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<br />Page 4 of 9 <br /> <br />currently a paved portion of the parking lot. The permeable surface area added as a result of the <br />proposed project is 1,357 square feet. Therefore, the impervious surface coverage that exists <br />today remains the same. <br /> <br />C. Design Standards for Existing Sites B2 District – Meets Requirements <br />In March 2008, the City completed a visioning and planning process for the B-2 District, which <br />generally includes the properties near County Road E between Lexington Avenue and Hamline <br />Avenue/Highway 51. The “Guiding Plan for the B-2 District” includes a long-term vision for the <br />future redevelopment of this corridor and addresses transportation issues, land uses, infrastructure <br />improvements, landscaping, pedestrian facilities, building design, and site layout among other <br />issues. To implement these goals, the City adopted Section 1325.05, Subd. 8 which applies to <br />New Development, Redevelopment, and Modifications in the B2 and B3 Districts for review of <br />architecture, landscaping, and site design. In this application, the Applicant is not proposing any <br />changes to the existing building. The Site Plan Review pertains to the site design elements of the <br />outdoor patio and commercial recreation area. <br /> <br />1. Fences - In the B2 District, fences shall blend into the landscape using finished materials <br />of either wood, brick, stone or wrought iron. <br />a. The Applicant is proposing the perimeter of these outdoor areas would be <br />combination of a three (3) foot-tall aluminum decorative fence with gates and a 34” <br />tall block retaining wall. <br /> <br />2. Site furnishings and seating areas – These features are encouraged and may include tables, <br />chairs, benches, plantings, and other outdoor amenities such as a plaza. These areas shall <br />be maintained for year-round use. Creativity is highly encouraged. These spaces shall be <br />connected to the sidewalk system. Benches and decorative plantings shall be provided near <br />the primary entrance of all buildings on a site. <br />a. The Applicant is proposing to expand the outdoor patio with the addition of four <br />(4) to six (6) tables. The patio area will have an outdoor lounge area with a <br />fireplace. Three (3) pergolas are shown in the design with one space featuring a <br />waterfall feature. Greenery will be added such as vines coming down the walls, <br />planters in front of the fencing, hanging ferns, and other potted plants hanging from <br />the arbors. A paver walkway will be added, connecting the patio area to the existing <br />sidewalk along County Road E. Lastly, there will be bike racks added adjacent to <br />this walkway. <br /> <br />3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation – Site designs in the B2 District shall facilitate <br />pedestrian connections and mobility within and between buildings, sites, and uses by <br />providing clear visual indicators through door placement, signage, striping, raised <br />pathways, and integrating landscaping components. An internal sidewalk system shall link <br />the primary entrance of each building on site with the public sidewalk or trail network. <br />a. The Applicant is proposing to add a walkway to the existing sidewalk along County <br />Road E. The Public Works Director/City Engineer commented that the sidewalk <br />connection is approved as long as Ramsey County has no issues. Planning staff did <br />forward the application to Ramsey County for review and they had no additional <br />comments or concerns. It was noted that if there is a need in the future for the City