11-08-23 PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – October 4, 2023 3 Commissioner Bjorklund asked what type of signage would be allowed in a residential zoning district for a home occupation. Community Development Director Jagoe discussed the language included within the sign ordinance that addresses residential properties and home occupations. She recalled that there was to be no exterior evidence of the home occupation and this includes signage. Commissioner Wicklund asked if parking was allowed on the east side of Hamline Avenue. Community Development Director Jagoe stated she did not believe this was allowed. She explained that city codes states that on street parking shall not be used to satisfy the home occupation needs. Chair Vijums opened the public hearing at 6:46 p.m. Chair Vijums invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Brian Densmore, 4504 Hamline Avenue, explained he was not worried about any business signage. He reported he has no intention of parking on Hamline Avenue, noting his driveway was long enough to handle parking. Commissioner Blilie asked how many visitors he would have each week during the tax season. Mr. Densmore commented this number would vary from week to week noting he had many clients that visit with him virtually and some visit with him in person. There being no additional comment Chair Vijums closed the public hearing at 6:48 p.m. Commissioner Wicklund moved and Commissioner Weber seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 23-017 for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Class II Accessory Home Occupation at 4504 Hamline Avenue North based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the five conditions in the October 4, 2023, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). B. Planning Case 23-018; Zoning Code Amendment to Chapter 13 to Allow Solar Energy Systems in Residential Districts – Public Hearing Senior Planner Fransen stated Donald Wahlberg, “Applicant,” is proposing an amendment to the language of Chapter 13 – Zoning Code of the Arden Hills City Code to allow for the accessory use of ground-mounted solar energy systems within the R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential districts in City Code Sections 1320.05 – Land Use Chart and 1325.02 – Accessory Uses. Senior Planner Fransen reported in February 2023, Alatus LLC proposed an amendment to allow for the conditional use of solar energy systems within the Conservation District. Alatus’s proposal established a definition for Solar Energy Systems and added Solar Energy Systems as a Land Use Category in the Land Use Chart for the Conservation District as well as outlined special provisions for Solar Energy Systems in the Conservation District. The request from Alatus was to establish a pathway for solar energy systems to be allowed as a principal use through the Conditional Use Permit Process. The Zoning Code Amendment was reviewed by the Planning Commission on