4.3. PCSR 05-23-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Background/Discussion The property is zoned Single Family Residential (R1-a) and is 13.34 acres in size. Home occupations located outside of a dwelling unit require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The applicant is currently operating a business from the residential property. After being notified they were required to obtain a CUP for a home occupation for their existing operation, the applicant applied for a CUP for an approximately 20,000 square foot construction yard/outdoor storage (yard) for their small wireless company, which is based out of Anoka. The yard will be used for company equipment and vehicles to be parked over the weekend when they are not being used on a jobsite. Materials will also be stored in the yard where employees will load and unload when preparing to leave for a jobsite or returning from a jobsite. They employ approximately 20 non-office workers who work out of town at various cell phone sites across the Midwest. They have four office staff in the Anoka location with no employees working on the subject site. The yard will also be a place where employees can park personal vehicles while they are away on a jobsite. The applicant has indicated up to 10 employees could be on site at a time with their vehicles parked for up to 2 weeks. They utilize several company trucks, 1 semi-truck, 3 enclosed trailers, 2 gooseneck trailers, 3 skid steers and 3 mini excavators that will be stored in the yard when not in use. There will also be occasional material deliveries that arrive in box trucks. The current yard is fenced in with a hard gravel surface. Recycling and garbage dumpsters are currently located outside of the fenced yard which will be used by employees to unload garbage and recycling items from jobsites. The purpose of the home occupation CUP process is to provide a means, through the establishment of conditions, by which home occupations can be conducted in residential neighborhoods without jeopardizing the residential character or health, safety, and general welfare of the surrounding neighborhood. The existing yard is located approximately 80-feet from a neighboring house and 65-feet from a garage. Staff would like the Planning Commission to discuss moving the yard to the west side of the detached building to provide adequate buffering from neighbors. See “Proposed Contractor Yard - Exhibit B” exhibit. The applicant informed staff that moving the yard to the west is not an option as his property grade rises significantly to the west and would require regrading of the entire property. Application Complete/Comment Letter In the letter sent to the applicant, staff shared suggested conditions of approval with the applicant. The applicant shared his responses (attached), and staff has adjusted some of the conditions based on the comments. Public Comments A resident in the area saw the public hearing in the paper and called staff with several questions and comments:  Why is an “industrial use” allowed in a residential district as a home occupation?  Semi-truck deliveries that stop on County Road 33 trying to locate the property and have been seen backing up on the road. No turn lane or bypass lane.  What precautions are being made for possible leaking fluids from numerous vehicles and equipment stored on the property continuously?  Multiple dumpsters are on site with trash blowing off the property.  Supplies, equipment, and junk are stored on the southern end of the parcel. Since speaking with the resident, they have submitted an email (attached) regarding the requested CUP.