HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-19-15-WSAGENDA ITEMS
Planning Case #15 -020: Retail And Resale Businesses
Ryan Streff, City Planner
MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT A.PDF, ATTACHMENT B.PDF,
ATTACHMENT C.PDF, ATTACHMENT D.PDF
Outdoor Display And Sales Zoning Regulations
Matthew Bachler, Associate Planner
MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT A.PDF, ATTACHMENT B.PDF,
ATTACHMENT C.PDF, ATTACHMENT D.PDF
Council Vacancy Discussion
Sue Iverson, Acting City Administrator
Director of Finance and Administrative Services
MEMO.PDF
COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS
ADJOURN
Mayor:
David Grant
Councilmembers:
Brenda Holden
Fran Holmes
Dave McClung
Vacant
Work Session City Council
Agenda
October 19, 2015
5:00 p.m.
City Hall
Address:
1245 W Highway 96
Arden Hills MN 55112
Phone:
651 -792 -7800
Website :
www.cityofardenhills.org
City Vision
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.
CALL TO ORDER
1.
1.A.
Documents:
1.B.
Documents:
1.C.
Documents:
2.
City of Arden Hills
City Council Work Session for October 19, 2015
P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2015\PC 15-020 - Zoning Code Amendment - Retail and Resale Businesses\Memo_Reports_15-020
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 19, 2015
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Sue Iverson, Acting City Administrator
FROM: Ryan Streff, City Planner
SUBJECT: Planning Case #15-020: Retail and Resale Businesses
Requested Action
Provide staff direction on possible revisions to the Zoning Code to address retail and resale
businesses.
Background
At the request of the former City Administrator, staff researched options to further regulate retail
sales of new and used goods. Staff presented the findings to the Planning Commission in
September and the Planning Commission recommended no change to the Zoning Code. Staff is
requesting City Council direction on whether or not a change to the Code should be considered.
Research Summary
Based on the direction provided by the Council, 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
City of Arden Hills
City Council Work Session for October 19, 2015
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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
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 clearl y defining “retail business” and “resale business” the City could 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 C).
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.
Next Steps
If the City Council decides to move forward with the proposed revisions to the City Code, staff
would bring the suggested changes back to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. After
the public hearing was conducted, staff would ask that the City Council then take formal action
on the amendment at a future City Council meeting.
Attachments
A. Planning Commission Work Session Minutes – September 9, 2015
B. Planning Commission Report – September 9, 2015
C. Purpose of Districts – Section 1320.04
D. Land Use Chart – Section 1320.05
Approved:
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION
WORK SESSION
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Roberta Thompson called to order the work
session meeting at 6:59 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present were: Chair Roberta Thompson, Commissioners Andrew Holewa, Steven Jones,
Phillip Neururer, and Clayton Zimmerman.
Absent: Commissioner Brent Bartel and Angela Hames.
Also present were: Associate Planner Matthew Bachler and Councilmember Fran
Holmes
APPROVAL OF AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
The Agenda was approved as presented.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
B. Planning Case 15-020 – Zoning Code Amendment – Retail & Resale Business
Associate Planner Bachler requested the Planning Commission consider revising the retail sales
and services definition in the Zoning Code and adding a new definition for resale business. Staff
reviewed the proposed zoning code amendment in detail with the Planning Commission and
requested comment.
Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commission questions.
Commissioner Zimmerman questioned how neighboring communities addressed resale
businesses.
Associate Planner Bachler reported that some of the language used for the new resale business
definition was from the Vadnais Heights City Code.
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 2
Commissioner Jones discussed the number of thrift stores in the area, along with the number of
pawn shops. He believed that the products for sale and the footprint should be evaluated rather
than the simply disallowing a resale store.
Chair Thompson stated that another way to address this issue would be to allow resale
businesses in only certain zoning districts given the small size of the City. She did not want to
see an imbalance in the communities’ retail and commercial shops.
Associate Planner Bachler discussed the land use chart with the Planning Commission and
noted where retail sales and services were currently allowed in Arden Hills.
