09-06-23-PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 9, 2023 2 Arden Hills’ residential setback requirements. Additionally, city staff was asked to assemble a list of previously identified code amendments to allow for further Council discussion to occur on the prioritization of amendment reviews. City staff brought back the requested information to the City Council at their April 17th meeting. Staff provide a list of ordinance amendments that were previously tasked to proceed directly to the Planning Commission for the first review once a Senior Planner was onboard and as staff time allowed. While others would need to be brought back to the City Council for further discussion and direction at a future work session. Staff reviewed the proposed list of ordinance amendments that were part of the City Council work session discussion. Senior Planner Fransen explained the City Council consensus was to proceed with the proposed amendments as outlined. Staff was directed to bring forward the fence ordinance amendments to the Planning Commission for the first review and to hold a public hearing. Following the public hearing, the draft ordinance language with recommendation of the Planning Commission would be brought to the City Council for subsequent discussion and adoption. Senior Planner Fransen reviewed the Overview of Ordinance Amendments and provided the Findings of Fact for review: 1. The City of Arden Hills is proposing to amend ordinance language to create design and materials standards for fences in residential zoning districts. 2. The proposed ordinance would create language for evaluating a temporary fence in all zoning districts. 3. The proposed ordinance will add a maximum height design standard for fences in the business and industrial zoning districts. 4. The proposed ordinance will include amendments to the language of the City Code to Chapter 13 – Zoning Code within Section 1325.05, Subd. 4 for Fences. 5. Amendments to the Zoning Code regulations require a public hearing prior to action by the City Council. Senior Planner Fransen reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission for Planning Case 23-013 for Zoning Code Amendments to Chapter 13 Section 1325.05 – Subd. 4D of the Arden Hills City Code for Fences: 1. Recommend Approval 2. Recommend Approval with Amendments 3. Recommend Denial 4. Table Chair Vijums opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Bjorklund commented on the language regarding allowed building materials and asked why shrubbery, concrete, brick, stucco or masonry fencing was not allowed. Community Development Director Jagoe explained staff did look at adjacent communities ordinances to see what community standards they had in place for fences. She explained she did not exclude any building materials, but rather those were less commonly seen fencing options and could be reviewed by staff on a case by case basis. She noted if there were fencing options