Title/Name/Summary
Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church Special Use Amendment
History
PURPOSE:
The petitioner is requesting an amendment to the Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church Special Use Permit to operate a small K-8 school using church facilities. In cases like this, schools are reviewed and approved via the Special Use Permit process, considering issues of use intensity, and are generally considered secondary, or accessory, uses to the principle use of the church. Reformation Christian School is actually not affiliated with Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The Church, however, has authorized the use of space for the school as noted on the attached permission letter.
The petitioner is proposing no change to the site or the exterior of the building. If the school were renting or leasing space in an office or retail building, it would be the principle use of that space and require a standalone Special Use Permit meeting Code Requirements (as noted below). However, because the school is operating secondary to the principle use of the church, and does not result in a negative increase of use intensity on site, the Village attorney has concluded that Reformation Christian School does not have to meet the R3 space requirements for a school. If the school were to significantly expand (greater than 25 students), either on site or at a different location, it would have to meet the requirements for a principle use school in the corresponding Zoning District.
R3 Residential District School Special Use Requirements:
1) The use is located on a lot at least five (5) acres in area; and
2) No building is located within twenty-five (25) feet of a side lot line; and
3) The use is no closer than 1,000 feet to any other educational institutions.
PLAN COMMISSION:
On November 10, 2009, the Plan Commission, by a vote of 7-0, moved to recommend to the Village Board approval of the Special Use Amendment for Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church to allow for the operation of Reformation Christian School, subject to the following condition:
1) That the school not exceed 25 enrolled students or require any changes to the site or existing exterior building.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND PLANNING COMMITTEE:
On November 23, 2009, the Development Services and Planning Committee, by a vote of 3-0, moved to recommend to the Village Board approval of the Special Use Amendment for Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church to allow for the operation of Reformation Christian School, subject to the following condition:
1) That the school not exceed 25 enrolled students or require any changes to the site or existing exterior building.
DISCUSSION
At the Plan Commission, one resident across the street from the church commented that some of the ‘no parking’ signs had disappeared from 94th Avenue and 147th Street. The resident was advised to contact the Traffic Advisory Board for more information. The petitioner indicated that the cap of 25 students was acceptable and that they are already searching for a more permanent home that would meet Village Code requirements. The petitioner also clarified that they only operate one school and that school is currently being held at Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
This is now before the Village Board for consideration.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the Special Use Amendment for Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church to allow for the operation of Reformation Christian School, subject to the following condition:
1) That the school not exceed 25 enrolled students or require any changes to the site or existing exterior building.