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Home My WebLink About09-09-15-WSChair: Roberta Thompson It Commissioners: Brent Bartel AVEN HILLS Angela Hames Andy Holewa Planning Commission Phillip Neururer Work Session Clayton Zimmerman September 9, 2015 Steven Jones Immediately following the Regular Planning Commission Council Liaison: Meeting Fran Holmes City Hall City Vision Address: 1245 W Highway 96 Arden Hills MN 55112 Phone: 651-792-7800 Website: www.citvofardenhills.org Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well-maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long-standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. Agenda CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 2. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS 2.A. Planning Case 15-019 - Zoning Code Amendment - B2 & B3 Design Standards - Window Transparency Prepared By Matthew Bachler, Associate Planner Documents: PC MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT A.PDF 2.13. Planning Case 15-020 - Zoning Code Amendment - Retail & Resale Business Prepared By Ryan Streff, City Planner Documents: PC MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT A.PDF, ATTACHMENT B.PDF 3. COMMISSION/STAFF COMMENTS ADJOURN A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. lt �-`iIQEN(HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: September 9, 2015 PC Work Session Item 2.A TO: Planning Commission FROM: Matthew Bachler, Associate Planner SUBJECT: Planning Case #15-019: B-2 and B-3 District Design Standards — Fagade Transparency Requirements Requested Action Review recommended amendments to the B-2 and B-3 District Design Standards to clarify fagade transparency requirements. Provide feedback and direction to staff. Background At their joint work session on March 16, 2015, the City Council and Planning Commission discussed the need to clarify the fagade transparency requirements included in the B-2 and B-3 District Design Standards. Currently, the Design Standards require commercial and multi -family residential buildings to provide a certain percentage of transparent window coverage on fagades that front a public street or that are reasonably visible from the right-of-way. There have been recent development projects in the City where questions have arisen about the intent of the transparency requirements and how visible a building's interior needs to be to satisfy the standards. Discussion Staff has reviewed the existing language on facade transparency requirements in the B-2 and B-3 District Design Standards (Section 1325.05, Subd. 8, Paragraph F of the Zoning Code). Recommended revisions have been made to state that transparent windows or doors must allow views of interior uses or activities. The purpose of this revision is to prohibit the use of walls, display areas, or other obstructions that block views of the building's interior from the exterior. The language being recommended by staff is similar to the standard used by the City of Eden Prairie for their Town Center Zoning District. City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Work Session for September 9, 2015 P: IPlanninglPlanning Cases120MPC 15-019 - Zoning Code Amendment - B-2 & B-3 Design Standards - Window TransparencylMemos_Reports_15-019 Page 1 of 2 Staff is requesting that the Planning Commission review the proposed amendments and discuss whether they adequately communicate the City's intent behind the fagade transparency requirements. Next Steps Based on the direction provided by the Planning Commission, staff will bring the suggested revisions to the B-2 and B-3 District Design Standards to a City Council work session for review. The Planning Commission would then be asked to hold a public hearing and make a formal recommendation on any amendments to the Design Standards at a future meeting. AttarhmPnk A. Working Draft: Section 1325.05, Subd 8. — Red -lined Version City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Work Session for September 9, 2015 P: IPlanninglPlanning Cases120MPC 15-019 - Zoning Code Amendment - B-2 & B-3 Design Standards - Window TransparencylMemos_Reports_15-019 Page 2 of 2 City of Arden Hills Chapter 13 - Zoning Code Chapter 13 — Zoning Code Section 1325 - General Regulations 1325.05 Design Standards. The standards established in this section are designed to encourage a high standard of development by providing assurances that neighboring land uses and neighboring properties will be compatible. The standards shall also apply to all future development and shall apply to existing development where so stated. Before any applications for development or construction under the City Code are approved, it shall be determined that the proposal will be in conformance with these standards unless a deviation has been granted. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate such conformance. (revised 4128108) Subd. 8 Additional Design Standards for New Development, Redevelopment, and Modifications to Existing Sites in the B2 and B3 Districts. (revised 12117108) Unless preempted by the standards in this section, all other zoning provisions shall apply: F. Window and Door Openings. (revised 11125113) Commercial Facade Transparency. a) Fifty percent (50%) of all the -first level building facades that fronts a public street shall be comprised made of transparent windows or doors in order to allow views of interior uses and activities. (revised 11125113) b) Twenty percent (20%) of all other first level building facades that are reasonably visible from the public right of way shall be comprised of window or door openings. Simulated or opaque windows may be used on service areas. (revised 11125/13) c) If the building is a one story design and the first floor elevation exceeds twelve (12) feet, then only the first twelve (12) feet shall be included in calculating the facade area. (revised 1112513) d) The City may consider a proportional reduction in the transparent window and door requirement on the public street facade if additional transparent glass is used on the remaining sides. (revised 11/25/13) 2. Residential Facade Transparency. At least Ttwenty percent (20%) of all residential building facades that front a public street shall be comprised of transparent windows or- doorsba'Genyidesr epen+ngs in order to allow views of interior uses and activities. Opaque or tinted windows may be used to provide privacy. (revised 11125113) Section 1325 — General Regulations Adopted: November 13, 2006 lt .-ARZEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: September 9, 2015 PC Work Session Item 2.B TO: Planning Commission FROM: Ryan Streff, City Planner SUBJECT: Planning Case #15-020: Retail and Resale Businesses Requested Action Consider revising the retail sales and services definition in the Zoning Code and adding a new definition for resale business. Background This memo provides an overview of the possible change to the Zoning Code in order to further regulate retail sales of new and used goods. Based on the direction provided by the Planning Commission, staff may draft an ordinance that could amend the Zoning Code to clarify the City's position on business establishments that sell goods to the public. Currently, the City's definition for "retail sales and service" includes both the sale of new goods and the sale of used goods. The following definition regarding "retail sales and service" is included in the definitions section of the City's Zoning Code. Retail sales and services: Stores and shops selling, renting or leasing goods for uses away from the point of sale or offers services available on the premises. Includes the following: antiques, art and school supplies, auto accessories, bakeries, bicycles (not motorized), books, stationery, candy, camera and photographic supplies, carpets and rugs, china and glassware, clothing and costume rental, custom dressmaking, department stores, drugs, dry goods, electrical and household appliances, sales and repair, florist, food, furniture, furrier shops, garden supplies (year-round operation only), gifts, hardware, hats, hobby shops, interior decorating, jewelry, leather goods and luggage, locksmith shops, musical instruments, office supply equipment, optometrists, paint and wallpaper, phonograph records, shoes, sporting goods, tobacco, toys, variety stores, wearing apparel, and similar type uses. Motor vehicle sales, motor vehicle City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Work Session for September 9, 2015 P:IPlanning0anning Cases120151PC 15-020 - Zoning Code Amendment - Retail and Resale Businesses Memo Reports 15-020 Page 1 of 3 leasing and rentals, exterior equipment rental and sales lots, repair garages, pawn shops, and open sales lots are not included in this definition of retail sales. By clearly defining "retail business" and "resale business" the City can better direct development to the appropriate zoning districts and ensure that the goals that have been established for each district are met as outlined in Section 1320.04 (Attachment A). Retail & Resale Definitions The following changes could be made to the definitions section of the Zoning Code to clarify "retail" and "resale" business. Retail Sales and Services: An establishment engaged principally in the sale or rental of primarily new goods and the provision of services directly to the consumer, excluding those uses defined more specifically in this Code. Resale Business: A business for which the stock of goods is primarily used, donated by or purchased from an individual, or previously returned to another retail store, including, but not limited to, consignment and thrift shops. Discussion In order to get a better sense of how the Planning Commission would like to proceed in the review and possible revision of the City's Zoning Code, staff is requesting feedback on the following questions: 1. Should the City consider a change in the Zoning Code to clarify these retail and resale uses? 2. What zoning districts in the City should include retail sales and services, resale business or both? Next Steps Based on the direction provided by the Planning Commission, staff will bring the suggested revisions to the Zoning Code to a City Council work session for review. The Planning Commission would then be asked to hold a public hearing and make a formal recommendation on any amendments to the Zoning Code clarifying retail and resale business uses in the City at a future meeting. City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Work Session for September 9, 2015 