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City Council Summary Memo – Work Session #2 – Zoning Ordinance Update– May 6, 2025 4 Signage Staff and the Planning Commission shared that their perception was that a better approach to maximum sign area was needed, perhaps based on a percentage of the building façade. HKGi discussed moving away from the use of Sign Districts, what do not have clear boundaries to show which parcels are included, and instead moving to aligning sign standards with zoning districts, as is done in most communities. Accommodations would be made to ensure businesses that front on major roadways have additional sign area allowances. Dynamic displays were discussed and Commissioners were open to expanding their use beyond menu signs to other uses, but did want to have tight controls on potential impacts such as movement, flashing, brightness, etc. It was also requested that the use of lights as a form of “signage” or advertising be addressed. Landscaping HKGi noted that Arden Hills requires tree planting based on a formula tied to the gross square footage of the structure. In other communities that have recently updated their zoning codes, this approach has occasionally resulted in too many trees being required on-site, with a result that some may be crowded and not grow in a healthy manner and potentially need to be removed at a later date. These cities have taken a new approach which determines the number of trees required based on the amount of pervious or landscaped area on the site, in additional to any street or parking lot tree requirements. Commissioners were wary of reducing the number of trees that a developer might need to plant, but acknowledged that overplanting was also not a good outcome. HKGi will analyze recent developments in Arden Hills and compare the two approaches to tree requirements in order to understand how they might differ. Exterior Storage (Commercial) HKGi covered a handful of recommended code adjustments to help address the outdoor storage of commercial vehicles and equipment. Commissioners were supportive of the approach suggested. Outdoor Lighting Discussion of outdoor lighting centered on the need to control excessive lighting that might be a nuisance to adjacent residential properties. Commissioners suggested looking at Dark Sky lighting standards and incorporating them into the zoning code. OTHER UPDATES Commissioners asked about the likelihood that property rezonings will be needed. HKGi confirmed that this question will be addressed towards the end of the project. Staff has already identified a handful of properties that should be rezoned in order to come into alignment with the City’s Future Land Use Map in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Following changes to zoning standards being considered as part of the update, it may be that some lots fit better in another district. If so, these additional lots would be identified for potential rezoning actions.