HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-13 PC Minutes
Approved: June 19, 2013
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013
6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Clayton Larson called to order the regular Planning
Commission meeting at 6:34 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present were: Chair Clayton Larson, Commissioners Samuel Scott, Roberta Thompson, and
Clayton Zimmerman.
Absent: Commissioners Andrew Holewa, Angela Hames, and Janet Stodola (Alternate).
Also present were: Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler, Community
Development Director Jill Hutmacher, and City Attorney Joel Jamnik.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA JUNE 5, 2013
Chair Larson stated the agenda will stand as published.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 8, 2013 Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, to approve the
May 8, 2013, Planning Commission Regular Meeting as presented. The motion carried
unanimously (4-0).
PLANNING CASES
A.Planning Case 13-009; PUD Amendment; StuartCo; 1201 County Road E Public
Hearing
Community Development Intern Bachler stated the applicant has requested a Planned Unit
Development (PUD) Amendment for a site-wide master sign plan to install monument, wall, and
auxiliary signs at 1201 County Road E.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 20132
Community Development Intern Bachler explained that on December 21, 2012, the City Council
approved a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to remodel the existing structure at 1201 County
Road E and construct 74 residential unit apartments and approximately 20,000 square feet of
specialty retail space on the site in Planning Case 12-019. A signage plan for the property was
not included in the approved PUD.
Community Development Intern Bachler indicated the property at 1201 County Road E is owned
by TAT Properties and is represented in this case by StuartCo. The applicant is requesting an
amendment to the existing PUD to include a master sign plan for the property. Monument, wall,
and auxiliary signage are included in the plan. The applicant has submitted a letter describing the
request, images of the proposed signage, and site plans showing where signs would be installed
on the property.
Community Development Intern Bachler noted two monument signs are proposed for the
principal land uses on the property: the E Street Flats residential apartment building and the E
Street retail stores. The sign copy area of the E Street Flats sign would measure 6.4 feet wide by
7 feet tall, or 44.8 square feet. The E Street Shoppes sign would measure 6.4 feet wide by 8 feet
tall, or 51.2 square feet. Both signs would sit on a two-foot tall stone base designed to match the
new stonework
County Road E adjacent to the two principal site entrances on the eastern and western end of the
property.
Community Development Intern Bachler stated the applicant is proposing a wall sign measuring
25 feet by 3.5 feet (87.5 square feet) for the primary retail bay in the E Street Shoppes building.
Both of the two smaller retail bays would be allowed wall signs measuring up to 50 square feet in
Street Shoppes. The proposed E Street Shoppes sign is comprised of individual cut, back-lit
letters at a maximum height of 24 inches. The total area of this sign would be 34 square feet.
Community Development Intern Bachler explained that wall signage is proposed for the E Street
Flats residential apartment building as well. One sign would be located on the south wall of the
building facing County Road E and measure 10 feet wide by 5 feet tall, a total area of 50 square
feet. The second sign would be installed on the east building wall facing Lexington Avenue and
measure 18 feet wide by 3 feet tall, or an area of 54 square feet.
Community Development Intern Bachler stated auxiliary signage on the site would be used to
provide direction and demarcate the parking lot. Each sign would have the same dimensions: 75
inches in height with a sign copy area of 24 inches by 18 inches. A total of 16 auxiliary signs are
proposed. The signs would identify parking spaces as being reserved for customers, employees,
renters, or guests, and would define a loading and delivery zone for the retail property.
Site Data
Future Land Use Plan: Community Mixed Use
Existing Land Use: Apt 4+ Units
Zoning: B-2 General Business District
Current Lot Size: 7.65 Acres
Topography: Relatively Flat
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 20133
Community Development Intern Bachler reviewed the surrounding area and the Plan Evaluation
in detail.
1. Chapter 12 Sign Code: Section 1240.02 Permitted Sign Type, Area, Height, and
Illumination by Sign District
Sign District 4 1201 County Road E
Freestanding Signage County Rd E Frontage PUD Amendment
Sign Type (Permitted) (Proposed)
FREESTANDING
Type Monument Monument
Max Area (Sign 1) 50 SF 51.2 SF
Max Area (Sign 2) 25 SF 44.8 SF
Max Height 10 FT 10 FT
Lighting E/I/B Internal
(a) E = external, I = internal, B = backlit
Community Development Intern Bachler stated the property at 1201 County Road E is located in
Sign District 4. For properties not included in a Planned Unit Development, 50 square feet of
freestanding signage is permitted in this District. Since the site fronts two public streets
(Lexington Avenue and County Road E), the property owner is allowed an additional
freestanding sign not to exceed 25 square feet. Freestanding signs are not permitted to exceed 10
feet in height.
