Minutes - Planning Commission - 07/27/2023

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Planning Manager Larson again clarified that the material is currently not allowed in the industrial district, but this change would allow the material to be used up to 30 percent. He commented that when he worked in Brooklyn Park, Mr. Lutz came forward with an innovative design and therefore they categorized that under other building materials as approved. He stated that staff is not saying the material is prohibited but does not want large, blank walls. He noted that if something were to come forward that was interesting in design, it could be considered in the other category. Mr. Lutz commented that he does understand the intent but noted that their systems have evolved over the past 40 years with different finishes and designs. He commented that his systems could be great for renovations. Acting Chairperson Bauer asked if there is something that would cause the restriction of 30 percent, or the aesthetic. Planning Manager Larson replied that it is the application of the material. He stated that if there is a big, flat wall that could be seen as boring and lower quality. He acknowledged that Mr. Lutz's building in Brooklyn Park does have a great design, but there is also a higher cost to use the material in that way. He stated that in saying the material is allowed with restriction they could have the big, flat walls that are boring. Acting Chairperson Bauer asked if there are other concerns with health and/or safety. Planning Manager Larson commented that like any building material, it needs to be handled and maintained in the proper manner. Acting Chairperson Bauer commented that if there is nothing objectional to the material other than aesthetics, that could be done through sketch plan review and therefore he would support removing the 30 percent restriction. He stated that perhaps they add additional language that would require architectural variations. Planning Manager Larson commented that the language could be used that was provided by a previous speaker, but then staff does not believe the design criteria of that nature should only be applied to one specific material and should then be applied to all materials. He stated that a sketch plan is not reviewed for every individual building and then they would need to find a reason why it does not meet Code, explaining that they could not just say that they do not like it. Commissioner Van Scoy stated that the issue is not the individual material but the architectural standards. He stated that perhaps they need to review the architectural standards for whatever size building they are reviewing. Planning Manager Larson commented that they could do that but in previous discussions the Commission did not want to get too detailed or prescriptive in how they wanted buildings designed. He stated that if an interesting and innovative design were proposed that used more EIFS, that could be considered under the category of other. Planning Commission/ July 27, 2023 Page 10of18