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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-20 PC Approved: October 7, 2020 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Nick Gehrig called to order the regular Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting was held virtually. ROLL CALL Present were: Chair Nick Gehrig, Commissioners Marcie Jefferys, Steven Jones, Subbaya Subramanian, Paul Vijums, Kurtis Weber, and Jonathan Wicklund. Absent: Commissioners James Lambeth and Clayton Zimmerman. Also present were: Community Development Manager/City Planner Mike Mrosla, Associate Planner Joe Hartmann, and Councilmember Steve Scott. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 Chair Gehrig stated the agenda will stand as published. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 5, 2020 – Planning Commission Regular Meeting Chair Gehrig requested all references to himself be changed to Vice Chair Jones within the minutes. Commissioner Jones moved, seconded by Commissioner Jefferys, to approve the August 5, 2020, Planning Commission Regular Meeting as amended. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). PLANNING CASES A. Planning Case 20-014; 1434 County Road E – Variance Request – No Public Hearing Required ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 2 Associate Planner Hartmann stated the Applicant is requesting a Variance to expand the current 528 square foot garage on the Subject Property into a 1,100 square foot garage. The maximum size of a garage allowed by right is 728 square feet. The existing garage meets the front and rear yard setbacks which are forty (40) and thirty (30) feet from the front and rear property lines, respectively, but the garage is only three (3) feet from the side yard setback where a ten (10) foot side yard setback is required for an accessory structure in the R-1 district. Due to the size of the request and the current garage’s legal nonconforming side yard setback (refer to Planning Case 00-004 for the previously approved three (3) foot setback variance), the Applicant requires a variance approval for the expansion of the garage. Associate Planner Hartmann reported the Applicant is proposing to expand the accessory structure in order to gain more storage space for their vehicles. According to the Applicant’s narrative submitted as a part of their application, when the sidewalk was installed within the easement facing County Road E, they lost driveway space that they had been using for the storage of vehicles. Expanding the garage will allow them to store their vehicles on the property safely. The Applicant has also indicated to staff that they intend to widen the driveway with permeable pavers and seek a future expansion of the house so that the increased size of the garage will not appear out of character with the property or the neighborhood. No permits have been pulled for these projects yet, and while they would require separate building plan review, these projects would not require a variance. Associate Planner Hartmann reviewed the surrounding area, the Plan Evaluation and provided the Findings of Fact for review: 1. City Staff received a land use application for a request to build a bigger garage for a single family dwelling at the Subject Property 1434 County Road E. 2. A garage for a single-family detached dwelling is a permitted use in the R-1 Single Family Residential District. 3. The Subject Property is a legal nonconforming lot due to the lot not meeting the minimum width requirement for the R-1 District. 4. The Subject Property is non-conforming with the R-1 District’s standards for minimum lot length requirements. 5. The proposed development of the Subject Property would conform to all other requirements and standards of the R-1 district. 6. The Subject Property was previously granted a side yard setback variance of three (3) feet for a garage under Planning Case 00- 004. 7. The proposed structure would not exceed the three (3) foot variance distance previously approved. 8. A variance may be granted if enforcement of a provision in the zoning ordinance would cause the landowner practical difficulties. 9. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance. Associate Planner Hartmann stated staff recommends approval of Planning Case 20-014 for a Variance at 1434 County Road E, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the conditions below: 1. A Building Permit shall be issued prior to commencement of construction. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 3 2. The exterior materials of the proposed addition shall be consistent or complementary in color, texture and quality with those visible on the existing structure. 3. The roof of the proposed addition shall be integrated into, and consistent with, the existing roof of the structure and materials. 4. The Subject Property shall be limited to one (1) accessory structure. 