Community Development Intern Bachler indicated the Sign Code includes specific design
standards for freestanding signs in this District. Only freestanding monument signs are permitted
and the signs must be designed so that the sign copy is supported by a solid base of brick or rock-
faced block in a color similar or complimentary to the main structure on the site. Materials used
for the sign base are required to extend at least one-half way up the sides of the sign face.
Community Development Intern Bachler explained that between the two monument signs, a total
of 96 square feet of sign copy area is proposed. The E Street Shoppes sign exceeds the allowed
area by 1.2 feet while the E Street Flats sign exceeds the allowed area by 19.8 square feet. The
proposed additional sign area for the E Street Flats building is reasonable in this case because
there are two distinct land uses on the property each requiring sufficient signage to advertise and
provide directions.
It was noted the applicant is requesting to place both monument signs on County Road E. This
deviates from the Sign Code, which requires a permitted second freestanding sign to be placed on
the other public street that the building fronts. Since the building is setback approximately 360
feet from Lexington Avenue and there is no driveway access to the property off this street, it is
reasonable to have both signs located on County Road E where the primary entrances are.
Community Development Intern Bachler explained the stone base material does not extend one-
half way up the sides of the proposed monument signs. The applicant has indicated that
incorporating the base material along the sides of the E Street Shoppes sign would make it
difficult to replace the individual tenant panels on the sign. Although this design constraint does
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 20134
not exist for the E Street Flats sign, the applicant is looking to maintain aesthetic consistency
between the two signs and has not included the base material on the sides of this sign.
Sign District 4 1201 County Road E
Wall Signage County Rd E Frontage PUD Amendment
Sign Type (Permitted) (Proposed)
WALL
Max Total Area (Includes 200 SF 325.5 SF
E Street Flats building and
3 retail tenants)
Max Height None -
Lighting (a) E/I/B Backlit
(a) E = external, I = internal, B = backlit
Community Development Intern Bachler stated properties in Sign District 4 are permitted a total
of 50 square feet of wall signage. In multi-tenant buildings or sites, the permitted sign area may
be installed by each individual business establishment that has some exclusive use of the primary
level of the building. The Sign Code does not directly address the use of wall signage by property
owners of multi-tenant buildings for the purpose of branding the property.
Community Development Intern Bachler commented the applicant is proposing 87.5 square feet
of wall signage for the largest retail bay, which exceeds the requirements by 27.5 square feet.
This request is justified given that the tenant will occupy 114 feet of frontage. While there are no
guidelines on permitted wall signage for property owners, the proposed E Street Shoppes sign,
measuring 34 square feet, is less than what an individual business establishment would be
allowed and is deemed reasonable in this case. All other proposed wall signage for the E Street
Shoppes building meets the Sign Code requirements.
Community Development Intern Bachler indicated the applicant is requesting an additional 54
square feet of wall signage for the E Street Flats building. A total of 104 square feet of wall
signage is proposed. This request for flexibility is reasonable because the size of the building and
the large building setbacks from the public streets make signage difficult to see. The building is
set back approximately 360 feet from Lexington Avenue and 70 feet from County Road E. The
proposed wall signs would cover approximately 2.3% of the east building façade and 0.5% of the
south building façade.
Sign District 4 1201 County Road
Auxiliary Signage County E Frontage E
Sign Type (Permitted) PUD Amendment
(Proposed)
AUXILIARY
Max area per sign 8 SF 3 SF
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 20135
Wall Height 8 FT -
Freestanding 8 FT 6.25 FT
Height
Auxiliary signs must be 8 feet or less in height and are allowed a sign copy area of 8 square feet.
There are no provisions in the Sign Code regulating the number of auxiliary signs allowed per
property. The proposed auxiliary signage plan meets the Sign Code requirements.
