04-08-2026 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – February 4, 2026 8 Commissioner Bjorkland indicated he could not support the graphic portion of the sign request. He explained the scale of the signs was also a concern for him. Commissioner Jacobson recommended a finding be drafted to state not all businesses within this district can disregard the sign code standards. Commissioner Burlingame moved and Commissioner Bjorklund seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 26-001 for a Sign Standard Adjustment through the Site Plan Review process to install up to 163 square feet in wall signage, 72 square feet in graphic signage, and 33.5 square feet in freestanding signage at 3535 Pine Tree Drive based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the conditions in the February 4, 2026, report to the Planning Commission adding a finding of fact that reads: The Planning Commission finds the requested sign standard adjustment is appropriate due to the public emergency services use of the property and the functional need for clear identification and that approval of this request was based on the specific land use and site context and does not constitute a general precedent for Sign District 7. Commissioner Bjorklund reiterated that he would be voting against this request because he believed the signage was serving marketing purposes, was not needed at the proposed scale and was too costly for the public. The motion carried 6-1 (Commissioner Bjorklund opposed). C. Planning Case 25-016 – 3628 Connelly Avenue – Site Plan Review – No Public Hearing Required Senior Planner Fransen stated the Applicant has submitted a land use application for Site Plan Review and Variances at the Subject Property. The Applicant seeks to purchase the property and relocate an existing retail business, Scale Model Supplies, from Saint Paul to Arden Hills. The Subject Property is owned by Waters Edge Enterprises Inc., and the building is occupied by JV Pallets, a company that manufactures and recycles wood pallets. The existing use is an existing nonconforming use that has been in operation as a light industrial/manufacturing and warehousing site since 1959. The B-2 zoning district today does not allow this use as a principal use. The proposed retail use is permitted within the B-2 zoning district. Senior Planner Fransen explained the proposal includes reconfiguring access to the parking lot and restriping parking spaces within the existing parking lot. Three existing parking spaces, partially located within the right-of-way, are proposed to be removed and replaced with landscaped areas. The Applicant proposes to convert an overhead door to a standard retail dual door entryway. Other minor modifications to the exterior of the structure are proposed for safe and convenient access to the structure for customers. Senior Planner Fransen reported the proposal includes a request to allow for fewer on-site parking spaces than required in the Zoning Code. The Applicant states the existing parking lot accommodates up to 24 parking spaces and that this number is sufficient to operate the business. Scale Model Supplies has been in business for more than 43 years. The store specializes in model trains and model kits as well as other hobby-related products. The business owner seeks to downsize from a 20,000 square foot space located in Saint Paul and find a space compatible with growing the online sales side of the business. The Applicant anticipates using approximately 7,500 square feet for retail sales and the remaining 1,800 square feet would be allocated for