5. The proposed building shall conform to all other standards and regulations in the City Code. 6. The proposed garage shall not exceed 1,100 square feet total. Associate Planner Hartmann 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 Gehrig opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Jefferys stated she appreciated the explanation from the applicant for the detached garage. She asked if the garage would more than double in size. Associate Planner Hartmann reported the garage would go from 528 square feet to 1100 square feet. Commissioner Jefferys indicated this would be a large garage for the neighborhood. She questioned if the neighborhood had any other four-car garages. Associate Planner Hartmann commented the neighboring property at 1426 County Road E had received a variance for a 3” side yard setback. He explained a site plan review was completed in 2019 at 4101 Gail Circle where an additional 703 square feet of garage space was requested. Commissioner Subramanian asked if the applicant would be installing another driveway for this garage. Associate Planner Hartmann stated staff had spoken with Ramsey County regarding this matter and noted a second driveway would not be allowed. He noted the applicant could expand the existing driveway but noted this would require a separate permit. Keith Sandahl 1434 County Road E, explained the purpose of the garage expansion was to allow him to store all four of his vehicles indoors, especially during the winter months. Commissioner Jones questioned if the roofline of the old garage would be perpendicular to the new garage. Associate Planner Hartmann stated this was correct. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 4 Commissioner Jones inquired if the proposed garage was a mirror image to the neighbor’s garage. Mr. Sandahl commented he was asking for a garage that would mirror his neighbor’s garage. Commissioner Jones asked if there would be a problem with water runoff from the garage. Mr. Sandahl discussed how the water ran off from his property to the rear into a creek. Commissioner Jones inquired if the permeable/non-permeable surface requirements were being met for this lot. Associate Planner Hartmann reported these requirements were being met for this zoning district given the fact this was a large R-1 lot. Commissioner Vijums questioned how many cars could be parked on the driveway. Mr. Sandahl stated he could currently park four cars in the driveway. He noted he used to be able to park six cars in his driveway. Further discussion ensued regarding the visibility of the garage on the property. Commissioner Vijums commented what the applicant lost in sidewalk space doesn’t equal what the applicant was asking for. He indicated the Commission would have to consider if the garage size was excessive even though it mimics the neighbor’s garage. Commissioner Weber stated there was a bit of conflicting information in the packet. He noted applicant had hoped to widen the driveway, which wasn’t going to happen anymore. He asked if the applicant planned to install a rear garage door. Associate Planner Hartmann commented according to the applicant’s plans there would be no rear garage door. Commissioner Weber questioned if the applicant would be allowed to complete mechanical work from the garage. Associate Planner Hartmann stated this would not be allowed. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained this was a prohibited home occupation. Commissioner Wicklund asked what the dimensions were for the current garage. Associate Planner Hartmann reported the garage was 22 feet by 24 feet in size. Commissioner Wicklund inquired if the existing garage would be demolished. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 5 Mr. Sandahl stated the existing garage would remain in place and the additional square feet would be added (22 feet by 50 feet). Commissioner Wicklund questioned if City Code allowed for two accessory structures totaling 1,456 square feet. Associate Planner Hartmann reported this was the case. Commissioner Wicklund explained the applicant currently has 528 square feet of garage space and the applicant is asking for 1,100 additional square feet or 1,628 total square feet. He noted current City Code only allows for 1,456 square feet. Chair Gehrig thanked Commissioner Wicklund for the clarification. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated this information was news to staff. He reported staff had the understanding the existing garage would be demolished. He noted the overall size that was allowed per City Code was 1,456 square feet. He explained the proposal before the Commission does not meet this requirement. Chair Gehrig suggested the Commission table action on this item to allow staff and the applicant to clarify some of the project details and that this matter be reviewed by the Commission in October. Commissioner Jones supported the matter being tabled. He stated he would like to see calculations regarding permeable surfaces with the garage addition and how much was taken by the City for the sidewalk. He commented he would also like to understand more about the neighbor’s garage and variance. He indicated he could support a garage the same size as the neighbor’s, but not exceeding this garage size. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported the neighboring garage was roughly 1,000 square feet. He clarified that there was no “taking” of property for the sidewalk as the sidewalk was located within Ramsey County right-of-way. Commissioner Jefferys stated she supported this matter being tabled and she would like to understand how the applicant would be using a six car garage. Commissioner Vijums also supported this Planning Case being tabled. He encouraged the applicant to stick within the City’s zoning requirements for the garage. Chair Gehrig moved and Commissioner Jones seconded a motion to table action on Planning Case 20-014 a Variance for the property at 1434 County Road E to allow staff to clarify the structure size, to better understand the permeable surface area on the lot, as well as investigating other structures in the City that have exceeded the maximum allowable square footage of 1,456 square feet. