Minutes - Council - 06/27/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #15: Discussion Regarding Enforcement of City Code Regarding Storage of Commercial Vehicles in Residential Districts Zoning Administrator Frolik recited the section of the City Code dealing with one-ton motor vehicles bearing a commercial license. She reported that, as a result of the code enforcement sweep in progress, numerous violations of that portion of the code have been cited and numerous more are anticipated. The violators have been instructed to either make other arrangements for storing their commercial vehicles and equipment or apply for a conditional use permit to store these items on their residential properties. She reminded Council of a case in 1994 where Council denied a CUP and gave the applicant one year to make other arrangements for the storage of commercial vehicles and equipment. This year, two violators cited have applied for CUP's and have made it through the Planning Commission level. The Planning Commission has recommended denial of the application and granting a grace period of nine months to get into compliance. Ms. Frolik expressed the concern that if. the City Council is going to be consistent with their action in 1994, it doesn't seem right to instruct these persons to spend $375 on a CUP application just to find out how long of a grace period they will be granted. As was previously directed by Council, Ms. Frolik surveyed other cities on their policy and reported such findings to Council. Vickie Orcutt, 17631 Chameleon Street N.W., Ramsey, felt that an individual should be allowed to apply for a conditional use permit and that they should be dealt with on a case by case basis. If there are complaints against a person and they are justified, at the time of review, they will not be granted an extension of their CUP. However, if they are not creating a problem, they should be able to continue to bring their commercial vehicle home to store it. Ms. Frolik observed that one of the communities surveyed did have an annual permit process. Terry Armstrong, 7290 - 154th Lane N.W., Ramsey, failed to see why he needed to apply for a conditional use permit if it will be turned down. He felt the City is trying to tell him what he can and can't do for a living. He felt that if commercial vehicles are stored in a neat and orderly fashion, there should be no problem. Jay Guimont, 5720 - 164th Avenue N.W., Ramsey, stated he has a 3/4-ton vehicle plus a bob cat and trailer. He stated there have been no complaints about his storage. He inquired about all the boats and campers being stored on residential property - and then added "or are you just after the business man because you think they have more money". He then asked about the farmers and commented that all the vehicles they have are considered commercial. He, too, felt that this issue should be dealt with on a case by case basis. He added that the City Code is a joke - it's too vague. He also inquired who this is affecting if there are no complaints. Arne Billmark, 9420 Ermine Street N.W., Ramsey, stated he is an electric contractor. His company trucks are all housed at the employee's home with the exception of the bucket truck. He added that he has 10 acres of land. He inquired what the objection is to - the size/weight of the truck or the commercial signage. Mayor Hardin replied that Council decided they needed to look at code enforcement which is what precipitated this. Larry Plessel, 15323 Ramsey Boulevard N.W., Ramsey, stated he moved here in 1979. He had 10 acres of land and parked his garbage track there. He stated he has not had any complaints and felt that this is a "bogus" ruling. He added that it was okay back in 1979 before it changed. City Council/June 27, 1995 Page 14 of 19