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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – November 6, 2019 2 family residential homes to the south and west and by parks and recreation spaces to the north and east. The original structure was built in 1969. Associate Planner Hartmann reported the property is zoned R-1, Single Family Residential District and is guided as Public or Institutional on the Land Use Plan. The use as a public elementary school was originally granted under a Conditional Use Permit when the school underwent a significant expansion in 1987 (Planning Case 87-03). The last major remodel to the property occurred in 2000 (Planning Case 00-023) for a 10,000 square foot classroom addition. As per City Code Section 1320.075 subd. 2, the Subject Property meets the special requirements for a general education school within the Single Family Residential (R-1) District. Associate Planner Hartmann explained as per the plans submitted, the Applicant is proposing two (2) building additions. The classroom addition is located on the south side of the building and is highlighted in orange in the image above. This proposed addition is located on existing greenspace onsite. The proposed addition will be two (2) stories totaling 9,000 square feet and match the height of the existing school. The proposed addition will include flex learning space, one (1) additional classroom and the relocation of existing academic programs that are currently located within three (3) existing classrooms. The three (3) existing classrooms will then be remodeled and utilized as standalone classrooms. The proposed addition on the west side of the building highlighted in yellow in the image above is a 1,000-square foot addition to the existing cafeteria that will match the height of the existing cafeteria. Associate Planner Hartmann stated the Zoning Ordinance requires a Conditional Use Permit for a “general education school” in the R-1 Zoning District where the Subject Property is located under City Code Section 1320.05. Because the renovation will expand the area of the building, a Conditional Use Permit amendment is required for the Subject Property. Per City Code Section 1355.06, an application for a Conditional Use Permit amendment shall be administered in the same manner as required for a new application. Any structural alteration, enlargement or intensification change in site plan, or similar change not specially permitted, shall require City Council action and all procedures shall apply as if a new application were being requested. Associate Planner Hartmann reviewed the surrounding area, the Plan Evaluation and provided the Findings of Fact for review: 1. Valentine Hills Elementary School is a two-story brick building located on a 10.92-acre parcel within a residential area. 2. Mounds View Public Schools ISD #621 is requesting site plan review for a proposed expansion to the Valentine Hills Elementary School. 3. The use of the Subject Property as a public elementary school is permitted under a Conditional Use Permit. 4. Any expansion of the existing building would require the approval of a Conditional Use Permit Amendment. 5. The new addition will allow for a new cafeteria renovation and expansion, and four additional classrooms, as well as upgrades to the utilities and exterior lighting. 6. Zoning Code Review of the Subject Property regulations concludes that the proposed land use application conforms to City district provisions.