01-03-24 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – January 3, 2024 9 Commissioner Bjorklund stated he considered the lighting to be signage which would increase the total wall signage requested by the Applicant. He expressed concern with how a precedent could be set if the City allowed this type of lighting for a new business. Commissioner Blilie offered that she would be ok with two car washes back to back and that she would grant the flexibility as the overall look was pleasing and aligned with the brand. Chair Vijums summarized the comments from the Commission stating it appears the Commission could support the lighting, possibly reduced, noting the yellow lighting was for branding purposes and should be allowed. Commissioner Collins asked staff to confirm what flexibility was being requested on the building transparency. Senior Planner Fransen reported the Applicant was proposing the use of vision and spandrel glass, with spandrel glass requiring flexibility to be considered as part of the total transparency. She indicated that the Applicant included additional vision glass on the other elevations as well. Commissioner Collins asked about the flexibility for exterior building materials. Senior Planner Fransen stated City required 75% of a building’s exterior to be constructed with preferred materials. She indicated the building was proposed to be a brick and stone veneer which was not listed as a preferred material. Commissioner Collins questioned what the problem was with the proposed fence based on the Code evaluation. Senior Planner Fransen stated the proposed building material for the fence did not fall within the City’s list of recommended materials which include finished and treated wood, brick, stone and wrought iron. She reported the applicant was proposing to use a composite material for the fence. Commissioner Collins discussed how vehicles would enter and exit this site when Arby’s was operational and noted he supported the entrance/exit remaining the same for the proposed car wash. Chair Vijums indicated he supported the location of the building as proposed. He explained he drove through the site today and it had a deep lot. He commented further on how traffic would flow in and through the site. He stated the Commission approved the use of a veneer façade for the Crew Car Wash. He commented on how building materials were evolving and noted the City Council may have to update its zoning code to allow for additional building and screening materials. He supported this item moving forward as is and noted the Council would have the final say when it came to the signs/tube lighting. He commended the applicant for bringing forward a strong proposal noting they had made good use of this site.