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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-010ORDINANCE NO. 200MIO CITY OF ARDEN HILLS COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. 2008-010 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE DEFINITIONS, PURPOSE, LAND USE CHART, DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS CHART, SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, AND DESIGN STANDARDS FOR THE B-2: GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT The Arden Hills City Council hereby ordains that Sections 1305.04 Subd 40 and 52 shall be added and subsequent subdivisions renumbered accordingly; Sections 1320.04 Subd 7, 1320.06, 1320.07, 1320.085 and its subdivisions are hereby amended and repealed; and Section 1325.05 Subd 8 is hereby added to the Arden Hills City Code to read as follows: 1305.04 Definitions. Subd.40 Consumer Small Loan Establishment. Any establishment that offers consumer small loans, commonly referred to as "payday loans," as defined in Minnesota State Statute 47.60 as amended from time to time. Subd.52 Drive -up Window. A window or other opening at a business establishment that allows customers to purchase and/or receive a service or product without having to enter the building. 1320.04 Purpose of Districts. Subd. 7 B-2 General Business District 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 132 District," which was adopted by the City Council on October 27, 2008. 1 ORDINANCE NO. 2008-010 1320.05 Land Use Chart. X , O F- ro LL O O o u O V — 31 II 11 1. II 11'. r 11 , it N II 11' 11 1! II YI NM. V O O V N N O O O' O O O -gip'. N N; N N, ,.r: It 0 61111NNON 000' 000 YO II p � O JI' U YF O 11il' O 11I4 N O i6 N O O O O H-NNv_ N AI II m i'`ci `Q M o • Yt Q Q O' O O II II' N JI II N. OO O O O O O (V II 11 II �: H' N� �- r 11 11 M,(1 11 f9 NNE N ,N O e a O N OO I 3 1 NNV 000: 0006. ._, M.0O v m xk li 11 1 Q Q c 0 0 o - ? �4 ill � 111 11 N.N O 11 IFNMNN I I I f M O N N OOOE OOO O N N l II r N N 11 O M m `II O11 JAf-M4vN zt- lI II M II -'11 II.NNO� 000` d II f0? m 1111 'M M % pll II O�ON 000 000 a III 11 p � O O I111 4 U II �If M it .,ii II 'Ii OII IIsN�NiR 11 d1 MOMN 000. 000.. 0 NNE N N .! 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The aesthetic and transportation impacts from new developments and redevelopments must be evaluated to help ensure the long-term viability and success of the B-2 District. Accomplishing the purpose of the B-2 District requires particular concern for the design of buildings, site features (such as landscaping, lighting, and signage), site layout, building materials, site design, and other related design elements. To that end, new development and redevelopment shall conform to the standards in this and related zoning requirements. The "Guiding Plan for the B2 District' shall act as a guide for development but is not part of the Zoning Code. In reviewing and approving land use applications, the City Council shall make the final determination on the compatibility and consistency with all provisions in this and related sections of the Zoning Ordinance. Subd. 1 Procedure. To further accomplish the stated purpose of the B2 District, the following procedures shall be used: A. Proposals for new construction, redevelopment of a site, and significant modifications to existing sites shall use the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process. The PUD proposal shall identify any requested modifications from the applicable zoning requirements and from the "Guiding Plan for the B2 District' as well as the reasons why the modifications would be in the public interest and would be consistent with the purpose of the B-2 District. Modifications to these requirements may be granted by the City without a variance through the PUD process. Conditional use permits may also be required for uses list in Section 1320.05. B. Conditional Use Permits, Site Plans, and other development agreements that were approved for development sites before November 24, 2008, shall remain in effect but shall use the Planned Unit Development Process for future site amendments. C. The following items shall not be considered significant modifications to an existing site and shall be exempt from the PUD process but shall be subject to administrative review and approval: 1. Internal alterations to buildings that do not result in a change to the building height, roof line, or footprint unless the changes will have a notable increase in traffic and/or parking needs as determined by the Community Development Director or their designee; 2. Replacement, maintenance, or repair of existing materials, including exterior finishes, signage, landscaping, and parking lots; il ORDINANCE NO. 2008-010 3. Minor modifications to the exterior of a building or a site that substantially conforms to the design standards in Section 1325 and has no discernable impact on traffic as determined by the Community Development Director or their designee; D. The provisions in this Section may be modified by the City Council to allow planning flexibility without the need for a variance to encourage cooperative dialogue between the applicant and the City. Minor improvements to existing uses should be encouraged without costly upgrades or complete changes to a site. Subd.2 Uses. A. Permitted uses (as specified in the Land Use Chart, Section 1320.05, for the B-2 District) that occupy existing buildings do not require a conditional use permit prior to occupancy. Other city permits may be required. B. Conditional uses (as specified in the Land Use Chart, Section 1320.05, for the B-2 District) require an approved conditional use permit prior to occupancy. Other city permits may be required. C. The following land uses are not compatible with the stated purpose of the B-2 District and shall be prohibited: 1. Individual retail businesses larger than 50,000 square feet except for Sports and Fitness Clubs. 2. Open sales, rental or storage lots, including but not limited to cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, recreational vehicles, trailers, boats, mobile homes, machinery, lumber, building materials, and similar items. Approved open air garden centers shall be exempt. 3. Mini -storage facilities; 4. Tattoo parlors; 5. Consumer Small Loan establishments; 6. Outdoor bulk storage buildings, including but not limited to, forest, metal, concrete, agricultural and petroleum products, chemicals and similar products; and, 7. Manufacturing or processing that generates hazardous waste without a valid Hazardous Waste Generator's license from the Ramsey County Public Health Department. 5 ORDINANCE NO. 2008-010 Subd. 3 Special Regulations for Drive -up Windows, Drive-in Businesses and Fast Food Restaurants. Section 1325.04 of the Zoning Ordinance specifies additional requirements for drive-in businesses, fast food restaurants, and automobile service stations. For the purposes of the B2 District, these regulations shall also apply to drive -up windows. The provision whereby the proximity requirement of one thousand three hundred and twenty (1,320) feet between drive-in businesses, fast food restaurants, and drive -up windows may be waived if the following conditions are met as determined by the City Council: A. The architectural treatment, circulation plan, and signage system of such businesses shall be designed to visually and functionally integrate the building and the site on which it is located. B. The applicant shall submit a circulation plan that demonstrates that the use will not interfere or reduce the safety of non -motorized movements, specifically pedestrian and bicyclists. C. Requested modifications to the provisions in section 1325.04 shall be stated in writing along with an explanation of why the modifications would be in the public interest and would be consistent with the purpose of the B-2 District. Subd. 4 Hotel/Motel Additional Conditional Use Permit Criteria. In addition to meeting the requirements of Section 1345 and 1355.04 Subd 3, hotel/motels shall conform to the following: A. Meet building code requirements; B. Entrance to each room shall be from an indoor corridor; C. Landscaping shall be brought into conformance with section 1325.05 Subd 1. Subd. 5 Design Standards. The standards in section 1325 shall apply. 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 April28, 2008. Subd. 8 Additional Design Standards for New Development, Redevelopment, and Modifications to Existing Sites in the B2 District. Unless preempted by the standards in this section, all other zoning provisions shall apply: 6 ORDINANCE NO.2008-010 A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of these additional design standards is to promote a high level of architectural, landscaping, and site design in this business district of Arden Hills. The City seeks to create a unified, harmonious, and high - quality environment to foster a distinct, positive, and successful image for the City. The criteria by which new development, redevelopment, and site modifications in this District shall be judged are as follows: 1. Consistency with provisions of the comprehensive plan and other guiding plans as amended from time to time; provisions of the zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance; and all other applicable regulations. 2. Use of appropriate materials, lighting, textures, colors, and architectural and landscape forms to create a unified, high -quality design concept for each site that is compatible with adjacent and neighboring structures and functions. 3. Creation of unified site designs, each with a sense of internal order, that provide desirable environments for site users and visitors and the community as a whole and that consider all site elements. 4. Provision of safe and adequate access from public streets to sites giving ample consideration to the location and number of access points, the safety and convenience of merging and turning movements, and traffic management and mitigation. 5. Provision of on -site vehicular, bicycling, and pedestrian circulation by way of interior drives, parking areas, pathways, and walkways adequate to handle anticipated needs and to safety buffer pedestrians and cyclists from motor vehicles. Ample consideration shall be given to the width of interior drives, internal traffic movement and flow, separation of pedestrian, cycling, automobile; and delivery traffic, and the safe, convenient, and practical arrangement of parking spaces. B. Application. The standards in this Section should apply only to the building or site elements being developed or altered (i.e. a proposal for changes to a building would be required to meet only those standards that pertain to buildings while changes to a parking area would be required to meet the standards for parking areas but not for buildings). The design standards shall be applied proportionately to the degree of change proposed. Upon recommendation from the Planning Commission, the City Council may waive specific design standards based on the scale of the project. The City Council shall make the final determination on the compatibility and consistency with the design standards. 