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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 7, 2025 10 Commissioner Burlingame commented he had concerns regarding the ambiguity around three different items, noting he had three language amendments. He stated the first amendment would read as follows: Class I thrift stores may accept public donations provided all drop off activities occur within the interior of the building and during posted business hours only. Chair Collins explained he was not convinced the ordinance amendment required this language noting the definition states receipt of goods was to occur through purchase, consignment or donation. Commissioner Birken agreed noting donations were inherently allowed for both Class I and Class II thrift shops. Commissioner Burlingame questioned if the ordinance language should be amended to not require drive-thrus for Class II thrift shops. He stated this language could be amended to read: A drive-thru donation lane shall be required for Class II thrift stores for accepting donations, unless the City Council waives this requirement as part of the conditional use permit and based upon site specific donations. Commissioner Birken reported this was always an option for the City Council and she did not believe this language was necessary. Commissioner Burlingame commented he would like to see thrift shops allowed to have limited outdoor displays and suggested the language be amended to read: Thrift stores may include limited outdoor displays of merchandise provided display is located within six feet of the storefront and does not block pedestrian or ADA accessible routes and complies with seasonal display approved by City staff. Commissioner Birken commented the City does not allow outdoor display and sales which meant City Code would have to be amended. Commissioner Burlingame stated he had not realized this when he drafted his proposed language. Senior Planner Fransen indicated if there is direction from the Planning Commission, staff could work to draft an amendment to the section of City Code to address outdoor displays, then the use could apply to thrift stores. Chair Collins asked if the Commission supported amending City Code language to allow for outdoor displays at thrift stores. Commissioner Birken stated she believed it was unfair that all other retail uses could have outdoor sales and display, but this would not be allowed for thrift uses. City Administrator Jagoe commented certain criteria had to be looked at in order to allow an outdoor display at a retail sales or service station. She indicated one of these criteria is that the type of merchandise displayed shall be limited to items that require an outdoor location, such as plants, fuel, salt or landscaping materials. Chair Collins supported Item D being removed because thrift stores grew out of retail. He was of the opinion this item was too restrictive.