2. Chapter 12 Sign Code: Section 1260.01 Sign Standard Adjustment
Community Development Intern Bachler indicated Section 1260.01 of the Sign Code permits
adjustments to sign height, number, type, lighting, area, and/or location through the site plan
review process if criteria number 1 or 2 is met and the required criteria number 3 is met. The
criteria are as follows:
1. There are site conditions which require a sign adjustment to allow the sign to be
reasonably visible from a street immediately adjacent to the site; or,
2. The sign adjustment will allow a sign of exceptional design or a style that will enhance
the area or that is more consistent with the architecture and design of the site; and,
3. The sign adjustment will not result in a sign that is inconsistent with the purpose of the
zoning district in which the property is located or the current land use.
Community Development Intern Bachler stated while the above criteria are not directly
referenced or required for PUD Amendment requests to add signage to a property, they do
provide guidance for evaluating these types of applications. In this case, criteria one and three are
most applicable. The PUD process itself permits the City to be flexible with signage standards
depending on the needs and impact of a particular use.
3. Chapter 13 Zoning Code: 1325.05, Subd. 8 Additional Design Standards for New
Development, Redevelopment, and Modifications to Existing Sites in the B2 and B3
Districts
Community Development Intern Bachler explained Section 1325.05, Subd. 8 of the Zoning Code
establishes design standards for the business districts of Arden Hills. The standards in this
section are only applicable to the building or site components being developed or altered. In this
case, the specific guidelines on signs are pertinent:
1. Business signs shall be architecturally compatible with the style, composition, materials,
colors and details of the building and should be an integral part of the building. Signs
shall be incorporated into the facades of the building rather than extending past the roof
line and should not project more than twelve (12) inches beyond the plane of the facades.
Retail business wall signs shall be located in a position above the front window that is
located consistently among stores.
2. All other provisions in Chapter 12, Sign Code, shall apply.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 20136
The proposed signage in the plan meets the requirements contained in Section 1325.05, Subd. 8
of the Zoning Code.
Community Development Intern Bachler provided the Findings of Fact for review:
General Findings
1. The property is located in the B-2 Zoning District and in Sign District 4.
2. The Planned Unit Development at 1201 County Road E was approved by the City on
December 21, 2012 in Planning Case 12-019. The approved Planned Unit Development
did not include a master sign plan for the property.
3. The applicant is proposing an amendment to the approved PUD for a site-wide sign plan
that includes monument, wall, and auxiliary signage.
4. The City has adopted the Guiding Plan for the B2 District that includes design principals
and standards for signage in the area.
5. The proposed PUD Amendment is in substantial conformance with the requirements of
6.
Zoning Code.
7. Where the plan is not i
requested by the applicant due to the site conditions and land use mix unique to the
property at 1201 County Road E.
8. The PUD Amendment approval process allows for flexibility within the Cit
regulations through a negotiated process with a developer.
9. The signage plan would not have a negative impact on adjacent properties or the City as a
whole because they are consistent with the size and layout of the property on which they
would be located.
Community Development Intern Bachler recommended approval of Planning Case 13-009 for a
Planned Unit Development Amendment at 1201 County Road E. Staff recommends the
following five conditions be included with the approval:
1. The master sign plan shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as
amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as
determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning
Commission.
2. Freestanding signs shall be monument type ground signs with the copy resting on and
supported by a solid base of brick or rock-faced block in a color similar to or
complementary to the main structure on the site. The material of the base must extend at
least one-half way up the sides of the sign face.
3. Freestanding signs shall be located at least five (5) feet from any property line and shall
not project over the property line.
4. Wall signs shall be comprised of individual cut, back-lit letters and shall not extend more
than twelve (12) inches from the wall they are attached to.
5. In the event that the property at 1201 County Road E is subdivided to create a new parcel
abutting Lexington Avenue and County Road E, the new corner parcel will be permitted
only one freestanding sign and this sign shall be located on Lexington Avenue. Signage
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 20137
along County Road E may be added to the freestanding sign authorized on the adjoining
parcel to the west.
Community Development Intern reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on
this matter:
1.Recommend Approval with Conditions
2.Recommend Approval as Submitted
3.Recommend Denial
4.Table
Chair Larson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. He questioned why the sign requests
were not on the original PUD request.
Lisa Moe, StuartCo, thanked the Commission for considering her request this evening. She
explained the proposed signs were left off the original PUD as a sign plan was not completed.
Chair Larson opened the public hearing at 6:45 p.m.
Chair Larson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment.
There being no additional comment Chair Larson closed the public hearing at 6:46 p.m.
