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Planning Commission - 09/12/2016 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER Council Chambers 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS: Jon Stoltz, John Kirk, Travis Wuttke, Ann Higgins, Charles Weber, Andrew Pieper, Ed Farr, Mark Freiberg, Tom Poul CITY STAFF: Julie Klima, City Planner Rod Rue, City Engineer Matt Bourne, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources Julie Krull, Recording Secretary I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—ROLL CALL Chair Stoltz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Pieper, Poul and Wuttke were absent. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Higgins moved, seconded by Farr, to approve the agenda. Motion carried 6-0. III. MINUTES A. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 22, 2016 Chair Stoltz had a revision to the minutes. He stated under Adjournment it should say Vice Chair Pieper. MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Farr, to approve the amended Planning Commission Minutes. Motion carried 6-0. IV. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS V. PUBLIC MEETINGS VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS VII. PLANNERS' REPORT A. DESIGN STANDARDS UPDATE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 12, 2016 Page 2 Klima stated the City had contracted with Hay Dobbs to work on the Design Standards initiative. At the July 19 and September 6 City Council work sessions, Hay Dobbs presented information addressing building materials, architecture, landscaping, sustainability and public art. These discussions included current code requirements for each of the topic areas and also provided recommendations to provide further clarification in either the creation of design guidelines or amendments to the City Code. Klima said tonight she will review with the Commission the presentations that were provided to the City Council and get feedback for any potential changes with the draft design guidelines and code amendments. Klima's first presentation was to focus on the building guidelines. She stated the approach was to look at the city wide standards while allowing for flexibility. Klima pointed out at the City Council workshop discussion focused on how the guidelines and zoning codes would work together. Discussion was centered on if the City wanted to encourage, incent or require through the guidelines and zoning code. Building orientation was one of the first issues addressed. Klima said the primary building entries would be architecturally emphasized using design features. She also stated the sides of the buildings that face a public street or sidewalk would have one or more entrances. Farr wanted the second secure entrance to the building discussed further. He stated most tenants and retailers would not want a second secure building entrance and would like more flexibility in regards to this issue. Klima said in regards to this there would need to be flexibility when looking at these codes. The second proposed code change was building articulation. Klima said the building facades greater than 40 feet in length will include recesses or projection in the fagade, material changes or other methods that create visual interest. In 3+ story buildings, the ground level must be visually distinct. Higgins asked if there was discussion on when asking for approaches on the fronts of buildings is repeated elsewhere; has this been done years before. Klima said conversation with staff and Council wanted Eden Prairie's goals to have a look of timelessness and that is why universal methods are being developed. Klima pointed out there needs to be some direction while providing flexibility with these changes. Corporate identify is important but the City also wants to uphold the Eden Prairie standards of aesthetics. The next proposed code change was varied rooflines. Klima said staff has worked very hard with developers on this change so as to add a variety of different types of varying rooflines. The design guidelines and code language would address the need for varied rooflines. Fenestration was the next proposed code change addressed. This is where the ground floor is visible so as to provide transparency between the interior and exterior. And the last proposed code change was building materials. It was discussed that 75% of the building exterior facades will consist of at least 3 Class 1 contrasting yet complementary materials. Fewer than 3 materials may be used to create a similar effect PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 12, 2016 Page 3 to contrasting materials through varied texture,pattern or color. Preferred Class 1 materials include brick, stone and glass. Vinyl or plastic can be used as trim or edging material. Klima discussed the second part of the guideline changes and that had to do with landscaping and art. She stated sustainability is partially codified and includes design/construction process,building systems and operations and site improvements. Klima pointed out the possible topical areas are sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality. The issues that were discussed for sustainable sites were light pollution reduction, quantity and quality control of storm water design, encourage development density and community connectivity, protecting and restoring habitat to maximize open space and lastly the heat island effect. Farr commented that white roofs are not the best for building efficiency. The next potential topic discussed was water efficient landscaping and water use reduction. Also addressed was energy and atmosphere. Such topics were commission of building energy systems, minimum energy performance, and fundamental refrigerant management and to optimize energy performance. Materials and resources were also discussed. This included storage and collection of recyclables, construction of waste management, recycled content and regional materials to align with Class 1 materials, and rapidly renewable materials. The next topic was indoor environmental quality. Discussed was the minimum IAQ performance, low-emitting material, controllability of lighting and thermal comfort systems and daylight and views. In regards to site and landscape design, the items addressed were designing a holistic site design that unites landscaping, paving and building. The next item was to encourage designers to view landscaping as an amenity to design for pedestrian connectivity. Plant materials was also discussed and that would include using a variety of plant types, promote diversity of species, use low water consumption plant martials, use pollinator friendly plant materials and use a variety of plant materials with seasonal variety. Screening guidelines was also another potential code change discussed. The topics addressed were using plant materials to screen at-grade utilities, service and trash areas and vehicles. it is important to ensure the CPTED principles are followed and supplement screening with decorative fencing or low walls. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 12, 2016 Page 4 Parking lot landscaping included reducing large expanses of paved areas with islands that beautify the site,provide pervious surface and reduce heat island effects. Design for dual duty landscapes that serve more than one purpose and encourage the design of landscape as an amenity. Also to incorporate pedestrian amenities into the design and ensure compatibility with CPTED principles. Public art was the next topic addressed with the premise of promoting art within the site and using art as part of a building exterior. Art within the site could be sculptures, lighting, paving and fencing. The building exterior could include windows, doors, fagade and roofs. A public art development dedication was also discussed and this would be a separate program and use private dollars for public art within development projects. Freiberg commented he does not think it is a good idea to have art in the code. Klima said there would be an opportunity to open the door for art if it were in the code. Freiberg said what one person thinks is appropriate may not be viewed by other as appropriate. He does not want people to be offended and again stated he felt it should not be in the code. Klima said there will be discussions with developers on the concept of public art. An example of art would be the sculpture in front of the Community Center. Klima said the next steps would be to finalize the Design Guidelines and Zoning language changes and have a public review and adoption process. Weber asked, in regards to the art,how we could put in the code, "subjective values", in writing. And asked if this is something we want or are we just meeting a standard. Klima said in regards to this code there would be numerous factors taken into account as to what is around the area and what is being developed. She stated by having Design Guidelines they provide options for developers but also sets guidelines. B. TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD) UPDATE Klima said the City Council approved the Transit Oriented Development Ordinance on August 16, 2016. Staff will provide a review of the final adopted ordinance highlighting modifications that were made to the ordinance following Planning commission review. Klima pointed out one of the areas modified following PC review was landscaping. Stakeholders concern was that the requirements were disproportionate. The adopted language would provide for flexibility to landscaping. The second issue that was addressed was warehousing uses and Klima said the final TOD allows for 15%. Other topics that were discussed were visitor parking whereas a definition of this was defined in code. Public open space was also addressed and defined to establish expectations. And lastly housekeeping revisions included adding public infrastructure, towers and antennas as permitted uses consistent with other zoning districts and sidewalks and trails as consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 12, 2016 Page 5 The next steps would be a review of the Comprehensive Plan Language and Map, draft recommendations, outreach to property owners, and Planning Commission and City Council review of recommendations. The Metropolitan Council will also review the comp plan changes and there will be potential implementation of zoning changes to certain properties. VIII. MEMBERS' REPORT IX. CONTINUING BUSINESS X. NEW BUSINESS XI. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Weber moved, seconded by Higgins, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. Motion carried 6-0. Chair Stoltz adjourned the meeting at 8:07p.m.