09-09-15 PC Work Session Minutes

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 2 revisions have been made to 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 block views of the building’s interior from the exterior. The language being recommended by staff is similar to the standard used by the City of Eden Prairie for their Town Center Zoning District. Staff is requesting that the Planning Commission review the proposed amendments and discuss whether they adequately communicate the City’s intent behind the façade transparency requirements. Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commission questions. Discussion ensued regarding the use of translucent glass at the Lexington Station development and at the Walgreens pharmacy on County Road E. Associate Planner Bachler discussed how new development and redevelopment projects in the B-2 and B-3 Districts are required to use the PUD process, which gives developers an opportunity to request flexibility from the transparency requirements. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if the proposed code change would apply to Rice Creek Commons. Associate Planner Bachler stated that at this time staff was recommending that the revisions only be made to the B-2 and B-3 Design Standards. However, staff would like to make a similar change to the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) in the future concurrent with other revisions to the TRC that will likely need to be made. He provided comment on the façade requirements already included in the TRC. Councilmember Holmes believed there was a bigger problem with the design standards within the B-2 and B-3 zoning districts. She discussed how buildings were being oriented away from the street and believed that the use of translucent glass would be prevalent. It was her opinion the B-2 and B-3 design plans were backwards. Chair Thompson agreed with this assessment. She appreciated the design of Lexington Station, but wanted to see more businesses fronting the City roads and not internal parking lots. Commissioner Zimmerman also agreed but questioned how this would be achieved with the minimal setbacks to the street. He commented that the setback requirements may need to be adjusted. Commissioner Jones wanted to see the City be cautious with how it develops Rice Creek Commons over the next 20 years. He did not want to see this area restricted by zoning code or be developed too dense. Chair Thompson questioned what would be involved in changing the code to address the Planning Commissions concerns. Associate Planner Bachler reported that staff would first need to discuss these concerns with the City Council and request further direction. The Design Standards could be revised in order to address the building orientation issues.