06-22-2005 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 9, 2005 Motion seconded by Duray. Motion carried 6 — 0. OUTDOOR Knudsen reported that at the redevelopment initiatives workshop with STORAGE IN the City Council last evening, the issue of outdoor storage in the I -P I -P DISTRICT District was discussed. Knudsen pointed out that the discussion centered on the many issues /problems in the City that result from outdoor storage. It was also discussed that many of the surrounding cities are eliminating outdoor storage in their higher industrial zoning districts. As a result, Little Canada will likely attract more outdoor storage uses given its current standards are more lax than those in other cities. Knudsen stated that the question for the Commission is whether the City wants to eliminate outdoor storage in the I -P District. Knudsen pointed out that if that is done, current outdoor storage uses would be grandfathered in while future users would not be allowed outdoor storage. Knudsen stated his position was to eliminate outdoor storage in the I -P District. Knudsen noted the discussion at the last Commission meeting, and the fact that the option to eliminate outdoor storage entirely was not seriously considered. Barraclough reported that in looking at properties that have outdoor storage, some are done well while others are not. Knudsen suggested that outdoor storage continue to be allowed by CUP in the I -1 District, but eliminate it from I -P. Duray asked the impact to existing businesses. The City Planner agreed that existing outdoor storage uses would be grandfathered in unless the City desired to amortize the use, phasing it out on existing properties. Socha stated that after looking at existing outdoor storage uses, she was surprised that the City had so many sites with outdoor storage. Socha felt that it was a good idea to eliminate outdoor storage in the I -P District and work toward cleaning up the City. Knudsen pointed out that the argument against eliminating outdoor storage is that some businesses will not consider locating in Little Canada. He questioned, however, whether the City wanted businesses to locate here because Little Canada has the most lax standards of the surrounding cities. Knudsen asked if the Commission wanted to take a long -teinu step and raise the bar for the I -P District. 7