Commissioner Zimmerman moved and Commissioner Thompson seconded a motion to
recommend approval of Planning Case 13-009 for a PUD Amendment at 1201 County
Road E based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the five
conditions in the June 5, 2013, report to the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Thompson supported the request and appreciated the style of the proposed
monument signs.
The motion carried unanimously (4-0).
B.Planning Case 13-008; Zoning Code Amendment and CUP; Country Financial; 2
Pine Tree Drive Public Hearing
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the applicant has requested to amend
Section 1320.05 of the Zoning Code to allow schools for higher education as a conditional use in
the B-2 zoning district. The request also includes a conditional use permit (CUP) for Mutual
Service Life Insurance Company (also known as Country Life Insurance Company and Country
Financial) to allow a higher education use as a tenant in the office building located at 2 Pine Tree
Drive. Both requests are as presented in the June 5, 2013, report to the Planning Commission.
Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated the City has received a proposal from
Bob Revoir, Cushman & Wakefield, to obtain a CUP to allow a higher education use in the
office building located at 2 Pine Tree Drive in the B-2 Zoning District. Mr. Revoir is a real estate
broker representing Country Financial. Country Financial would like to lease space to Bethel
University for administrative offices, classrooms, and meeting space.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 20138
This application includes two distinct requests:
1. Zoning Code Amendment to allow schools for higher education as a Conditional Use in
the B-2 District.
2. Approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow a higher education use as a tenant in the
office building located at 2 Pine Tree Drive.
Community Development Director Hutmacher explained Country Financial, located at 2 Pine
Tree Drive, has applied for a Zoning Code amendment to allow higher education uses in the B-2
zoning district with a Conditional Use Permit. The property includes a 5-story, 227,138 square
foot multi-tenant office building. Although the building address is located at 2 Pine Tree Drive, a
small portion of the building and most of the parking lot is located on the parcel with the address
of 12 Pine Tree Drive. The size of the parcels located at 2 and 12 Pine Tree Drive are 19.16 and
21.52 acres, respectively, for a total size of 40.68 acres. Country Financial has vacated much of
the building and is currently marketing the building for sale or lease. Approximately 62% of the
building is currently vacant.
It was noted Country Financial has received a request for leased space from Bethel University.
Bethel would like to lease approximately 26,000 square feet for administrative offices, general
and specialized classrooms, meeting rooms, common spaces, and other general educational and
related purposes. Most classes will be held between 5:30 pm and 10:00 pm, Monday through
Thursday. The tenant will also use the leased space during the hours of 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Monday through Friday and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, although this use will be more
limited during normal business hours and weekends.
According to information provided by Country Financial, Bethel students, guests, faculty, and
administration will not exceed 4 per 1,000 rentable feet leased during normal business hours and
no more than 8 per 1,000 rentable square feet after normal building hours. The property currently
has approximately 777 surface parking stalls, or approximately one space per every 290 gross
building square foot (one space per every 250 square feet of gross floor area is required by the
Zoning Code for business and professional office uses). The applicant does not propose to add
parking due to this use. The proposed use will not affect the exterior of the building. The tenant
would like to sign a long-term lease for the facility with a scheduled occupancy date of August
15, 2013.
Staff has prepared a draft amendment to Section 1320.05 (Land Use Chart) of the Zoning Code
that adds School, higher education as a Conditional Use in the B-2 Zoning District. The applicant
has submitted information addressing the request for a Zoning Code Amendment and CUP.
Site Data
Future Land Use Plan: CMU Community Mixed Use
Existing Land Use: Commercial
Zoning: B-2 General Business District
Size: 40.68 acres (2 and 12 Pine Tree Drive) with a 227,138 square foot
office building
Topography: Relatively Flat
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 20139
Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed the surrounding area, and the Plan
Evaluation.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the City does not have specific criteria for
evaluating proposed Zoning Code amendments or additions. However, the following questions
should be considered when reviewing the proposal:
1. Would the proposed use be compatible with the other uses in the B-2 District?
2. Would the proposed use be consistent with the purpose of the B-2 District?
Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that the higher education use
proposed by the applicant includes office, classroom and meeting space. Uses that allow office
and assembly that are currently permitted in the B-2 District include: business service; medical
office clinic; non-profit club or lodge; sports & fitness clubs; indoor commercial recreation;
daycare facility for over 10 people; financial institution and service; and office.
