10/12/2011 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board October 12, 2011 Page 3 APPROVED MINUTES S taff confirmed that the amendment only involves the Light Industrial Zone. Board members asked for the rationale as to allowing outdoor storage as a principal use but not as an acc essory use. Board members considered an accessory use to be less of an impact. Staff explained that a principal use is easier to enforce as an interim use . Board m embers referred to a set of pictures that were distribute d by the applicant just prior t o the start of the meeting. Community Development Director Grochala pointed out that the pictures appear ed to be photos of existing uses along Lake Drive of which many are legal non -conforming uses that were in effect prior to the city’s change in ordinan ce. He noted that the pictures represent s pecifically what the city is avoiding to create in the industrial parks. Chair Tralle declared the Public Hearing open at 7 :06 p.m. Mr. Bill Griffith, Applicant’s Attorney, and Mark Dietz , Applicant and P residen t of Lakes Building Components and O wner of Jen -Mar , stated that the photos of existing outdoor storage sites were also distributed to city council members at a recent work session. Mr. Griffith explained that the tenant is a company that manufactures t russes for home construction. He said that due to economic times , o utdoor storage is needed for a transitional period of approximately five years at which time the tenant could either add on to the building or move to an alternate location . Mr. Griffith noted that the storage area is screened from the highway and from neighboring residential. He explained that th e trusses are currently being stacked from a loading operation and then moved off site. He s aid the applicant is seeking approv al from the fire marshal to move the raw materials indoors , but o utside storage is necessary for the completed trusses. Mr. Griffith remarked that this request would allow this i ndustrial business to flourish within regulations. He noted that the use m eets noise standar ds. The applicant would like to know if the city would allow for this use prior to submitting additional plans for an In terim Use Permit request. Staff explained the existing regulations for this type of use. Staff noted that there are properties locate d within the LI District that would allow for outdoor storage, but this site is unique due to its location abutting both a highway and a residential zone. Mr. Griffith noted that the noise produced is from trusses on the conveyer. He added that t wo types of forklifts are currently used to load the trusses , one electric and one LP outdoor forklift. The applicant added that they have been conducting this business for the past six months. The applicant stated that typically one semi -truck per week picks up the materials , however l arger orders go out in one to three days. The applicant ac knowledged that the intent is to have wood trusses stored outside every day.