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Page 1 of 3 <br /> <br /> PC Agenda Item - 3C <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />DATE: October 6, 2021 <br /> <br />TO: Planning Commission Chair and Commissioners <br /> <br />FROM: Jessica Jagoe, Senior Planner <br /> <br />SUBJECT: Planning Case #21-024 – Public Hearing Required <br /> Applicant: City of Arden Hills <br />Request: Zoning Code Amendment – Chapter 13 – Sections 1320.06 and 1325.05 <br /> <br />Requested Action <br /> <br />The City of Arden Hills is proposing an ordinance amendment in the Zoning Ordinance that will <br />amend and strike language in the B-2, General Business District and B-3, Service Business <br />District regarding design standards for building façade and setback requirements relative to front <br />yard and parking areas. <br /> <br />Background <br /> <br />Starting in 2018, the City Council began discussions on possible amendments with regards to the <br />design standards and placement of buildings for the B-2 Zoning District. The B-2 District <br />generally includes the properties along the County Road E corridor between Highway 51 and <br />Lexington Avenue North. The district is a mix of new and older buildings and primarily retail, <br />service, and office uses. For new development in this district, the Zoning Code identifies design <br />standards that regulate placement of the building and parking areas. The City Council’s initial <br />review involved discussions on the front yard setback in business districts and consideration for <br />amending the language from 20 feet to 50 feet to be consistent with the B-3 District . In addition, <br />the Council reviewed removal of two parking setback requirements that would allow a <br />Developer more flexibility in the placement of buildings and parking areas in the B-2 District. <br /> <br />From this initial work session, the City Council also identified additional concerns with building <br />façade requirements. In 2019 and 2020, the City Council held two more work sessions whereby <br />providing feedback and direction to staff on revisions for consideration in the B-2 District . The <br />Council requested staff review the transparency requirements for commercial developments as <br />well as the use of other types of coating on glass as a means of complying with ordinance <br />requirements. <br /> <br />At the work session meeting on December 21, 2020, the City Council discussed the Staff <br />suggested amendments regarding front yard setback and removal of design standard language in <br />order to allow more flexibility in placement of the buildings in B-2 District. The consensus was