7A, Zoning Code Amendment - Educational Uses in the R-1 District

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General Education uses, such as Valentine Hills Elementary and Mounds View High School, have historically been allowed in the R1 District with an approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Both schools operate under CUP agreements. By approving a Master PUD for Northwestern College in 2007, and allowing other educational uses in the R1 District as conditional uses, the Council has historically determined that educational uses are in keeping with the purpose of the R1 District under certain circumstances. A recent review of the Zoning Regulations made Staff aware of a discrepancy between the language of the Code and the intention of the January 2011 amendments. At the present time, the City’s Zoning Regulations allow schools and school-related uses in the R1 District, but do not specify a minimum lot size for these uses, or define what a campus-style development is. Consequently, school uses would technically be allowed on any R1 zoned parcel, which was not the intent of the amendment when it was initially made. Furthermore, the definition for higher educational uses within the Zoning Code is so broad that it would encompass nearly any use that is related to a university or college. This was clearly not the intention of the amendments made to the Code in January of this year. Staff is recommending a Zoning Code Amendment that would add special regulations for school uses in the R1 District, and specify a minimum lot size for these uses, as well as define what would comprise a campus. The proposed language is included as Attachment B. Recommendation The Planning Commission reviewed this application and held a public hearing at their June 6, 2011, meeting. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval (5-0) of the proposed changes. Request Approve Ordinance 2011-005 in Planning Case 11-013 to amend Section 1320.04, Subd. 1, and Add Section 1320.075 to the Zoning Code to regulate school uses in the R1 District, as presented in the June 13, 2011, Report to the City Council, and approve the publication of a summary of Ordinance 2011-005. Attachments A.Section 1320.05, Land Use Chart B.Section 1320.04, Subd. 1, and Section 1320.075 – Black-lined Version C.Ordinance 2011-005 and Publication Summary City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for June 13, 2011 \\Metro-inet.us\ardenhills\Planning\Planning Cases\2011\11-013 - R-1 Zoning Amendment (PC Approved)\06-13-11 - Regular Meeting - Memo.doc Page 2 of 2