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