02-14-08 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 14, 2008 Keis asked if an auto repair business could park 100 vehicles on the property. The City Planner indicated that the vehicles would be considered outdoor storage and could take up 60% of the lot subject the outdoor storage criteria as well as the requirement that all vehicles are operable and do not take up required parking. The Council then discussed the screening of outdoor storage areas. Montour noted the excellent job that Tom's Auto does with screening. The City Planner reviewed the screening requirements outlined in the ordinance. The Code Enforcement Officer presented pictures of various outdoor storage areas where large equipment exceeds fence heights. She also reviewed pictures should junk and debris being stored illegally. Those present indicated that they did not have a concern with large pieces of equipment exceeding screening fence heights. The concern was that equipment should be stored in a neat and orderly manner. The City Administrator indicated that upon adoption of the revised standards many of the existing CUP's will require amendments given the fact that these CUP's are very specific as to what can be stored. Blesener felt that the new standards will provide more flexibility for outdoor storage but will also impose other controls. The Planner agreed indicating that CUP's would be less specific about what can be stored as long as the outdoor storage is in the right place and is orderly. The City Administrator indicated that the flexibility will be good as long as the Code contains enough standards to keep properties in compliance. He also noted that the CUP's can be more specific for businesses that have unique equipment and/or materials that need to be stored outside. The City Planner noted that the proposed Code contains revised screening standards. Knudsen indicated that while the revision would allow more outdoor storage area, it increases the standard for screening. Keis asked if allowing 60% of the lot area to be outdoor storage will discourage redevelopment. He noted that the tax base is tied to building size. Montour pointed out the option of charging a license fee for outdoor storage. The City Planner indicated that license fees can only be tied to enforcement costs. He agreed that increasing the amount of outdoor storage area would discourage additional building development. However, from the long-term view, less development may increase the potential for redevelopment of the area. Blesener questioned whether a small building and a lot of outdoor storage shifted the principle use of the site to outdoor storage. The City Planner replied that that would depend on how the City would define that 6