07-28-25-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 28, 2025 6 i due to the current permitted use in the Planned Unit Development Agreement is limited to retail sales and services. Senior Planner Fransen reported the City approved a Master PUD for the Arden Plaza retail center in 2009 (Planning Case 09-011). This site is situated at the southwest corner of the County Road E and Lexington Avenue intersection and is approximately 11 acres in size. The approved plans included the demolition of an existing office complex and the phased redevelopment of the site to be completed in three stages. A total of 97,035 square feet of retail and commercial building space was approved under the original PUD. The total square footage included the existing 35,647 square foot Building #5, where the Subject Property is located, and the original PUD established the building's use as retail. Senior Planner Fransen explained the proposed use, Odds & Ends Again, a thrift store associated with the company Senior Life Management. Odds & Ends Again is a thrift store where items received through the moving and packing services component of Senior Life Management may be consigned for profit. Items at Odds & Ends Again are primarily sourced from clients of the moving and packing services. The operations of Odds & Ends Again fall under the City's definition of Thrift Store. By definition in the Zoning Code, a thrift store use is defined separately from a retail sales and services use. Senior Planner Fransen reported that the Arden Plaza PUD establishes retail sales as the permitted use for Building #5. Due to this language in the PUD Development Agreement, a PUD Development Agreement Amendment is required to allow for other uses at the Subject Property. The Applicant is proposing an amendment to the PUD Development Agreement to allow for a Class I thrift store use within Building#5 of the PUD. Senior Planner Fransen provided an overview of the request, reviewed the Plan Evaluation, and asked that the City Council hold a Public Hearing. Councilmember Holden asked if this business currently had a business license in Arden Hills. Senior Planner Fransen reported this business does not have a business license at this time. She indicated this would be a next step following approval of the PUD amendment. Councilmember Holden questioned how a business would lose a business license. Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson commented for general business licensing, versus statutorily required licensing like liquor, tobacco and massage, there wasn't language in place but the City could pursue an administrative fine for a violation. City Attorney Bjerkness commented after reviewing City Code, Section 300.13 addresses the suspension and revocation of licenses. Councilmember Holden stated this business must meet the original signage and lighting requirements. Senior Planner Fransen reported this was the case.