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Acting Chairperson Bauer used the example of the Aldi building where they provided input on the <br />design. He asked if that could be handled through design review. <br />Planning Manager Larson commented that would get into the area of discretion, and if the material <br />is allowed, there would not be much room for design input. He noted that material is prohibited <br />in many of the zoning areas today, but these changes would allow the material in more areas in a <br />limited scale. <br />Commissioner Van Scoy commented that the Commission did approve the O'Reilly's building <br />and if there were issues with the design it should have been discussed at that time. <br />Commissioner Anderson asked for an example of an industrial building that uses the material. He <br />stated that the sketch plans are reviewed, and comments are provided at that time. <br />Planning Manager Larson commented that the material is currently not allowed on industrial <br />buildings, so he does not have such an example. He stated that the material is allowed in business <br />and commercial districts and the new change would open up all the zoning districts with a <br />limitation of 30 percent. He commented that while some districts would be reducing from 100 <br />percent to 30 percent, others would be increasing from zero to 30 percent. <br />Chuck Thiel commented that his company is located in Blaine and sells EIFS as well. He <br />commented that it would seem that restriction is being placed on products based on aesthetics. He <br />asked if brick should be restricted if they do not like the color of certain bricks. He commented <br />that this product is acceptable in international and state building codes but would be restricted <br />because someone in Ramsey does not like it. <br />Planning Manager Larson noted that the material is currently prohibited, and they would be <br />allowing that to be used up to 30 percent. He stated that in the retail and office districts, the use <br />would be restricted but not prohibited. <br />Mr. Thiel provided additional details on the material. He stated that EIFS has been born out of <br />insulation and it would be difficult to get that same energy savings through other materials such <br />as brick or glass. <br />Councilmember Woestehoff stated that in his quick search it appears that the state of Oregon bans <br />EIFS for health and safety reasons. He asked if there are substantial differences between EIFS and <br />traditional siding. <br />Mr. Thiel stated that he is unsure if that is correct. He stated that he was unsure if there were <br />differences. He commented that EIFS has improved to include a moisture barrier. <br />Tim Lutz commented that his business is located in Brooklyn Park and asked why the material <br />would not be allowed in the industrial park, noting that his company has done a number of proj ects. <br />He stated that the material is often chosen because of the insulation value. <br />Planning Commission/ July 27, 2023 <br />Page 9 of 18 <br />