Commissioner Zimmerman suggested that the existing retail sales and services definition be
expanded to include used or consignment goods. He discussed how the numerous college
students and those living at E Street Flats would benefit by resale/consignment shops.
Chair Thompson discussed how times were changing and she believed there was a greater
desire to reuse and recycle items.
Commissioner Jones was surprised that pawn shops were not allowed in Arden Hills. He was
in favor of the City reconsidering pawn shops in the City of Arden Hills.
Associate Planner Bachler thanked the Commission for their input regarding retail and resale
businesses.
It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that no changes should be made to the Zoning
Code at this time to distinguish between retail sales and services and resale businesses.
ADJOURN
Commissioner Holewa moved, seconded by Commissioner Zimmerman, to adjourn
the February 5, 2015, Planning Commission Work Session Meeting at 7:55 p.m.
The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
City of Arden Hills
Planning Commission Work Session for September 9, 2015
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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
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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
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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
1320.04 Purpose of Districts.
Subd. 1 R-1 Single Family Residential District (revised 6/23/11)
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 I-694/I-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 I-694/I-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 I-694/I-35W Plan.
G. To allow development that will insure reasonable traffic operation on the
internal and surrounding transportation systems.
Subd. 12 I-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 I-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 11/25/13)
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 11/25/13)
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
Section 1320 – District Provisions
Adopted: November 13, 2006
Page 10 of 59
1320.05 Land Use Chart. (revised 11/25/13)
CD POS
Antenna, Dish or Tower CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA
Boarding house C C C C == == == C == ==
Brewpub CCC C
Business service == == == == A P P P C P P P P P
Clinic, medical office == == == == P P P P P C P P P P P
Club or lodge (non‑profit)== == == == P P P == C == == P
Club, sports & fitness == == == == A P P P C P P P P
Commercial recreation - indoor == == == == P P P == P P
Daycare Facility, over 10 P PPPP P P P P P
Daycare, family - 10 or less AAAAA A A
Daycare, group family - 14 or less CA CA CA CA CA CA CA
Dog kennel == == == == C C == == ==
Dog run AAA= = = = = = = = = = = = A
Drive-up windows == == == == C C C A == CA
Dry cleaning & laundry, pick-up station == == == == C A A == A == P
Dry cleaning & laundry, self-service
laundry C= =C C = = = = = = = == =
Dwelling: density zoning D D D D == == == == P ==
Dwelling: multiple family == == C C C C == == C C == P ==
Dwelling: single-family attached CCDD P = =
Dwelling: single‑family detached P P P P == == == == == P ==
Dwelling: two‑family CCPPC = = = = = = = = = = P = =
Dwelling: live-work unit == == == == C C ==
Financial institution & service == == == == P P P P P C P P P P == P
Garage, truck == == == == == == == == C C == ==
Home occupation: Class I AAAAA A A = =
Home occupation: Class II CA CA CA CA CA == == == C == == CA ==
Hospital D
Hotel/motel == == == == C P C C C == C P
House of worship CCCCC CCCCC CP
Manufactured home park == == C == == == == == == == == == ==
Manufacturing & processing: Class I AAA P P P P = = C
Manufacturing & processing: Class II == == == == == == == == P == ==
Microbrewery CCC C C C
Microdistillery CCC C C C
Mortuary, funeral home == == == == P P == C == == == C
Multiple occupancy building == == == == C C C C C C C C C C == P
Nursery C C C C == == == == == == CA
Nursing home and assisted living C C C C D C == == == == C P
CC GB I‑1I - 2I - F L E XUses:
Zoning Districts:
R‑1R‑2R‑3R‑4N BB‑1B‑2B‑3M R M BB‑4
City of Arden Hills Chapter 13 Zoning Code
Section 1320 – District Provisions
Adopted: November 13, 2006
Page 11 of 59
Office = = = = = = = = PPPPPPPPP P P
Park Facilities P
Pawn shop
Personal services CAPPPCP A P
Public use CCCCCCCCCCCCC C PPCC
Research and development facility CPCCC PPP P P
Research animals CC 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 CCCCC C C
Restaurant and restaurant-fast food = = = = = = = = CAPPPCPCC P
