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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 5 <br />7.A. Zoning Code Amendment — School Uses in the RI District (continued) <br />the RI District, and specify a minimum lot size for these uses, as well as define what would <br />comprise a campus. The Planning Commission reviewed this application and held a public <br />hearing at their June 6, 2011, meeting. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended <br />approval of the proposed changes. <br />Councilmember Werner asked what other communities allowed for educational uses in the RI <br />District. <br />City Planner Beekman stated the uses for the R1 District vary depending on the community. <br />Arden Hills is unique because educational uses were already present when the District was <br />established. The uses for the R1 District were written around the uses that were already in the <br />District, including higher education. Colleges and higher education facilities are dealt with <br />differently by each community. <br />Councilmember Holden asked if there was any place within the R1 District that had 10 acres or <br />more where a higher education facility could be established. <br />City Planner Beekman stated she was not aware of any property within the R1 District that was <br />10 or more acres. If someone wanted to build a higher education facility within the District on <br />less than 10 acres they would have to go through the variance process or a PUD process. She <br />explained a higher education use would have to go through a PUD process regardless. She <br />explained that Bethel University operates under a CUP and is in its own district. Northwestern <br />College operates under a PUD and is part of the R1 District. If higher education is removed from <br />the Land Use Chart of permitted uses in the R1 District, Northwestern College would become a <br />non - conforming property which would affect any additional updates, construction, or changes that <br />might occur on the property. <br />Councilmember Holden asked if Northwestern College could be made into its own district <br />similar to Bethel College. <br />City Planner Beekman stated this would be one method, but Northwestern College would need <br />to be involved in that discussion. It is possible to include Northwestern College in the same <br />district as Bethel University. The City had discussed this in the past but the benefits with <br />Northwestern College being in the R1 District are the regulations in the R1 District are more <br />restrictive and the City has more control over development. The City could also look at writing <br />the Code and Ordinance to be more restrictive in the R1 District similar to the changes that were <br />made to accommodate the old Holiday Inn site and the redevelopment of that site. <br />Councilmember Holden stated she would like to have the City look into this option further for <br />future consideration. She also stated the City should increase the minimum amount of acres <br />required for the current amendments. <br />City Planner Beekman stated 10 acres was chosen because this is the smallest parcel that could <br />accomplish the intention of code amendments. The minimum parcel size could be increased if the <br />Council decides to make this change. <br />