P:IPlanning0anning Cases120151PC 15-020 - Zoning Code Amendment - Retail and Resale Businesses Memo Reports 15-020 Page 2 of 3 Requested Action Consider revising the retail sales and services definition in the Zoning Code and adding a new definition for resale business. Attachments A. Purpose of Districts — Section 1320.04 B. Land Use Chart — Section 1320.05 City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Work Session for September 9, 2015 P:IPlanning0anning Cases120151PC 15-020 - Zoning Code Amendment - Retail and Resale Businesses Memo Reports 15-020 Page 3 of 3 1320.04 Purpose of Districts. Subd. 1 R-1 Single Family Residential District (revised 6123111) A. To establish areas for the development of single family detached housing at a maximum density of approximately three (3) units per net acre. B. To reserve development areas for single-family housing. C. To restrict encroachment of incompatible uses. D. To maintain density limitations. E. To take advantage of municipal utilities. F. To preserve open space. G. To allow educational uses on campus -like settings which are compatible with adjacent residential uses. Subd. 2 R-2 Single Family and Two Family Residential District A. To establish areas for the development of single and two (2) family housing at a maximum density of approximately five units per net acre. B. To reserve development areas for single and two family housing. C. To restrict encroachment of incompatible uses. D. To maintain density limitations. E. To take advantage of municipal utilities. F. To preserve open space. Subd. 3 R-3 Townhouse and Low Density Multiple Dwelling District A. To provide areas offering a broad development range in housing units with a maximum density of eight (8) units per net acre. B. To retain the environment and character of less intensive residence areas through carefully established bulk and lot area requirements. Subd. 4 R-4 Multiple Dwelling District A. To establish areas for the development of multiple dwelling structures with a maximum density of twelve (12) units per net acre. B. To permit the most intensive residential development allowed in the City. C. To maintain an essentially residential character in areas developed at a more intensive density. Subd. 5 NB Neighborhood Business District A. To be located at the edge of residential neighborhoods. B. To provide a limited range of over-the-counter, convenience, retail, and service uses to accommodate the needs of the adjacent residents. C. To place limitations on the type, size and intensity of uses within this district, given its proximity to residential uses. D. To place emphasis on convenience for pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation access to the use. E. To accommodate, where possible, a public commons giving residents a place to gather and interact with one another. F. To ensure adequate buffering is provided on these sites for the adjacent residential uses. G. To require, where applicable, compliance with the City's gateway requirements. Subd. 6 B-1 Limited Business District A. To establish areas for the location and development of administrative office buildings and related office uses which are subject to more restrictive controls. B. To provide a district which is related to and may reasonably adjoin high density or other residential districts. C. To establish a business district in which there is limited contact with the public and no exterior display or selling of merchandise to the general public. Subd. 7 B-2 General Business District (revised 12/03/08) A. To be a place in which people can live, work and play. B. To create a compact, architecturally diverse, pedestrian- and bicycle - friendly community with a distinct identity. C. To provide a connected sidewalk system and places for people to gather and socialize. D. To implement design standards to promote an attractive environment with lasting and sustainable value. E. To group compatible retail and service business uses that tend to draw trade that is naturally interchangeable and promotes business prosperity. F. To provide an adequate supply of businesses and professional service areas to meet the needs of the residents. G. To minimize the effects of traffic congestion, noise, odor, glare and similar safety problems. H. To implement the Plan known as the "Guiding Plan for the B2 District," which was adopted by the City Council on October 27, 2008. Subd. 8 B-3 Service Business District A. To accommodate an adequate supply of businesses and services that serve the community and motorists traveling through the community with a broad range of services and goods. B. To provide locations for uses that may be incompatible with retail centers, thereby keeping the retail centers compact and convenient. C. To keep services in close proximity to arterial streets or highways in areas that are appropriately designated on the Comprehensive Plan. D. To encourage grouping of compatible and mutually supportive business uses and services. E. To promote business prosperity. F. To establish a high standard of development and design that produces a positive visual image and minimizes the effects of traffic congestion, noise, odor and glare. G. To allow a transitional reuse of existing buildings until market conditions warrant