Agenda - Council - 09/23/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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spaces for teachers, students, and visitors as well as maneuvering areas for school buses. It is also desirable to have some green space around the school building for playgrounds and recreational space. Staff believes that under the circumstances, the building placement of the school building may be acceptable. The Guidelines require that no more than 30% of the frontage of any public street should be devoted to parking. It does not appear that this site plan meets this guideline along Ramsey Parkway and it certainly does not along Peridot Street. Given the use of the building as a school, the size of the building, and the size of' the lot, it will be difficult for the site plan to conform to this guideline, even if the building is relocated. From discussion with. Staff and the Planning Commission, the applicant has proposed to locate 5-foot brick pillars along the Western edge of the Peridot St. parking lot and shrubbery that will grow to 4 feet in height to screen the parking lot in addition to the trees proposed to be planted in this area. The applicant is also proposing to plan additional shrubbery along the eastern parking lot to assist in screening from Ramsey Blvd. Staff has reviewed these solutions and find them acceptable. As is readily apparent, it is difficult for the site plan to meet every design guideline. However, Staff feels very strongly that every attempt to comply with the Guidelines should be explored and the spirit and intent of the Guidelines should be applied to the solutions. As the PACT Charter School is the first development within the Town Center, it will set the standard and the tone for future site plan reviews. From the City's initial review, many changes have been made to comply significantly with the Development Guidelines which Staff finds acceptable. Ultimately, the City Council should have a discussion regarding allowing these deviations. It is intended that these deviations will be allowed as part of the future C.U.P. process. The proposed Town Center ' Zoning Code does not specifically call out parking requirements for educational facilities, nor does the regular City Code. Generally speaking, on-site parking is discouraged in the Town Center development. Sharing of parking areas is also encouraged. The site plan shows 152 parking spaces. With 560 students, that is a ratio of one parking stall for every 3.7 students. On a square foot basis,. there is one space for every 463 square feet. Staff feels that the parking plan is acceptable and the number of parking spaces is also appropriate. The site proposes on access from Ramsey Parkway and two accesses from Peridot St. NW. Staff has reviewed the traffic circulation plan within the site and finds them acceptable subject to the Staff Review Letter. The applicant will be required to pay trunk sanitary sewer, storm water, and water fees in accordance with the City's rates and charges. It is Staff' s understanding that the proposed park west of Peridot St. NW. will be'used by the school on a daily basis throughout the school year. The Park and Recreation Commission will be having a discussion regarding the use of this proposed park and will be making a recommendation on whether to accept this land as park in the near future. The following things must occur prior to the City releasing a grading, footings and foundation permit as allowed under the Town Center Master Development Agreement: