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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 9, 2025 8 communities in the metro area and he has done simplifications to code. He reported he has been working to weave this into the City’s code rewrite when pertinent. Commissioner Birken explained she was interested in seeing more information and options regarding setbacks and building heights. Chair Collins recommended the Commission review the new draft principle use table and provide staff with redlined feedback. Commissioner Bjorklund questioned when the next work session meeting would be held. Mr. Zimmerman stated the next work session meeting would be held in June, but noted the Planning Commission could meet again in May to discuss the zoning code update. City Administrator Jagoe reported she could look at the Planning Commission’s schedule for May to see if there were items that could be discussed. Commissioner Bjorklund asked if staff only completed updated definitions for the residential uses. He recommended ADUs and boarding houses have definitions. He believed it was time for the City to starting moving forward and begin addressing ADUs. Mr. Zimmerman reported the definitions would be expanded and updates as the City builds on the changes from workshop to workshop. He explained it was his understanding the City Council would be working through how to address ADUs once a new Community Development Director was brought on staff. Commissioner Bjorklund stated he supported the City shrinking lot sizes in order to pursue more affordable housing for the community. Commissioner Erler supported the new code having a larger definitions section. Kendra Ellner, HKGi, commented on the City’s development standards and described how they will help shape the community. She reviewed the main topics within City Code which addressed off-street parking, EV standards, signage, landscaping, exterior storage and outdoor lighting. Further discussion ensued regarding parking standards and the potential of splitting parking between big and small retail shops. Commissioner Bjorklund recommended the 30 day removal language for EV charging stations be amended to read the circuits have to be shut off. Chair Collins suggested the code language for EV charging stations not be too prescriptive given how quickly this technology was changing and evolving. Commissioner Birken asked if the current sign standards were working for the City. Senior Planner Fransen explained some sign standard adjustment requests have come forward to the City.