02-09-2012 Planning Comm. Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 9, 2012 recommendation is to screen the north side of the storage. Anderson indicated that he could not plant in gravel pointing out that the storage is adjacent to his gravel driveway. Anderson indicated that he would like to use a temporary fence to screen the storage area so that he could move the fence when he plowed snow. Anderson indicated that there are trees between his property and the property to the north that provide a pretty good screening. Anderson also pointed out the distance between his property and the Roberto property to the north which includes the Rose Lane right -of -way. Barraclough indicated that the concept of a planted screen is a good one, but felt the realty is that these plantings would die. Duray asked about the amount of wood Anderson would like. Anderson stated that he would like 6 cords, noting that a cord is 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet high. Duray felt that that was a lot of wood. Anderson indicated that he gets wood when it is available, sometimes bringing in logs and splitting them. Fischer pointed out the City Code for the storage of wood and asked if the City would consider this wood to be stored 011 an impervious surface as it is not 8 inches off the ground. Anderson indicated that storing wood 8 inches off the ground encourages animals to establish themselves under the wood pile. Anderson indicated that his wood is stored on pallets. Hall noted the letter submitted by Anderson's neighbors indicating they had no opposition to his Variance request. Hall asked if the neighbors are aware of the amount of wood Anderson is requesting. Anderson replied that they did and are fine with it. He indicated that the only neighbor he did not contact was Mr. Roberto to the north. Sam Roberto, property owner to the north, stated that he was aware that Anderson was going to seek a Variance for his wood pile, but was surprised when he received the hearing notice that Anderson was seeking a Variance for storage of additional items. Roberto was concerned that the wording of the hearing notice left the storage issue fairly open - ended. Roberto also indicated that 6 cords of wood was a lot of wood. Roberto indicated his opposition to the Variance request and stated that this was a quality of life issue for him and his family. Roberto pointed out that the Anderson property is 100 feet by 227 feet and felt there was adequate room on the lot to store items in accordance with City regulations. Roberto felt that the grades were not that severe to prevent access to the backyard and indicated that he has seen four - wheelers driving into the backyard. Roberto was concerned that the Anderson front yard would become a parking lot and that the storage would kill the grass and cause erosion problems. Roberto pointed out that boat usage is seasonal and asked if the storage of the boat and trailer would be only during the months it could be used. -7-