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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – February 5, 2020 8 Chair Gehrig thanked staff for outlining the Commission’s purview for this request. He commented on the practical difficulties for this request. He suggested the fact that the home was built 52 feet from the high water mark was a difficulty given the fact it left no room for a deck. He stated these things happen and noted how City Code has changed over the years. He believed an eight foot deck was simply a balcony space and a 13’ 5” deck would be more useable. In addition, he did not believe the proposed deck would alter the character of the neighborhood. He stated he supported the variance as requested. Commissioner Vijums agreed stating this property was legally non-conforming. He supported the applicant being able to have a useful deck versus simply a walking space. Commissioner Vijums moved and Commissioner Lambeth seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 19-020 for a Variance at 3159 Shoreline Lane based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the two (2) conditions in the February 5, 2020, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Planning Case 19-021; Brausen Family Automotive PUD Amendment – No Public Hearing Required Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated Brausen Automotive Repair (“The Applicant”) has submitted an application for a Planned Unit Development Amendment. The Applicant is requesting flexibility in the color scheme and materials proposed for the renovation and remodel of the existing automotive repair garage, service station and car wash. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained at its June 5, 2019 meeting, the Planning Commission reviewed and approved a Land Use Application for a Final Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Site Plan Review at Brausen Automotive Repair. At that time, the Applicant proposed to demolish the exiting service station and carwash. The structures would be replaced with a new 7,978 square foot convenience store and a 1,600 square foot carwash. In addition, the Applicant proposed a 4,505 square feet garage and repair bay addition. During the PUD process the Applicant received approval for the general site design, building architecture and materials, parking, carwash access, stormwater ponding, landscaping and lighting. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported since receiving their approvals, the Applicant is requesting to modify the approved building architecture and materials. The intent of the modifications are to improve the aesthetics of the proposed buildings to better complement the existing repair garage. In order to incorporate the existing repair garage into the design the Applicant is requesting flexibility to utilize pre-cast panels on the proposed carwash and repair garage addition. Pre-cast concrete panels are a construction material produced by casting concrete in a mold and then is cured. After the product is cured, it is transported to the construction site and lifted/tilted into place (Figure 1). The Applicant is requesting to utilize pre- cast panels because the product can be formed to match the existing structure design. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated however, the City Code section below depicts pre-cast panels as an undesirable material.