3A - Conditional Use Permit for Exterior Storage

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Staff Findings: The Staff provides the following findings of fact for consideration by the Planning Commission: 1. The proposed use of exterior storage is an appropriate use in the Light Industrial district, which allows exterior storage as a conditional use. 2. The proposed use does not conflict with the Comprehensive Plan, which encourages a diversity of industrial uses. 3. The proposed use,with conditions,would be compatible with the existing neighborhood which contains light industrial businesses and similar structures. Some businesses have been using portions of their property for outdoor storage for several years. 4. The use with conditions is unlikely to be injurious to the public health, safety, welfare, decency, order, comfort, convenience, appearance or prosperity of the City, as the storage of wood for a manufacturing business is unlikely to be harmful, especially when fenced in. � 5. The conditional fs unlikely to be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity as the properties to the west and north are also industrial in nature, with properties to the south and east being used for city sewage treatment and private agriculture. 6. The proposed use will not impede the normal and orderly development of surrounding vacant properties as the surrounding vacant properties are platted and proposed for industrial uses.The proposed use will be entirely contained on the subject property. 7. The proposed use will not require any additional public services at a public cost, and so will not have a detrimental impact on the economic welfare of the community. 8. The applicant proposes to access the property off of Morehouse Drive with on access point near the north lot line of the northernmost lot, a second access just to the north of the intersection of Morehouse Drive and Schmidt Way, and a third access just to the south of that intersection.These multiple accesses should not cause issues with traffic in the surrounding area. 9. The proposed use of exterior storage does not require any parking spaces,but the related manufacturing business on the same property provides sufficient parking on-site to serve the operation. In addition, the southernmost access would allow closer access to the exterior storage,and the applicant proposes to maintain open driving space in the rear of the building, which should aid in accessing the storage area and moving materials between the area and the building. 1o. The exterior storage of wood is unlikely to produce noise, dust, fumes, or vibration in a manner that would constitute a nuisance. To prevent any visual nuisance, the applicant has proposed to install an eight-foot chain-link fence around the perimeter of the property to the south and extending north to the rear and north of the associated industrial building. The applicant also proposes to install trees along the western property line to provide additional screening. 11. It is unlikely that the proposed use will result in the damage or destruction of natural or historical features of major significance.The property has been held by the City as part of the City's Business Park, and has remained undeveloped. The land is currently largely vegetated with grasses 12. The proposed use will prevent and control the pollution of surface and groundwater through the use of retention basins around the northern property line and the eastern property lines in the north.The applicant also proposes an additional retention pond on the west side of the property near the intersection of Morehouse Drive and Schmidt Way. In addition,this property is served by City sanitary and storm sewer. Planning Commission Direction: The Planning Commission can develop findings to approve a conditional use permit application, it can develop findings to recommend denial of City of Pequot Lakes Staff Report 1-3 August 16,2007