Council advances text change to broaden school siting exemptions with conditions

Planning staff described an external text change application that would keep the 500 square‑foot minimum lot size per pupil but extend an existing DX exemption to lots that are both in mixed‑use zoning and located in either a city growth center or a frequent transit area. Justin Rometta (Planning and Development) told council the amendment is intended to provide flexibility for school siting in transit‑rich and growth areas while staff and the planning commission would develop appropriate use standards and mitigation.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about whether the change referred to comprehensive‑plan policy areas or zoning districts (staff said both) and pressed for coordination with Wake County Public Schools to ensure compatibility and sufficient outdoor play and circulation measures. Councilors expressed differing comfort levels with options ranging from: do nothing (maintain the standard), approve the applicant's request as submitted, remove the standard entirely, or advance with staff‑led mitigation work.

After discussion, Councilor Branch moved and council adopted a motion to advance the application under option 3 (authorize the text change to proceed through the public and planning commission process with direction to staff to work with the applicant on mitigation and controls). The clerk recorded the outcome as 6–1 in favor of moving forward with option 3.