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). B. Planning Case 20-018; 3246 New Brighton Road (Ecko Estates) Final Plat Request – No Public Hearing Required ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 6 Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the Subject Property at 3246 New Brighton Road is approximately 3.12 acres in size and is comprised of the decommissioned Lake Johanna Fire Station No. 1 building, a detached garage, and parking areas. The two (2) existing structures are located along New Brighton Road but the topography slopes down significantly to a pond located on the easterly half of the property. It’s located in the R-2 Single and Two Family Residential District and is guided Very Low Density Residential in the Land Use Plan. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained at their June 22, 2020 Regular Meeting, the City Council reviewed a Variance and Preliminary Plat request for the Subject Property. The Applicant submitted a Land Use application to subdivide the Subject Property into four single family lots with a reduced minimum lot width of 81.75 feet. However, the zoning ordinance requires a minimum of 85 feet in the R-2 district. The Council voted in the affirmative to approve the Variance and Preliminary Plat request during its June 22, 2020 meeting. During the previous approval process the Applicant elected not to apply for a Final Plat request simultaneously in case the project did not get approval from the City Council. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla further discussed the Overview of the Request and provided the Findings of Fact for review: 1. City Staff received a land use application for a request for Final Plat at the Subject Property 3246 New Brighton Road. 2. The Subject Property at 3246 New Brighton Road is located in the R-2 – Single and Two Family Residential Zoning District and is guided as very low density on the Land Use plan. 3. The Subject Property is currently comprised of the former Lake Johanna Fire Station 1 building, a detached garage, and parking areas. 4. The City Council approved the Preliminary Plat and Variance for the Subject Property at their June 22, 2020 meeting. 5. The Applicant has requested a Final Plat to finalize the subdivision of the Subject Property into four (4) single-family residential lots. 6. The adjacent properties to the north, east, west and south are zoned R-2 District and are guided for Low Density Residential uses in the Arden Hills 2040 Comprehensive Plan 7. A single-family detached dwelling is a permitted use for the lots in the R-2 district where the Subject Property is located. 8. The proposed Final Plat meets the Subdivision Design requirements included in Section 1130 of the City Code. 9. The proposed development requires public use dedication, as required in Section 1130.08 of the City Code. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated staff recommends approval of Planning Case 20-018 for a Final Plat at 3246 New Brighton Road, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the conditions below: 1. All conditions of the Preliminary Plat approval shall remain in full force and effect. 2. Prior to the release of the Final Plat for recording, the Applicant shall enter into a Development Agreement. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 7 3. All permanent easements and rights-of-way (ROW) necessary for existing street and utility improvements shall be granted to the City at no cost and paid for by the Developer. 4. The Developer shall be financially responsible for 100 percent of all storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water main area and connection charges applicable to the property. These charges are identified in a preliminary report prepared for the project and shall be in the Development Agreement. 5. Final Plat approval shall expire six months from the date of the City Council approval unless the Final Plat has recorded with Ramsey County or a time extension granted by the City Council. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla 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 Gehrig opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Jones stated he was heartbroken to see the fire station going away, but noted he supported the proposed project. Commissioner Wicklund asked if Condition 3 was standard practice for the City. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla recommended the “or” be changed to “and” in Condition 3. Commissioner Jones moved and Commissioner Subramanian seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 20-018 for a Final Plat at 3246 New Brighton Road based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the five (5) conditions as amended in the September 9, 2020, report to the Planning Commission. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). C. Planning Case 20-010; 4200 Round Lake Road – Planned Unit Development Request, Site Plan Review, Conditional Use Permit, Preliminary and Final Plat – Public Hearing Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the Subject Property is currently owned by North American Land Company, LLC, a holding company related to Roberts Management Group. The Subject Property comprises two (2) parcels totaling approximately 26.08 acres located south of the cul-de-sac on Gateway Boulevard and north of Interstate 694 and east of 35W. There was a previously existing building located onsite that was removed in 2006. The Subject Property has had a few development proposals in the past. However, none of the projects have come to fruition. The Subject Property has since been vacant with wetlands located adjacent to Interstates (“35W and 694”). ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 8 Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla indicated the Applicant is proposing to construct a 250,000 square foot office and warehouse facility on the site. The site is highly visible from 694 and 35W. Separate access points to the site will be provided via Gateway Boulevard for employee parking and deliveries. The Applicant’s proposal includes office space, warehousing, and ground level unloading access with 38 dock doors located on the north side of the building. The site proposal includes at-grade office parking lots located on the south side of the building. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reviewed the surrounding area, the Plan Evaluation and provided the Findings of Fact for review: 1. The Applicant has submitted an application for a Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit and Preliminary/Final Plat at the Subject Property 4200 Round Lake Road. 2. The Applicant is proposing a 250,000 square foot office and warehouse facility on the Subject Property. 3. The Applicant has submitted a preliminary and final plat to plat two (2) properties. 4. Flexibility through the PUD process has been requested in the following areas: district provisions, lot area, lot dimensions, parking setbacks, building height, minimum caliper inches, aesthetics, perennials and shrubberies. 5. The proposed development plan meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of the City Code in the following areas: building setbacks, landscape coverage, parking, planting islands, street trees, tree selection, floor area ratio, drainage wetlands and flood plain tree selection, lighting, screening. 6. Where the plan is not in conformance with the City Code, flexibility has been requested by the Applicant and/or conditions have been placed on an approval that would mitigate the nonconformity. 7. A traffic study has been completed for the proposed use and suggests that Ramsey County to add five (5) seconds to the signal timing for Round Lake Road and Hwy 96 to allow for more northbound left turns during the PM peak hour. 8. Existing public facilities and shall be able to absorb the additional demand for public services needed for the proposed use. 9. The Subject Property is located with the Gateway Business (“GB”) District and is guided as Light Industrial & Office on the 2040 Land Use Plan. 10. The proposed Preliminary Plat and Final Plat are consistent with the Arden Hills Zoning Map and the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. 11. The application is not anticipated to create a negative impact on the immediate area or the community as a whole. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated staff recommends approval of Planning Case 20- 010 for a Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit and Preliminary Plat/Final Plat at 4200 Round Lake Road, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, subject to the following conditions: 1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted and as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to the plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the City Council. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 9 2. The Preliminary Plat approval shall expire six months from the date of the City Council approval unless the Final Plat has recorded with Ramsey County or a time extension granted by the City Council. 3. The Applicant shall record the Final Plat with Ramsey County and a copy shall be provided to the City within sixty (60) days of the City’s approval. 4. The Applicant shall be financially responsible for all applicable water and sanitary charges. Rates applied shall be those in effect at the time of Final Plat approval and shall be memorialized in the Development Agreement. 5. A Development Agreement shall be prepared by the City Attorney and subject to City Council approval. The Development Agreement shall be fully executed prior to release of a building permit. 6. The Applicant shall submit a park dedication fee that shall be seven and a half (7.5) percent of the fair market value of the unimproved land and subject to the approval of the City Council. The park dedication fee shall be submitted prior to the release of the Final Plat. 7. Survey monuments shall be placed and installed at all block corners, angle points, points of curves in streets, and at intermediate points as shown on the Final Plat. Pipes or steel rods shall be placed at the corners of each lot. 8. The final plat shall provide dedication of a 60-ft wide right of way for Gateway Boulevard on Lot 2, Block 1 overlying the area currently encumbered by existing drainage and utility easement. 9. Prior to the issuance of a grading and erosion permit, planning staff shall approve in writing the final landscaping plan. 10. Prior to the issuance of a grading and erosion permit, engineering staff shall approve in writing the final location of the loading driveway access to align with adjacent commercial driveway or provide adequate offset distance. 11. A cross easement access and maintenance agreement for the proposed share access on Lot 2 shall be submitted and memorialized in the Development Agreement. 12. Site Plan approval shall be required for the construction of the proof of parking area. 13. All light poles, including base, shall be a maximum of 25 feet in height and shall be shoebox style, downward directed, with high-pressure sodium lamps or LED and flush lenses. Other than wash or architectural lighting, attached security lighting shall be shoebox style, downward directed with flush lenses. If complaints are received the lighting adjacent to residential uses shall utilize house shields as directed by the City. In addition, any lighting under canopies (building entries) shall be recessed and use a flush lens. 14. A right of way permit shall be required for work performed within the City right of way. 15. A grading as-built and utility as-built plan shall be provided to the City upon completion of grading and utility work. 16. No exterior storage shall be permitted. 