Description: The applicant is requesting approval of a site plan application with 16 Non-Use Variances to construct a 74,918 gross square foot religious educational facility consisting of a one-story gymnasium, a four-story education with a recreational roof deck, and a 22-space surface parking lot. Site features include landscaping, a surface sport court, a pick-up and drop-off loop, perimeter fencing and screen walls, site lighting, paving and crosswalks.

The request includes sixteen (16) Non-Use Variances from Sections: 24-95(C), Table MU/IB-2, 24-58(P)(1), 24- 58(S)(1), Table MU/IB-5, 24-58(J)(3)(c)(iv), Figure MU-1, Figure MU-2, Figure MU-3, 24-58(L)(2)d.iii, Figure MU-12, 24-58(S)(1)g.i.4, 24-58(S)(1)j.i, 24-93(C)(2)(a), 24-58.1(M)(1)b, and 24-96(A)(1). The PZB staff report contains analysis for the granting of each variance in accordance with ZLDC Section 24-176 (B).

The Non-use Variance from ZLDC Section 24-95(C), requests to provide 22 parking spaces on site in-lieu of 144 spaces are required. The code requires that one space be provided for every four students (576 students / 4 = 144 spaces required). The letter of intent requests a variance to provide 22 spaces onsite to be used for guest parking, and 100 spaces (123 total) off-site to be leased from the 163rd Street Mall for staff, faculty, and guest parking. ZLDC Section 24-92 (D)(2), requires that all new nonresidential buildings provide parking spaces on the same parcel of property that they intend to serve except when shared with another property under same ownership. The applicant is requesting to provide a majority of their parking (100 spaces) on another property under separate ownership, which is not allowed for new developments.

The proposed variance request does not comply with the intent of code section 24-92 (D)(2). However, in an effort to provide safeguards for the granting of the request in accordance with ZLDC Section 24-176 (B)(2), staff has worked with the applicant to appropriate the following traffic and parking conditions for consideration (for further information and conditions see the proposed resolution attached):

1. The applicant shall lease the 100 off site spaces prior to Certificate of Occupancy and maintain the spaces for the life of the use until such time the applicant can locate the 100 off-site spaces on to its own property or properties.
2. That the applicant provides shuttle services for staff and guests parked at the 163rd Mall Parking garage to reduce the number of pedestrian trips along NE 164th and NE 165th Streets.
3. That parking be prohibited in the swale areas.
4. That the 22 spaces located on-site be used primarily for guests.
5. That a crosswalk be provided on NE 12^th Avenue from NE 165^th Street to the intersection of NE 164^th Street that connects the southeast corner of the proposed East Campus to the southwest corner of the 163^rd Street Mall parking garage.
6. That the parking spaces at the 163^rd Street Mall Parking garage be designated for the for the use of the school.  

City of North Miami Beach Strategic Plan Consistency:

• Revitalized Downtown and Major Corridors