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presented here a summary of that research. The scope of the survey was (1)mini-storage <br />• and self-storage, (2) warehousing, and (3) storage in general -when and how it is <br />mentioned, and in what context. <br />Cities studied were Roseville, Lauderdale, West St. Paul, Richfield, Plymouth, Maple <br />Grove, Elk River, Bloomington and Chanhassen. In general, "mini-storage" or self-storage <br />is allowed only in industrial districts and, occasionally, in certain commercial/business <br />districts that are regional or highway oriented, not local neighborhood or community <br />commercial areas. In some cases this use is conditional. Warehousing is associated with <br />industrial zones and industrially oriented business zones, always as an accessory use and <br />often conditional. Open storage is generally limited to an accessory use in industrial zones <br />and is usually conditional. Some cities place very specific restrictions on outdoor storage. <br />Commissioner Harris asked about a provision for basement storage in Falcon Heights' B3 <br />code. Jones said that this was introduced to accommodate a particular property owner, the <br />owner of the golf store, who used the basement for storage for a time when Falcon <br />Crossing was built. Commissioner Heideman asked about the various uses of the TIES <br />property when it belonged to Harvest States. City Administrator Worthington pointed out <br />that Harvest States was in existence before the establishment of the City; all the uses were <br />accessory. <br />Lee Whitcraft, co-executive director of TIES, was invited to address the Planning <br />Commission and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity. He stressed that TIES' <br />. hope is to work with the City to let TIES staff have the opportunity to make use of space at <br />the site to store their vehicles, trailers, etc., space that is not otherwise used. There would <br />not be any outdoor storage, and impact on the surrounding area would be minimal. It is <br />important to TIES to be good neighbors to Hollywood Court. <br />Jones reminded the Commission that they were not being asked to review the June <br />decision. This discussion is part of the ongoing Commission study of the city zoning code <br />and future changes that might be made in the upcoming general revision. Commissioners <br />held a general discussion of the storage issue in relation to the TIES property (and its <br />historical use) in particular and the Falcon Heights city plan in general, also of accessory <br />uses in the several business districts. Several Commissioners pointed out that the city does <br />not have the kind of industrial area that usually accommodates this kind of use. Ms. Harris <br />pointed out that the task of the Commission here is to consider the general issue, not solve <br />TIES problem. Ms. Worthington provided additional background information and <br />reiterated that the Commission is not being asked for any specific action at this time. In <br />spite a some sympathy toward TIES and their need to find uses for their space and generate <br />revenue, the general consensus was that rental storage is not appropriate in any zone of <br />Falcon Heights and that the Commission does not recommend adding storage as a use in <br />B3. However, the Commission might in the future look at whether or not B3 is an <br />appropriate designation for the southwest quadrant of Snelling/Larpenteur. <br />PLANNING FOR COMMISSION TRAINING <br />• Ms. Jones announced that a training opportunity has been set up for Commissioners in <br />January on a date to be determined, a Saturday morning. The training would cover <br />City of Falcon Heights -Planning Commission Meeting of November 23, 2004 -Page 3 of 4 <br />