Z-5683 Staff AnalysisJune 1, 1993
ITEM NO.: 11 FILE NO.: Z -565 -3 -
NAME:
LOCATION:
OWNER APPLICANT:
PROPOSAL:
ORDINANCE DESIGN STANDARDS:
1. Site _Location
Little Rock Montessori School -
Conditional Use Permit
3704 Woodland Heights Road
Little Rock Montessori School/
Joe White, Agent
The applicant is requesting a
conditional use permit to allow for
the expansion of the Montessori
School located on this R-2 zoned
property. The proposed expansion
is to provide a "nap room" for the
smaller children and an extra room
for after school activities. There
is not any proposed increase in the
school's enrollment.
The property is located at the southwest corner of woodland
Heights Road and Pleasant Forest Drive, just west of North
Rodney Parham Road.
2. Compatibility with Nei hborhood
A large residential area extends west and south of this
site, comprised of two neighborhoods, Pleasant Forest and
Pleasant valley._
A large area of office zoning extends directly north and
east of this site. There are several office uses in this
area, including two large buildings directly across woodland
Heights Road (Independence Square).
Systematics and the Pleasant valley office Park are located
across Rodney Parham Road, to the east. Temple B'Nai Israel
occupies a 20± acre tract adjacent to the south.
A single family home is adjacent, to the west of the school
site.
With proper attention given to screening this residential
property, the proposed expansion should be compatible with
the neighborhood.
June 1, 19 9 3
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 11 Continued FILE NO.: Z-5583
3. on-site Drives and Parkin
A preschool/kindergarten requires parking at the rate of one
space per employee and on-site loading and unloading spaces
at a rate of one space for each ten children.
The school serves 85 children and has 15 employees,
requiring 24 on-site parking/loading spaces.
Currently, there is parking for approximately 13 vehicles
on-site. No expansion of the parking area is proposed.
No increase in the number of children or employees is
proposed.
4. Screening and Buffers
Compliance with the City's Buffer Ordinance is required.
Attention must be given to screening the residential
property adjacent to the west.
5. Cit-' Engineer Comments
Provide additional parking for employees and parents.
Remove brush and bushes from the intersection to improve
sight distance.
6. utility comments
Contact Water Works if additional water service is required
or if there are revisions made to the school's fire service.
Southwestern Bell Telephone requires a 5 foot easement along
the entire length of the south property line.
7. Analysis
The Montessori School is a nonconforming use, existing prior
to this area's annexation in 1974.
The proposed improvements are not designed to allow for an
increase in the school's enrollment, so the parking
requirement will not increase.
With attention given to screening the single family
residence, adjacent to the west, staff is supportive of this
application with the understanding that there will be no
increase in the enrollment of children or the number of
employees.
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June 1, 1993
BDIVT I N
ITEM NO.: 11 (continued) FILE NO.: Z-5683
8. Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of this application, subject to
compliance with the City's Buffer Ordinance with attention
given to screening the residential property adjacent to the
west.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT:
(MAY 13, 1993)
Joe White was present representing the application. Staff
presented the item and outlined the City Engineer and Utility
Comments and staff concern about screening on the west perimeter.
A discussion followed concerning the driveway as it exists on the
site. Mr. White reminded the staff that an agreement had been
made with the City at the time the Rodney Parham, woodland
Heights, Pleasant Forest intersection was realigned and improved
which allowed the Montessori School to have the driveway, as
shown on the site plan.
It was determined that moving the parking to the rear of the
property would have a negative impact on the adjacent residential
neighborhood.
Mr. White agreed to provide the required buffer and screening on
the west perimeter.
It was determined that there were no outstanding issues and the
Committee forwarded this item to the full Commission for final
resolution.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIQN:
(JUNE 1, 1993)
Joe white was present representing the Little Rock Montessori
School. There were no objectors present.
Dana Carney, of the Planning staff, presented the item and
informed the Commission that a revised site plan had been
submitted which answered all staff concerns.
After a brief discussion, it was determined that there were no
outstanding issues and this item was placed on the Consent Agenda
for approval as recommended by staff.
The vote was 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent. The application was
approved.
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