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Item No: 5A Meeting Date: April 7, 2010 Type of Business: Action City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Mounds View Planning Commission From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate Item Title/Subject: Consideration of an Interim Use Permit for a Temporary Outdoor Membrane Structure Introduction: In 2003, after completion of the AmericInn Hotel construction and renovation of the existing facility, the Mermaid erected a temporary outdoor membrane structure for banquets, receptions and other events. At the time they first installed the tent, there was no zoning regulations to address such a structure, and is typically the case in Zoning Codes, the absence of an allowance constitutes a disallowance. In 2004, the City adopted new provisions for temporary tent structures in business zoned districts, and created an Interim Use Permit (IUP). The City approved a 5-year Interim Use Permit for the Mermaid’s tent in March 2005. Since that IUP has expired, the Mermaid has applied to the City for a new IUP in order to continue using the tent. Discussion: The process for reviewing and approving an interim use permit for a temporary outdoor membrane structure is the same as the process for a conditional use permit. That process includes staff scheduling a public hearing and sending notices to property owners within 350 feet of the subject parcel. The specific requirements of the approval process (from the City Code) are: 1. The tent or membrane structure shall comply with all provisions of the Fire Code and receive an annual fire permit issued by the Fire Marshal. An annual fire permit is required for this temporary structure. At the time of fire permit application, the fire marshal will review the application and tent material information, and conduct an inspection post erection. 2. The property owner shall annually apply for a Zoning Permit, the duration of which cannot exceed 180 days. The temporary tent can only be erected for a maximum of 180 days per year as stated in the International Building Code. The City and the State consider a structure in use for longer than 180 days a permanent building that would need to meet all building and fire codes. 3. Adequate parking to accommodate the occupancy shall be provided at a ratio of one parking space per 40 square feet of tent area. (The City Council may waive the parking requirement if it can be shown that the site has sufficient existing parking capacity.)