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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – February 3, 2016 5 Chair Thompson asked if there would be an external staircase that would provide access to the skyway. Senior Planner Bachler noted that the skyway would be accessed from inside Building 3 and Building 10. He indicated there would be an at-grade entrance to the skyway on the west side of Innovation Way. He explained there would be no external staircase that would provide access to the skyway. Chair Thompson questioned if staff had any concerns with a skyway spanning Innovation Way. Senior Planner Bachler stated that adequate clear height would be maintained for emergency vehicles and noted the plans had been reviewed by the Lake Johanna Fire Department and the City Engineer. Chair Thompson inquired if the applicant had any concerns with the staff recommended conditions. Senior Planner Bachler stated that no concerns have been raised at this time. Commissioner Jones asked if the existing at-grade pedestrian walkway would be demolished after the skyway was complete. Senior Planner Bachler indicated this was the case. Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Bartel seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 16-004 for a Site Plan Review at 4100 Hamline Avenue North, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans as amended by the twelve (12) conditions in the February 3, 2016, Report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). B. Planning Case 15-020; Zoning Code Amendment – Retail & Thrift Store Establishments – Public Hearing City Planner Streff indicated that the Retail Sales and Service land use category in the Zoning Code is broadly defined and includes businesses that sell both new and used merchandise. Over the last several months, staff has completed research on the operational characteristics of thrift stores that distinguish these businesses from retail stores that sell primarily new goods. Thrift stores would include antique stores, collectable stores, consignment shops, and second-hand stores such as Goodwill or Salvation Army. City Planner Streff stated that thrift stores operate differently than other retail businesses in that they receive used materials from the general public at their place of business and process items for resale. Larger thrift stores often have unique operational characteristics related to managing the collection, processing, and disposal of donated items. These characteristics may include a dedicated donation drop-off area on the exterior of the building, use of container or semi-trailers for exterior storage, and larger waste and recycling collection areas for disposal of non-saleable items.