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I TKDA Memorandum To: Gem Lake City Council Reference: WBMS Zoning Ordinance Amendment Copies To: Marnie McPherson, Applicant Melissa Lawrence, Administrative Assistant Project No.: 20459.000 From: Evan Monson, Planner Routing: Date: April 12, 2023 SUBJECT: An amendment request of Section 15 of the Consolidated Land Use Ordinance; increasing the maximum enrollment from 120 students to 182, and amending the structure coverage and green space requirements of the Institutional Overlay Zone MEETING DATE: April 12, 2023 APPLICANTIOWNER: Marnie McPherson, Head of School — White Bear Montessori School REVIEW PERIOD: 60 day review period ends May 21, 2023 ITEMS REVIEWED: Application, plans, and payment received by City on March 22, 2023 DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUEST The White Sear Montessori School (WBMS) operates at 1201 County Road E East, at the southwest corner of the city. The parcel is zoned Executive Residential (RX), and is also identified as being within the Institutional Overlay zone (the 2017 zoning map refers to the Institutional Overlay as a 'Conditional Use Institutional'). The Consolidated Land Use Ordinance states in Section 15.1 that the purpose of the Institutional Overlay is for permitting uses that serve the public, and that are providing uses on a non- profit basis. Section 15.2 lists 'religious institutions' and `private child care and education facilities' as uses that are permitted within the zone, Sections 15.3 and 15.4 lists accessory and conditional/interim uses permitted in the overlay. The overlay zone establishes limitations on uses within the zone. WBMS would be considered as a private child care and education facilities' use in the ordinance. WBMS is considering improvements to their facility, and is requesting changes to the ordinance that would allow for an increase in students, as well as potential expansion of their existing facilities. The requested increase in students would be to establish a new maximum of 182. The applicant has also requested allowing structures on the site to occupy up to 30% of a lot in the Institutional Overlay, and that the minimum amount of green space on a lot in the Institutional Overlay be reduced from 25% of the lot to 20%. Requests to amend the Consolidated Land Use Ordinance are reviewed by the Planning Commission, and approved or denied by the City Council. The Planning Commission reviewed the request at their April 11 meeting, and recommended approval of the ordinance amendment request. TKDA'1� 1444 Cedar Street Suite 1500 i Saint Paul, MN 55101 651.292,4400 - tkda.corn An employee -owned company promoting affirmative action and equal opportunity.