DRC_STAFF REPORT_LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE_062326.DOCX

PL260187 – LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
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June 23, 2026
STAFF REPORT
LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (PL260187)
PROJECT DATA:
Project Address
1665 West Alameda Drive
Property Owner(s) Current / 
Future
RG ALAMEDA LLC/AREA ALAMEDA LLC
Applicant
Katherine Burke, Studio1200
Zoning District (current)
GID, General Industrial District
Gross / Net Site Area
23.56 acres
Total Building Area
249,726 s.f. 
Vehicle Parking
1,625 spaces
Required Parking for Use
454 spaces 
Bicycle Parking
158 spaces (61 min. required)
Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm 
COMMENTS:
This site is located at the southwest corner of Alameda Drive and 55th Street, near Priest Drive and 
Southern Avenue, adjacent to the I-10 Freeway. The site is zoned GID, General Industrial District 
within the Diablo/Double Butte Character Area and within the Fountainhead Corporate Commerce 
Center. The site consists of an existing one-story 249,726 square foot office building and surface 
parking. Lennar and Amazon are two existing companies occupying the additional tenant spaces 
within the building. The area south of the site consists of single‑family residential uses, separated from 
the project site by an alley. Office buildings are located to the north and east. The Interstate 10 
corridor forms the western boundary of the site.
The applicant is requesting a Use Permit to allow Lincoln Technical Institute, a vocational school. The 
applicant also proposes several modifications to the building and site to support the instructional 
programs offered at this location. The school will operate Monday through Thursday with three shifts 
spanning the hours of 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. The campus admissions office will operate six days a 
week, Monday through Saturday. The campus will accommodate hands-on training for Welding, 
Automotive, HVAC, Electrical, and Electronics programs, with approximately 500 students and 
supported by roughly 50 staff members. To facilitate these programs, the applicant indicates that 
exterior equipment areas will be added at the west side of the building, including bulk welding-gas 
storage tanks and a fume-extraction pad. These components would be located between the building 
and the existing fire lane adjacent to I-10 and will be contained within a screened enclosure.
Additional site changes described by the applicant include a new curb cut on the south side of the 
building to provide access to an overhead door serving the automotive program. The applicant also 
proposes relocating the main entrance for the tenant space, creating a new student entrance, and 
adding new exit doors and roll-up doors on the south and west façades to accommodate program 
needs and improve internal circulation. Based on the applicant’s narrative, these modifications are 
intended to support program functionality and will not impact adjacent properties. 
The GID zoning district allows vocational schools, subject to Use Permit approval. All proposed 
exterior improvements will be subject to review through the City’s Building Development Plan Review 
process to ensure full compliance with applicable planning and building code requirements.
Existing entitlements for this property that will remain in effect are: N/A

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June 23, 2026
Existing uses on the site include: commercial center
The applicant is requesting the Development Review Commission take action on 
ZUP260060
Use Permit to allow a vocational school in the GID zoning district 
PUBLIC INPUT

