Agenda - Council - 06/08/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #J~, ,~ CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR AGREEMENT FOR OUTDOOR DISPLAY OF MODULAR HOMES AND MODULAR OFFICE BUILDINGS FOR SALE AT 7820 RIVERDALE DR NW; CASE OF AUTUMN LEAF HOME BUILDERS, INC. By: Tim Gladhill, Associate Planner Background: The City was approached by Autumn Leaf Builders regarding the display of modular homes and possibly modular office buildings for display for sale at 7820 Riverdale Dr NW. Outdoor display of items for sale is an accessory use in the B-2 Highway Business District. Autumn Leaf Home Builders, Inc. would be locating offices as the primary use. Notification: No public hearing is required at this time. Findings: Although the outdoor display of items, in this case modular structures, is an accessory use in the B-2 Highway Business District, the nature of the structure for sale does create some complications not ordinarily seen in items for outdoor display for sale. The transient nature of these buildings subject to Minnesota State Building Code requires that the City properly regulate these structures. Normally, these structures would be subject to such requirements as footings/foundations, setbacks, and lot coverage. After reviewing the request, the City's Building Official has determined that so long as the buildings are not officially considered habitable, a Building Permit shall not be required each time a new structure is located on the site for display. Autumn Leaf Builders is proposing to service the models with electricity, but not plumbing. This proposal is sufficient to consider the structures non-habitable. This allows the City some flexibility in zoning regulations that may ordinarily prevent these structures to be placed on this parcel, most notably a residential structure in a business district. Tlie outdoor display of items for sale is a permitted use itt the B-2 Higlaway Business District. The purpose of the attached Resolution is to declare tl:e terms of the permitted outdoor display to eitst~re that the modular Izo»tes do not become a permanent structure. As it relates to City Code Chapter 117 (Zoning and Subdivisions), all items for display for sale shall be stored on a paved surface. In this case, Autumn Leaf Builders is amenable to this request; however, would like the ability to landscape up to the models to give the appearance of an actual residential lot. Staff finds this proposal acceptable provided the area underneath the structure is paved as these models will be switched out from time to time. Furthermore, Staff would recommend requiring restoration of areas used to display models upon termination of use.