08-14-08 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 15, 2008 issue for the Council was proving that a hardship existed in order to grant the Variance request. Council directed staff to report on options relative to determining the number of storage containers for individual properties. The Planner noted that there had been some earlier discussion relative to using a percentage of outdoor storage area to determine number storage containers. It was felt that this would not be an efficient calculation method for City staff. The City Planner then reviewed his report dated August 8, 2008 which outlines an alternative that would pro-rate the allowance for shipping containers based on parcel size. The Planner recommended one shipping container per 7,500 square feet of property. He pointed out that this would approximate the 5% threshold that was requested by On-Site Air Temp. The Planner pointed out that a 2 acre parcel would be allowed 11 storage containers. The On-Site Air Temp parcel is approximately 1.8 acres, therefore, would be allowed 10 storage containers. Duray noted there was a great deal of discussion on this issue, and when the 4 storage containers per parcel was decided on, it was also felt that this on a trail basis. Duray felt the formula suggested by the Planner was more equitable, as larger parcels would be allowed more storage containers than smaller parcels. Socha asked about the size of the containers. The City Planner reported that a large storage container is typically 10 feet by 40 feet. It was noted that these are storage containers used for shipping and not semi-truck boxes. Pechmann noted that under this formula a small lot would not be able to have four containers as would be allowed now. Pechmann asked if this would be an issue. The City Planner indicated that the minimum lot size in the I-1 District is 20,000 square feet. Two storage containers would be allowed for a lot that size. He pointed out, however, that most of the I-1 lots are 30,000 square feet in size, therefore, would still be allowed 4 containers. Duray noted that if this text amendment is adopted, the allowance for 4 storage containers goes away. The Planner replied that that is correct. The number of storage containers allowed would then be based on 1 for every 7,500 square feet of property. The Planner pointed out that it will be an easy calculation to determine. Dave Holm, On Site Air Temp, stated that he is in support of the Text Amendment as proposed. He felt this calculation was a more equitable situation for everyone involved. -2-