5.3. PCSR 01-23-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The applicant received a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in 2022 (CU 22-19) to operate a landscaping business with outdoor storage of business equipment and materials. Last year the applicant installed concrete retaining block storage bins over concrete pads/footings for various landscaping materials such as rock, mulch, and gravel. The bins were installed outside of the previously approved area, so staff contacted the applicant to let them know they need to apply for an IUP. The applicant applied and is seeking an IUP to expand the 2022 outdoor storage area for landscaping materials to include pallets of blocks, and small quantities or rock, mulch, stone, and gravel. The applicant has shared several emails with city staff (attached) outlining what improvements have been completed on the structures and property, further details on the request, other residential occupations in the area, and property values. The nearest neighboring structure to the proposed outdoor storage area is approximately 500 feet away with a fair amount of mature vegetation between them. The updated residential occupation ordinance requires a setback requirement of 50 feet from neighboring structures. Depending on the time of year, materials and vehicles in the existing and proposed outdoor storage area can be seen from the road. Screening Section 30-807 The applicant stated their screening consists of existing landscape berms, 3'-6' tall, with 8'-16' tall trees. The location of the berms/screening is shown with white lines on the applicant submitted site plan. As the commission is aware, the city recently amended its residential occupation ordinance. During that process, there was a great deal of discussion centered around whether outdoor storage should be allowed and how to minimize the impacts of that on neighboring residential properties. To minimize the impacts, the commission and council approved these regulations in the ordinance: allowing outdoor storage on lots that are 5 acres or larger, a setback of 50-feet from existing buildings, and the need to follow Section 30-807 Outdoor Storage, which states: (2) Approved outdoor storage areas must be paved with an approved surface in accordance with section 30- 900(a). (5) Outdoor storage areas shall be completely screened from view within all public rights -of -way and commercial or residentially zoned parcels. This requirement shall include gates constructed of the same screening material that can be closed when not in use. a. Screening must provide a visual barrier. Any such barrier shall reduce visibility in a manner that restricts vision of the object being screened, but is not required to totally block the vision of any such object b. Screening shall consist of one of the two following methods. 1. A screening fence of at least six feet and constructed of one or more of the following materials: (i) Wood; (ii) Factory finished metal or vinyl panels; (iii) Chain link with vinyl slats. The slats must be maintained at all times and must be replaced within 30 days at the request of the city. 2. An earthen berm of at least three feet in height with a mixed hedge of evergreen and deciduous plant materials. (i) Plant materials must include a variety of shrubs, ornamental trees, and overstory/evergreen trees. Shrubs must be at least three feet tall at the time of installation and the plan must be approved by city staff. (ii) Earthen berms shall not have a slope of more than three feet horizontal to one foot vertical or be located within any street right-of-way unless otherwise approved by the city engineer. (6) Outdoor storage areas abutting an adjacent industrial zoned parcel are not required to be screened.