Neighborhood meeting not required
USE PERMIT 
The proposed use requires a Use Permit to allow a vocational school in GID zoning district
Section 6-308 E Approval criteria for Use Permit (in italics):
1.
Any significant increase in vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The applicant’s letter of explanation 
states that they will operate on a three‑shift instructional model, Monday through Thursday, 
designed to distribute student and staff traffic throughout the day and evening. In addition, the site 
provides a total of 1,625 parking spaces, of which only 939 are required for all existing uses across 
the three on‑site companies. This surplus of available parking ensures ample capacity for the 
proposed use and helps reduce on‑site circulation conflicts. The site also includes 158 bicycle 
parking spaces, exceeding the required 76 spaces, further supporting multimodal travel and 
reducing vehicle demand. With these provisions, no significant increase in vehicular or pedestrian 
traffic is expected.
2.
Nuisance arising from the emission of odor, dust, gas, noise, vibration, smoke, heat or glare at a 
level exceeding that of ambient conditions. The fume extractors operate without producing external 
emissions; all air is filtered and recirculated within the building rather than released into the 
atmosphere. Given the significant ambient noise levels generated by the adjacent Route 10 
highway, any residual noise from the facility is expected to remain below existing background 
conditions. Therefore, the project will not create nuisances beyond ambient environmental levels.
3.
Contribution to the deterioration of the neighborhood or to the downgrading of property values, the 
proposed use is not in conflict with the goals objectives or policies for rehabilitation, redevelopment 
or conservation as set forth in the city’s adopted plans or General Plan. The proposed campus 
supports the Economic Development Element of the General Plan by strengthening Tempe’s 
human-capital development and contributing to a diversified, knowledge-based economy. 
According to the applicant, the training programs are intended to address regional workforce 
shortages by preparing students with in-demand technical skills, aligning with the City’s goal of 
fostering a skilled and enterprising workforce. The applicant also indicates that the project is 
expected to create approximately 50 on-site jobs and to generate additional economic activity 
through student and staff patronage of nearby businesses. The applicant further states that the 
campus will expand educational access for a diverse student population, including working adults, 
which they assert will enhance career mobility and support higher personal incomes consistent 
with community economic-growth objectives. Additionally, the applicant notes that partnerships 
with local employers and agencies are expected to support regional collaboration and innovation, 
aligning with the General Plan’s goals for long-term economic resilience and competitiveness.
4.
Compatibility with existing surrounding structures and uses. The proposed exterior modifications 
are compatible with the surrounding structures and uses. According to the applicant, the project 
includes installation of a welding gas bulb tank and a fume extraction pad at the rear (west) side of 
the building, adjacent to the fire lane and I‑10. Staff has worked with the applicant to ensure these 
components will be appropriately screened through a combination of a gabion wall and an 8‑foot 
vertical steel picket fence, providing adequate visual buffering from surrounding areas. Additional

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June 23, 2026
site changes, including a new curb cut for access to an overhead door, relocation of the main 
tenant entrance, creation of a new student entry, and installation of new exit and roll‑up doors for 
instructional programs, are supported by staff and do not present compatibility concerns. All 
exterior modifications will be reviewed through the Building Development Plan Review (BDPR) 
process to ensure compliance with the Zoning and Development Code and applicable building 
codes.
5.
Adequate control of disruptive behavior both inside and outside the premises which may create a 
nuisance to the surrounding area or general public. According to the applicant, the institution 
maintains a Code of Conduct that outlines expectations for respectful, professional, and lawful 
behavior on campus and during all school-related activities. The applicant indicates that the policy 
prohibits disruptive, threatening, disorderly, or unsafe conduct that could affect instruction, campus 
operations, or nearby properties. Students are expected to follow staff direction, comply with safety 
and security protocols, and conduct themselves in a manner that supports a safe and orderly 
environment. Based on the applicant’s description, these measures are intended to adequately 
control disruptive behavior both inside and outside the premises and to prevent nuisances to the 
surrounding area or general public.
The manner of conduct and the building for the proposed use will not be detrimental to persons 
residing or working in the vicinity, to adjacent property, to the neighborhood, or to the public welfare in 
general, and that the use will be in full conformity to any conditions, requirements or standards 
prescribed therefore by this code. 
Based on the information provided and the above analysis, staff recommends approval of the 
requested Use Permit
USE PERMIT CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: (Non-standard conditions are identified in bold) 
EACH NUMBERED ITEM IS A CONDITION OF APPROVAL.  THE DECISION-MAKING BODY MAY MODIFY, DELETE OR 
ADD TO THESE CONDITIONS.  
1.
The Use Permit is valid only after a Building Permit has been obtained, the required inspections 
have been completed and a Final Inspection has been passed. As part of the Building Permit 
process, on-site storm water retention may be required to be verified or accomplished on this Site. 
2.
The Use Permit is valid for the plans as submitted within this application. Any additions or 
modifications may be submitted for review during the building plan check process.
3.
In accordance with the criteria, the Use Permit shall not generate significant pedestrian or 
vehicular traffic, shall not generate noise, odor, glare or nuisances in excess of the surrounding 
existing conditions, shall not contribute to the deterioration of the neighborhood, shall remain 
compatible with existing surrounding structures and uses. If complaints arise related to the 
approval criteria, which are verified by the City Attorney’s office, the Use Permit will be subject to 
review and possible revocation.
4.
In accordance with the criteria, the Use Permit shall maintain adequate control of behavior both 
inside and outside the premises and may not disrupt or create a nuisance to the surrounding area 
or general public; If complaints arise which are verified by the Police Department or Community 
Enhancement Division, the decision-making body, upon finding that the applicant has not taken 
corrective actions to resolve issues related to the permit/approval and that a continuation of the 
permit/approval is not in the interest of the public health, safety and general welfare, can revoke 
the permit/approval after providing written notice of its intentions to the holder of the permit.

