Agenda - Council - 07/09/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(1) Use of heavy equipment would damage an asphalt surface (2) In areas where a property would be acquired during the term of an IUP (5 years). (3) When located in the rear yard where the surface is not visible from the public realm and separated from public rights of way by an existing building. For example, in 2011 the Council granted Quality RV a permit to utilize a class 5 gravel surface for the expansion of their display area (display of items for sale); as it was expected their display area would be acquired as part of the Armstrong interchange project within the next two (2) to four (4) years. In the instance of M&G Sales, Staff does not believe either criteria is met. Therefore, Staff recommended M&G Sales alter their proposal to meet City Code. (1) Use of heavy equipment? M&G is proposing trailer sales. (2) Will the property be acquired during the term of an IUP (5 years)? No, the expected time line for realignment of U.S. Highway 10 is 10+ years. (3) Located in rear yard behind building? No. Additionally, it is Staffs position: it is important to remain consistent on how the City addresses outside storage/display areas. By allowing a gravel surface on a City owned parcel, but not private parcels, will open up the possibility of complaints of unfair application of City Code. This would also be true for allowing for one (1) private parcel, but not the other. In response to Staffs recommendation, M&G Sales requested the City Council be engaged from a policy perspective regarding this manner. Additionally, because the City owns the Subject Property, the Council would need to grant M&G Sales permission to apply for an IUP. Lastly, it is important to note, an IUP application comes at a cost to the applicant; and, M&G Sales does not want to waste time and resources in applying for an IUP if the City Council would not grant permission to apply. Alternatives: (1) Policy Discussion Discuss use of IUPs for outside storage/display areas on surfaces that don't meet existing Code. In summary, the City Council could provide Staff (A) new policy direction or (B) confirmation of existing policy. This item could be discussed with this case, or at a later date. Additionally, if the Council would like, this policy discussion can be expanded further than an IUP (i.e. permanently amending the City's Zoning Code). Staff would request that any policy on granting waivers be limited to parcels that are directly impacted and identified on an approved plan for a public project such as roadway expansion or realignment. Furthermore, Staff recommends that the City Council be cautious on waivers to paving surface directly adjacent to public roadways for aesthetic concerns. (2) Grant Permission to M&G Sales to Apply for a IUP If there is a shift in policy, Staff would ask the Council consider allowing M&G Sales to submit an application for an IUP. If there is not a shift in policy, Staff would ask the Council allow Staff to notify M&G Sales the City's existing policy. Recommendation: Policy Discussion: allowing Class 5 gravel surfaces for outside storage? M&G Sales is a valued Ramsey business, is experiencing significant growth and needs room to expand as soon as possible. If there is an expectation that Highway 10 will be realigned in the next five years, or a shift in Council policy, Staff would support a consideration of Class 5 gravel surface if the appropriate City Code amendments were to be