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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 6, 2017 10 C. To provide for the ability of the post-secondary students to live and have their daily needs met on the campus of the post-secondary education institution. D. To provide the opportunity for athletic programs to be created for the post-secondary students while providing opportunities for the general public to experience these athletic programs.” Staff reviewed the proposed changes to the Land Use and District Provision Charts. Senior Planner Bachler provided the Findings of Fact for review: General Findings: 1. On October 10, 2016, the City Council adopted An Interim Ordinance Temporarily Prohibiting Land Use Applications and Reviews for Higher Education Uses in Residential, Business, Industrial and Other Zones (moratorium). 2. On February 13, 2017, the City Council approved a contract with WSB & Associates to conduct a study evaluating the economic condition of business districts of Arden Hills, the growth pressures of Bethel University and the University of Northwestern, and provided recommendations of Zoning Ordinance amendments regarding higher educational uses (Commercial, Industrial and Higher Education Study). 3. The City Council, Planning Commission, and Economic Development Commission reviewed and provided comments regarding the Commercial, Industrial, and Higher Education Study. 4. Bethel University and the University of Northwestern have had the opportunity to review the Commercial, Industrial, and Higher Education Study and have provided comments. 5. The Commercial, Industrial, and Higher Education Study found that the business districts within Arden Hills include a low level of vacancy in the industrial districts and a healthy level of vacancies in the commercial districts. 6. The Commercial, Industrial, and Higher Education Study found that Arden Hills has the highest ratio of residents to college enrollment of any community in Minnesota. An increase in enrollment at Bethel University and/or the University of Northwestern has the potential to change the mix of community elements of Arden Hills greater than other Minnesota communities. 7. The Commercial, Industrial, and Higher Education Study found that a strong mix of employment uses and consumer uses must be maintained to ensure a healthy business community. 8. Based on the findings of the Commercial, Industrial, and Higher Education Study, the City determined that certain amendments to the Zoning Code were necessary in order to maintain the existing mix of employment and consumer uses in the community. 9. The proposed Zoning Code amendment regarding “Schools, higher education” is consistent with the land use goal within the 2030 Comprehensive Plan to, “Develop and maintain a land use pattern that strengthens the vitality, quality, and character of our residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and industrial areas while protecting the community’s natural resources and developing a sustainable pattern for future development” (Arden Hills 2030 Comprehensive Plan, at 3-1). 10. The proposed Zoning Code amendment regarding “Schools, higher education” is consistent with the economic development goal within the 2030 Comprehensive Plan to, “Promote the development, redevelopment, and maintenance of a viable, innovative, and