06-12-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTI•;S CITY COUNCII, JUNI'. 12, 2002 also questioned the screening of these outdoor storage areas, pointing out that it is not possible to completely sa'een large equipment from view. Fahey felt it was not possible to completely screen equipment that is 30- feet high, and felt the intent of screen requirements was to screen material storage from public view, not necessarily completely screen large equipment. Fahey also pointed out that outdoor storage areas in the I-P District are limited to no more than 75% of the building size. Fahey questioned the need to place additional restrictions on outdoor storage. Scalze again pointed out that the I-P District is the City's highest and best industrial use and she questioned allowing outdoor storage in the front of buildings in this district. Fahey felt that the limitation of outdoor storage to 75% of the size of the building was a big limitation. Fahey also pointed out that industrial uses typically need outdoor storage. Scalze agreed, but felt that this storage should be located in the rear yards of the property where it is not visible from the road. The City Administrator pointed out that the 1-P District does not allow outdoor storage in the required front yard, but it does allow it in the front of a building beyond the required front yard area. The Administrator indicated that the question is the location of this outdoor storage and whether it should be limited to the side or rear yard. LaValle pointed out that the Orius building does not have much of a rear yard area, therefore, the only place outdoor storage could occur would be in front of the building. Scalze indicated that she was not proposing that the City withdraw the Orius approval. However, she would like discussion of this issue as it relates to future I-P proposals. Fahey agreed that the issue should be looked at and that information should be obtained on what other cities are doing. Fahey stated that he did not feel Little Canada should be any more restrictive than other cities. Fahey suggested that staff survey the City's existing I-P properties and determine where their outdoor storage is located. Fahey further suggested that the City Planner prepare a report on this issue along with a recommendation. It was also felt that the matter should first be submitted to the Planning Commission for their review and recommendation. Anderson suggested that the issue of screening also be explored to determine if the City's current requirements are adequate.