11-28-2000 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes November 28, 2000 Page 2 . recommendation of denial. The Comprehensive Plan intends that highway commercial is an intensive commercial district and provides for high impact commercial uses that typically require access onto the highway system. The subject property does not have access to a public street and access to the highway is via a private gravel drive, not acceptable for highway commercial use. The Agricultural Conservation District is intended to maintain and enhance the use of land for agricultural purposes. Rezoning the subject parcel would create an isolated commercial district that is approximately three miles north of any other commercial entities located south of 197th Avenue. Staff recommends denial of the request of Mr. Stokke based on the findings listed in the staff report. Chair Mesich opened the public hearing. The applicant. Chris Stokke, approached the podium and indicated he would be happy to answer any questions. Commissioner Kuester asked if Mr. Stokke would be conducting any retail sales or if the site is intended to be used for storage. Mr. Stokke stated that the site would used for the storage of equipment. supplies, including edging, rock, filter fabric and also landscape material. He indicated that retail sales would be one of the long term options for the property. He also indicated that the site would be used for employees to arrive and leave from on their way to a job site. . Commissioner Kuester asked why he brought the request forward, and is the use of the property illegal at this time? Mr. Stokke stated that he would like to make the business legal and he feels that the area is better suited for commercial development. as opposed to residential. Commissioner Baker asked for clarification of what would be stored on site and has the applicant explored other options. Mr. Stokke stated he felt that his business was similar to the surrounding mining operations and that his use fits the neighborhood. He owns the property and is not interested in looking for an additional site. There being no further comments from the public, Chair Mesich closed the public hearing. Commissioner Chambers asked if the storage use could continue legally under the ordinance. Mr. Harlicker stated that the use does not fit within a specific use listed within the Agricultural Conservation District. Chair Mesich asked if the use of the property under the horticulture provision would be an option and also asked how the 2.8 acre site was created and what the age of the structure was. Mr. Harlicker stated that the structure is approximately 20 years old and that the 2.8 acres is an existing condition. Commissioner Pederson stated that he did not want to see areas of commercial development interspersed with the agricultural uses. .