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Planning staff unveils draft zoning rules to require special-use review for private, parochial schools
Summary
Planning staff proposed treating private and parochial schools (grades 1to 12) as special-use in multiple zoning districts, adding a 30-foot buffer requirement, special review for outdoor fields, and limits on loudspeakers and lighting; a public hearing on the draft was scheduled for the evening meeting.
Planning staff presented a draft zoning text amendment on April 21 that would treat private and parochial schools serving grades 1 through 12 as a special-use activity in agricultural, residential and commercial districts where institutional uses are already permitted.
"Essentially, we're suggesting that it be a special use in all the districts that they're permitted in," Ms. Dollies said, recommending the change to ensure these facilities receive individual review by the planning commission and board. She said the draft broadens the definition to cover grades 1 to 12 and aligns requirements with those used for places of worship, but adds provisions specific to schools, including a proposed minimum 30-foot buffer on adjacent property lines.
The draft also includes a dedicated section on outdoor fields: school applicants would need to declare outdoor facilities when seeking approval or, if adding fields later, return for a special-use permit. Ms. Dollies described minimum provisions similar to those for worship-related outdoor activities: enclosure for outdoor facilities, a traffic-control plan, a prohibition on central loudspeakers, and lighting designed to meet county standards. "So that's kind of an overview of what we're proposing for this public hearing," she said.
Commissioners raised wording concerns (for example, clarifying "schools" to "private and parochial schools") and noted past instances where private schools developed without public hearing in some neighborhoods. One commissioner asked whether enrollment caps would be imposed; planning staff said a fixed student limit is not recommended because hybrid and part-time models complicate administration and building size/site-plan review is a more practical control.
Staff and commissioners clarified that schools operating today would be grandfathered for their current level of operation but would have to apply for special-use approval if they expand or add outdoor facilities. The board scheduled a public hearing on the draft for that evening and may act after receiving public input.
