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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-03-14 PCWork Session Minutes Approved: January 7, 2015 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Clayton Larson called to order the work session meeting at 6:54 p.m. ROLL CALL Present were: Chair Clayton Larson, Commissioners Brent Bartel, Andrew Holewa, Steven Jones, Roberta Thompson, and Clayton Zimmerman. Absent: Commissioner Angela Hames. Also present were: City Planner Ryan Streff; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; and Councilmember Fran Holmes. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – DECEMBER 3, 2014 The Agenda was approved as presented. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) – Chapters 8-11 Associate Planner Bachler provided the Council with overview on Chapters 8 through 11 of the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC). He explained that Chapter 8 establishes design standards for the different street types on TCAAP as well as connectivity standards for the overall street network. Attachment 5 in the TRC provides cross section illustrations for each street classification that set requirements for elements such as travel lanes, on-street parking, bicycle accommodation, streetscape standards, and sidewalk standards. Site plan or subdivision applications for areas of four acres or larger will be required to submit a Project Circulation Plan that demonstrates how on-site circulation will meet the requirements included in Chapter 8. Associate Planner Bachler reported that Chapter 9 addresses requirements for public and private open space areas on TCAAP. The Regulating Plan designates areas for public open space and Attachment 3 in the TRC includes specific standards that address general character, design, ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – DECEMBER 3, 2014 2 and typical uses for these open spaces. Chapter 9 also sets requirements for common and personal private open space for commercial and residential developments. For residential uses, these requirements would only come into effect for developments with a density of five units per acre or greater. This section of the TRC also includes the minimum permeable ground area requirements for all developments. Associate Planner Bachler indicated that Chapter 10 provides detailed design standards for development that takes place within the public realm. Specific areas addressed include minimum dimensional standards for sidewalks and boulevards, requirements for street tree plantings, and standards for screening, exterior lighting, and street furniture. Associate Planner Bachler commented that Chapter 11 establishes sign regulations for properties on the TCAAP site. The permitted sign types and the zoning districts in which they are each allowed is described in the first section of this chapter. The general dimensional standards for signs are based on frontage type and use of the building. In comparison to the Arden Hills Sign Code, the TRC bases permitted signage on the length of property frontage for freestanding signs and façade length and area for wall signs. Staff has provided the latest comment tracking spreadsheet to the Commission, which compiles all of the comments received to date on the draft TRC from the City Council, Planning Commission, and Ramsey County. Gateway Planning has been reviewing these comments and making changes where appropriate. Explanations on their actions in response to the comments are included in the spreadsheet. Chair Larson opened the floor to Commission questions. Chair Larson asked why roof-mounted solar panels did not require screening. Further discussion ensued regarding potential screening requirements for solar panels. City Planner Streff explained that staff could look into this matter further. Councilmember Holmes wanted solar energy to be encouraged within TCAAP. Commissioner Thompson agreed but recommended that height restrictions be set and that screening be required. Associate Planner Bachler discussed the height restrictions within the TRC and noted that this section of the code could be further discussed with Gateway Planning. Chair Larson suggested that in the section regarding Street Lighting all references to “pollution” be replaced with “trespass”. The Commission supported this recommendation. Chair Larson requested further information on how staff was defining “open air” and “unenclosed”, as found in the open space requirements in Section 9.5 of the TRC. He recommended that the definitions for these two items be clarified. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – DECEMBER 3, 2014 3 Commissioner Zimmerman commented on the streetscape goals and encouraged staff to include standards in the TRC that would maintain the clear vision triangle at intersections. Discussion ensued regarding surmountable curbs and roadway design. Commissioner Jones asked if on-street parking would be allowed on any of the residential streets within TCAAP. He recommended that on-street parking only be allowed on one side of the street. Chair Larson reviewed the plans in further detail and noted which streets would have on-street parking. City Planner Streff discussed the current parking standards within Arden Hills’ neighborhoods. Commissioner Bartel asked if a cross section of the spine road was available. Councilmember Holmes believed that the County had updated this information, but it was not included in the TRC. City Planner Streff reported that the spine road was a County road and that it would look similar to Highway 96. Chair Larson discussed the proposed roundabout at County Road I and I-35W. Commissioner Jones asked if the trail system would extend through to the residential neighborhoods. City Planner Streff commented that a sidewalk and trail network plan has not been designed for the TCAAP property yet. Councilmember Holmes discussed the wildlife trail corridor owned by Ramsey County. Commissioner Zimmerman questioned in what direction water in the central water infrastructure area would drain. City Planner Streff reviewed the natural flow of water through the TCAAP property. Commissioner Holewa requested further information on the parks and open space proposed for TCAAP. Associate Planner Bachler provided comment on the required open spaces within the TRC. He commented that these areas would be zoned Parks and Open Space after development proposals are brought forward and the exact location of the parks is determined. Commissioner Thompson wanted to be sure that the park areas were set aside as the neighborhoods developed. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – DECEMBER 3, 2014 4 Commissioner Zimmerman asked if the City would have a specific amount of park land that would be required within the new neighborhoods. City Planner Streff indicated that park dedication requirements will be written into the TRC. Commissioner Zimmerman encouraged the City to clearly specify the amount of park space required to ensure the new neighborhoods match the remainder of the City. Commissioner Holewa believed that 10% would be a proper percentage for park land within the TCAAP neighborhoods. Commissioner Thompson was pleased with the drawings and examples provided within the TRC. Commissioner Jones stated that if sustainability was being pushed for TCAAP, green roofs should be considered. Chair Larson asked if the City would be offering incentives for LEED certified green buildings. City Planner Streff explained that the City’s current Zoning Ordinance does not speak to this preference. Further discussion ensued regarding green roofs and roof courtyards. City Planner Streff thanked the Commission for the input provided this evening. ADJOURN Commissioner Holewa moved, seconded by Commissioner Zimmerman, to adjourn the December 3, 2014, Planning Commission Work Session Meeting at 8:05 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).