4.4. PCSR 07-23-2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Request for Action To Item Number Planning Commission 4.4 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Public Hearings July 23, 2019 Zack Carlton, Planning Manager Item Description Reviewed by Ordinance Amendment Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner Reviewed by  Warehouse Uses in the Business Park Zoning District, Case No. OA 19-06 Action Requested Recommend, by motion, no amendments/changes to the warehouse regulations described in the Business Park Zoning District. Background/Discussion On June 3, 2019, City Council directed staff to evaluate a possible ordinance amendment to expand warehousing opportunities in the Business Park (BP) Zoning district. Warehousing is currently allowed as a permitted use, without limits, in the I-1 (Light Industrial), I-2 (Medium Industrial), and I-3 (General Industrial) zoning districts. The BP and certain FAST District subzones allow warehousing as a permitted use when the area dedicated to the use is below 50% of the total building floor area, and as a conditional use for up to 65% of the total building floor area. An applicant could also apply for a variance to exceed the warehousing limit. The current limit to warehousing in the BP district was adopted by the City Council January 22, 2002, and was an increase from 30%. The concerns with the limit at that time, restricted leasing opportunities and desires for more warehousing from the business community, are the same as today. Work Session Discussions The City Council and Planning Commission have both discussed the possible amendment during a work session. The City Council discussed the increasing transition to online sales, reducing the need for storefront and office space and increasing demand for warehousing. They also discussed the goals of the BP district to create jobs in an industrial setting with higher design standards and the concerns of increased truck traffic that may result from increased warehousing. The Planning Commission did not feel it was necessary to amend the ordinance to increase the amount of warehouse space permitted under the current ordinance. The Commission noted that if an increase to the limit is appropriate a zone change to I-1 may be the better option. Allowed uses in both districts are very similar, but the BP was created to include a higher design standard and allow industrial areas closer to commercial and residential areas. Concerns with traffic and loss of job generating businesses were also a concern noted by the Commission. The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity