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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 5, 2013 8 It was noted Country Financial has received a request for leased space from Bethel University. Bethel would like to lease approximately 26,000 square feet for administrative offices, general and specialized classrooms, meeting rooms, common spaces, and other general educational and related purposes. Most classes will be held between 5:30 pm and 10:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. The tenant will also use the leased space during the hours of 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Friday and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, although this use will be more limited during normal business hours and weekends. According to information provided by Country Financial, Bethel students, guests, faculty, and administration will not exceed 4 per 1,000 rentable feet leased during normal business hours and no more than 8 per 1,000 rentable square feet after normal building hours. The property currently has approximately 777 surface parking stalls, or approximately one space per every 290 gross building square foot (one space per every 250 square feet of gross floor area is required by the Zoning Code for business and professional office uses). The applicant does not propose to add parking due to this use. The proposed use will not affect the exterior of the building. The tenant would like to sign a long-term lease for the facility with a scheduled occupancy date of August 15, 2013. Staff has prepared a draft amendment to Section 1320.05 (Land Use Chart) of the Zoning Code that adds School, higher education as a Conditional Use in the B-2 Zoning District. The applicant has submitted information addressing the request for a Zoning Code Amendment and CUP. Site Data Future Land Use Plan: CMU Community Mixed Use Existing Land Use: Commercial Zoning: B-2 General Business District Size: 40.68 acres (2 and 12 Pine Tree Drive) with a 227,138 square foot office building Topography: Relatively Flat Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed the surrounding area, and the Plan Evaluation. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the City does not have specific criteria for evaluating proposed Zoning Code amendments or additions. However, the following questions should be considered when reviewing the proposal: 1. Would the proposed use be compatible with the other uses in the B-2 District? 2. Would the proposed use be consistent with the purpose of the B-2 District? Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that the higher education use proposed by the applicant includes office, classroom and meeting space. Uses that allow office and assembly that are currently permitted in the B-2 District include: business service; medical office clinic; non- profit club or lodge; sports & fitness clubs; indoor commercial recreation; daycare facility for over 10 people; financial institution and service; and office. Office and assembly uses that are currently allowed as Conditional Uses in the B-2 District include: brewpub; house of worship; multiple occupancy building; public use; research & development facility; schools for specialized education; and indoor theater.