7.5 SR 05-20-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ZONING CHANGE APPLICATION Description of Project Narrative Type written narrative explaining your request in detail should include, but not limited to, all the following applicable information: • Detailed description/scope of project. What is being proposed? Project proposed includes an addition of an approx. 36,000 s.f. fieldhouse first floor (plus approx. 24,000 s.f. second floor) and remodeling of the existing 9,585 s.f. high school gymnasium into an auditorium/performing arts center. • What are the reasons/purposes for the proposed Zone Change? Spectrum High School received their last approval in 2017 authorizing the operation of the 7'/8' grade center, an educational use in a Business Park district. Shortly after, the City Council adopted an ordinance amendment removing institutional uses — education - from Business Park Districts. This change caused reclassification of Spectrum High school's education use to a "legal non -conforming use". This restricted Spectrum High School from further expansion into the Business Park district, while allowing the school to continue operating in the same capacity for which it had been approved in its current locations. Changing only Spectrum High School's parcels to a PUD avoids having to restore education use in a Business park. The purpose is to more closely align the zoning of the multiple properties to the approved and current use of the properties for educational use. This will allow current and future projects to be completed within the accepted zoning use instead of the current industrial park. What has changed to warrant the Zone Change? ❑ How is the request consistent with City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan? The zoning change allows current and future projects to be completed within the accepted zoning use instead of the ordinance controlling use within the current industrial park. The zoning change allows the City of Elk River Planning Department and City Council to continue its intent to disallow educational use within the business park (non-PUD sites) while also working with Spectrum High School to fulfill the intended goal numbers on property already owned by the school/building company. ❑ How compatible is it with surrounding properties? Spectrum High School has existed at this location since 2011. They have expanded at two adjacent sites; the 6t' grade center in 2014 and the 7t' and 8t' Grade in 2018. The school has done everything within their control to reduce any neighborhood concerns such as traffic, bus routes, drop off and pick up procedures, and parking lot expansion. These measures have greatly reduced impact on other business functions. Spectrum reports positive relationships with neighboring businesses. • ❑ What are the benefits to the City? Rezoning Spectrum properties from the current Industrial Park to a PUD takes away the precedent allowing educational use in an industrial park. The city limits the growth of the school (currently located in the business park) to these PUD properties and is able to anticipate future expectations. Page 2 of 5 Page 249 of 430