04-24-2002 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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details are not provided, but the fence must be of a wood or masonry wall type of construction, rather than galvanized chain link. The fence may be eight feet in height, and may have barbed wire within the enclosure for security. With regard to the surfacing, the applicant is seeking a variance to allow a Class V gravel surface due to the nature of the equipment located in the storage area. Variances are to be reviewed as to whether there is a unique physical hardship restricts putting the property to reasonable use. In this case, the applicant suggests that the hardship would be the nature of the equipment to be stored in the enclosure, and the fact that asphalt surface would not hold up under those conditions. The applicant has stated that they would enhance the landscaping around the enclosure in an effort to minimize any visual impacts of the Class V surface. However, the ordinance also lists concrete as an acceptable surface for outdoor storage. The ordinance was developed with the intent that outdoor storage was a disfavored use, and that where allowed, the standards for development and maintenance of such areas would be high. It would seem to staff that a concrete surface could be designed that would accommodate the pressure of the heavy equipment proposed by the applicant, although it may be an expensive item. Nonetheless, the ordinance specifically states that economic factors alone are not to be used as the basis for the grant of a variance. Moreover, it would seem inconsistent with the intent of the ordinance to grant a variance where the ordinance was designed to discourage this type of unpaved storage use. Staff does not recommend the variance. As noted in the paragraphs above, the ordinance was drafted to allow outdoor storage only where it could be done without concerns over size, materials, and ongoing maintenance. Although asphalt may not be practical for the applicant's specific needs, concrete is also an acceptable material that should be able to withstand the demands made by the applicant. If neither material is acceptable, it is possible that the use is inappropriate for this zoning district. Staff recommends the Conditional Use Permit for outdoor storage only with full compliance with the ordinance standards as summarized above from the Industrial Park District. pc: Kathy Glanzer Steve Westerhaus Terry Maurer Greg Schroeder Hillcrest Development, 2424 Kennedy Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413