Planning commission approves conditional use permit for "Let's Play Music" at Old School

River Heights City Planning Commission voted 4–0 on April 14, 2026, to approve a conditional use permit allowing Katie and Michael King to rent Room 11 of the Old School for children's music instruction and related services. The permit authorizes up to seven children for music and piano lessons on Monday through Thursday; Michael King said he may use the room at different times for parent coaching, music therapy and online content creation.

Katie King, who operates "Let's Play Music," told commissioners she ran a sound test in Room 11 with the audiologist in the adjacent office and said "it wasn't at all too loud." She said parents would be required to walk their children into the building and estimated about seven vehicle drop-offs and pickups per hour during scheduled sessions. Commissioners asked about parking and exterior changes; the Kings said they had no plans to alter the building exterior and would use the parking lot across the street and on-street spaces when needed.

Commissioner Noel Cooley moved to approve the permit with the condition that the conditional use permit would terminate if the Kings vacate their lease; Commissioner Anna Lisa Davidson seconded. The motion carried with Cooley, Davidson, Steve Roberts and Chairman Keenan Ryan voting in favor; Commissioner Troy Wakefield was absent. The commission noted the city has a property manager for the building and that external signage is not permitted under existing rules.

The commission approved the permit at the meeting and the recorder will file the application and conditions in the city records. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.