05-07-25 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 9, 2025 7 Planning Commission. It was noted a web page is being developed and targeted stakeholder groups will be involved throughout the year as needed to provide input on various topics. Consideration and adoption of the new code is anticipated for late fall of 2025. At the first work session, the Planning Commission provided feedback on the City’s zoning districts, district purpose statements, housing types, and lot and site standards for residential uses. He further reviewed the project goals for the zoning code rewrite. He commented on the draft zoning text for the nonresidential and mixed use districts, and reviewed the recommended updates to the text. He explained he was working to simplify and make the code language easier to read. Chair Collins opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Chair Collins asked what the rationale was for these single and multiple occupancy and the former large acreages. Mr. Zimmerman commented he was uncertain and after speaking with staff they were uncertain as well. He reported staff did not believe there was any reason to keep these standards in place. He indicated these standards would be revised to meet what makes sense for today. Further discussion ensued regarding height restrictions in the City’s commercial districts. Commissioner Jacobson explained the buildings for the two colleges exceed the City’s height restrictions. She stated if the building heights were increased for Institutional, this would have an impact on the adjacent neighborhoods. Chair Collins asked how the City was defining desired community character. Mr. Zimmerman stated this would be up to the City to determine and could vary from zoning district to zoning district. Commissioner Bjorklund commented he appreciated the changes that were being proposed for setbacks. He stated he thinks the corner setbacks were still too high. Mr. Zimmerman explained he could make adjustments depending on the feedback received from the Planning Commission. Commissioner Bjorklund requested Mr. Zimmerman provide a colored map or a visual for the current and proposed zoning districts. Commissioner Burlingame questioned if the City was locked into a fixed proposal or was there room to bring up new ideas. Mr. Zimmerman reported there was still room for new ideas. Commissioner Burlingame inquired if City staff spoke with other communities regarding their zoning code and simplifications that should be considered. He recommended a decision tree or flow chart be created to help applicants understand what applies to their property. Mr. Zimmerman stated he has had conversations with staff and noted they are aware of changes that could be made to the code that make sense. He commented he works with a number of other