05-07-25 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 9, 2025 6 Commissioner Jacobson moved and Commissioner Erler seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 25-001 for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Class II Accessory Home Occupation at 1126 Benton Way based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the conditions in the April 9, 2025, report to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Bjorklund explained the homeowner can put up a sign that has his name on it. Commissioner Birken commented the staff report states very clearly, no exterior evidence of the home occupation shall be permitted, which means this type of signage was not allowed. Commissioner Bjorklund did not support denying Dr. Low the right to put his name on his house. Commissioner Birken stated Condition 2 could be changed to read: No exterior signage shall be permitted as evidence of the home occupation. Commissioner Bjorklund supported this language amendment. Chair Collins commented the language within the general summary ensures the neighborhood does not turn into a commercial district. He explained the language in Condition 2 would speak to allowing a name sign in a residential neighborhood. Commissioner Bjorklund indicated he did not support signage for the piano business, but noted he could support the Low family having a name sign on their house. Chair Collins suggested Condition 2 be modified to ensure the signage on this property was not commercial in nature. He asked if the maker of the motion and seconder, would accept this friendly amendment. Commissioner Jacobson and Commissioner Erler accepted the friendly amendment with the new language for Condition 2. The motion carried unanimously 6-0-1 (Commissioner Burlingame abstained). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update Discussion - HKGi Jason Zimmerman, HKGi, stated the current zoning and subdivision ordinances were adopted in 1993 but have been amended several times since – occasionally resulting in inconsistencies and poor formatting. In addition, procedures and some content need to be updated to reflect modern administration and new tools and technologies. HKGi has conducted a full evaluation of the current code and will be working throughout 2025 to meet with the Planning Commission and City Council in order to revise the organization and contents of the zoning and subdivision chapters. He discussed how the project had been broken down into four phases which were the project kick off, diagnosis, drafting of the new code and adoption of the code. Mr. Zimmerman provided a recap of the first Planning Commission work session meeting. He explained each work session with the Planning Commission will be focused on a handful of topics. The City Council will be briefed after each meeting on the discussion and recommendations of the