prairie <br />for their Town Center Zoning District. It should be noted that because new development and <br />significant redevelopment projects in the B-2 and B-3 Districts are required to use the Planned <br />Unit Development (PUD) process, developers will still be able to request flexibility from these <br />transparency requirements. <br /> <br />The proposed amendment is included in Attachment A. The City Attorney has reviewed the <br />amendment and does not have concerns with the proposed language. The City Attorney has <br />noted that in cases where there are privacy concerns, such as patient or client treatment, the City <br />should be flexible on the transparency requirements. <br /> <br /> <br />Findings of Fact <br /> <br />Municipalities have broad discretion when reviewing and adopting zoning regulations. However, <br />because the Zoning Code is a tool used to implement the City’s comprehensive plan, it is <br />necessary to understand the connection between the two documents when reviewing proposed <br />Zoning Code amendments. <br /> <br />Staff offers the following findings of fact for the Planning Commission’s consideration: <br /> <br />1. The City Council accepted the Guiding Plan for the B-2 District on October 27, 2008. <br />2. The City Council adopted design standards in Section 1325.05 of the Zoning Code on <br />November 24, 2008, that was in substantial conformance with the Guiding Plan for the B- <br />2 District. <br />3. The City Council amended Section 1325.05 Subd. 8 of the Zoning Code on December 8, <br />2008 to apply the B-2 Design Standards to the B-3 District. <br />4. The proposed amendments would provide developers with clarity in the development <br />review process and ensure that development in the B-2 and B-3 Districts continues to be <br />well-designed. <br />5. The proposed amendment is in conformance with the Guiding Plan for the B-2 District. <br />6. The proposed amendment is in conformance with the Purpose and Intent of Section <br />1325.05 Subd. 8 of the Zoning Code, Additional Design Standards for New <br />Development, Redevelopment, and Modifications to Existing Site in the B-2 and B-3 <br />Districts. <br />7. The proposed amendment advances the land use goals in the City’s comprehensive plan <br />because it establishes design standards that will ensure the construction of high-quality <br />and aesthetically enhancing development.