Agenda - Council - 02/13/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Councilmember Strommen stated the issue really boils down to the paving and curbing • improvements, which does seem counter to the intent of the ordinance passed a couple of years ago to limit the investment allowed in properties on the north side of Highway 10. Both the north and south side of Highway 10 to be addressed. The EDA has discussed the south side and how these businesses are able to plan on investing in the property when it is not known how the frontage road will come in. The corridor as a whole needs to be looked at. Community Development Coordinator Trudgeon indicated staff could explore alternative improved surfaces and come back to the Council with options. It should be noted that there are some sites where displayed merchandise is not on any type of class 5 surface, and there will still be investment needed on some sites'. Ms. Frolik indicated there has been discussion of businesses not being able to afford the required improvements. She questioned why these businesses are located on the Highway 10 corridor, and where else in the metro area there are car lots that are not required to be paved. Ms. Frolik noted by the time the highway comes the pavement will be worn. She stated there is a brand new facility on the south side of Highway 10 with parking being done on the grass the first year the building was up. Business owners on the south side of Highway 10 say they will comply when the businesses on the north side are required to comply. The reason the City is in this position today is because of the relaxed standards and non - enforcement of the last 20 years. Council further discussed the following issues in relation to enforcement of Highway 10 performance standards: • • Possibility of requiring an alternative improved surface on areas entering onto Highway 10, high traffic areas around buildings, and general casual display areas ■ Possibility of a hardship provision for situations such as areas where extremely heavy equipment is stored — it was noted there is currently the ability to apply for a variance • Importance of an appropriate response to non- compliance • Possibility of a review committee to consider cases of non - compliance ■ Importance of uniformity of enforcement ■ Possibility of a sunset or trigger for the amendment of the ordinance requirements that would allow an alternative improved surface Consensus of the Council was to direct staff to continue to address violations related to junk and/or illegal storage / clean up, and to draft an amendment to City Code to be included on a future work session, based on the following: ■ Consideration of alternative improved surface ■. Uniform enforcement of the north and south side of Highway 10 Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated in relation to the discussion of an appropriate response to non - compliance and code enforcement, the March 6 work session wily include an agenda item relating to a more expeditious way to deal with nuisance ordinance violations. He indicated the business licenses that have been withheld will be issued. Staff will continue to work with the properties that have outstanding issues other than the surface, and a draft ordinance amendment will be brought back to Council. • City Council Work Session / January 23, 2007 Page 4 of 8 —202—