Retail sales & service = = = = = = = = PAPPPCAAA 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 PPPPPPPPP PPP P PPAP
Utility substation == == == == == == == == C C C C
Utility transmission CCCCCCCCC CCC C CCCC
Vehicle – motorized, leasing and rentals == == == == C C == == == C
Vehicle - motorized, service == == == == C C == == == C
Warehousing = = = = = = = = AAAA CPP C A
CD POSMR MB
“P” = Permitted; “D” = Planned Unit; “■” = Not Permitted;
“C” = Conditional Use Permit; “A” = Accessory; “CA” = Conditional Accessory Use Permit, “I” = Interim Use Permit
Uses:
Zoning Districts:
R‑1R‑2R‑3R‑4N BB‑1B‑2B‑3B‑4C CG B I‑1 I-2 I-FLEX
______________________________________________________________________________
City of Arden Hills
City Council Work Session for October 19, 2015
P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2015\PC 15-021 - Zoning Code Amendment - Outdoor Display and Sales\Memos_15-
021
Page 1 of 2
DATE: October 19, 2015
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Sue Iverson, Acting City Administrator
FROM: Matthew Bachler, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Outdoor Display and Sales Zoning Regulations
Background
The City is currently reviewing outdoor display and sales in its commercial districts and whether
the Zoning Code should be updated to further regulate these activities. At the City Council Work
Session on September 21, 2015, staff presented research on different ways that several cities in
the metro area regulate outdoor display and sales. Based on the review of best practices used in
other communities, staff provided initial recommendations for updates to the Zoning Code. The
City Council directed staff to complete further work on the recommended dimension standards
for display areas and to report back at a future Work Session meeting.
Discussion
The initial recommendation in the staff report for the September 21, 2015 Work Session was for
a maximum outdoor display area of 200 square feet. Staff has since revised its recommendation
for the permitted display area to the following: two (2) percent of the gross floor area of the
principal building or 300 square feet, whichever is greater. This modification would increase the
minimum area allowed for all properties from 200 to 300 square feet and would allow larger
retailers, such as grocery or home improvement stores, to have slightly larger display areas more
proportional to the size of their store footprints. The table below provides what three local
businesses would be allowed for display areas if this standard were adopted:
Business
Total Gross Floor
Area (s.f.)
2% Gross Floor
Area (s.f.)
Permitted Display
Area (s.f.)
Cub Foods 68,566 sf 1,371 1,371
Walgreens 14,490 sf 290 300
Holiday Service Station 5,563 sf 111 300
AGENDA ITEM 1-B
MEMORANDUM
______________________________________________________________________________
City of Arden Hills
City Council Work Session for October 19, 2015
P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2015\PC 15-021 - Zoning Code Amendment - Outdoor Display and Sales\Memos_15-
021
Page 2 of 2
Staff has also created aerial maps in GIS to provide a visual of the display area footprints for the
Cub Foods store and the Holiday service station (Attachment D).
Recommendations and Next Steps
The recommendations discussed at the Work Session on September 21, 2015 have been updated
based on the direction provided by the City Council. Staff is requesting that the City Council
review the list below and provide any additional feedback:
• Add a definition to the Zoning Code for Outdoor Display and Sales land use
classification.
• Restrict use to the B-2, B-3, B-4, Neighborhood Business, and Gateway Business Zoning
Districts.
• Permit outdoor display and sales as an accessory use to Retail Sales and Services and
Service Station uses only. Require an Administrative Permit and Site Plan for each
business proposing to have an outdoor display and sales area.
• Limit types of products displayed or sold to merchandise incidental to the primary use on
the property.
• Require display areas to be adjacent to the principal building and on the side of building
with main entrance. Prohibit display areas from being located on service station islands.
• Prohibit display areas from obstructing pedestrian access and utilizing required on-site
parking.
• Limit display areas to a footprint of no more than two (2) percent of the gross floor area
of the principal building or 300 square feet, whichever is greater.
• Establish a maximum height of 6 feet for display areas, or as determined by the
Community Development Department.
• Require that merchandise be stacked and arranged neatly at all times and be located on a
hard surface.
