6.6. SR 05-15-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo to the Mayor & City Council/CU 00-13 April 26, 2000 Page 2 Analysis Floor Plan The applicant is proposing to occupy the middle third of the building (6,080 square feet). The space will be remodeled to meet the needs of the proposed use. Two classrooms and two care rooms as well as an office are proposed. The applicant will be required to provide bathrooms as well (see attached floor plan). Operation Attached is the narrative of operational procedures submitted by the applicant. The hours of operation will be 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The applicant clearly explains how safety and security will be handled. Staff was primarily concerned with the safety of children as they accessed the outdoor play area, which is located at the east end of the parking area and the drop-off process. While not ideal, staff feels that the applicant has thought through the process for ensuring the safety of the children on their way to the play area. Twelve inches of ADA-approved mulch will be added to the parking lot to serve as the play surface in the play area. Site Impacts Installation of the play area will require removal of 18 parking spaces on the east end of the site. The code requires 70 parking spaces for the uses within the building. There are more than enough spaces on site to meet the demand. No external improvements to the building are proposed; all changes will be internal. Planning Commission Action The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the request at its April 25, 2000 meeting. The Commission discussed at length the safety concerns and the width of the driveways the children need to cross to access the play area. The Commission felt that the driveway closest to the entry should be narrowed and that additional signage should be provided. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the request to operate a Montessori school at 555 Railroad Drive with the following conditions: The requirements of the Chief Building Official shall be met. The applicant shall receive a license from the State of Minnesota prior to commencing operation. Signage shall comply with the sign ordinance. The owner shall work with staff to bring the driveway adjacent to the entry into compliance with the code requirements. Additional signage regarding children crossing shall also be added. City Council Recommendation Staff recommends that the City Council concur with the Planning Commission action.