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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2016 14 Senior Planner Bachler reported that the Sign Code does allow for a smaller non-commercial auxiliary sign to be placed at the entrance to the site. He reviewed the location on the site plan where this auxiliary sign could be placed. Commissioner Bartel questioned if the Planning Commission had jurisdiction over sign placement. Senior Planner Bachler stated that sign placement and setback requirements were included in the Sign Code. However, because the applicant has requested a PUD for the property the City is able to negotiate certain aspects of the development as long as there is a rational basis for the imposed conditions. Commissioner Zimmerman indicated he would not be supporting this Planning Case due to the reduction in landscape coverage. He did not consider the upgraded stormwater management system to be a fair trade for the reduction in landscaping. Chair Thompson appreciated this comment. However, she stated there was no place for the water to be treated and explained the underground treatment system was the best option for the site. She understood there were challenges when updating these commercial properties in order to meet the City’s parking and water runoff requirements. She supported the proposed traffic flow through the site and believed the property was balanced. She recommended a more detailed letter from the City Engineer or the Rice Creek Watershed District regarding the stormwater plans be included for the City Council. Commissioner Bartel supported this suggestion. He understood Commissioner Zimmerman’s concerns but wanted to see the site improved to manage the water runoff from its current situation. Commissioner Jones did not want to give up grass and trees either, but knew the proposed system was the best option for the property. His biggest concern for the site was the location of the monument sign. Commissioner Neururer asked if the sign setbacks took into account the larger size of the sign. Senior Planner Bachler commented that the setback requirements applied to all free standing signs and do not take into account the size of the sign. Commissioner Neururer supported the underground treatment and management of the water runoff for this property. Mayor Grant discussed the stormwater management system being used at Cub Foods. He requested the Planning Commission be clear about their concerns regarding the monument sign due to the fact this was a PUD. Commissioner Bartel recommended the City Council evaluate the monument sign location given the fact the City was willing to be lenient on the sign size.