08-23-2006 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 4800 Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202, Golden Valley, MN 55422 Telephone: 763.231 .2555 Facsimile: 763.231 .2561 plannerstwnacplanning.com MEMORANDUM TO: Little Canada Planning Commission FROM: Charles Carlson /Stephen Grittman DATE: August 7, 2006 SUBJECT: Little Canada- Outdoor Storage /Parking of Commercial Vehicles CASE NO: 758.10 — 06.06 BACKGROUND The city is considering an ordinance amendment to the Zoning Code relative to the outdoor storage of vehicles, and parking of commercial vehicles. This amendment has been proposed as a result of concern that the current ordinance does not adequately address the difference between these two uses. Staff has proposed an ordinance that expressly permits the overnight parking of company vehicles in business districts, as distinguished from outdoor storage of materials and /or equipment. ANALYSIS Parking of Commercial Vehicles. Businesses in Little Canada use a variety of trucks, trailers, and other vehicles in their daily operation. A variety of regulations currently exist in the various business and industrial districts that relate to parking of commercial vehicles. Regulations include screening requirements and paving requirements but the do not specifically define parking. This can create difficulty in enforcing the zoning code when differentiating between parking and storage. Staff has created an ordinance that more specifically defines parking for commercial vehicles in commercial and industrial districts in the city. Staff recommends permitting parking of commercial vehicles in business and industrial districts as a permitted use, provided the following conditions are met: 1. Vehicles may have no more than two axles. 2. Vehicles must be licensed and operable on their own power. 3. Vehicle parking must be accessory use to a principal use on the site. 4. Commercial vehicles may not occupy required parking spaces on site.