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Mounds View Planning Commission February 5, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ 5. Planning Cases A. Resolution 1114-20 Approval of a Variance to reduce the side yard setback for a parking lot at 5500 Quincy Street (Pinewood Elementary School) Community Development Director Sevald stated ISD 621 will be making improvements to Pinewood Elementary School, including a small building addition, and reconfiguration of its parking lots, necessitating a Variance to reduce the side yard setback for the south parking lot. The building addition will be in the Northeast corner, consisting of two classrooms and resource space (3,114 square feet). A Development Review is required if the addition exceeds 10,000 square feet, or 10%. Because of the addition’s small size, a Development Review is not required, but a Variance is for the south parking lot. Currently, bus parking is in the west parking lot, as is parent pick-up/drop off. As proposed, the south parking lot will be expanded to accommodate bus parking. Parent pick-up/drop off will be on Quincy Street. The west parking lot will be removed, except for ADA parking stalls. To accommodate busses, the south parking lot will expand south and east. A ballfield will be removed, and a storm water infiltration basin added. It was noted the parking lot would be six feet closer to the property line that it is today. Staff recommended the Planning Commission hold a Public Hearing and approve the Variance with conditions. Chair Stevenson opened the Public Hearing at 7:05 p.m. Commissioner Farmer asked if the bus movement was requiring the parking lot expansion. Community Development Director Sevald reported this was the case. Paul Aplikowski, Wold Architects & Engineers, explained he was a representative for the school district. He reported the parking lot expansion would allow for greater separation between bus and parent traffic. He stated there was a growing trend for parents to pick up their kids from school. He stated there was limited access on the site given the fact the school was built so close to the road. For this reason, a parking lot expansion was being proposed in the current spot so as not to have to remove the playground. Chair Steve nson requested further information on how the busses would flow through the site. Mr. Aplikowski described how busses would enter and exit the school property. Chair Stevenson requested staff read the three conditions for approval. Community Development Director Sevald read the conditions for approval for the requested variance. He reported the applicant will install additional screening along the south parking lot to buffer headlights from adjacent residents. The buffer shall consist of a coniferous hedge row three feet in height or an alternative approved by staff. The buffer will be installed within one year after direction is provided by the City. Commissioner Monn asked if the northwest driveway would be closed. Community Development Director Sevald reported this was the case. Chris Ghormley, Anderson Johnson