05-25-05 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 25, 2005 provision limits outdoor storage to 75% of the gross floor area of the principal structure or 25% of the lot area, whichever is less. The Planner noted that the Orius outdoor storage area on the Hillcrest Development property meets the 75% of gross floor area standard. Montour suggested that the standard be changed to 50% of the gross floor area or 25% of the loC area, whichever is less. Montour noted that this would minimize the amount of outdoor storage in the I-P District, and if the goal may be Yo eliminate the use, would be a first step in phasing it out. Blesener pointed out that decreasing outdoor storage to 50% of the gross floor area may result in larger buildings in the I-P District. The City Planner indicated that his general opinion is that most outdoor storage users could store inside the building, but choose not to. The Planner supported the decrease to 50% in gross floor area if the City's intent is to encourage more building and more employment. The Planner felt the 50% standard was not unreasonable. Blesener, Allan, and Montour supported the decrease to 50% of the gross floor area or 25% of the lot area, whichever is less. The Planner reviewed the second point in his report relative to fencing and screening. He noted that the current standard requires a wood or masom~y fence, and thaC the standard was chain link at the time that Orius was granted their CUP. The Planner also noted that the maximum fence height is currently 8 feet by CUP for a special purpose fence. The Planner reported that the Planning Commission felt it was important to identify the type and height of outdoor storage that will be occurring and attempt to screen storage that extends above fencing with landscape screening. Montour felt it was good to identify the type and height of outdoor storage at the time of application for a CUP, but asked about new buyers of a property. The Planner noted that a new buyer would have to comply with the terms of the original CUP. LaValle expressed concern about the screening of outdoor storage areas creating security problems. The Planner agreed that this is a concern, but noted there are options to overcome those concerns, i.e. surveillance equipment, alarms, etc. Blesener pointed out that the goal is to screen outdoor storage from public view. LaValle noted that it will noC be possible to screen the outdoor storage at 3250 Spruce Street from the freeway. Blesener, Montour, and Allan agreed with the Planning Commission's recommendation on this point. 6