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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 9, 2017 3 <br /> <br />proposed schedule to approve the amendments to the Zoning Code. The universities raised <br />concerns regarding the Higher Education, Classroom/Office definition and conditional use permit <br />conditions to allow for labs and the 25% limitation. Staff explained that the intention is to allow <br />for labs that are like a medical clinic lab that does not require any special HVAC equipment or <br />generate any hazardous wastes, but that hard science labs that would have vent hoods, waste <br />chemicals, and/or outdoor storage tanks would be prohibited. Staff also explained that the City <br />Council had directed a limitation on how much higher education uses could occupy the B-2 <br />zoning district, but that it was staff that proposed the 25% limitation. <br /> <br />Mr. Zweber stated the universities were asked to provide any written comments that they may <br />have by Wednesday, August 16 so that those comments can be provided to City Council at their <br />August 21 Work Session and the Planning Commission before the September 6 Public Hearing. <br />Staff requested the Planning Commission provides guidance and recommendations regarding any <br />amendments to the City’s regulation of higher education uses. In addition, that the Planning <br />Commission provides any direction or guidance regarding which economic development issues <br />to include within the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update. <br /> <br />Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman asked if the proposed B-2 zoning requirements would be followed <br />within Rice Creek Commons. <br /> <br />Mr. Zweber stated currently this was not the plan, noting the Council was not proposing to <br />expand college uses into TCAAP. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler explained the TCAAP Redevelopment Code does not allow for higher <br />education uses within Rice Creek Commons, but noted an elementary, middle or high school <br />would be allowed in certain districts. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman was pleased the City was being proactive in planning for Rice <br />Creek Commons. <br /> <br />Chair Thompson inquired if the Council had discussed the office/classroom concept. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes stated the Council had not addressed this topic. <br /> <br />Commissioner Lambeth believed the City should try to accommodate the growth plans for each <br />university in order to allow them to meet their office and classroom space needs within Arden <br />Hills. He commented on the economic benefits of allowing the colleges to grow within the <br />community. He suggested the scope of certain zoning districts be modified in order to address <br />this need. <br /> <br />Further discussion ensued regarding other communities and their zoning requirements with <br />respect to higher education along with the tax implications for non-profits. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes recommended the term “or similar uses” be further clarified. <br /> <br />Commissioner Lambeth requested further information on the 25% requirement.