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Commission approves Vital Elementary parking lot renovation — 48 off‑street spaces added
Summary
The commission approved a conditional‑use permit to convert Vital Elementary’s playground into a 48‑space off‑street lot (plus 27 on‑street spaces accounted) at 1721 East Park Avenue, with staff emphasizing site conformance and lighting measures to prevent spillover to neighbors.
The Laramie Planning Commission approved a conditional‑use permit (CUP 26001721) for a parking‑lot renovation at Vital Elementary School, 1721 East Park Avenue, tied to the building’s ongoing conversion to an administrative/school resource center.
Planning staff told the commission the proposed off‑street lot would provide 48 spaces including an ADA and a van‑accessible stall; staff noted the total site requirement is 50 spaces but that 27 existing on‑street spaces can be credited toward the requirement. The plan adds about 1,874 square feet of impervious surface, below the 2,000‑square‑foot threshold that would have triggered a type‑three full site plan. Staff recommended approval, adding the lot would move the site further into conformance with code and reduce neighborhood impacts versus continued reliance on curb parking.
Neighbors had raised a complaint about a flag pole that had been making noise when not flown. Randy Wilson, chief operations officer for Alb County School District, told commissioners, "All schools are supposed to have a flag pole at them. That's part of the uh uh statues that's coming out of the the state." Wilson said the district would not remove the pole but could examine relocating halyards or removing ropes if the pole will not be used. The district also said it will maintain adjacent parcels and that a transition academy (18‑ to 21‑year‑old students) may steward nearby natural areas.
Commissioners pressed whether the off‑street lot was necessary given prior approvals that counted on on‑street parking; staff said funding availability now allows the district to build the off‑street lot and that the lot would reduce neighborhood impact. With conditions recommended by staff, the commission voted by roll call to approve the CUP (six yes, zero no, one absent). The approval is subject to standard conditions and will proceed to the City Council where applicable.
