04-25-2000 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes April 25, 2000 Page 2 . Staff report by Michele McPherson. Vicki Szews is requesting a conditional use permit to operate a Montessori school at 555 Railroad Drive (former True Value Hardware site). The hours of operation will be 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The school will occupy the central one-third of the building. Ms. Szews is working with the building official to meet state and local building code requirements. An outdoor play area is required by the state and is proposed to be located across the driveway access, to the east of the building. Ms. McPherson described safety issues in getting to the outdoor play area and how the applicant proposes to address those issues. A video tape of the site was shown. Staff recommends approval of the request with the three conditions listed in the staff report. Commissioner Baker asked how the play area would be surfaced. Ms. McPherson explained that the applicant would need to comply with the state licensing requirements for equipment and surface of the play area. Commissioner Morphew asked if there would be adequate parking if the parking stalls were eliminated as proposed. Ms. McPherson stated that they would comply with the number of required parking stalls. . Commissioner Kuester asked if the driveway access could be narrowed down. She felt that the wide access created a safety concern. Ms. McPherson noted that the access exceeds the code by 15 feet. Commissioner Kuester felt that the second access to the east be closed. Ms. McPherson suggested a compromise to be to asked the property owner to narrow the main entrance. Chair Mesich opened the public hearing. Vicki Szews, 19265 Dodge Street, applicant, explained that 12 inches of bark material will be placed over the asphalt in the play area, per state requirements. The playground equipment will also be approved by the state. There being no further comments from the public, Chair Mesich closed the public hearing. Commissioner Morphew asked if any provisions have been made for speed limit or cautionary signage. He expressed his concern for having children cross the driveway to get to the play area. Ms. McPherson stated staff would work with the applicant on "Caution - Children Crossing" signage to alert drivers entering and exiting the driveway. Commissioner Baker asked the applicant what she expects the enrollment to be. Ms. Szews stated she expects it to be approximately 75 children. . Commissioner Kuester explaining that she would like to include a condition for the property owner (Barsody) to work with the City to reduce the width of the driveway access. Commissioner Baker asked if it would be necessary to reduce the driveway width if another type of business were using the building. Chair