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5.
All required permits and clearances shall be obtained from the Audit and Licensing Division of the 
City of Tempe prior to the Use Permit becoming effective. 
CODE/ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS: 
THE BULLETED ITEMS REFER TO EXISTING CODE OR ORDINANCES THAT PLANNING STAFF OBSERVES ARE 
PERTINENT TO THIS CASE.  THE BULLET ITEMS ARE INCLUDED TO ALERT THE DESIGN TEAM AND ASSIST IN 
OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT AND ARE NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST.
This approval for the Use Permit review did not include a comprehensive evaluation of the site for 
code compliance; the scope of approval is for the use permit only. The property owner should be 
aware of all city codes and zoning ordinances applicable to the property including maintenance and 
conformance with the codes. Below is a partial list of references provided to advise the owner of 
pertinent code requirements; this is not an exhaustive list. 
TEMPE CITY CODE: Specific requirements of the Tempe City Code are not listed but apply to any 
application. 
ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT CODE: Specific requirements of the Zoning and Development Code 
(ZDC) are not listed as conditions of approval but apply to any application. To avoid unnecessary 
review time and reduce the potential for multiple plan check submittals, become familiar with the ZDC.
BUILDING & FIRE CODES: Any modifications to the buildings involving mechanical, electrical, 
plumbing or structural tenant improvements that would require a building permit must obtain required 
permits.
ENGINEERING CODES: Any site modifications affecting utilities, retention or engineering code 
requirements must obtain required permits.
USE PERMIT:

The Use Permit is valid for LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE and may be transferable to 
successors in interest through an administrative review with the Community Development Director, 
or designee.

The Use Permit approval shall be void if the use is not commenced or if an application for a 
building permit has not been submitted, whichever is applicable, within twelve (12) months after 
the Use Permit is granted or within the time stipulated by the decision-making body.

Section 6-902.B. The decision-making body, upon finding that the applicant has not taken 
corrective actions to resolve issues related to the permit/approval and that a continuation of the 
permit/approval is not in the interest of the public health, safety and general welfare, can revoke 
the permit/approval after providing written notice of its intentions to the holder of the permit.

Any intensification or expansion of use shall require a new Use Permit.

All required Federal, State, County, and Municipal permits, licenses, and clearances shall be 
obtained, or the Use Permit is void.
HISTORY & FACTS:
June 11, 1958
The property was annexed the City of Tempe 
November 11, 1969
Design Review Board approved the site plan and building elevations for 
FREEWAY COMMERCE CENTER, consisting of a 86,364 sf. one-story 
building, located at 1665 W. Alameda Drive.
March 22, 1979
Design Review Board approved a building addition, including site plan and 
building elevations for STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANY, totaling 176,428

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sf. building area, located at 1665 West Alameda Drive.
June 27, 2013
The City Council approved the request for a Planned Area Development 
Overlay (PL120397) for four office building and two parking structure for FNB 
FOUNTAINHEAD. 
June 23, 2026 
The Development Review Commission is scheduled to hear the request for a 
Use Permit to allow a vocational school in the GID, General Industrial District. 
ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT CODE REFERENCE: 
Section 3-302, Permitted Uses in Office/Industrial Districts
Section 4-204, Development Standards for Office/Industrial Districts
Section 6-308, Use Permit