CCP 11-29-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - NOVEMBER 3, 1999 DRAFT 14 Commissioner Baker noted that many current retail businesses over-build parking lots to attract e more shoppers. He suggested that if there was to be more coverage of the lots with buildings, the development may be platted Vvith smaller lots. He felt that if the area was to be pedestrian friendly, the buildings should not be placed far apart with large parking lots between them. Chair Erickson stated that a typical developer will not build more parking than is required by the Ordinance, with the exception of big box retail centers which Vvill not be allowed within the District. Additionally, not allowing parking to the front of buildings would deter this type of development. Commissioner Nelson noted that two large structures were already being proposed for this District, the City Hall and the Ramsey County maintenance facility. It had been his understanding that these sort of developments would be setback further from the streets. He asked if staff had discussed with Ramsey COllilty the setback for the facility from Highway 96. Ms. Randall stated that this had not been discussed with Ramsey County. It was her llilderstanding that the County was in the process of doing a space analysis to determine what size buildings will be needed. It was her belief that, if the facility was placed on an internal road, the offices would be to the front with maintenance to the rear. Ms. McMonigal noted that the Army National Guard has a building along Hamline Avenue. Chair Erickson noted that the Army National Guard structure will not be a long term use within this Zoning District. With regard to the setbacks, he indicated that the initial intent of this Zoning District was to create a defined image for a downtown which Arden Hills currently does e not have. Chair Erickson asked ifthe Ordinance addressed the setbacks from Highway 96. Ms. Randall stated that the Ordinance did include a comment regarding the setback from the easement line because the property line goes to the center of Highway 96. Ms. McMonigal suggested that there could be a separate setback requirement for Highway 96. She indicated that the setback for the City Hall was plarmed to be 60 feet from the easement line with parking along side the building. Commissioner Nelson asked Ms. McMonigal if she preferred the traditional or downtown alternative. Ms. McMonigal stated that there were many conflicting ideas between the two alternatives. She noted that from Highway 96, heading north, there were tiers ofland that will make a difference in how much any structure will be seen from the Highway. The area that Ramsey County has acquired is lower than Highway 96. Ms. McMonigal suggested that the City create a set of downtown standards that could be established now, with modifications being made as needed. She urged that the City continue to study the options. Commissioner Nelson asked ifthe intent was to complete the Zoning Ordinance this evening. Ms. Randall stated that this was correct. Chair Erickson suggested that the Plarming Commission approve the downtown standards with the modifications suggested earlier and a 60- foot parking setback. e Chair Erickson suggested that item c, 4 on page four of the Ordinance be modified to state no parking to the front of buildings. He also suggested tI1at item nwnber nine of the District