04-24-2002 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL, 1 I, 2002 Duray pointed out the requirement for a continuous curb around the parking lot. The City Planner indicated that that is a standard requirement for employee and customer parking areas. However, the outdoor storage area would not need to be curbed. Duray stated that he was not in favor of granting the variance noting that there is no hardship and to do so would set precedent. Keis agreed. Gatzke asked about surfacing the storage area with concrete and how long it would last. Antonuk was not sure, but noted that track equipment does not move well on solid surfaces. The Commission was asked if a chain - link fence could be utilized if the fenced in outdoor storage area was screened with a berm and landscaping. The City Planner indicated that that would be acceptable. The chain link fence would be for security purposes, the berming and landscaping are the screening components. Roycraft stated that he did not support the variance from the surfacing requirements for the outdoor storage area given there is no hardship. A discussion occurred on what constitutes a hardship, and the City Planner indicated that a hardship must be related to the physical condition of the property, such as topography. Orius pointed out that the track equipment cannot maneuver on hard surfaces and will chew up those surfaces. Again, the Planner noted that a hardship must be related to a physical condition that is unique to the property. Antonuk reported that Orius chose this property because of its size, location, and zoning. It appeared that the outdoor storage being proposed would work given the uses in Ryan Industrial Park. Keis stated that he sympathized with Orius, however, it is up to a potential property owner to do the background work necessary before purchasing a property. Keis stated that he could see no leeway to vary from the ordinance requirements. Keis recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit allowing outdoor storage of vehicles and equipment associated with telecommunications outside plant construction for 3250 Spruce Street requested by Orius Corporation subject to compliance with the recommendations of the City Planner and the City Engineer and allowing the use of chain -link security fencing around the outdoor storage area 7-