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Planning Commission • 6/22/04 Item 1 ITEM: Proposed Ordinance Providing for the Addition of Rental Storage Space as an Interim Use in B-3 Zone SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Jones, Planning and Zoning Coordinator REVIEWED BY: Heather Worthington, City Administrator EXPLANATION: Summary: The City has received an application from TIES, 1667 N. Snelling Avenue, requesting that Chapter 9, Section 10, of the City Code be amended to add an interim use for the B-3 Zone, Snelling and Larpenteur Community Business District. The proposed interim use is as follows: Private storage of vehicles, small trailers, recreational vehicles, equipment or tools, community theatre equipment, materials and similar items, when stored within existing accessory structures. If the Council were to approve this ordinance, an interim permit would be required, as stated in Chapter 9, Section 15.08, with procedures similar to those for a Conditional Use Permit. It is the City's understanding that it is the intent of TIES, if this ordinance is adopted and a permit is granted, to rent or lease storage space to businesses and private individuals. City Staff has the following objections to the proposed use: • The proposed use does not fit the purpose and intent of the Snelling and Larpenteur Community Business District, as set forth in Section 9-10.01 Subdivision 1. • The proposed use would apply to all properties in the B-3 zone, not just the TIES property, and would enable any property owner in B-3 to consider a similar use. • The proposed use is not the "highest and best" use of land in the central commercial district of the City. • Owners of other properties at Snelling and Larpenteur have invested and will invest millions of dollars to redevelop their properties and to enhance the appearance and quality of existing development. This proposed use does not complement those efforts. • The proposed use is vaguely worded enough to include the possible storage of items and materials which could have a negative impact on neighboring residential and commercial properties and on public health and safety. • Even if specific conditions and limits were included in the actual permit, enforcement would • be costly and difficult for the City. Staff is not confident that effective enforcement would even be possible. Staff Report on TIES Application to add Storage as an Interim Use in B-3 Page 1 of 2 June 22, 2004