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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — MAY 27, 2025 6 findings, explaining that retail sales and service and thrift store uses are defined separately in the Zoning Code. Retail sales and services and thrift store uses are also zoned separately. Senior Planner Fransen explained a Retail Sales and Service use would be allowed in all of the commercial zoning districts whether it be by permitted, conditional, or accessory use. A Thrift Store use would require a conditional use permit to operate in the B-4 — Retail Center District and I -FLEX zoning districts. A Thrift Store use would not be allowed in the other zoning districts. Councilmembers discussed the provided information and the current zoning language for thrift store use. Comments included suggestions to address types of thrift store operations that would be conducted in the business location, to allow for a thrift store use in the B-2 and B-3 Zoning Districts, and to distinguish between different intensities of thrift store operations. Direction was given to staff to draft ordinance language to modify how a thrift store use is regulated in the Zoning Code and to bring the drafted amendments to the Planning Commission for review before coming before the City Council. Senior Planner Fransen provided an overview of the ordinance amendments and reported that the Planning Commission reviewed this application at the May 7, 2025 meeting. The Commission discussed how the language would allow for thrift store uses in more zoning districts with clear parameters for the business operations associated with thrift stores of various intensities. The Planning Commission recommended several amendments to the drafted language to increase clarity and address how merchandise receiving and transfer could be managed for a Class I thrift store use. An ordinance amendment to the Zoning Code does require a public hearing before the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission held the required public hearing on May 7, 2025. One comment was provided in favor of the application. Staff provided an overview of the ordinance amendments and reported the Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval, with three recommended amendments, of Planning Case 25-003. Councilmember Holden asked how the 7,000 square feet was defined. Senior Planner Fransen explained as currently drafted, the intent was to refer to the building square footage and not the retail space. Councilmember Holden inquired if the City has received any applications for thrift stores. Senior Planner Fransen commented the City has not received any applications. Councilmember Holden questioned if the current thrift store in Arden Hills was operating under a PUD. Senior Planner Fransen stated this was the case. Councilmember Holden asked how the proposed ordinance would impact that organization. Senior Planner Fransen indicated the ordinance would update the zoning code to allow for a thrift store use and would not impact any PUD agreements or establishments of those uses. Mayor Grant reported that Goodwill has a semitrailer that they park and use onsite. He asked if this semitrailer would be grandfathered in.