Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />This application includes two distinct requests: <br /> <br /> <br />1.Zoning Code Amendment to allow schools for higher education as a Conditional Use in <br />the B-2 District. <br /> <br />2.Approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow a higher education use as a tenant in the <br />office building located at 2 Pine Tree Drive. <br /> <br />The property located at 2 Pine Tree Drive includes a 5-story, 227,138 square foot multi-tenant <br />office building. The property includes two parcels with a total size of 40.68 acres. Country <br />Financial has vacated much of the building and is currently marketing the building for sale or <br />lease. <br /> <br />Bethel University would like to lease approximately 26,000 square feet for administrative <br />offices, general and specialized classrooms, meeting rooms, common spaces, and other general <br />educational and related purposes. Most classes will be held after regular business hours, <br />although the tenant will also have some use of the space during normal business hours and <br />weekends. <br /> <br />According to information provided by Country Financial, Bethel students, guests, faculty, and <br />administration will not exceed typical office parking usage during normal business hours. The <br />applicant does not propose to add parking due to this use. <br /> <br />At the June 5, 2013 Planning Commission meeting, Commissioners inquired about signage <br />changes due to a Bethel University lease. Since then, Country Financial has indicated that they <br />intend to accomplish any signage changes within the existing sign area on both of its monument <br />signs. <br /> <br /> <br />Zoning Amendment Evaluation <br /> <br />The City does not have specific criteria for evaluating proposed Zoning Code amendments or <br />additions. However, the following questions could be considered when reviewing the proposal: <br /> <br /> <br />1.Would the proposed use be compatible with the other uses in the B-2 District? <br /> <br />2.Would the proposed use be consistent with the purpose of the B-2 District? <br /> <br />The June 5, 2013, Report to the Planning Commission included lists of similar uses that are <br />currently permitted or allowed by a conditional use permit in the B-2 District. Higher education <br />schools are currently permitted in the Mixed Business District (TCAAP) and allowed as <br />Conditional Uses in the B-1 Limited Business, B-4 Retail Center, CC Civic Center and Mixed <br />Residential Districts. <br /> <br /> <br />City of Arden Hills <br />City Council Meeting for June 24, 2013 <br /> <br />Page 2 of 5 <br />