The next step in this process would be to have staff draft an ordinance amending the Zoning
Code to include the new regulations on outdoor display and sales. The Planning Commission
would be required to hold a public hearing on the ordinance prior to formal action by the City
Council on this item.
Attachments
A. Outdoor Display and Sales Regulations - Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Area Examples
B. Staff Report to the City Council, September 21, 2015
C. City Council Work Session Minutes, September 21, 2015
D. Aerial Maps – Cub Foods and Holiday Display Areas
Outdoor Display and Sales Zoning Regulations - Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Area Examples
City Districts Permitted Classification of Use Restrictions on Type of Display Dimensional/Location Standards
Eagan
Neighborhood Business,
General Business, and
Community Shopping
Center Districts
Permitted accessory use
Display items must consist solely of
products sold or distributed within
the principal structure by the
occupant thereof
• Display area must be < 60 sq. ft.
• Located adjacent to principal structure and on
side with main entrance
• Must be within 5' from building wall
• Maximum height of 4'
• Display area cannot take up required parking
spaces or landscaped area
Maple Grove B - Business District Permitted accessory use
• Limited to items which require
outdoor sales location (plants,
fuel), and items because of large
volume/weight more easily housed
outdoors (vending machine, salt,
fertilizer)
• Separate requirements for
temporary outdoor display
• Must be 200' from residential property unless
separated by arterial street
• Screened from all lot lines
Lakeville C-1, C-2, C-3, C-CBD, I-
CBD, I-1, I-2
Permitted accessory use with
Administrative Permit
Include more restrictive standards
for outside sales at motor vehicle
fuel facilities in terms of total area,
height, and types of displays
permitted.
• Area < 10% of principal building
• Limited to area of customer entrances
• No display in required setbacks
• Display area included in calculation for
required parking spaces
• Cannot occupy space required for parking
• Propane lockers must be on concrete/asphalt
surface adjacent to principal building
• Propane lockers cannot encroach on
pedestrian sidewalk or impede circulation
Outdoor Display and Sales Zoning Regulations - Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Area Examples
City Districts Permitted Classification of Use Restrictions on Type of Display Dimensional/Location Standards
Edina PCD-1, PCD-2, PCD-3 Permitted accessory use -
• Display area cannot occupy > 10% of gross
floor area of building housing principal use
• No display within 1/2 required front street or
side street setback
• No display in required side/rear setback
Brooklyn Park
Outdoor sales: B-3, B-4
Vending/ice machine,
propane exchange: B-2, B-
3, B-4, BP, I
Outdoor sales: conditional use
Vending/ice machine, propane
exchange: permitted use in
conjunction with vehicle service
business or grocery/variety goods
Distinction made between
vending/ice machines and propane
exchange and general outdoor
sales and display
Outdoor sales: cannot block sidewalks or
encroach on sidewalks. Must be identified on
approved Site Plan.
Vending/ice machine, propane exchange:
adjacent to primary building; project < 5' from
building; minimum access width 4'.
Eden Prairie
Neighborhood
Commercial, Community
Commercial, Highway
Commercial, Regional
Service Commercial,
Regional Commercial
Permitted accessory use Separate requirements for
temporary outdoor display
• Building must not exceed permitted FAR
• Material/equipment must be screened from
road and adjacent land uses with a wall of the
building
• May not encompass area > 6% of base area of
enclosed building
Roseville NB, CB, RB-1, RB-2, CMU,
O/BP, I
Permitted accessory use. Annual
permit required in Commercial
and Mixed Use Districts
• Merchandise limited to items
incidental to primary use of
premises
• Separate standards for outdoor
sales events and outdoor seasonal
retail sales
• Separate standards for outdoor
display for motor fuel sales, motor
vehicle repair, and body shops
• Limited to 350 square feet
• Cannot utilize existing on-site parking spaces
• Cannot obstruct pedestrian access
• Merchandise stacked/arranged neatly
• Max height 8' or as determined by CD
Department
DATE: September 21, 2015
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Patrick Klaers, City Administrator
FROM: Matthew Bachler, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Outdoor Display and Sales Zoning Regulations
Background
At the City Council Work Session on July 20, 2015, staff presented an inventory of properties in
the B-2 and B-3 Zoning Districts with outdoor sales or exterior storage. Staff also reviewed the
current regulations in the Zoning Code regarding outdoor sale and exterior storage uses in these
two districts. The City Council directed staff to complete research on how other cities in the
metro area regulate these types of activities in commercial districts and to report back at a future
City Council Work Session. The staff report and meeting minutes from the City Council Work
Session on July 20, 2015 are included in Attachments B and C.
