07-10-08 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 10, 2008 CUP & Dave Holm, On-Site Air Temp, Inc., appeared before the Commission VARIANCE - requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit allowing outdoor storage 53 WOODLYN of storage containers as well as a Variance to allow more than four (4) AVENUE - storage containers for 53 Woodlyn Avenue. Holm reported that during ON-SITE AIR the initial conversation relative to storage containers, there was discussion TEMP, INC. about allowing up to 5% of a property in storage containers. The end result, however, was a maximum of 4 containers. The City Planner reported that the switch from percentage of property to a specific number was related to ease of enforcement. The Council felt it would be easier to simply count containers than calculate what is allowable based on a percentage. Holm reported that there currently 8 containers on the 53 Woodlyn Avenue property. He noted that these containers are approximately 8 feet by 40 feet, or 320 square feet. Based on that, 5% of the 53 Woodlyn Avenue property would be 11 containers. The City Planner reported that the applicant needs a Conditional Use Permit for the outdoor storage. The Variance is necessary to allow more than 4 storage containers. The Planner again noted that On-Site Air currently has 8 containers on their site. The Planner indicated that in order to grant a Variance, the City will have to have findings to support the Variance. The Planner reported that On-Site Air is making the following arguments in support of this Variance request: • The storage containers result in a more orderly site than other outdoor storage; • The option of storing the materials (air compressor equipment) outdoors would result in a less orderly, and more visually unappealing site; • The applicants do not have the option, given building setbacks and circulation needs, of constructing additional building space; • The containers can be painted to match the building, reducing visual impact. Knudsen indicated that 53 Woodlyn Avenue is a clean and orderly property and agreed that storage of materials in the storage containers presented a better view. The Planner indicated that in order to grant the Variance, it is necessary to find a justification that is unique to this property. He noted the findings outlined in his July 3, 2008 report supporting the Variance. The Planner also pointed out that the use of the storage containers would result in better organization and less site clutter. He noted that this is a factor that would be unique to this particular business. -13-