7 ORDINANCE NO. 2008-010 C. Architectural Style and Building Character. Evaluation of the appearance of a project shall be based on the quality of its design and on its relationship to its surroundings. Site characteristics to be evaluated for this purpose include, but are not limited to, building and landscaping materials, colors, textures, shapes, massing, building components, height, roof -line, and setback. Monotony of design, both within projects and between projects and its surrounding, is prohibited. Variation in detail, form, and arrangement shall provide visual interest. Architectural style should not be restricted. D. Building Materials. Buildings shall be constructed of materials that are enduring, timeless, and well -detailed. 1. At least seventy-five percent (75%) of the exterior building materials shall be of brick, stone, decorative concrete plank, transparent glass or any combination thereof. 2. Trim and other accent or decorative features may be metal, wood, or EIFS. Other high -quality materials that increase the variety and appeal of buildings may be considered as accents. Metals shall have a matte finish and neutral or earth tone colors. Metals that are used on exterior walls shall have visible corner moldings and trim. 3. Undesirable materials shall include simulated brick or stone, vinyl or aluminum siding, sheet metal, corrugated metal, concrete blocks, materials that have no pattern or relief when applied to large walls, brightly colored metal roofing or canopies, and pre -cast tilt -up walls. Extensive use of mirrored or tinted glass on the first floor and materials that represent corporate colors or trademarks that are not in conformance with approved building materials are also undesirable. E. Building Design. The arrangement, geometry, massing, materials and colors shall work to create a high quality development that is responsive to existing buildings, site features, and site design on adjoining sites in the district. 1. At least fifty percent (50%) of the largest building on each site shall be constructed at the front setback line. 2. Fagade treatment shall be carried around all sides. Architectural elements such as, but not limited to, windows, shutters, awnings, doors, masonry exterior veneers, cornice detailing, window casings, and other architectural details should demonstrate consistency on all sides of the structure that are reasonably visible to the general public. Plain flat walls shall not be permitted when viewable from the public right-of-way or public areas. M ORDINANCE NO. 2008-010 3. To avoid long unbroken expanses and to increase visual interest from the street, buildings of more than 40 feet in width shall be divided into smaller increments (between 20 and 40 feet) through articulation of the facades to convey the impression of individually -constructed small storefronts or, in the case of housing, housing units. This can be achieved through the combination of the following techniques: a. The use of windows and doors; b. Facade modulation —stepping backward or forward or extending a portion of the facade; c. Vertical divisions into storefronts with separate display windows and entrances; d. Recesses and projections such as porches, dormers and bays that create shadows and add visual interest; e. Variation in the rooflines by using multiple roof and ridge lines perpendicular to one another, offsetting single roof lines, stepped roofs; f. Providing a lighting fixture, trellis, tree, or other landscape feature with each interval. 4. Awnings or overhangs shall be provided at entryways to provide shelter from the sun and rain. The awnings shall be opaque so as not to create a glowing effect with lights under the awnings. Awnings shall be constructed of durable, protective, and water repellant material; however, plastic or fiberglass awnings shall not be permitted. 5. Any multi -level building shall distinguish the ground floor level from the upper floors by use of any or a combination of these techniques: an intermediate cornice line, difference in building materials or details, awnings trellis or arcade, special window details, or brick corbels or quoins. A strong base and top for multi -story buildings shall be established; middle layers shall be simpler. Detail shall be an integral part of the architecture rather than a series of applied elements. 6. Franchise architecture identified with a particular chain shall be discouraged unless it is architecturally integrated into the district and conforms to these design standards. E ORDINANCE NO.2008-010 7. Entrances shall have convenient access to the street frontage and to parking serving the use. For those properties along County Road E, access to the street frontage shall be given priority where feasible. F. Commercial Faqade Transparency. 1. Fifty percent (50%) of the first level fagade that includes the primary store entrance and/or faces a public street shall be made of transparent windows and doors that are recessed at least one inch rather than being flush with the fagade. 