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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 11 Chair Gehrig opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Jefferys stated this was a complex and detailed proposal. She requested staff provide the Commission with a brief history on this property. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented he was unaware of the history this property due to his short time with the City. He understood an office building was previously approved for this site in 2006 when the lot was subdivided into two lots. Commissioner Jones questioned if the size of Lot 2 was going to be a concern. He stated he was surprised the site did not have two driveways to assist with maneuvering semi-trucks through the property. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported the applicant had looked at a number of lot designs for Lot 2. He commented under the current standards the parcel could be developed and meet current requirements. He stated some flexibility may be needed for use. He provided further comment on how access was needed to the adjacent property. Ben Johnson, Kimley Horn, discussed the proposed access to the site. He noted two access points were not proposed due to the elevation and grade changes on the property. Dan Salzer explained the site would have a one-way loop through the property. He stated he had investigated two access points, but given the challenging grades, this was not possible. He believed the proposed access was a creative way to address the sites needs. Commissioner Subramanian asked if the size of the building would impact the wetland area. Mr. Johnson discussed the buildable area on the site and noted the building would be 250,000 square feet. Mr. Salzer reported the building would cover 26% of the lot area and the impervious area would an additional percentage of the lot. Mr. Johnson commented further on how he would be addressing the stormwater management for the site. He noted the existing pond would be expanded to hold the site’s water runoff per the Rice Creek Watersheds calculations. Commissioner Vijums questioned why the City was allowing for 10% more warehousing. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla deferred this question to the applicant. Mr. Johnson explained the zoning requires 25% to 50% office, which was more office driven than in other communities. He reported he was asking for 85% warehousing and 15% other uses, which could include office space, lab space or manufacturing.