05-03-23-PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 5, 2023 4 Chair Vijums opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Bjorklund stated he had a lot of concerns with the proposal. He questioned if Flaherty’s would be serving alcohol in the outdoor locations. Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Applicant was currently allowed to serve alcohol on the patio and this service would continue in the new expanded patio area. Commissioner Bjorklund indicated he was concerned with noise that would be generated from the expanded patio area. He feared amplified sound would be coming from Flaherty’s which would adversely impact the quiet enjoyment of the surrounding residential neighbors. He suggested the patio area be properly screened. Commissioner Collins requested further information on what was meant by commercial recreation. Community Development Director Jagoe explained this included bowling alleys, indoor archery or health clubs that were in a commercial zoning district. Commissioner Weber stated he supported the request and recommended screening be considered for the patio area. Chair Vijums questioned if the proposed zoning code language would apply to future commercial recreation requests. Community Development Director Jagoe stated this language would apply to businesses that were commercial recreation indoor uses that wished to expand to having commercial recreation outdoor use. Chair Vijums asked how staff came up with the proposed size limitations (1,500 square feet). Community Development Director Jagoe explained this was based on the proposed request and staff attempting to set a standard for the outdoor space so that it might not be expanded into the size of a hockey rink or ballfield size outdoor area. Chair Vijums supported the City having more flexibility with the size of the outdoor recreation space or perhaps having this be a ratio to the building size. Community Development Director Jagoe stated the Planning Commission could modify this language or make the outdoor recreation a conditional use. Commissioner Weber indicated he did not believe it was appropriate to change City Code that only benefits one business in the City. He supported outdoor recreation being more open to other businesses as well. Commissioner Collins commented he supported the Commission discussing the size of the outdoor space further. He explained he did not want the outdoor spaces taken to an extreme, but