17. This approval does not include signs. A separate sign permit is required for all proposed signage. All signage shall meet the requirements of Sign District 6. 18. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, a landscape financial security of $50,000.00 dollars shall be submitted. Landscape financial security is held for two full growing seasons. 19. All rooftop or ground mounted mechanical equipment shall be hidden from view with the same materials used on the building in accordance with City Code requirements. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 10 20. All fencing and retaining wall materials shall be complementary to the building materials and shall be approved in writing by the Planning Division prior to issuance of a building permit. Retaining walls greater than four (4) feet in height shall be engineered and detailed calculations shall be submitted to the City. 21. Prior to City Council consideration, the Applicant shall submit a materials board to be approved in writing by staff. 22. A Grading and Erosion permit shall be obtained from the City’s Engineering Department prior to commencing any grading, land disturbance or utility activities. The Developer shall be responsible for obtaining any permits necessary from other agencies, including but not limited to, MPCA, Rice Creek Watershed District, and Ramsey County, MNDOT prior to the start of any site activities. 23. The Applicant shall be responsible for protecting the proposed on-site storm sewer infrastructure and components and any existing storm sewer from exposure to any and all stormwater runoff, sediments and debris during all construction activities. Temporary stormwater facilities shall be installed to protect the quality aspect of the proposed and existing stormwater facilities prior to and during construction activities. Maintenance of any and all temporary stormwater facilities shall be the responsibility of the Applicant. 24. Prior to the issuance of the Grading and Erosion permit, the Engineering Department shall review and approve final grading and utility plans in writing. Plans shall be amended to include detail drawings for connection to the sanitary sewer system in Gateway Boulevard, restoration of utility cuts within public streets, and inclusion of City details 3401, 3402, 3408, and 4000. 25. Any future trash enclosures shall utilize wooden gates and be constructed on three sides using the same materials and patterns used on the building. Locations shall be approved by the Planning Department. 26. The Applicant shall provide an executed copy of the City’s standard stormwater maintenance and easement agreement prior to approval of the Development Agreement. 27. All disturbed boulevards shall be restored with sod. 28. All areas of the site, where practical, shall be sodded or seeded and maintained. The property owner shall mow and maintain all site boulevards to the curb line of the public streets. 29. Overnight trailer parking is prohibited onsite other than along the dock wall within the concrete dock apron. 30. The Applicant shall work with Ramsey County to add five (5) seconds to the signal timing for Round Lake Road and Hwy 96 to allow for more northbound left turns during the PM peak hour prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. 31. Warehousing and wholesaling shall not exceed 85 percent of the floor area tenant. The remaining 15 percent of floor area shall be non-warehouse uses such as a combination of uses including-but-not-limited-to office, manufacturing, production, research and development, lab and/or showroom per tenant. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla 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 ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 11 Chair Gehrig opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Jefferys stated this was a complex and detailed proposal. She requested staff provide the Commission with a brief history on this property. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented he was unaware of the history this property due to his short time with the City. He understood an office building was previously approved for this site in 2006 when the lot was subdivided into two lots. Commissioner Jones questioned if the size of Lot 2 was going to be a concern. He stated he was surprised the site did not have two driveways to assist with maneuvering semi-trucks through the property. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported the applicant had looked at a number of lot designs for Lot 2. He commented under the current standards the parcel could be developed and meet current requirements. He stated some flexibility may be needed for use. He provided further comment on how access was needed to the adjacent property. Ben Johnson, Kimley Horn, discussed the proposed access to the site. He noted two access points were not proposed due to the elevation and grade changes on the property. Dan Salzer explained the site would have a one-way loop through the property. He stated he had investigated two access points, but given the challenging grades, this was not possible. He believed the proposed access was a creative way to address the sites needs. Commissioner Subramanian asked if the size of the building would impact the wetland area. Mr. Johnson discussed the buildable area on the site and noted the building would be 250,000 square feet. Mr. Salzer reported the building would cover 26% of the lot area and the impervious area would an additional percentage of the lot. Mr. Johnson commented further on how he would be addressing the stormwater management for the site. He noted the existing pond would be expanded to hold the site’s water runoff per the Rice Creek Watersheds calculations. Commissioner Vijums questioned why the City was allowing for 10% more warehousing. