Ordinance 2017-13, if passed, will amend Section 78-284(8) of the Zoning Ordinance in regard to height limitations for buildings in the SI-2 (Service Institution - Educational) zoning district. The section currently restricts the height of buildings in the district to a maximum of two-stories or a total of three stories if a full or partial underground basement level is included. The section also limits the maximum height (excluding steeples) to 60 feet, measured from the lowest ground level of the structure to the highest point of the roof.
The change is precipitated as a result of the proposed science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) building at Brentwood High School, which is included as part of the proposed Phase III expansion plans for the school. The building includes a total of three stories, all above ground and an overall height of approximately 43 feet. The site where the STEM building is proposed is relatively flat and surrounded by existing improvements, so there is little possibility that a third story could be accommodated under the existing code by excavating a full or partial basement. Please see below for additional site information related to the proposed STEM building.
The SI-2 zoning district provides for the following uses.
- Preschool, elementary, middle and high schools, colleges and universities;
- Churches, synagogues and other religious temples (including associated uses such as day care, religious education and community/youth programs), and
- Residential child care facilities (including associated support uses and buildings).
Commissioners previously discussed the possibility of amending the building height limitations only for schools in the SI-2 district at the May 4 Board of Commissioners briefing. However, in order to avoid a conflict with the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) staff is proposing an amendment that would treat religious uses such as churches the same as schools. There are two churches within the SI-2 zoning district – Holy Family Catholic Church on Crockett Road and Otter Creek Church of Christ on Franklin Road. All other churches in the City are located in the SI-1 zoning district. The primary reason for a church to seek SI-2 zoning instead of SI-1 would be the possibility of incorporating a school (kindergarten or above) as part of the church operation.
The proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment deletes any reference to the number of stories in the SI-2 district and leaves the height controlled by the 60 foot limit, which is the existing SI height limit. The proposed amended language is shown below. Please note that staff is not recommending a similar change to the other SI zoning districts.
DIVISION 11. SI-2 SERVICE INSTITUTION (EDUCATIONAL)
Sec. 78-284. Technical standards.
(8) Maximum permitted height of structures, two stories (measured from the grade level at the front elevation of the structure) or a total of three stories if a full or partial underground basement level is included. In no event shall the maximum height (excluding steeples) exceed 60 feet, measured from the lowest ground level of the structure to the highest point of the roof.
STEM BUILDING STATISTICS
Williamson County Schools (WCS) has submitted its expansion plans for the proposed STEM building, which will be located on the Brentwood High School campus. The plans have been added to the June 5, 2017 Planning Commission agenda. The site calculations are included in the following table:
| BRENTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL -- PHASE III |
| SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, & MATHEMATICS BUILDING -- STEM |
| STEM BLDG. -- FOOTPRINT AREA |
21,389 SF
|
| STEM BLDG. -- TOTAL AREA |
64,167 SF |
| NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS |
35 |
| PROPOSED NUMBER OF FLOORS |
3 |
| CURRENT CAPACITY -- (3/13/2017) -- BHS |
1,628 |
| CURRENT ENROLLMENT -- BHS (3/13/2017) -- BHS |
1,759 |
| ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS 2016/2017 -- BHS |
1,756 |
| PROPOSED CAPACITY -- OVERALL |
2,000 |
As noted above, the site plan, including the building elevations for the Brentwood High School expansion, have been submitted for review by the Planning Commission at it June 6 meeting. (Note that this meeting was rescheduled from June 5.) The latest version of the proposed elevations is attached. The Planning Commission will also provide its review and recommendation as to Ordinance 2017-13 at its June 6 meeting.
Ordinance 2017-13 was passed on first reading on May 22. Second and final reading of the proposed ordinance is scheduled for June 26.
Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the City Manager, the City Attorney or the Planning and Codes Director. |