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 fagade area. 2. At least twenty percent (20%) of the remaining sides that are reasonably visible to the public shall be window coverage, half of which may be simulated windows (i.e. spandrel glass). If additional transparent glass is used on the remaining sides, the City may consider a proportional reduction in the transparent window and door requirement on the primary store entrance and/or public street fagades: 3. For buildings with a use or function that does not readily allow windows (e.g. cooler or freezer areas, mechanical rooms, security areas, storage areas) the transparent window standards may be reduced at the discretion of the City Council. However, the architectural detailing must be provided by the use of upper level windows, which may include the partial use of simulated windows, or architectural detailing that provides arches, patterning, recesses, and shadowing that provide aesthetic interest. Architectural detailing may include such things as change in materials, change in color and other significant visual relief provided in a manner or at intervals in keeping with the size, mass, and scale of the wall. G. Building Color. Colors shall be harmonious. Building colors shall consist of muted colors with low reflectance. Recommended colors include browns, grays, tans, beiges, and dark or muted green, blues, and reds. Bright or brilliant colors and sharply contrasting colors may be used for only accent purposes occupying a maximum of five percent (5%) of building fagades. H. Fences. Fences shall blend into the landscape, be compatible with other materials used on site, and be made of a material that minimizes corrosion. Finished and treated wood, brick, stone or wrought iron is encouraged. I. Signs. 10 ORDINANCE NO. 2008-010 1. Business signs shall be architecturally compatible with the style, composition, materials, colors and details of the building and should be an integral part of the building. Signs shall be incorporated into the facades of the buildings rather than extending past the roof line and should not project more than twelve (12) inches beyond the plane of the fagades. Retail business wall signs shall be located in a position above the front window that is located consistently among stores. 2. All other provisions in Chapter 12, Sign Code, shall apply. J. Site Furnishings and Seating Areas. 1. Site furnishings shall be provided based on the scale of the project. The site furnishings may be spread out on the site or clustered to provide a more formal area. Placing site furnishings near landscaped areas is encouraged. These areas may be shared by multiple tenants on a property or adjacent properties and may include tables, chairs, benches, plantings, and other outdoor amenities such as a plaza. These areas shall be maintained for year round use. Creativity is highly encouraged. These spaces shall be connected to the sidewalk system. 2. Benches and decorative plantings shall be provided near the primary entrance of all buildings on a site. 3. Restaurants shall include a functional outdoor seating area with tables, chairs, plantings, and access to the restaurant. 1. No outdoor seating shall be permitted in any portion of the public sidewalks where normal pedestrian traffic flow is obstructed. 2. The outdoor seating area shall not be used for exterior storage when the area is not in use. While such area is in operation, all tables and chairs shall be kept in a clean, sanitary condition. 3. These areas shall be distinguished with decorative fencing and/or plantings. 4. If alcoholic beverages are served, the establishment shall take reasonable steps to insure that alcoholic beverages are consumed only by patrons of the establishment who are of age. All other provisions related to the license to serve alcohol shall apply. K. Screening. 11 ORDINANCE NO.2008-010 1. Trash and recycling equipment, materials, and containers shall be fully enclosed and integrated into the architecture of the buildings. 2. All mechanical equipment, whether roof -mounted or ground -mounted should be integrated into the architecture of the building. It shall be completely screened from the ground -level view of adjacent properties and public streets. Wood screening shall not be permitted. 3. Truck docks and delivery areas shall face away from the public street and shall be integrated into the architecture of the building. L. Landscaping. A generous amount of plant material and landscaping shall be used on all new development and redevelopment sites. Office parking areas shall include a generous amount of perimeter and internal landscaping. Parking structures shall be visually softened with plantings. A minimum of one tree shall be placed along the right-of-way every forty (40) feet. The tree shall not interfere with the roadway and shall be on private property. M. Parking. 1. Placing parking between the street right-of-way and a building shall be discouraged. 2. No more than fifty percent (50%) of the parking on a site may be between buildings or in the side yards. 3. Sufficient parking shall be provided to accommodate the reasonable hourly peak on a given site. Shared parking is encouraged to reduce land devoted to parking. Hourly variations among different types of land use may be considered when estimated parking demands. 4. Plantings shall be used to soften and shade parking lots and parking structures. Parking and service areas shall be visually screened from street views with plantings and architectural treatments. 