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Planning Commission Minutes March 27, 2001 Page 3 . COMMISSIONER PEDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 5.1. Request bv Chris Stokke for Conditional Use Permit for Landscape Contractina Yard, Public Hearing - Case No. Cu 01-12 Staff report presented by Michele McPherson. Ms. McPherson explained that an ordinance amendment was recently approved to allow landscaping contractors' yard as a conditional use in the A 1 Agricultural zoning district. Christopher Stokke is requesting a conditional use permit for a landscaping contractors' yard to be located on his 2.9 acre parcel at the southeast corner of 218th Avenue and Highway 169. Ms. McPherson explained that Greenscape Landscaping Company currently operates on the site. Ms. McPherson reviewed issues regarding the existing layout of the site, surrounding uses, parking, drainage, and landscaping. Ms. McPherson stated that staff recommends approval of the request by Mr. Stokke and reviewed the conditions as listed in the staff report to the Commission dated March 27, 2001. Commissioner Baker asked if staff received any comments from neighboring residents. Ms. McPherson stated that no comments were received. Commissioner Franz asked how much larger the equipment and material storage area would be. Ms. McPherson stated that the applicant is not proposing to increase the size of the area, and that staff is recommending that the area be defined with some type of barrier to prevent the area from gradually expanding. . Commissioner Pederson asked if the Rin Tin Inn driveway and parking lot located across from his site is paved. Ms. McPherson stated that the parking area is paved and the driveway is partially paved. Chair Mesich noted that the Rin Tin Inn is a commercial kennel. Chair Mesich opened the public hearing. Christopher Stokke, 14459 145th Court, Elk River, applicant, explained that it is his intent to keep his operation simple at this time. He stated that if he decides to expand in the future, he would like to locate a larger building (possibly 40' x 60') closer to the center of the property. He stated that there is little opportunity to screen the current site, since it is lower than Highway 169, and locating a future building away from the highway would provide better screening of the materials stored outside. Commissioner Pederson asked what type of equipment Mr. Stokke has on site. Mr. Stokke stated that he currently has two dump trucks and two bobcats. He noted that the equipment is stored indoors in the winter. Mr. Stokke stated that it is sometimes difficult to maneuver his equipment on the site and he felt that an additional 20 foot wide entrance would help. There being no further public comment, Chair Mesich closed the public hearing. . Commissioner Pederson felt that Mr. Stokke's point regarding an additional access was valid. He stated that it would be difficult to back up a truck and trailer in the limited space Mr. Stokke has and that vehicles may end up being