Agenda - Council - 01/26/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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would be managed and maintained by the tenant, and would like to utilize the containers for an extended period of time, at least five (5) years. Staff anticipates that the storage containers will remain onsite until the property redevelops, if this permit is approved. Site Information The Subject Property is approximately 1.43 acres, and zoned COR, but functions as an older industrial district. It is a unique property in the City of Ramsey, slated for redevelopment. The current location of the containers is noted in the attached site plan. Currently, the outdoor storage area consists entirely of dirt and grass. The southwest parking area of the parcel is made entirely of asphalt and concrete surfacing, but the storage area does not have any Class V left after consistent use over the years. The containers are currently placed on grass or dirt, but the City requests that they be placed on Class V crushed concrete, which will be installed at a later date. Current Regulations At this time, the City does not allow shipping containers or these large metal storage containers in lieu of an accessory building in any district. The request for these types of containers is becoming more and more common as the containers become more trendy and readily available. Staff is aware of at least one other request from an industrial -type user for these types of shipping containers, and has numerous requests from residents to allow these types of storage containers on residential properties. Previous direction has been to improve the image of Ramsey and work with property owners throughout the City to incrementally improve properties. These containers do require upkeep and the metal containers are not an ideal architectural feature. However, Staff is empathetic to the recent economic downturn and wants to help a Ramsey business remain in their current location. The outdoor storage has been debated internally since the only documentation consists of aerial photographs added to this case, as well as the signed copy of the site plan presented from the former tenant from 1986 through 2018, Chalich Trucking. It is also noted that Class V was installed without City approval in 2016, based on the proposed site plan. Recent inspections indicate that an additional layer of Class V will need to be approved by the City and installed if the Interim Use Permit is approved. Code Sections . COR Section of Code, Chapter 117-118 . Public Nuisances Section of Code, Chapter 30-3 Alternatives Alternative 1: Approve the Interim Use Permit for gravel parking and storage containers as written, which includes aligning the containers to the east of the building, and painting the ends of the containers for additional screening. Alternative 2: Approve the Interim Use Permit for gravel parking and storage containers with modifications which could include putting up a white PVC fence around the north and east sides of the containers for additional screening. Alternative 3: Deny the application. The Planning Commission recommended Alternative 1. Funding Source: All costs associated with this request are the responsibility of the Applicant. Recommendation: The Planning Commission recommended Alternative 1, including painting the containers for additional screening. Action: Motion to adopt Resolution #21-014 approving an Interim Use Permit for gravel parking and use of storage containers on the Subject Property.