Planning Commission Staff Report
Report Prepared by: Matt Livingston, Assistant Planner, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Conditional Use Permit #1284, initiated by Merced City School District, property owner. This application involves a request to build an off-campus education center at 2600 K Street. The subject site is generally located on the east side of K Street, approximately 75 feet north of West 26th Street. The subject site has a General Plan designation of Public/ General Use (PG) and a zoning classification of Low Density Residential, (R-1-6). **PUBLIC HEARING**
ACTION: Approve/Disapprove/Modify
1) Environmental Review #24-40 (Categorical Exemption)
2) Conditional Use Permit #1284
SUMMARY
Merced City School District is requesting conditional use permit approval to build an off-campus education center. The subject site currently has a steel building which would be demolished with approval of this conditional use permit, located on a 0.69-acre parcel on the east side of K Street, approximately 75 feet north of West 26th Street. Community Assembly uses are considered a conditional use within a Low Density Residential (R-1-6) Zone. The Planning Commission will be reviewing this proposal to ensure that the site plan is designed in a manner that minimizes negative impacts to the existing site and promotes compatible and orderly development with the surrounding uses. Staff is recommending approval with conditions.
RECOMMENDATION
Planning staff has reviewed this request and recommends that the Planning Commission approve Environmental Review #24-40 (Categorical Exemption) and Conditional Use Permit #1284, including the adoption of the Draft Resolution at Attachment A subject to the conditions in Exhibit A and the findings/considerations in Exhibit B.
Body
DISCUSSION
Project Description
The applicant is proposing to build an off-campus education center to provide students learning opportunities such as photography, art, coding, engineering, culinary arts, and others on a 0.69-acre parcel. This site currently has a steel building, which would be demolished with approval of this conditional use permit. The site plan submitted by the applicant shows 40 parking spaces. This project involves 2 pre-manufactured buildings being placed on the site. The main building, being 2 stories, is 7,500 square feet and will be the location where the activities and learning opportunities take place. Another smaller pre-manufactured building that is 1,500 square feet will be placed in the corner of the lot and utilized for storage. The submitted site plan also shows a decorative metal fence being installed around the perimeter of the site. There are also gates along the entrances off K Street and West 26th Street.
This site will operate primarily during non-traditional school hours, such as after school and on weekends. Some of the activities that the applicant mentioned include programs such as photography, sculpting, painting, coding/ programming, engineering, culinary arts, and others. There will also be a performing arts area available for students interested in drama or music. These students will also be able to participate in public performances on a stage at this site since not all schools have stages. During the day, this site will serve as an office space for the after-school programs staff, and the site will be a family resource center. This resource center will provide information to families in the district about community resources available to them, provide translation services, and provide family literacy education to residents in need of these services.
Surrounding Uses
|
Surrounding Land |
Existing Use of Land |
City Zoning Designation |
City General Plan Land Use Designation |
|
North |
Restorative Justice League and Educational Consulting |
Low Density Residential (R-1-6) |
Public/ General Use (PG) |
|
South |
John Muir Elementary School |
Low Density Residential (R-1-6) |
School (SCH) |
|
East |
Homes |
Low Density Residential (R-1-6) |
Low Density Residential (LDR) |
|
West |
Homes |
Low Density Residential (R-1-6) |
Low Density Residential (LDR) |
Background
This project site would be operated by the Merced City School District. Approval of this project would provide a location for students to pursue several different programs and subjects that may not be available in more traditional school settings. Given that there is already a school across the street from this proposed site, this use would be consistent with the properties nearby. Various subjects will be taught to students at this education center, including things like photography, coding, etc. The site would also provide for a family resource center for community to members to access various services in a central downtown location.
Findings/Considerations
Please refer to Exhibit B of the Draft Planning Commission Resolution at Attachment A.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Draft Planning Commission Resolution #4151
B. Location Map
C. Site Plan
D. Water Quality Control Division’s Best Management Practices
E. Categorical Exemption
F. Presentation