2000 Planning Commission Packets

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Messiah PC Report March I5, 2000 Page 6 homes. While the Church has existed at this location for almost 60 years without problem or complaint, the extent of the expansion and removal of trees and church-owned homes may result in screening issues for the adjacent property owners. The applicant will need to submit a landscape and screening plan for staff to sufficiently address this issue. (3) The structure and site shall have an appearance that will not have an adverse effect upon adjacent residential propertzes. The existing Church fits well into this neighborhood and the proposed first phase expansion of the church building should not negatively impact the area. It is thought that with adequate landscaping, the overall expansion plans could be a positive addition to the community. (4) The use, in the opinion of the Ciry Council, is reasonably related to the overall needs of the Ciry and to the existing land use. The fact that the Church has existed in this location for almost 60 years with a consistent and growing congregation is proof alone that the use satisfies a community need. Its expansion is a direct result of the Church's growing congregation and its desire to be more responsive to its membership. (S) The use is consistent with the purposes of the Zoning Code and the purposes of the zoning district in which the applicant intends to locate the proposed use. Churches and other institutional uses are conditionally permitted within the R-1, Single- family residential district. (6) The use is not in conflici with the Comprehensive Plan of the Ciry. The Comprehensive Plan (both the existing and proposed plan) designates this area as Institutional, appropriate for this type of use. (7) The use will not cause traffic hazards or congestion. Staff is unaware of any congestion problems on either Knollwood Drive or County Road H2 as a result of the Church's services. It is not expected that the first phase of the expansion would add any significant volume to either street. Also, the times during which the Church would have its greatest impact upon the street is also a period of relatively low traffic counts. Given these facts, it is not anticipated that use will not cause traffic hazards or congestion. Adverse Aff'ects Criteria: Section 1125.01, Subd. le requires that the Planning and Zoning Commission consider possible adverse affects of the proposed use, or in this case, the existing use and expansion thereof. The following is the list of factors to be considered, along with a narrative response: (1) Relationship to Municipal Comprehensive Plan. (2) The geographical area involved.