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MINUTES <br />PLANNING COMMISSION <br />APRIL 10, 2008 <br />Duray indicated that he would support a provision allowing the leasing of <br />outdoor storage to another Little Canada property owner. Duray also <br />indicated that he supported the use of storage containers and noted that the <br />ordinance amendment would allow the use ofsemi-hailers for storage <br />provided that the trailers moved 25% of the time. Duray also noted that the <br />Deeb property history will have to be looked at to determine if his semi- <br />trailers are grandfathered in. <br />Pechmann indicated that the property owners are present this evening both <br />because they are concerned about the impact of the ordinance amendment <br />on their businesses as well as because they want to do the right thing. <br />Pechmann pointed out that the goal of this amendment is to keep property <br />values up and balance the interests of the City and property owners, not <br />solely to enact additional regulations. Pechmann felt that when an area <br />accumulated more and more junk, the result was more and more crime. He <br />felt that containers would help protect the businesses from theft and <br />vandalism. He agreed with the ordinance provision that if semi-trailers are <br />to be used for storage, those trailers should be moved periodically. <br />Pechmann expressed some concern for allowing the rental of outdoor <br />storage area to other Little Canada businesses, suggesting that if the <br />relationship goes sour, there may be junk left on the property. <br />Knudsen asked for an explanation of storage trailers versus containers. The <br />City Planner reviewed the proposed definition outlined in the ordinance. <br />He noted that this provision was included to avoid the use ofsemi-trailers as <br />defacto buildings. He pointed out that storage in trailers is allowed <br />provided that they are moved 25% of the time. This would accommodate <br />seasonal businesses, such as landscapers, that store their equipment in a <br />trailer and during the spring and summer move the trailer from job site to <br />job site. Knudsen asked how the City will avoid junky hailers. The <br />Planner replied that the intent is to avoid a rusty hulk of a trailer being used <br />for storage. He stated that the use of containers and/or ri•ailers for storage is <br />not intended to be a way for a property owner to avoid construction of a <br />building. The Planner pointed out that there are public safety and health <br />issues with the use of a trailer as additional building space. <br />Deeb again asked if he were grandfathered in. The City Planner indicated <br />that the record would have to be researched. If the storage were legally <br />established, it would be grandfathered in. If not legally established, there is <br />no grandfather status. <br />Stanke asked if property owners would be able to replace semi-trailers with <br />storage containers. The Planner replied that that is correct. <br />The City Adminishator reported that historically there have been trailers <br />used for storage in the City over the years. However, these would still <br />-9- <br />