05-07-25 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 9, 2025 9 City Administrator Jagoe reported staff would be working to meld feedback from the Economic Development Commission into the code amendments. Commissioner Birken recommended dynamic display signs have proper standards in place when it comes to size and brightness. Commissioner Burlingame explained he generally supported the proposed changes within the sign code portion of City Code. Commissioner Lindau wanted to see the integrity of the City maintained while allowing for some level of flexibility for business owners when it comes to dynamic display signs. Commissioner Bjorklund was of the opinion the current sign code was working, even if it was burdensome. He recommended the new sign code language have the new zoning districts added. Commissioner Jacobson supported streamlining the sign code for ease of use purposes, noting this would be a good step forward for the City. Chair Collins indicated he was uncertain if the current sign code works, given the number of variance requests that were being brought forward. He supported the sign code portion of code being updated. He recommended certain colors of accent LED lighting be addressed within the code as well. He suggested more thought be given to outdoor lighting as well. Commissioner Bjorklund reported Arden Hills was named after the Arden in Europe which was a sparsely, hilly, forested area in Europe. Knowing this history, he believed it was important for Arden Hills to have a strong tree replacement standard in place. Commissioner Birken suggested this portion of code reference the DNR’s recommended trees for reforestation in order to assist with improving the City’s canopy. Ms. Ellner explained the proposed language was intended to address not overcrowding a property with landscaping, noting if trees do not have enough space they cannot grow to maturity. She commented further on the landscaping and tree preservation requirements for new developments. Commissioner Jacobsen stated having sites overcrowded can hurt trees. She recommended the tree requirements remain in place with the understanding that if a site cannot manage the recommended number of trees, they could be placed elsewhere in the community. Commissioner Burlingame suggested the City putting in language that encourages businesses to install dark sky lighting. Commissioner Birken supported this recommendation. Ms. Ellner indicated she could look into dark sky standards and try to apply them to Arden Hills. In addition, she could explore lighting requirements for commercial properties. She then commented on the next steps for the zoning code rewrite, noting HKGi would be providing the City Council with a project update and the feedback that was received from the Planning Commission.