10-23-2001 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes October 23, 2001 Page 10 . Commissioner Ropp asked if there was a difference between storing goods to be sold and a part of a manufacturing facility that is storing inventory to be made into a finished product. He did not consider storing raw materials for assembly as part of a manufacturing business to be a warehouse use, but he would considered storing assembled finished products in a separated locked facility a warehouse use. Discussion followed regarding whether or not storing raw materials would be considered commodities. Ms. McPherson explained that the intent of adding a definition of warehouse was to define what is meant by the act of warehousing. Using Commissioner Ropp's example, raw materials would be considered commodities. She felt that if some of the existing businesses were placed under the definition, they would exceed the 30 percent rule. Ms. McPherson stated that a building could be limited to 18 feet in height and still be a warehouse. Staff feels that by limiting the amount of warehouse space, the rest of the building will need to be taken up by people, offices, and space for setup and machines for manufacturing product. Commissioner Baker stated that he was formerly employed by a printing company which had a warehouse at least as big as the main building, and it was filled to overflowing with product and supplies. He felt that the amendment could potentially limit a business. Chair Pederson stated that a conditional use permit could be requested, in that case. . Mr. Martens felt that it would be very difficult to "micro-manage" showroom space and define the level of finished space. He stated that he was asked to come into Elk River to build industrial and office/warehouse buildings and now they are being told that cannot build the type of building that the marketplace is calling for. He stated that the 30 percent limitation will not work, and that he will not be able to build another multi-tenant building in the Elk River Business Park with this limitation. He stated that a lender would not allow it, even if they were foolish enough to do it. He asked that the Commission allow more flexibility. Commissioner Baker asked if the business park district standards were in place when Mr. Martens began negotiations with the City. Ms. McPherson noted that the agreement with Amcon/Brookstone was signed in 1999 and the business park standards were adopted in 1995. Ms. McPherson suggested tabling the ordinance for further work. Commissioner Baker stated he did not want to see the kind of buildings that are along the Highway 10l/Rogers corridor. Ms. McPherson explained that the building design standards would not allow these types of buildings, nor would truck terminals be allowed in the business park. Commissioner Baker stated that since the Highway 169/Highway 10 corridors are the gateways to the community, he would like these buildings to look nice, regardless of the type of use within the building. Commissioner Baker stated that any type of business is going to need room to store raw materials and finished goods. He suggested the Commission consider regulating the ceiling height. . Commissioner Franz stated he would like to withdraw his comments regarding showroom space. He suggested expanding the minimum warehouse space to 50 percent and taking a look at building heights. He felt that the City needs to be more flexible and allow developers to build functional, cost-effective buildings.