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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 9, 2025 8 <br />Mr. Zimmerman reported park dedication fees vary across the State. He was of the opinion the <br />City’s park dedication fees were not out of alignment when compared to other cities. He <br />commented on how some cities have been asked to justify their fees by the court system and <br />have had to evaluate if their particular park system justifies the proposed numbers. <br />Commissioner Birken stated she supported the proposed changes to the subdivision portion of <br />City Code and appreciated how some City processes would be streamlined. <br />Chair Collins asked if the Commission supported lot lines to be addressed by City staff. The <br />Commission supported this adjustment within City Code. <br />Mr. Zimmerman highlighted the changes that were suggested for the City Code regarding <br />procedures and asked for comments or questions regarding this portion of code. <br />Commissioner Erler explained he supported adding a statement into the PUD process that <br />encourages developers to provide affordable housing where applicable. He questioned if this <br />could also be done within site plan review projects. <br />Mr. Zimmerman reported in both scenarios the City can ask or encourage this, but with site <br />plan review, the City cannot pressure or hold an approval over a developer’s head in order to <br />gain compliance. <br />Chair Collins stated he supported Commissioner Erler’s recommendation and noted he would <br />like to see the City incorporating affordable housing into future PUD/housing and site plan <br />developments. <br />Mr. Zimmerman indicated the City could benefit by having a broader policy in place when it <br />comes to affordable housing. He stated he could provide the City with examples of affordable <br />housing policies in other cities. <br />Commissioner Lindau explained he supported staff being able to address minor issues as an <br />administrative issue. <br />Commissioner Erler agreed. <br />Further discussion ensued regarding PUDs and the flexibility that should be offered within PUDs <br />as well as a City list of priorities and identified public benefits for PUDs. <br />Commissioner Birken indicated she supported the City having more language and standards in <br />place when it comes to encouraging affordable housing. She stated she was curious to learn <br />where a list of City priorities in a PUD comes from and if it should be driven by the <br />Comprehensive Plan. <br />Mr. Zimmerman explained the list can be driven by the Comp Plan and natural preservation <br />requirements. He stated this could also be driven by other values that Arden Hills has. <br />Commissioner Birken reported she would recommend any changes to a lighting plan be <br />brought back to the Planning Commission and City Council for review and that this not be <br />addressed at a City staff level.