redevelopment. H. To enhance redevelopment potential by prohibiting uses that would impede redevelopment. I. To ensure acceptable traffic operations on local streets . J. To promote flexibility in land uses and site development standards to achieve the purposes of the district. Subd. 9 B-4 Retail Center District A. To meet retail shopping needs of the surrounding community by providing a district that will accommodate a wide range of retail goods and services. B. To promote business prosperity by creating an attractive and functional retail center. C. To provide an integrated retail trade center that groups compatible retail uses in one or more multiple -occupancy buildings. Free standing, single - occupancy buildings will be allowed if planned and constructed as part of a unified development that contains a retail center or is developed after such a retail center is developed. D. To produce a positive visual image by establishing a high standard of design and development. E. To allow transitional uses that will allow an orderly phasing out of existing uses and development that are not appropriate in a contemporary retail center and a phasing in of uses and development as warranted by market conditions. F. To encourage grouping of uses that are mutually supportive and have similar requirements for vehicular and pedestrian accessibility and exposure. G. To alleviate potential traffic congestion on local streets by the design of the circulation pattern and arrangement of uses. Subd. 10 CC Civic Center District A. To implement that part of City of Arden Hills Comprehensive Plan known as the Civic Center (CC) area. B. To create a destination -oriented area that serves as focal point for the Community where a mix of uses including public, small retail, educational, semi-public facilities and some mid -to -high-density housing are located. C. To bring forth a government center that would integrate Sunfish Lake with a civic campus and commercial area, and create a gathering/activity place that is unified in purpose, design and use. D. To require strict development standards and building materials to create a high quality civic environment. E. To preserve, protect, and enhance existing development adjacent to the district. F. To promote compact, unified development that takes advantage of the proximity to the adjacent open space areas and regional transportation facilities. G. To minimize the effects of traffic congestion. H. To allow development that will insure reasonable traffic operation on the internal and surrounding transportation systems including Lexington, Hamline, and Highway 96. I. To encourage arrangement of uses that are mutually supportive and have similar requirements for vehicular and pedestrian accessibility and exposure. Subd. 11 GB Gateway Business District A. To implement that part of Arden Hills Comprehensive Development Plan known as the 1-694/1-35W Plan. B. To promote high quality, unified, large-scale development in a manner similar to a planned unit development. C. To take full advantage of the site's location as documented and described in the NE 1-694/1-35W Plan. D. To allow only development that will create an attractive environment and a positive image for this site, which is one of the most visible in the community and represents the City's last major development site. E. To protect the site's environmental resources. F. To promote flexibility in land uses and development standards to achieve the objectives of the 1-694/1-35W Plan. G. To allow development that will insure reasonable traffic operation on the internal and surrounding transportation systems. Subd. 12 1-1 Limited Industrial District A. To allow only those types and intensities of industrial uses that do not detract from the surrounding area. B. To maintain performance standards to keep the intensity of land utilization lower than in the general Industrial District. Subd. 13 1-2 General Industrial District A. To provide an area where more intensive light industrial land uses may locate. B. To present the least deleterious effect to adjacent, less intensive land uses. Subd. 14 I -FLEX District A. To preserve, protect, enhance and perpetuate existing development in the district. B. To attract new development that is compatible with existing development in the district in terms of use, performance, character, quality and appearance of buildings and sites. C. To permit only those uses that will have traffic generation characteristics that are compatible with existing development in the district and that will ensure reasonable traffic operation on streets in the vicinity. D. To encourage new site development that will be compatible with existing site development standards of existing development in the district. E. To promote flexibility in land uses and site development standards to achieve the objectives of the I -Flex District. Subd. 15 Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay District A. To allow flexibility in land development to benefit from new technology in building design and construction and in land development. B. To encourage variety in the organization of site elements, land uses (residential and non-residential), building densities, and building and dwelling types. C. To promote higher standards of site