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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 28, 2024 7 <br /> Councilmember Rousseau would be interested in the City Attorney opinion on if it's something <br /> we should stay out of completely or if it's something to learn a little more about it. <br /> Councilmember Monson said she agrees with HKGi's diagnosis. She supports the suggestions to <br /> simplify the code and reduce the districts and reducing CUPs. She asked how you change the <br /> zoning that was maybe used in the 1950s. What are you looking for? <br /> Jason Zimmerman said the B-2 district is a good example. It has evolved. It started out being a <br /> business district and the last comp plan has is more like a mixed-use district. He thinks changing <br /> that to a mixed-use district would allow residential and commercial. It gives flexibility. <br /> Rita Trapp said traditional uses had a structure that outlined the district, the intent and all the <br /> uses that were allowed. Cities are moving towards less focus on the actual district and using use- <br /> specific standards. Increasing the number of uses allowed in a district is one way other <br /> communities have been modernizing their districts. It is unique to each community. <br /> Councilmember Monson is looking forward to the conversation. She understands the use <br /> doesn't' always match the zoning. She has questions about standards on home improvements.Not <br /> just variances, but she wonders why certain improvements require a licensed electrician. She <br /> wondered if they will be looking at that. <br /> Jason Zimmerman thinks that is building code. He said they are going to be looking at things to <br /> ask if they make sense. It's rare to have fewer regulations. So taking a pause and asking if there is <br /> a reason for the items that are in there. And if not, asking how to scale back to make it easier. <br /> Rita Trapp said some of the things they are looking at are asking if the building code addresses <br /> something. If it does, does it really need to be addressed in the zoning? They are learning where <br /> the standards exist and asking if it still makes sense. <br /> Commissioner Bjorklund asked about a slide that showed additional housing options. He asked <br /> what the word"typology"means. <br /> Kendra Ellner said the word means "options" or the "types" of housing. <br /> Commissioner Bjorklund thinks more things should be literally spelled out, instead of using <br /> abbreviations. He thinks members of the public won't understand. <br /> Councilmember Holden said a lot of work went into the TCAAP zoning to avoid issues. She <br /> wonders how neighborhoods will be maintained. She wants to make sure the standards used for <br /> that review are met with this review. She wants people to be looking forward to see their <br /> neighbors. <br /> Jason Zimmerman said that's a good point. If the City knows that is the goal, then it makes <br /> sense to structure the code as such. The code can be written so that it is clear what the standards <br /> are. <br /> Councilmember Fabel is curious how the Arden Hills code can be modified to address the <br /> missing middle housing. <br />