5. Parking lot islands shall be used to distribute large parking fields into separate "outdoor" rooms that have visual relationship to the buildings they serve. Parking lot islands shall be planted with trees or include infiltration basins and plantings. Entry drives shall be defined by trees and shrubs. 6. A concrete curb shall be provided around the periphery of all parking lots and access roads, except where the City Engineer determines that a curb would impede drainage. 12 ORDINANCE NO. 2008-010 7. Parking adjacent to streets should be screened from views with landscaping, including but not limited to trees, hedges, flowers and other bushes and/or decorative masonry walls. Berms shall be discouraged. 8. Parking structures that are visible from off the site shall display an integration of building materials building form, textures, architectural motif, and building colors with the principal building. No signs other than directional signs shall be permitted on parking ramp facades. N. Traffic Study. A traffic study shall be required for all new developments, redevelopments, and significant modifications to existing sites unless waived by the City Council. O. Lighting. Exterior lighting shall be provided for the safety and convenience of occupants and visitors. 1. A lighting plan shall be submitted that shows location, type of illumination and design. A photometric analysis of site and building shall be submitted for City approval with all new construction or redevelopment projects. 2. Exterior lighting shall be consistent in type, design, scale, and color to create unity in the B-2 District. High-pressure sodium lighting and other similar types of lighting color may be required by the City to promote a unified lighting color throughout the B-2 District. Other lighting colors may be considered during the City review process. 3. Exterior lighting for parking lots and buildings shall not be excessive and shall be directed at their intended purposes. 4. Lighting under a gasoline station canopy shall not be directly visible from the street but shall be recessed into the canopy or otherwise shielded. 5. Light washing of buildings and accent lighting may be permitted through the City review process provided that it does not negatively impact residential areas or traffic safety and is complementary to the district as a whole. P. Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation. Pedestrian and bicycle improvements shall be installed in accordance with the City of Arden Hills Comprehensive Plan and the local guiding plan and shall be in conformance with the following: 1. Site design shall facilitate pedestrian connections and mobility within and between building, sites, and uses by providing clear visual indicators through door placement, signage, striping, raised pathways, and integrating 13 ORDINANCE NO. 2008-010 landscaping components. Other features or materials may be considered that enhance and provide a safe pedestrian experience. 2. A sidewalk shall link the primary entrance of each building on site with the public sidewalk network. In the event a building is subdivided into multiple separated tenant spaces, a sidewalk must link the primary entrance of each separated tenant space with the public sidewalk network. 3. Bike racks shall be required near a public entrance of all buildings. 4. Internal sidewalk systems shall connect with adjacent planned or developed public sidewalks or trails. 5. The grades of all walks, parking spaces, terraces, and other paved areas shall conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 6. Where there is new building construction or renovation where the renovation value is thirty percent (30%) or more of the pre -renovation value of the structure, a minimum six foot concrete sidewalk adjacent to or in all rights -of -way shall be provided. The location of the sidewalk shall be prescribed by the Public Works Director. The new sidewalks shall connect to sidewalks on adjacent properties if they exist. At the discretion of the City Council, the property owner may, in lieu of constructing the sidewalk, pay the City an amount equal to the cost of constructing the sidewalk to satisfy the obligations of this section. Said payment shall be used by the City to further maintain and construct the pathway system within the City. 7. When there is more than one building on a site, a sidewalk must link the primary building entrances of each building to one another. Q. Drainage/Water Management Plan: A plan must be submitted with each project or lot development in the B-2 District. The plan must be approved by the Rice Creek Watershed District, other agencies as required, and the engineer assigned by the City. Two or more lots or projects may coordinate their plans for their mutual benefit. R. Environmental Conservation and Sustainability. The City encourages the use of green materials and environmentally friendly construction and site design such as the use of pervious surfaces, green rooftops, energy efficient materials, LEED standards, and other green building techniques. 14 ORDINANCE NO. 2008-010 Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective the day following its publication. Adoption Date. Passed by the City Council of the City of Arden Hills the-2 `may of November, 2008. r STAN HAOSTl AWMAYOR Publication Date: December 3, 2008 15