HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Use Permit to allow a temporary classroom for an existing church at 2400 Bloomington RoadCITY OF AMES, IOWA
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUS
FEB 1 2 2015
IN THE MATTER OF THE
APPLICATION OF ASCENSION
LUTHERAN CHURCH FOR AN CASE NO. 14-27
AMENDMENT TO A SPECIAL USE
PERMIT, § 29.1503(4), AMES GEOCODE NO. 05-28-425-020
MUNICIPAL CODE, TO ALLOW A
TEMPORARY CLASSROOM FOR AN DECISION & ORDER
EXISTING CHURCH ON THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT
2400 BLOOMINGTON ROAD
FACTS
This property is a triangular shaped lot in the "RL" (Residential Low Density) zoning district.
The property is bordered on the north by Bloomington Road, and surrounded on the east, west,
and south by single family residential homes. The drive access to the property runs from the
northwest corner of the lot to the southeast. The parking lot for the church building is located to
the northeast of this property line. The Applicant received a Special Use Permit (SUP) on
December 8, 2010 to construct a 12,000 square foot church building. Due to the growth of the
congregation, the Applicant received an approved amendment to the SUP on May 23, 2012 for
an expansion of the parking lot. The Applicant is now seeking approval for another amendment
to the SUP to place a modular classroom building on the site, immediately south of the existing
church building.
The proposed classroom building is about 35 feet by 70 feet, approximately 2,480 square feet.
The building will be used for Sunday school and other classes. The church does not operate a
day school or a child care facility. As a modular building, it will be elevated about 30 inches
above grade, with a handicap ramp along the east side. Existing shrubs along the parking lot will
be retained and two existing trees will be relocated to the east side of the classroom building. In
all other aspects, the site plan will be as approved in 2012. No additional parking is required for
the property since parking requirements are based on the seating capacity of the sanctuary. The
church is required to have 75 parking spaces; the site has 103 parking spaces.
Staff presented evidence that the application met all applicable criteria and was consistent with
the conditions and requirements of the previously approved SUP. Therefore, staff recommended
approval of the application subject to the conditions contained in the 2012 approval. Neighbors
from the surrounding residential area to the east expressed concerns over the long-term plan and
the effect of drainage on their property. The Applicant responded that the church had added a
drainage swale directing water away from the single family homes; however, the church plans to
take these effects into consideration during the future planning of the site.
I)FCASIZION
The Board considers the standards applicable to special Use permits from the provisions of the
zoning ordinance. having heard the evidence presented about this proposed building, the Board
finds that it meets the general standards for a Special Use Permit in section 29. 1503(4). In light
of the evidence presented and the findings in the staff report, the Board determines that granting
the permit is appropriate.
ORDER
WIIEREFOIZE, IT IS ORDERED that the applicant is GRAN'11,J) all amendment to the
Special Use Permit, section 29.1503(4) of the Ames Municipal Code, to allow the construction
of a temporary classroom building for an existing church for the property located at
2400 Bloomington Road.
Any person desiring to appeal this decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after
the filing of this decision.
[.)one this 22nd, day of October, 2014.
l"rin C',un
Secretary to the Board
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