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Messiah Lutheran Church Expansion Staff Report April 20, 2000 Page 4 General CUP Requirements: Section 1125.01, Subd. 3b outlines the general conditional use permit requirements that must be satisfied in order for approval to be granted. These requirements with responses are as follows: (1) The use will not create an excessive burden on existing parks, schools, streets and other public facilities and utilities which serve or are proposed to serve the area. It is not anticipated that the use and proposed expansion creates or would create an excessive burden on parks, schools and other public utilities. It is however anticipated that future expansions of the facility will result in added traffic volume to the City’s street system, an impact which will require careful review prior to construction of the second phase. (2) The use will be sufficiently compatible or separated by distance or screening from adjacent residentially zoned or used land so that existing homes will not be depreciated in value and there will be no deterrence to development of vacant land. The Church property is bordered to the north by County Road H2 and to the west by Knollwood Drive. To the east and south, the property abuts single-family residential 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 Church has submitted a landscape plan which addresses these issues and will work with the neighbors to resolve any future screening issues. It is not believed that the expansion of the church facility would adversely affect adjoining property values. (3) The structure and site shall have an appearance that will not have an adverse effect upon adjacent residential properties. The existing Church fits well into this neighborhood and the proposed first phase expansion of the church building should not negatively impact the area. The existing facility is well-maintained with a pleasant design and appearance. It is thought that with the proposed landscaping, the planned expansion could be a positive addition to the community, especially as the landscaping matures. (4) The use, in the opinion of the City Council, is reasonably related to the overall needs of the City 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. (5) 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.