Laserfiche WebLink
<br />ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE <br />AGENDA ITEM 3A <br />STAFF ORIGINATOR: Jessica Eller, Community Development Specialist <br />MEETING DATE: January 8, 2026 <br />TOPIC:Allowable Uses in Industrial Zoning Districts <br />BACKGROUND <br />Staff routinely receive inquiries regarding the development of distribution centers, which may <br /> range in size from approximately 400,000 square feet—such as Distribution Alternatives—to <br /> facilities exceeding 1.5 million square feet. The City’s zoning code is fairly restrictive regarding <br />this type of use and associated exterior trailer storage. Distribution centers are limited to the <br /> ’s industrial zoning districts—Light Industrial (LI), General Industrial (GI). They are not <br />permitted in Business Campus (BC) district. A conditional use permit is required for the outdoor <br />storage of semi-trailers accessory to the principal use. Historically, large distribution facilities <br />have not been considered a desirable land use in Lino Lakes. However, given the availability of <br />developable land along the I-35E corridor, the City continues to receive interest in these types <br /> of developments. Staff seek to evaluate whether the City’s existing permitted and conditional <br />uses remain aligned with its broader economic development objectives, expectations for land <br />use compatibility, and long-term comprehensive planning goals. The city may want to consider <br />allowing Distribution Centers within the BC District as a Condition Use or as part of a planned <br />unit development. <br />To support discussion, staff have identified several potential advantages and disadvantages <br />associated with the presence of distribution centers in municipal settings. <br />Potential Benefits of Distribution Centers <br />1.Economic Development and Job Creation <br />Distribution centers can generate significant employment opportunities across various <br />skill levels, contributing to local economic growth and increased household incomes. <br />2. Expansion of the Tax Base <br />Large-scale industrial facilities typically contribute substantial property tax revenues, <br />helping support municipal services and infrastructure. <br />3. Infrastructure Investment <br /> Developers often finance improvements to public infrastructure—such as roadways, <br />1 <br /> <br />