Office and assembly uses that are currently allowed as Conditional Uses in the B-2 District
include: brewpub; house of worship; multiple occupancy building; public use; research &
development facility; schools for specialized education; and indoor theater.
Higher education schools are currently permitted in the Mixed Business District (TCAAP) and
allowed as Conditional Uses in the B-1 Limited Business, B-4 Retail Center, CC Civic Center
and Mixed Residential Districts.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated according to Section 1320.04 Subd. 7 of
the Zoning Ordinance, the stated purpose of the B-2 District is as follows:
1. To be a place in which people can live, work and play.
2. To create a compact, architecturally diverse, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly community
with a distinct identity.
3. To provide a connected sidewalk system and places for people to gather and socialize.
4. To implement design standards to promote an attractive environment with lasting and
sustainable value.
5. To group compatible retail and service business uses that tend to draw trade that is
naturally interchangeable and promotes business prosperity.
6. To provide an adequate supply of business and professional service areas to meet the
needs of residents.
7. To minimize the effects of traffic congestion, noise, odor, glare and similar safety
problems.
8. was
accepted by the City Council on October 27, 2008.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated Section 1355.04 Subd. 3 of the Arden Hills
Zoning Code lists the criteria for evaluating a Conditional Use Permit Amendment. The Planning
Commission and City Council should consider the effect of the proposed use upon the health,
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 201310
safety, convenience and general welfare of the owners and occupants of the surrounding land, in
particular, and the community as a whole, in general, including but not limited to the following
factors:
1. Existing and anticipated traffic and parking conditions;
2. Noise, glare, odors, vibration, smoke, dust, air pollution, heat, liquid or solid waste, and
other nuisance characteristics;
3. Drainage;
4. Population density;
5. Visual and land use compatibility with uses and structures on surrounding land;
6. Adjoining land values;
7. Park dedications where applicable; and the
8. Orderly development of the neighborhood and the City within the general purpose and
intent of the Zoning Code and the Comprehensive Development Plan for the City.
Community Development Director Hutmacher provided the Findings of Fact for review:
Zoning Code Amendment Evaluation Findings:
1. The property at 2 Pine Tree Drive is located in the B-2 Zoning District.
2. The proposed use is compatible with the other uses in the B-2 District.
3. The proposed use is consistent with the stated purpose of the B-2 District.
Conditional Use Permit Evaluation Findings:
1. The proposed use will primarily occupy the building and parking areas after normal
business hours which will allow shared parking with weekday office users.
2. The proposal will have minimal impacts on noise, glare, odors, vibration, smoke, dust, air
pollution, heat, liquid and solid waste.
3. The proposal will not affect drainage on the property.
4. The proposal will not affect the population density on the property.
5. The proposal is unlikely to significantly affect land values on the subject property or on
neighboring properties.
6. The park dedication requirement does not apply in this application.
Community Development Director Hutmacher recommended approval of Planning Case #13-008
for a Zoning Code Amendment and Conditional Use Permit at 2 Pine Tree Drive. Staff
recommends the following three conditions be included with the approval:
1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by the
conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City
Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission.
2. The applicant will apply for City approval for any changes to exterior signage.
3. The applicant will request an amendment to the Conditional Use Permit for any increase
in square footage or in intensity of the higher education use.
Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed the options available to the Planning
Commission on this matter:
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 201311
1.Recommend Approval with Conditions
2.Recommend Approval as Submitted
3.Recommend Denial
4.Table
Chair Larson opened the floor to Commissioner comments.
Commissioner Thompson asked if the proposed educational facility would have directional
signage.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the applicant was interested in modifying
the exterior signage, but Staff has not received any plans to date.
Bob Revoir, representative for Country Financial, thanked City Staff for their presentation this
evening. He indicated Country Financial has had to lay off a number of employees over the past
few years and now had a significant amount of office space available. He explained the proposed
use by Bethel University would be a great fit for the Country Financial building and would keep
Bethel University within the City. He encouraged the Commission to recommend approval of the
request.
Randy Hagerty, Country Financial, commented his organization has had some downsizing in
recent years, which has led Country Financial to seek new opportunities to fill up their vacant
office space.
Chair Larson asked if any changes would be made to the building to accommodate Bethel
University. He questioned if the building would have enough parking onsite to meet demands
for both Country Financial and Bethel University.
