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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 7, 2025 7 5. The proposed ordinance amendments will establish criteria for all thrift stores to meet and criteria specific to Thrift Store, Class I and Thrift Store, Class II uses. 6. Amendments to the Zoning Code regulations require a public hearing prior to action by the City Council. Senior Planner Fransen reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission for Planning Case 25-003 for a Zoning Code Amendment to Chapter 13 of the Arden Hills City Code to modify definitions for thrift store use, modify zoning districts for thrift store use, and modify performance standards for thrift store use: 1. Recommend Approval As Written 2. Recommend Approval With Amendments 3. Recommend Denial 4. Table Chair Collins opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Birken stated she believed the proposed changes made sense. She indicated Class II would allow for a consignment shop or mall retail environment and Class IIII would allow for a larger thrift operation with a drive-thru. Commissioner Burlingame suggested clarity be offered on whether public drop offs and items can be received at Class I stores. He asked if public donations should be allowed at Class I shops. Senior Planner Fransen stated this type of clarity was something the Planning Commission could consider and the language could be amended. She commented Class I and Class II thrift stores are allowed to accept donations. Commissioner Burlingame explained the current language prohibits outdoor displays and asked if the language could be amended so as to not restrain the thrift uses. He suggested displays be allowed within six feet of the store front and remain ADA compliant. Senior Planner Fransen commented the drafted language prohibits outdoor displays because they could be viewed as outdoor storage. She indicated Section 1325.02 of the Zoning Code addresses accessory outdoor displays and sales. She reported outdoor displays and sales are only allowed for retail sales and services or service station uses. She stated outdoor displays and sales require an administrative permit from the Community Development Department. Commissioner Burlingame stated his last concern was with the drive-thru requirements for Class II thrift stores and noted he had language for a proposed condition to address his concerns. Commissioner Erler requested further information regarding the allowed square footage. Senior Planner Fransen stated after reviewing the multi-tenant properties in Arden Hills, staff recommended 7,000 square feet or less be allowed for the Class I thrift store use. Commissioner Erler commented on the receiving and sorting requirements and noted the multi- tenant buildings in the community do not typically have enough space for an enclosed separate sorting room. He suggested this be a requirement for a Class II facility, but that this requirement not be in place for a Class I shop.