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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Approved: <br /> <br />CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA <br />PLANNING COMMISSION <br />WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 <br />6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL <br /> <br /> <br />PLANNING CASES <br /> <br />C. Planning Case 15-021; Zoning Code Amendment – Outdoor Display and Sales – Public <br />Hearing <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler reported that the City Council directed staff to complete a review of the <br />Zoning Code regulations on commercial outdoor display and sales in 2015. Retail stores and gas <br />stations often have outdoor display areas for merchandise that cannot be stored inside or that is <br />more easily kept outside because of size and weight. This would include items such as fuel, <br />plants, landscaping materials, and salt. Currently, the Zoning Code does not address outdoor <br />display and sales and the use is not specifically permitted or prohibited in the Land Use Chart <br />(Section 1320.05). Staff has interpreted the silence in the Zoning Code to mean that these <br />activities are not permitted unless they have received previous land use approval from the City. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler indicated Ordinances from the cities of Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Eden <br />Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, and Roseville were reviewed to determine how other <br />cities regulate outdoor displays and sales. Based on its research, staff drafted an amendment to <br />the Zoning Code to permit these uses after administrative review and if certain performance <br />standards are met. The proposed regulations were discussed by the City Council at several <br />meetings and staff was directed at the Work Session on January 19, 2016 to bring the proposed <br />Zoning Code amendment to the Planning Commission for review and a public hearing. The City <br />Attorney has reviewed the amendment and has no concerns with the proposed language. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler commented that while it can be in a community’s interest to allow <br />outdoor display and sales for retail stores and service stations since it supports businesses and is <br />an added convenience for customers, unregulated display areas can become disorderly. The <br />proposed amendment would put in place regulations to permit outdoor display and sales for <br />certain businesses if standards on dimension area, location, screening, and merchandise are met. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler reviewed the Definitions and Accessory Uses portions of the City Code. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler provided the Findings of Fact for review: <br /> <br />1. The proposed amendment advances the land use goals in the City’s Comprehensive Plan <br />because it provides land use regulations that promote development that is compatible <br />with nearby properties and neighborhood character.