2C, Valentine Park Improvement Update

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL –June 13, 20115 7.A.Zoning Code Amendment –School Uses in the R1 District (continued) the R1 District, and specify a minimum lot size for these uses, as well as define what would comprise a campus. The Planning Commission reviewed this application and held a public hearing at their June 6, 2011, meeting. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed changes. Councilmember Werner asked what other communities allowed for educational uses in the R1 District. City Planner Beekman stated the uses for the R1 District vary depending on the community. Arden Hills is unique because educational uses were already present when the District was established. The uses for theR1 District were written around the uses that were already in the District, including higher education. Colleges and higher education facilities are dealtwith differently by each community. Councilmember Holden asked if there was any place within the R1 District that had 10 acres or more wherea higher education facility could be established. City Planner Beekman stated she was not aware of any property within the R1 District that was 10or more acres. If someone wanted to build a higher education facility within the District on less than 10 acres theywould have to go through the variance process or a PUD process. She explained a higher education use would have to go through a PUD process regardless. She explained that BethelUniversityoperates under a CUP and is in its own district. Northwestern College operates under a PUD and is part of the R1 District. If higher education is removed from theLandUse Chart of permitted uses inthe R1 District, Northwestern College would become a non-conforming property which would affectany additional updates, construction, or changes that might occuron the property. Councilmember Holden asked if Northwestern College could be made into its own district similar to BethelCollege. City Planner Beekman stated this would be one method,but Northwestern College would need to be involved in thatdiscussion. It is possible to include Northwestern College in the same district as BethelUniversity. The City had discussed this in the past but the benefits with Northwestern College being in the R1 District are the regulations in the R1 District are more restrictive and the City has more control over development. The City could also look at writing the Code and Ordinance to be more restrictive in the R1 District similar to the changes that were made to accommodate the old Holiday Inn site and the redevelopment of thatsite. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to have the City look into this option further for future consideration. She also stated the City should increase the minimum amount of acres required for the current amendments. City Planner Beekman stated 10 acres was chosen because this is the smallest parcel that could accomplishthe intention ofcode amendments. The minimum parcel size could be increased if the Council decides to make this change.