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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 12 <br /> <br />Commissioner Vijums stated this seemed reasonable and perhaps City Code needed to be <br />amended to reflect how business was being done today. He then asked why the applicant was <br />requesting an additional five feet of building height. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson commented historically buildings of this nature were built to an 18 or 24 foot clear <br />height but over time this clear height has morphed into an increased height. He stated he was <br />trying to plan for the long-term future of this building which led him to request a 40 foot building <br />height. He indicated this building height would allow him greater flexibility to meet the needs of <br />his future tenants. <br /> <br />Commissioner Vijums thanked the applicant for answering his questions. He stated he could <br />support the increased building height. <br /> <br />Chair Gehrig requested comment from staff or the applicant regarding the building materials <br />selection. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson reported he worked closely with staff on the building exterior. He then described <br />the building materials that were being proposed for the development. <br /> <br />Commissioner Vijums commented it appears the applicant is looking for flexibility on building <br />height and percentage of warehousing space. He suggested the City look at changing the overall <br />code versus granting variances/flexibilities for similar requests in the future. <br /> <br />Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated this was a great point. He <br />commented on the recently approved Comprehensive Plan and noted staff could address these <br />concerns as part of the updates being made to the Gateway Business District. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jefferys supported Commissioner Vijums recommendation that City Code be <br />addressed. She asked if the applicant had experience with the proposed natural plantings or seed <br />and how well this has worked. <br /> <br />Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented he has had several <br />projects that has used this seed and so long as invasive weeds are addressed, this seed can work <br />really well once it takes. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson explained the proposed seed would be consistent with the native wetlands. He <br />indicated he has had success with a variety of native plantings/seedings in other projects. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones stated he supported a code change as well. He indicated he supported the <br />placement of this warehouse/distribution development. He encouraged staff to consider how <br />signage would be impacted if the building height was raised to 40 feet. He commented overall he <br />supported this project. <br /> <br />Chair Gehrig opened the public hearing at 8:14 p.m. <br /> <br />Chair Gehrig invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson questioned how quickly the plat had to be filed with the County.