Discussion
Staff has reviewed Zoning Ordinances from the cities of Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Eden Prairie,
Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, and Roseville for provisions that regulate outdoor display and
sales by businesses. Regulations on exterior storage uses were not evaluated at this time. Outdoor
display and sale uses are permitted in all seven cities but are restricted in terms of the zoning
districts where they are allowed. These activities are regulated through required City approvals,
the types of products that can be displayed, and dimension and location standards. Staff has
compiled a spreadsheet to organize this information, which has been provided in Attachment A.
Districts Permitted
Generally, the cities that were researched allow outdoor display and sales in most commercial
zoning districts. Brooklyn Park allows these uses in their General Business District and Vehicle
Sales and Showroom District, but prohibits them in the Neighborhood Retail District, except for
vending machines, ice machines, and propane exchanges. Several cities do not permit outdoor
display and sales on industrially zoned properties.
AGENDA ITEM 1-A
MEMORANDUM
______________________________________________________________________________
City of Arden Hills
City Council Work Session for September 21, 2015
Page 1 of 3
Classification of Use
The cities of Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, and Maple Grove classify outdoor display and sales as
a permitted accessory use that does not require any additional City approvals. In Lakeville and
Roseville, the use is listed as a permitted accessory use but businesses must obtain an
administrative permit. Brooklyn Park classifies outdoor display and sales, except for vending
machines, ice machines, and propane exchanges, as a conditional use that requires Conditional
Use Permit approval by the City Council.
Types of Products Displayed or Sold
The cities of Eagan and Roseville specifically state that outdoor display items must consist of
merchandise that is incidental to the primary use on the property. Maple Grove limits this
activity to items that require an outdoor location (plants and fuel) and items that because of large
volume or weight are more easily housed outdoors (vending machines, salt, and fertilizer). As
discussed previously, Brooklyn Park limits outdoor display and sales to vending machines, ice
machines, and propane exchanges in certain commercial districts.
Location, Dimensional, and Performance Standards
Most of the cities reviewed place restrictions on where outdoor display and sales areas can be
located on a property. Some examples of these requirements include being adjacent to customer
entrances and within five feet of a building wall. It is also common for these uses to be
prohibited from obstructing pedestrian access, occupying on-site parking spaces, and
encroaching into required structure setbacks.
Outdoor display areas are commonly restricted based on total area and height. The following
table provides a summary of standards used by other cities:
City Maximum Display Area Maximum Height
Eagan 60 square feet 4 feet
Eden Prairie 6% of base area of enclosed
building -
Edina 10% of gross floor area of
building housing principal use -
Lakeville 10% of gross floor area of
principal building -
Roseville 350 square feet 8 feet or as determined by
Community Development Dept.
Note: Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove do not have standards on maximum display
area or height.
Three cities include performance standards for outdoor display areas. Both Eden Prairie and
Maple Grove require these areas to be screened in some way, either from public roads or
adjacent land uses. In Roseville, merchandise displayed outdoors must be stacked and arranged
neatly at all times.
______________________________________________________________________________
City of Arden Hills
City Council Work Session for September 21, 2015
Page 2 of 3
Recommendation
If the City Council chooses to create regulations for outdoor display and sales activities, staff has
drafted a list of initial recommendations below. Staff is requesting that the City Council review
these recommendations and provide further direction:
• Add a definition to the Zoning Code for Outdoor Display and Sales land use
classification.
• Restrict use to the B-2, B-3, B-4, and Gateway Business Zoning Districts. Complete
additional research on which Zoning Districts on the TCAAP site should allow this use.
