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[Recipient Name] [Subject/Project Name] [Date] Page 2 of 3 P:\1707700\03-Data\Code-Regulatory\2018-02-02 Master plan CUP Amendment app\Bethel Univ Masterplan amendment-letter_2018-02-06 sent.docx Rev. Apr. 2015 The proposed plan indicates 45,000 gsf renovation of the Academic Commons (AC) building across its three levels. A new 20,000 gsf addition is proposed to the northwest on the existing site of a small parking lot. The addition fills in a corner between the AC building and the Community Life Center (CLC) to the south. See attached presentation for plan graphics and proposed exterior elevations. The proposed addition would match the floor level heights of the existing three-story AC building. An enclosed mechanical penthouse is proposed on the roof of the existing AC building and a portion would extend onto the Addition. A new greenhouse is proposed onto the roof of the two-story CLC building to the south of the addition. It would be serviced from the third level of the proposed addition. The height of the greenhouse, at its peak, is proposed to be the same height as the third level roof. Schematic Design for the Sciences project is being finalized in February 2018. The project is anticipated being built in four (4) phases due to budget constraints and a need to keep existing spaces available for teaching, causing primary construction activity during the summer season. 1. Summer 2019: Renovation of AC building second level (AC2) for Physics/Engineering. Includes construction of several infrastructure pieces including the roof top mechanical penthouse. 2. Summer 2020: Renovation of AC building third level for Chemistry. 3. Summer 2021: Renovation of AC building first level for Biology. 4. Summer 2022: New construction of the addition is finalized for courses in Fall 2022. This proposal is a Master Plan amendment and Conditional Use Permit amendment. The Sciences project would seek a Site Plan Review at a later date. Based on the tentative schedule above, the Site Plan Review might occur in 2021. Variance for Lake Setback The proposed Sciences addition on the existing parking lot extends into the 150’ existing lake zoning setback noted in 1330.03. The proposed addition is 118’ from the high water line. Therefore, Bethel requests a variance. The variance procedure in the Arden Hills Zoning Code (Section 1355.04 Subd 4) and Minnesota Statutes 462.357 Subd. 6, requires the City to consider six matters when evaluating Zoning Code variance applications: 1. The property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls; a. Correct. The property, Bethel University’s entire main campus at 3900 Bethel Drive, will continue to be able to be put to a reasonable use whether or not this variance is granted. After substantial review of locations for expansion of space for Sciences, specifically including space off campus and at the Seminary buildings, the proposed location is the most reasonable location for Sciences based on budget realities, other departmental adjacencies, and pedagogical efficiencies. 2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner; a. Correct. The property, Bethel’s main campus, is unique in Arden Hills due to its size. Bethel University also owns the entire lake and adjacent property.