11/07/2011 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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As 7301 Apollo Court abuts a property zoned for residential /rural to the west and abuts I35W due to the enlarged right of way obtained by Anoka County for Apollo Drive, staff informed the business owner that they were not allowed to have any outdoor storage at 7301 Apollo Court and that the site would need to be cleaned up immediately. Since that date a number of conversations have occurred between staff and the business owner's attorney, between staff and the City Council, and between the City Council and the business owner's attorney. The result of those discussions was the submittal of applications for a Zoning Text Amendment and an Interim Use Permit on September 7, 2011. On September 14, 2011 city staff informed the applicant that the Interim Use Permit portion of their application was incomplete and would not be brought forward to the October Planning and Zoning Board meeting. The applicant chose to pursue the Zoning Text Amendment while submitting the missing application items for the November Planning and Zoning Board meeting. On October 6, 2011 the Economic Development Advisory Committee considered this request at their regular meeting, ultimately recommending approval of the ordinance amendment on a 3 -2 vote. • The Planning and Zoning Board held a public hearing on October 12, 2011, and considering this request. After much deliberation, the board remained deadlocked and forwards the request to the City Council without a recommendation. Zoning Ordinance The Zoning Ordinance prohibits outdoor storage in the Light Industrial zoning district unless a Conditional Use Permit or an Interim Use Permit is approved for the site. The Interim Use Permit option currently allows outdoor storage only as a principal use, which is not applicable to this site as a building and use already exists. The Conditional Use Permit currently allows outdoor storage as an accessory use to an approved use of the site, with the following conditions: 5. Open and outdoor storage (not outdoor sales Tots) as an accessory use provided that: a. The storage area is landscaped and screened from view of neighboring uses, residential zoning districts, and public rights -of -way per Section 3, Subd. 4.Q of this Ordinance. b. Storage area is fenced in a manner approved by the City. c. Storage area is blacktopped or concrete surfaced unless specifically approved by the City Council. d. All lighting shall be in compliance with Section 3, Subd. 4.F of this Ordinance or other lighting standards in place at the time of project approval.