• Permit outdoor display and sales as an accessory use to Retail Sales and Services and
Service Station uses only. Require an Administrative Permit and Site Plan for each
business proposing to have an outdoor display and sales area.
• Limit types of products displayed or sold to merchandise incidental to the primary use on
the property.
• Require display areas to be adjacent to the principal building and on side of building with
main entrance.
• Prohibit display areas from obstructing pedestrian access and utilizing required on-site
parking.
• Limit display areas to a footprint of no more than 200 square feet.
• Establish a maximum height of 6 feet for display areas, or as determined by the
Community Development Department.
• Require that merchandise be stacked and arranged neatly at all times and be located on a
hard surface.
Based on the feedback provided by the City Council, staff will work on scheduling this item for a
Planning Commission Work Session to discuss this issue further. Before bringing this item to the
Planning Commission, staff will notify local businesses that currently have outdoor display and
sales uses about the regulations under consideration.
Attachments
A. Outdoor Display and Sales Regulations - Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Area Examples
B. Staff Report to the City Council , July 20, 2015
C. City Council Work Session Minutes, July 20, 2015
______________________________________________________________________________
City of Arden Hills
City Council Work Session for September 21, 2015
Page 3 of 3
Approved: October 12, 2015
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 21, 2015
5:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the City Council work
session meeting at 5:01 p.m.
Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, and
Dave McClung
Absent: Councilmember Robert Woodburn
Also present: Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; Public Works
Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner
Ryan Streff; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; and Deputy Clerk Julie Hanson
1. AGENDA ITEMS
A. Outdoor Display and Sales Zoning Regulations
Associate Planner Bachler stated that at the City Council Work Session on July 20, 2015, staff
presented an inventory of properties in the B-2 and B-3 Zoning Districts with outdoor sales or
exterior storage. Staff also reviewed the current regulations in the Zoning Code regarding outdoor
sales and exterior storage uses in these two districts. The City Council directed staff to complete
research on how other cities in the metro area regulate these types of activities in commercial
districts and to report back at a future City Council Work Session.
Associate Planner Bachler reported that staff reviewed Zoning Ordinances from the cities of
Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, and Roseville for provisions
that regulate outdoor display and sales by businesses. Regulations on exterior storage uses were
not evaluated at this time. Outdoor display and sales uses are permitted in all seven cities but are
restricted in terms of the zoning districts where they are allowed. These activities are regulated
through required City approvals, the types of products that can be displayed, and dimension and
location standards.
Associate Planner Bachler stated that generally, the cities that were researched allow outdoor
display and sales in most commercial zoning districts. Brooklyn Park allows these uses in their
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 2
General Business District and Vehicle Sales and Showroom District, but prohibits them in the
Neighborhood Retail District, except for vending machines, ice machines, and propane exchanges.
Several cities do not permit outdoor display and sales on industrially zoned properties.
Associate Planner Bachler commented that the cities of Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, and Maple
Grove classify outdoor display and sales as a permitted accessory use that does not require any
additional City approvals. In Lakeville and Roseville, the use is listed as a permitted accessory use
but businesses must obtain an administrative permit. Brooklyn Park classifies outdoor display and
sales, with the exception of vending machines, ice machines, and propane exchanges, as a
conditional use that requires a Conditional Use Permit and approval by the City Council.
Associate Planner Bachler explained that the cities of Eagan and Roseville specifically state that
outdoor display items must consist of merchandise that is incidental to the primary use on the
property. Maple Grove limits this activity to items that require an outdoor location (plants and
fuel) and items that because of large volume or weight are more easily housed outdoors (vending
machines, salt, and fertilizer). As discussed previously, Brooklyn Park limits outdoor display and
sales to vending machines, ice machines, and propane exchanges in certain commercial districts.
Associate Planner Bachler indicated that most of the cities reviewed place restrictions on where
outdoor display and sales areas can be located on a property. Some examples of these
requirements include being adjacent to customer entrances and within five feet of a building wall.
It is also common for these uses to be prohibited from obstructing pedestrian access, occupying
on-site parking spaces, and encroaching into required structure setbacks.
