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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – November 4, 2015 3 Residential Façade Transparency Requirements for properties in the B-2 and B-3 Districts, as presented in the November 4, 2015, report to the Planning Commission. Associate Planner Bachler reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this matter: 1. Recommend Approval as Submitted. 2. Recommend Approval with Changes. 3. Recommend Denial 4. Table Chair Thompson opened the public hearing at 6:35 p.m. Chair Thompson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. There being no additional comment Chair Thompson closed the public hearing at 6:36 p.m. Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Bartel seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 15-019 amending Section 1325.05, Subd. 8 of the Zoning Code pertaining to the Commercial and Residential Façade Transparency Requirements for properties in the B-2 and B-3 Districts, as presented in the November 4, 2015, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). B. Planning Case 15-022; Zoning Code Amendment – Accessory Antennas – Public Hearing Associate Planner Bachler stated that the City approved a Conditional Use Permit in July 2015 for the installation of wireless panel antennas and related equipment at the existing Bethel University building at 2 Pine Tree Drive. During the City Council review of this request, a question arose regarding whether the antennas should be considered an accessory use because they did not directly support or complement the principal use of the property for higher education and office activities. The City Attorney subsequently provided a memo that responded to this question and suggested revisions to the Zoning Code to help clarify the issue. Associate Planner Bachler indicated that the City Council discussed the recommendations made by the City Attorney at their regular meeting on August 31, 2015. It was the consensus of the City Council that an amendment to the Zoning Code should be processed to incorporate the proposed revisions. Associate Planner Bachler reported that telecommunication facilities are protected under federal law through the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Cities may regulate the placement and construction of cellular towers and antennas but cannot prohibit the provision of services. The City has adopted regulations that limit the number of new cellular towers by requiring providers to lease space on City water tower sites, use existing buildings, or co-locate on existing towers. Additionally, new antennas are only permitted as an accessory use on a property with an existing principal use.