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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 7, 2025 8 Commissioner Bjorklund recommended the reference on Page 2 to 5,000 square feet be changed to 7,000 square feet. Senior Planner Fransen indicated this language has been amended and no longer includes a reference to 5,000 square feet. Commissioner Bjorklund commented on the thrift shops that were located in surrounding communities and he appreciated how staff had created Class I and Class II requirements. He believed staff had proposed great requirements for thrift uses in the community. Commissioner Jacobson stated she supported the thrift use being allowed in the B-2 and B-3 zoning districts. She indicated she appreciated the research staff had done with respect to the Class I and Class II sizing. She indicated she did not see the receiving language as being burdensome for this use. Chair Collins indicated in 2015 and 2016 the retail language was split to address thrift uses and ten years later the City was taking another pass at it. He questioned how common it was to have separate retail sales and thrift store uses. Senior Planner Fransen explained in preparation for the April 14, 2025 City Council Work Session, staff conducted a survey from neighboring communities and staff learned that six of eleven neighboring communities had language in place for resale businesses through their zoning code. Chair Collins discussed the differences between a Class I and Class II thrift use. He indicated he was confused by the language and asked if a Class II thrift shop had to have a drive-thru or could items be dropped off in some other way. Senior Planner Fransen reviewed the conditions stipulated for all thrift stores and described when a drive-thru would be needed. City Administrator Jagoe stated the language could be amended to remove the first part of the language, noting Class II was required to have at least one drive-thru provided. She indicated the receiving and transfer of goods for Class I thrift stores may receive donations from people that are carried into the store, while Class II shops will have an enclosed structure for the transfer and receipt of goods. She commented further on staff’s thought process and noted this language could be amended to allow for further clarity. Chair Collins questioned why the language in bullet point 3, “Receipt of used items directly from the public at the business location,” was removed. Senior Planner Fransen explained this language was struck out by the City Attorney in order to improve clarity. Further discussion ensued regarding the differences between the Class I and Class II thrift use. Chair Collins asked if a Class I store could sell furniture.