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Memo to the Planning Commission <br /> February 25, 1997 <br /> Page 2 <br /> • • In August 1996, the zoning code was amended to revise the list of <br /> permitted and conditional uses in the industrial zones. The list of allowed <br /> uses was amended to better reflect the intended purposes of the 2 <br /> industrial zones. As part of that process kennels were excluded from the <br /> list of allowed uses. <br /> • In November 1996, the City again took a look at kennels, amending the <br /> zoning code to establish a definition for commercial kennels and private <br /> kennels. During the review process for this amendment, appropriate zones <br /> in which kennels should be allowed were also examined. As part of this <br /> amendment, commercial and private kennels were established as allowed <br /> use in the Al and Rla districts. <br /> Analysis <br /> Mr. Droegemueller has indicated that his proposed kennel would fit in well <br /> with his situation in McChesney Industrial Park and not affect the operation <br /> of his business. However, even though this request was triggered by a <br /> request for a specific property, it affects all property in the light industrial <br /> and medium industrial districts. <br /> • Commercial kennels are not typically considered an industrial use. The I1 <br /> district was established to accommodate manufacturing, warehousing and <br /> similar industrial uses and the 12 district was intended to accommodate more <br /> intense manufacturing and processing than would be allowed in the I1 <br /> district. <br /> Because of the limited supply of industrial land within the city, it would seem <br /> prudent to take a hard look at allowing non-industrial uses in the Il and I2 <br /> districts. Even though in Mr. Droegemueller specific situation the <br /> construction of a kennel would not impact his existing industrial use, this <br /> would not be the case in other locations. Industrial property, of which there is <br /> a limited amount, could be developed as a non-industrial use and thereby <br /> possibly eliminating a future industrial tenant. Elk River has a large amount <br /> of agricultural and residential land available for development as a <br /> commercial kennel. <br /> According to the Comprehensive Plan, the city is concerned about providing <br /> an appropriate industrial base to supply jobs and ensure a strong tax base. <br /> The industrial districts were set up to help accomplish this and it is not clear <br /> how allowing commercial kennels in the industrial zones fits in with the idea <br /> • of providing a strong industrial base. <br /> • <br /> s:\planning\scott\oa97-2.doc <br />