04-23-08 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 23, 2008 allowing off site outdoor storage would add staff time and expense, and that the license fees that would be put in place would not be adequate to cover this expense. Allan was also concerned that it would be difficult to limit the off-site outdoor storage to Little Canada businesses. McGraw agreed with Blesener's suggestion that the interim use permit be an annual pei7nit. He felt the annual permit would be helpful to staff in keeping on top of this storage. Allan was concerned that the off-site outdoor storage would result in increased staff. Keis pointed out that there is still a limitation of a maximum of 60% of a property as outdoor storage. Keis noted that the amount of outdoor storage allowed is not being increased, only the complexity of the situation. Blesener asked if the additional duties required in enforcing the ordinance would result in the need for additional staff. The Code Enforcement Officer indicated that the number of inspections would be increased. Keis asked whether inspections every year or every two years would be preferable. The Code Enforcement Officer felt that initially annual inspections would be needed. If properties are continually in compliance, inspections every two years may then be an option. McGraw felt that allowing for inspections every 2 or 3 years after a certain period of compliance would be a good incentive to businesses. The Code Enforcement Officer agreed, and suggested that this could be made a part of the ordinance amendment. The Planner noted that the ordinance draft provides for an annual outdoor storage license and Interim Use Permit duration/renewal every three years. He also noted that both properties would have to have a history of no code violations for the previous 12 months in order to qualify for off-premise outdoor storage. Keis stated that he had an issue with a business being allowed to lease 2 or 3 off-site outdoor storage locations as this proves that a business has really outgrown its present location. Keis stated that he supported the creation of the Salvage Repair License, the 60% outdoor storage maximum, allowing container and semi-trailer storage as outlined in the ordinance, and the Interim Use Permit for off-site outdoor storage. Blesener suggested that the City initially set a term of one year on Interim Use Permits. Montour agreed. McGraw suggested that when the Council considers license fee, it consider a declining license fee for properties that consistently show compliance to the ordinances and conditions of their CUP and/or IUP. 12