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ii. An earth berm of sufficient height to provide an effective screen throughout <br />the year; or <br /> <br />a.Earth berms shall not have a slope of more than three feet horizontal to <br />one foot vertical or be located within any street right-of-way unless <br />otherwise approved by the city engineer. <br />iii. A screening fence constructed of one or more of the following materials: <br />a. Factory finished metal or vinyl panels. <br />b. Wood. <br /> <br /> <br />In reviewing the above requirement, and the outdoor storage standards from other communities, there is <br />a consistent requirement to screen the items stored from view on the public right-of-way and adjacent <br />parcels. Recent applications processed by the city have included recommendations for screening, but the <br />screening method has varied. Businesses have requested chain link with slats while the BP standard <br />requires metal, vinyl, or wood. Staff recommends following BP standards as the vinyl slats have the <br />tendency to fall out or become damaged over time. They also do not provide dense screening when used <br />without additional screening measures. The ordinance does not state the screening requirements for <br />other districts, and staff seeks direction from the Council on this topic. Staff views the screening material <br />and quality as an aesthetic and community image component. <br /> <br />The other topic to be discussed is what constitutes outdoor storage. Again, the current ordinance is <br />vague and staff looked to the Planners Dictionary, published by the American Planning Association, for <br />sample definitions. A number of these are attached, but most are similar to the following: <br /> <br />Outdoor Storage - The storage of any material for a period greater than 24 hours, including items <br />for sale, lease, processing, and repair (including vehicles) not in an enclosed building. <br /> <br />The storage timeline varies among definitions, allowing businesses the opportunity to temporarily stage <br />materials for transport, but all of them limit materials and equipment (including vehicles and trailers) <br />from being stored outside of an enclosed space. Staff’s interpretation, and current application, of <br />outdoor storage includes any materials, products, or equipment stored outside of a building or approved <br />outdoor storage area. Staff seeks Council direction on what should be considered outdoor storage. <br />Again, staff views this topic as an important component of community beautification. <br /> <br />Financial Impact <br /> <br />None <br /> <br />Attachments <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Staff Report to the City Council Regarding Outdoor Storage dated October 15, 2012 <br /> <br /> <br />City Council Minutes Relating to Outdoor Storage dated October 15, 2012 <br /> <br /> <br />APA Definitions for Outdoor Storage <br /> <br />