Associate Planner Bachler stated that if the City Council chooses to create regulations for
outdoor display and sales activities, staff has drafted a list of initial recommendations as outlined
below. Staff requested that the City Council review the following recommendations and provide
further direction.
• Add a definition to the Zoning Code for Outdoor Display and Sales land use classification.
• Restrict use to the B-2, B-3, B-4, and Gateway Business Zoning Districts. Complete
additional research on which Zoning Districts on the TCAAP site should allow this use.
• Permit outdoor display and sales as an accessory use to Retail Sales and Services and
Service Station uses only. Require an Administrative Permit and Site Plan for each
business proposing to have an outdoor display and sales area.
• Limit types of products displayed or sold to merchandise incidental to the primary use on
the property.
• Require display areas to be adjacent to the principal building and on side of building with
main entrance.
• Prohibit display areas from obstructing pedestrian access and utilizing required on-site
parking.
• Limit display areas to a footprint of no more than 200 square feet.
• Establish a maximum height of 6 feet for display areas, or as determined by the
Community Development Department.
• Require that merchandise be stacked and arranged neatly at all times and be located on a
hard surface.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 3
Associate Planner Bachler stated that based on the feedback provided by the City Council, staff
will work on scheduling this item for a Planning Commission Work Session to discuss this issue
further. Before bringing this item to the Planning Commission, staff will notify local businesses
that currently have outdoor display and sales uses about the regulations under consideration.
Councilmember McClung questioned what staff was hoping to gain from the proposed outdoor
display and sales zoning regulations.
Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the City does not want outdoor
storage to become messy looking and indicated staff does speak directly to the business owner if it
becomes an issue. She commented that staff’s concern in drafting this language was meeting the
needs of all commercial uses in the City while not being overly restrictive or allowing too much
outdoor storage.
Councilmember McClung wondered if the new regulations would open a can-of-worms and for
that reason, did not want this item to proceed.
Mayor Grant was in favor of the City taking some action in order to address the outdoor storage
concerns in the community. He provided further comment on how the City managed its zoning
concerns and encouraged staff to be more proactive in addressing zoning issues within the
business community.
Councilmember Holmes believed it would benefit staff to have a clear and definitive rule
regarding outdoor storage and display.
Further discussion ensued regarding the proper percentage of outdoor storage that should be
allowed in the City of Arden Hills.
Councilmember McClung indicated that he was talking himself out of this ordinance
amendment. He supported the City’s current code language.
Mayor Grant requested that staff bring the code language back to the Council at an upcoming
work session meeting that includes some sort of cap or a percentage not to exceed a specified
amount with no storage allowed on service station islands.
Cub Foods and Holiday Service StationProposed Permitted Outdoor Display and Sales Area
K
Cub Foods 68,566 Square Feet
1,371 Square Feet
Holiday Station Store5,563 Square Feet
Permitted Display Area (2% of Gross Building Area or 300 Square Feet, whichever is greater)
K
300 Square Feet
AGENDA ITEM – 1C
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 19, 2015
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Sue Iverson, Acting City Administrator
Director of Finance and Administrative Services
SUBJECT: Council Vacancy Discussion
Background
Due to the unexpected passing of Councilmember Robert Woodburn on October 2, 2015,
a vacancy now exists on the City Council. This vacancy will need to be filled by Council
appointment until an election is held. Since more than two years remain in the unexpired
term, a special election will be held at the next regular City election. The appointed
person shall serve until the qualification of a successor is elected at a special election to
fill the unexpired portion of the term.
Discussion
The City Council adopted a resolution declaring the vacancy which also indicated that we
will hold the special election next November. Staff has been in contact with both
Ramsey County and the City Attorney in order to insure that we file the proper
paperwork and notices.
Some items to note while we have a declared vacancy:
Items that need a 4/5 vote of the City Council will now only require a 3/4 vote
until someone is appointed.
Regular items still need a 3/4 vote.
Special Mayoral authority is limited to the vacancy issue in that if there is a 2-2
vote, the Mayor makes the appointment. This is per M.S. 412.02.
Council Action
The City Council will need to determine how they wish to proceed with appointing
someone to this vacancy until a special election is held.