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Approving the application of Saint Paul Public Schools for a conditional use permit for an outdoor trade school in an I2 zoning district at 0 Empire Drive. (To be withdrawn)
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WHEREAS, Saint Paul Public Schools, File # PEDCUP-000033-2025, have applied for a conditional use permit for an outdoor trade school in an I2 zoning district under the provisions of § 61.501 and § 66.500 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code on property located at 0 Empire Drive, Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 31.29.22.22.0123, legally described as Lot 1, Block 3, Empire Builder Industrial Park No. 2; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, on October 8, 2025, held a public hearing at which all persons present were given an opportunity to be heard pursuant to said application; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, based on the evidence presented at the public hearing, made the following findings of fact:
The zoning application requests a conditional use permit for an outdoor trade school in an I2 general industrial district. Section 66.520 indicates that trade schools are a conditional use requiring a conditional use permit in the I2 zoning district. Saint Paul Public Schools is leasing the subject parcel from the Port Authority of the City of Saint Paul to construct the proposed “heavy machinery sandbox” training facility and provide heavy equipment training offered in partnership with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49. Classes will be offered on-site 2 - 3 days per week.
Conditional Use Permit Standards:
Zoning Code § 61.501 lists five standards that all conditional uses must meet.
(a) The extent, location and intensity of the use will be in substantial compliance with the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and any applicable subarea plans which were approved by the City Council.
The condition is met. The subject parcel is identified as Industrial in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. This land use designation typically supports uses that create employment opportunities. However, the proposed use would provide direct training for industrial jobs, thus preserving the intent of industrial land. Policy LU-46 states that industrial land should be protected from conversions to residential or institutional uses. A recommendation for the proposed conditional use permit to only apply to trade schools would prevent the CUP from being used by a more typical classroom school and uphold this policy.
(b) The use will provide adequate ingress and egress to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets.
This condition is met. Students will be picked up and dropped off together on a school bus. Street parking is available for instructors along Empire Drive. No one else is expected to access the site.
(c) The use will not be detrimental to the existing character of the development in the immediate neighborhood or endanger the public health, safety and general welfare.
This condition is met. The heavy equipment to be used at the school is in keeping with the industrial nature of the area. The subject parcel is lined with mature trees on three sides, creating a visual screen and buffering the surrounding area from potential noise and dust. The side of the parcel that is more open shares a lot line with Local 49, SPPS’ partner in the proposed project.
(d) The use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the district.
This condition is met. The proposed use will not prevent future development that is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and existing zoning. No building - institutional or otherwise - is being constructed for the use and the use itself is compatible with future industrial uses.
(e) The use shall, in all other respects, conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located.
This condition is met. The Applicant is not requesting any variances for the site.
RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby grants a conditional use permit to Saint Paul Public Schools.