Mr. Revoir stated Bethel University would be using the vacant space for offices and classrooms,
and only minor interior changes were being proposed. He did not anticipate any concerns with
parking as the classes offered from this location would be offered in the evening hours Monday
through Thursday.
Commissioner Zimmerman questioned when the majority of Bethel classes would be held at the
Country Financial building.
Kathleen Nelson, Bethel University, explained the majority of the classes at this location would
take place in the evening hours. She noted Bethel recently received accreditation for a
Financial building during daytime hours.
Commissioner Thompson inquired the number of administrative personnel that would be
working at this site for Bethel University.
Ms. Nelson explained there would be 20 general administrative staff at this location, 8 teachers
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 201312
Commissioner Zimmerman questioned if this was a long-term or short-term solution for Bethel
University.
Ms. Nelson stated this would be a long term solution for Bethel, as Arden Hills was a great
location for working adults to attend evening classes.
Chair Larson opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.
Chair Larson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment.
Bob Curtis, 1186 Benton Way, stated he lived adjacent to the Country Financial building. He
commented that they had been a good neighbor. He was neither for nor against the proposal and
had attended the meeting to learn more.
There being no additional comment Chair Larson closed the public hearing at 7:06 p.m.
Commissioner Thompson recommended clear signage be added to the property to direct students
to this site.
Commissioner Zimmerman was pleased that Bethel University was looking to Arden Hills for
another educational hub. He supported the request as submitted.
Commissioner Zimmerman moved and Commissioner Thompson seconded a motion to
recommend approval of Planning Case 13-008 for a Zoning Code Amendment at 2 Pine
Tree Drive based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the three
conditions in the June 5, 2013, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried
unanimously (4-0).
Commissioner Thompson moved and Commissioner Scott seconded a motion to
recommend approval of Planning Case 13-008 for a Conditional Use Permit at 2 Pine Tree
Drive to allow high education at this site based on the findings of fact and the submitted
plans, as amended by the three conditions in the June 5, 2013, report to the Planning
Commission. The motion carried unanimously (4-0).
REPORTS
A.Report from the City Council
Councilmember McClung updated the Planning Commission on City Council activities from the
May 13, 2013, City Council Meetingnoting the City Council voted to approve Planning Case
13-005 for a sign standard adjustment at 1195 County Road E and Planning Case 13-006 for a
sign standard adjustment at the Ramsey County TCAAP property. The Planning Commission
unanimously recommended approval of these two items at their May 8, 2013, regular meeting.
May 13, 2013, City Council Work Session
The City Attorney made a presentation to the City Council on th
ordinance and code enforcement practices. Following the presentation, there was a discussion
regarding what additional measures the City should take to better address code enforcement
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 201313
issues. Discussion ensured regarding the concerns surrounding rental properties and code
enforcement issues.
May 28, 2013, City Council Meeting
Staff presented a concept plan for the triangle parcel located at 3151 Lake Johanna Boulevard.
Included in the plan are a gateway sign, tree plantings, seating areas, and general landscaping.
The City Council approved the concept plan and directed staff to move forward with
implementing the plan.
May 28, 2013, City Council Work Session
Kimley Horn presented a draft version of the Public Involvement Plan (PIP) for the TCAAP
master planning process. The PIP identifies the goals and expected outcomes of the public
involvement process, project stakeholders, public involvement tools, and project schedule.
Staff noted the Joint Development Authority will review the PIP at its June 5, 2013 meeting
before it goes back to the City Council for formal approval.
Staff presented draft versions of the Parks and Open Space Ordinance and Park Preserve
Ordinance. These drafts incorporated the comments staff received from the Planning
Commission at their April 3, 2013 meeting regarding the two ordinances. Staff received feedback
on the drafts and will make additional revisions before bringing the ordinances back to the
Planning Commission for a formal hearing.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the Planning Commission would be
thrdth
holding a Special Meeting on June 19 and has moved their July 3 meeting to July 10.
B.Planning Commission Comments and Requests
Commissioner Thompson asked how many openings the Planning Commission had at this time.
Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated the Commission had one permanent
opening and one alternate opening. She encouraged those interested in serving to contact City
Hall for additional information.
ADJOURN
Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, to adjourn the
June 5, 2013, Planning Commission Meeting at 7:22 p.m. The motion carried unanimously
(4-0).