03-13-2014 Planning Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 13, 2014 The Planner indicated that in considering a Rezoning, the City would be required to find that the proposed use is consistent with the existing and future land uses in the area and reflective of Comprehensive Plan policies and objectives. In considering a Variance, the City would have to look for unique conditions that justify the use of the property differently than the base zoning and find the unique conditions present practical difficulties in using the property. The Planner noted that his March 3, 2014 report addresses both the Rezoning and Variance applications in detail. He indicated that if the Commission feels the outdoor storage request is reasonable, then the staff report is more supportive of a Rezoning of the property. A Variance approval would need to be more specific and include findings and conditions. The City Planner pointed out that over the years the City has engaged in the process of tightening the regulations on outdoor storage as this use has been an enforcement problem for the City. The City has spent a significant amount of time trying to clean up problem outdoor storage areas. Dan Stockness indicated that he is seeking approval for more outdoor storage. He asked the City Planner to clarify the statement in his report that the property would be allowed 5,000 square feet of outdoor storage under the I -P District standards. Stockness noted that he has a Conditional Use Permit allowing 12,500 square feet of outdoor storage on this property. The City Planner indicated that the CUP for 3065 Spruce Street was issued under the previous 1 -P District standards. Since that time those standards have been amended and the current standards would only allow 5,000 square feet of outdoor storage. As long as 3065 Spruce Street is kept in compliance with the conditions of its CUP, the 12,500 square feet of outdoor storage is allowed. Stockness provided a history of his property noting that when he constructed his building 20 years ago there were some challenges in meeting the I -P District standards relative to building materials. The City granted him a Variance for building materials given the poor soils on this property. The City allowed him to construct an engineered steel building with masonry veneer. Stockness reported that he also wanted two curb cuts for this property, but was limited to one. Stockness also commented on the green space requirements that he had to meet given the I -P Zoning. Stockness then reported that in leasing his property, many businesses are looking for outdoor storage. His own business is a concrete contractor business that requires outdoor storage. Stockness reported that between this site at 3065 Spruce and his other property at 190 Ryan Drive (zoned 1 -1 District), he has been able to accommodate outdoor storage for his own business and his tenants. Stockness indicated that he realizes that a lot of -2-