Ann Kuntz of Station 19 Architects, representing Living Hope Lutheran Church and School, has applied for a Conditional Use Permit to expand the church and school on the approximately 10 acre site at 8600 Horizon Drive. The site is zoned RR, Rural Residential. 

The proposed addition to the south side of the building is 11,305 square-feet and would add a new 475 seat worship center and lobby / commons area, multi-purpose room, rest rooms, and storage. The proposal also includes a 51' 8" tall fiberglass steeple and adds 78 additional parking stalls to the 162 existing parking stalls, and a driveway to Muhlenhardt Road. A future addition southwest of this addition is noted on the plans.  The building materials of the proposed addition is exposed aggregate pre-cast concrete panels and fiber cement siding. As proposed, the building addition meets City Code materials standards and the amount of parking provided meets the requirements for churches and schools.

The existing building was built in 2001 as a church and school, with the gymnasium used for worship services. The school serves students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. In addition to this site, Living Hope has a church and school in Bloomington.

Site Development:
The proposed one-story addition encroaches into a conservation easement that is held by the Prior Lake - Spring Lake Watershed District. The conservation easement must be vacated and amended. The proposed parking area is over an existing Scott County stormwater pond. The City Engineering Department and the City's stormwater consultant have provided detailed comments regarding this project (attached). Scott County Environmental Health has commented that a new alternate ISTS site is required, as the proposed addition and parking area are located in the current alternate ISTS area. The applicant is proposing a new stormwater pond north of the proposed driveway. The Engineering Department has also recommended that the applicant pave Muhlenhardt Road, or waive their right to appeal a future assessment for when Muhlenhardt Road is improved. The proposed driveway width must be increased from 22' to 24' to comply with City Code.

At this time the trail along the west side of County Road 18 ends at Horizon Drive. Planning staff are recommending that the trail along County Road 18 be extended to Muhlenhardt Road as part of this project to serve students of the school and residents when the areas to the south and west develop. A short trail connection to the parking area near the entrance of the building is also recommended.

Landscaping:

The applicant is removing 15 significant trees for the construction of the addition and parking area. Staff is recommending that the applicant meet the required landscaping requirements for commercial buildings, which would require the planting of 34 landscape units, of which no more than 50% of the units may be shrubs, and no more than 25% ornamental trees. Staff recommends that the over-story trees be planted south of the proposed addition to break up the large expanse of pre-cast panels of the worship area. The City Code also requires 1 tree for each 4,000 square-feet of parking or drive aisle area, this would apply to the new driveway and parking area.  

Staff recommends that the Board approve the request, subject to conditions in the attached resolution.