05-24-2005 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 May 24, 2005 --------------------------- 5.4. Request by Rock Solid Realty for Conditional Use Permit for Outdoor Storage, Case No. CU 05-11 Senior Planner Harlicker explained that Rock Solid Realty is requesting a conditional use permit to allow a 9,270 square foot outdoor storage area at 12669 Meadowvale Road. He stated that the outdoor storage will be accessory to an office/warehouse building that the applicant is planning to construct. Mr. Harlicker reviewed the existing site conditions, surrounding land uses, and staff’s recommendations for screening, wetland setback, runoff, water main, and platting of the property. Staff recommends approval of the request with the seven conditions listed in the staff report. Commissioner Stevens asked if the Commission is reviewing the site plan, or just the outdoor storage component. Ms. McPherson stated that Commission is asked to review the outdoor storage issue. She noted that the use proposed by the applicant is permitted and requires only staff review, and that the City Council will review the plat for the property along with the conditional use permit. Commissioner Stevens asked if staff was able to determine the wetland boundary in order to measure the setback. Mr. Harlicker stated that that there was not yet enough vegetation to determine where the edge of the wetland is. Commissioner Offerman asked for clarification on the screening and fencing. Mr. Harlicker explained, noting that the overall site meets the City’s requirements. Chair Anderson opened the public hearing. Mr. Ron Touchette, Rock Solid Realty, representative for the applicant – Stated that he had issues with several of the City Engineer’s comments. He stated that the storage area will be more than 20 feet away from the wetland, so there will be no problem meeting the requirement. Mr. Touchette stated that he did not feel it was appropriate to require screening to the west, since there was unscreened outside storage and a bus yard to the west. He stated that it was the applicant’s intent to construct a quality multi-tenant building and that it was important the entire business park look good. He stated that he did not mind screening as long as the same standard was required for the other properties. Mr. Touchette also objected to the requirement for hard surfacing of the outdoor storage area. He stated that equipment such as bobcat attachments and trailers would be stored in this area and would destroy the blacktop. Mr. Touchette stated that this is a $2 million project and they are already at budget and cannot afford to take care of the watermain problem by extending the watermain to the neighboring property, as suggested by the City Engineer. He stated that this should be a cost borne by the City. He stated that this project will take care of a blighted area in the City with private money and that they are not asking for any funds from the City. Regarding the fire hydrant issue, Mr. Touchette stated it was his understanding that the Fire Chief wanted a hydrant east of the building, not the west. He felt that the distance to the nearest hydrant was not unusual for a non-residential area. There being no one else to speak to this issue, Chair Anderson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Stevens asked where the runoff would go. Mr. Touchette stated that it would go to the detention pond.