04-08-2026 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 8 of 10 updates. These include evaluating potential reductions in minimum parking standards, increasing maximum allowed densities in select portions of the city, and the consideration of allowing accessory dwelling units to be constructed in Arden Hills. Staff keep the following adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan policies in mind when crafting draft ordinance language: • Encourage the incorporation of affordable and life-cycle housing into new development and redevelopment where feasible. • Identify programs, policies, and strategies that encourage aging in community for senior citizens. Based on the current market and the location of available sites for housing in Arden Hills, changing the overall density allowed in specific zoning districts such as R-4 Multiple Dwelling and B-2 General Business or in the High Density Housing and Mixed Use future land uses is more likely than not to yield success in the private market without requiring subsidy from the city. Staff anticipate bringing forward portions of the draft revised zoning code to the Planning Commission in Q2 of this year. Other work in process that will come to both the City Council and the Planning Commission in the next several months include: Accessory dwelling units The Council is expected to receive information and discuss prospective approaches to including provisions to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to be constructed on properties within the city limits. At this time the zoning code, nor the draft revisions to the zoning code include consideration of Accessory Dwelling Units. A report was initially provided by staff in anticipation of a discussion at the March work session and is available. A slightly revised version of that report is expected to be considered at the April 13, 2026, work session and will be available in the packet for that City Council work session. Draft language to consider allowing ADUs to be constructed in Arden Hills will come to the Planning Commission, likely in April. Staff anticipates bringing an information presentation to the Planning Commission about ADUs for the May 6, 2026, meeting. Housing needs study Staff received support to apply for a grant through the Metropolitan Council’s Livable Communities Act grant program to evaluate gaps in housing supply and identify defined needs, which will also help identify additional market-based approaches to housing development in Arden Hills. That grant application is due April 15, 2026, and will be considered by the City Council at the April 13, 2026, regular Council meeting. Economic Development Commission The Economic Development Commission (EDC) has crafted a draft workplan that addresses items within the City’s adopted Strategic Plan that consider the business environment, including how to ensure Arden Hills has a defined identity, that businesses feel both engaged with and supported by the elected officials and city staff, and evaluating opportunities for development, redevelopment, and community enhancements that are more likely that not to improve the City’s net tax capacity and capitalize on vacant and/or underutilized land to ensure the long-term financial health of the city. The Planning Commission will also have opportunities to weigh in and engage on those issues as we work through the very first strategic plan adopted by the Arden Hills City Council.