Agenda Packets - 2013/07/22 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Item No: 7C MOUNDS z fEW Meeting Date: July 22, 2013 �/l�YY Type of Business: Council Business Administrator Review: 4,_ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate Item Title/Subject: Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 879, a Code Amendment for Regulating the Use of Cargo Containers; Special Planning Case SP -186-13 Discussion: At the January 2, 2013 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission discussed the use of cargo containers in the City, and agreed with staff that shipping containers are not appropriate as a permanent use in residential districts, but felt that there are situations where these, or other types of portable storage containers (such as PODS), could be allowed temporarily. The Commission supported allowing the containers for short periods of time, but not for permanent use, and also recommended not allowing the existing cargo containers in the City to remain as non -conforming. The Planning Commission continued to review proposed language for a code amendment to add regulations for cargo containers in the City, and passed Resolution 978-13 with their recommended language for the Zoning Code. This amendment would not allow cargo containers permanently in any residential districts, but would allow them temporarily (up to 6 months) for residents. The amendment also gives general regulations for temporary use, along with requiring any existing cargo containers in the City to be removed within 6 months of the ordinance going into effect. Ordinance 879 was introduced and a public hearing held at the May 28, 2013 City Council meeting. One of the property owners that currently has a cargo container attended the meeting and requested that the City Council let her keep the cargo container until a later determined time, such as upon the sale of the house or when the container needed to be replaced. The Council was generally receptive to this proposal but asked that the City Attorney review this scenario before making a decision. The City Attorney has advised that the City Council should treat all property owners the same. The City Council reviewed the City Attorney's advice at the July Worksession, and will decide on how to proceed with Ordinance 879 after discussion with the Attorney at the July 22, 2013 City Council meeting. Recommendation: Continue the discussion of Ordinance 879 and take a final action regarding the ordinance. Respectfully submitted. Heidi Heller Planning Associate Attachments: 1. Ordinance 879