07-10-24 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 13 of 24 Rendering of South and North Elevations – Event Center Section 1325.05, Subd. 8, F. states that fifty percent (50%) of all first level building façades that front a public street shall be comprised of transparent windows or doors in order to allow views of interior uses and activities. If the building is a one story design and the first floor elevation exceeds 12 feet, then only the first 12 feet shall be included in calculating the façade area. The south and east elevations of the existing building have some frontage on Connelly Avenue. The Applicant is seeking flexibility from the transparency standard due to the construction of the existing building and the nature of the proposed use. The east elevation of the building is constructed of concrete block with existing covered openings near the roofline. It would be difficult to add a significant number of windows into the existing concrete block walls to meet the 50% requirement. The Applicant also states that the function of an event space requires a certain level of privacy and that windows viewing the activity inside the space would not be conducive to the activity. The Applicant offers that the existing main entrance at the southeast corner of the building consists of glass windows and glass entry doors with additional windows on the south wall. The proposal includes plans to maintain the main entry to allow views of the activities in the restaurant and bar areas of the building. The proposal would still enhance the existing building’s appearance while serving the functions inside. B. Building Positioning – Nonconforming Section 1325.05 Subd. 8, E of the Arden Hills City Code states “at least fifty percent (50%) of the largest building on each site shall be constructed at the front setback line.” The minimum front yard setback for the B-2 District is 50 feet and the existing front setback line is at 48.8 feet, which encroaches into the minimum setback. The Applicant is not proposing changes to the existing setback and would maintain the existing setback with the proposed development. C. Lighting – Flexibility Requested The Zoning Code requires exterior lighting to be consistent in type, design, scale, and color to create unity in the Districts. Exterior lighting for parking lots and buildings shall not be excessive and shall be directed at their intended purposes. Any light or combination of lights shall not cast light that exceeds a meter reading of one foot candle on the travel lanes of adjoining public streets or 0.4 foot candles on adjoining residential property.