07-11-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

f ) . [~ \ ) . ' . The Arden Hills zoning code regulates the "density" of development within a N-B neighborhood business zone in the three following ways; floor area ratio, lot coverage by structures, and minimum landscape lot area. The Arden Hills Office Park development exceeds each of these standards. The floor area ratio is 0.25 (0.7 max.), the building lot coverage is 15.6% (35% max) and the landscape lot area is 40.2% (35% min). The City's zoning ordinance also limits the maximum height of the building to 35 feet. The highest height measurement taken from the lowest grade of a two story walkout building to the average height between the eaves and the highest ridge of a gable roof is 31 feet. Upon City approvals, our Company proposes to complete all necessary grading, install utilities and construct all storm water management improvements in the summer months of2005. We would then immediately begin the construction of sixteen units or three buildings which would not be completed for occupancy until late winter or spring 2006. The remaining 14 units, four buildings, would be constructed in the summer of2006. The use of the PUD ordinance allows our Company to propose a single development plan for the existing six separate parcels ofland. The Arden Hills Office Park plan will conform to the spirit and intent of the Neighborhood Business zone. Minor modifications to the N-B zoning include a reduced parking lot setback of 16.1 feet (20 ft. required) along Highway 96. It is noted that there is also approximately another 45 feet of distance to the curb line of Highway 96. Hence, the parking lot curb will be 61 feet from the curb line of Highway 96. A second modification from the N-B standards is being requested for signage. We are proposing a free standing sign of 120 sq. ft. identifYing the Arden Hills Office Park. The N-B zone restricts a free standing sign to 60 square feet We believe this modification is justified because the site now includes six separate parcels of land which could each have free standing signs. This sign has also been carefully designed to match the style and materials of the office buildings. We do agree to limit each of the thirty units to 30 sq. ft. of wall signage. The free standing sign and proposed typical wall signs are shown with the building elevations. . The exterior of the buildings will be constructed mainly of the following materials; glass windows, brick (on all four sides), stucco on the upper gable roof ends, and wood pillars/colurnns. Roof material will be a fiberglass shingle. Earth tone colors will be used. The overall intent of the architectural design is to give the appearance of residential "townhouse" look to the offices. Our Company has been involved in the plmming and/or construction of similar developments in the Cities of Little Canada, Vadnais Heights, Stillwater, Eden Prairie, and Lakeville. Like other sites, this is an excellent "transition" land use for vacant land along highly traveled roads like Highway 96 and nearby adjacent residential properties. .