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla deferred this question to the applicant. Mr. Johnson explained the zoning requires 25% to 50% office, which was more office driven than in other communities. He reported he was asking for 85% warehousing and 15% other uses, which could include office space, lab space or manufacturing. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 12 Commissioner Vijums stated this seemed reasonable and perhaps City Code needed to be amended to reflect how business was being done today. He then asked why the applicant was requesting an additional five feet of building height. Mr. Johnson commented historically buildings of this nature were built to an 18 or 24 foot clear height but over time this clear height has morphed into an increased height. He stated he was trying to plan for the long-term future of this building which led him to request a 40 foot building height. He indicated this building height would allow him greater flexibility to meet the needs of his future tenants. Commissioner Vijums thanked the applicant for answering his questions. He stated he could support the increased building height. Chair Gehrig requested comment from staff or the applicant regarding the building materials selection. Mr. Johnson reported he worked closely with staff on the building exterior. He then described the building materials that were being proposed for the development. Commissioner Vijums commented it appears the applicant is looking for flexibility on building height and percentage of warehousing space. He suggested the City look at changing the overall code versus granting variances/flexibilities for similar requests in the future. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated this was a great point. He commented on the recently approved Comprehensive Plan and noted staff could address these concerns as part of the updates being made to the Gateway Business District. Commissioner Jefferys supported Commissioner Vijums recommendation that City Code be addressed. She asked if the applicant had experience with the proposed natural plantings or seed and how well this has worked. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented he has had several projects that has used this seed and so long as invasive weeds are addressed, this seed can work really well once it takes. Mr. Johnson explained the proposed seed would be consistent with the native wetlands. He indicated he has had success with a variety of native plantings/seedings in other projects. Commissioner Jones stated he supported a code change as well. He indicated he supported the placement of this warehouse/distribution development. He encouraged staff to consider how signage would be impacted if the building height was raised to 40 feet. He commented overall he supported this project. Chair Gehrig opened the public hearing at 8:14 p.m. Chair Gehrig invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Mr. Johnson questioned how quickly the plat had to be filed with the County. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 13 Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented the applicant would have 60 days to file the plat with the County. Commissioner Jones recommended Condition 3 be amended to read sixty (60) days. There being no additional comment Chair Gehrig closed the public hearing at 8:16 p.m. Commissioner Vijums moved and Commissioner Wicklund seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 20-010 for a Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit and Preliminary Plat/Final Plat at 4200 Round Lake Road based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the thirty-one (31) conditions as amended in the September 9, 2020, report to the Planning Commission. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS None. REPORTS A. Report from the City Council Councilmember Scott provided the Commission with an update from the City Council. He reported City Hall remains closed, but all City activities were operational. He noted all City meetings were being held virtually. He explained a Special JDA meeting was held on September 8th but the County representatives were not in attendance. He indicated the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department would not be participating in Night to Unite. He discussed the staff changes that have occurred at City Hall. He stated he supported Commissioner Vijums recommendation that City Code be addressed to reduce the number of variance requests. B. Planning Commission Comments and Requests Commissioner Jefferys thanked staff for providing the Commission with detailed staff reports for each Planning Case. She stated she looked forward to being able to meet in person someday. Commissioner Weber requested the meeting packets be mailed out sooner in order to provide Commissioner’s with more time to review the material. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained the Commission members could pick up their packets at City Hall the Thursday prior to each meeting. He noted staff has discussed the possibility of delivering packets. Councilmember Scott stated he would bring this concern to the City Council and explained all Council packets were hand delivered. ADJOURN ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 9, 2020 14 Commissioner Vijums moved, seconded by Commissioner Jefferys, to adjourn the September 9, 2020, Planning Commission Meeting at 8:28 p.m. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously (7-0).