and building design through the use of trained and experienced professional land planners, landscape architects, registered architects, engineers and surveyors to prepare plans for all PUD's. D. To preserve and enhance desirable site characteristics and open space. E. To promote more efficient and effective use of land, open space and public facilities F. To effectuate the policies and standards of the Arden Hills Comprehensive Development Plan. Subd. 16 MR Mixed Residential District (added 7/14/10) A. To reuse approximately 220 acres of the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) property in a way that accommodates a mix of land uses that is sensitive to the natural environment, economically sustainable, and a benefit to the community. B. To complete the environmental remediation of contaminated land to support reuse of the area. C. To create a development of regional significance that is a benefit to the community and region. D. To integrate a development on the former TCAAP property with the developed part of Arden Hills. E. To provide a variety of housing options for a wide range of ages and incomes. F. To create a unified development where people can live, work, and play. G. To create a pedestrian and bicycle friendly community. H. To implement design standards to promote an attractive environment with lasting and sustainable value. I. To minimize the effects of traffic congestion, noise, odor, glare, and similar safety problems. Subd. 17 MB Mixed Business District (added 7/14/10) A. To reuse approximately 240 acres of the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) property in a way that accommodates a mix of land uses that is sensitive to the natural environment, economically sustainable, and a benefit to the community. B. To complete the environmental remediation of contaminated land to support reuse of the area. C. To create a development of regional significance that is a benefit to the community and region. D. To integrate a development on the former TCAAP property with the developed part of Arden Hills. E. To provide opportunities for a variety of businesses to diversify the City's commercial base. F. To create a unified development where people can live, work, and play. G. To create a pedestrian and bicycle friendly community. H. To implement design standards to promote an attractive environment with lasting and sustainable value. I. To group compatible retail and service business uses that tend to draw trade that is naturally interchangeable and promotes business prosperity. J. To minimize the effects of traffic congestion, noise, odor, glare, and similar safety problems. Subd. 18 POS Parks and Open Space District (added 11125113) A. To support the Arden Hills Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan and the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation System Plan. B. To provide an area for publicly owned lands that have recognized outdoor recreational or open space resources. C. To support community health through the provision of active and passive outdoor recreational opportunities. D. To promote natural and ecological stewardship. E. To conserve vital environmental resources. Subd. 19 CD Conservation District (added 11125113) A. To provide a "holding" zone for federally owned lands on the Arden Hills Army Training Site to ensure that future development is staged, maintains a sustainable level of public expenditures for utilities and services, and protects those areas generally determined to be unsuitable for development due to the presence of wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, certain drainage and soil conditions, and critical wildlife habitat. City of Arden Hills Chapter 13 Zoning Code 1320.05 Land Use Chart. (revised 11125/13) Section 1320 — District Provisions Adopted: November 13, 2006 Page 10 of 59 City of Arden Hills Chapter 13 Zoning Code Section 1320 — District Provisions Adopted: November 13, 2006 Page 11 of 59 Zoning Districts: ;JR -11 R-2 R-3 R-4 NB B-1 B-2 B-3 B-4 CC GB 1-1 1-2 I -FLEX MR MB CD POS Uses: Office P P P P P P P P P P P Park Facilities p Pawn shop Personal services C A P P P C P A P Public use C C C C C C C C C C C C C C P P C C Research and development facility C P C C C P P P P P Research animals C C C P Residence Hall, dormitory C C D C P Residential facility, state licensed, serving 1-6 P P p P P P P Residential facility, state licensed, serving 7 16 C C C C C C C Restaurant and restaurant -fast food C A P P P C P C C P Retail sales & service P A P P P C A A A A P School, general education C C C C C C P School, higher education D C C C C C P School, specialized education C C C C C C P Service station C C C C C C Storage, exterior CA Studio C C P P P C P Theater, indoor A C P C P Utility distribution line p p p p p p p p p p p p p P P A P Utility substation C C C C Utility transmission C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C Vehicle — motorized, leasing and rentals C C Vehicle - motorized, service C C C Warehousing A A I A A C P P C A "P" = Permitted; "D" = Planned Unit; "o" = Not Permitted; "C" = Conditional Use Permit; "A" = Accessory; "CA"= Conditional Accessory Use Permit, "I" = Interim Use Permit Section 1320 — District Provisions Adopted: November 13, 2006 Page 11 of 59