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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL JUNE 24, 2013 8 This application includes two distinct requests: 1. Zoning code amendment to allow schools for higher education as a conditional use in the B-2 District. 2. Approval of a conditional use permit to allow a higher education use as a tenant in the office building located at 2 Pine Tree Drive. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that 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. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that 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. ommunity Development Director Hutmacher C stated that the City approved a similar zoning amendment request on May 22, 2006, that was brought forward by Rob Davidson for property owned at 1212 Red Fox Road in the B-4 District. In that case, the City Council determined that higher education and special education uses were consistent with the purpose of the B-4 District, and a special use permit was approved. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the Planning Commission held a public hearing and reviewed this item at their June 5, 2013, meeting. The Planning Commission recommended approval of Planning Case #13-008 for a zoning code amendment and conditional use permit at 2 Pine Tree Drive. The Planning Commission recommends the following three conditions be included with the approval: 1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission. 2. The applicant will apply for City approval for any changes to exterior signage. 3. The applicant will request an amendment to the conditional use permit for any increase in square footage or in intensity of the higher education use.