Minutes - Planning Commission - 08/06/1996

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Commissioner Deemer stated he would like the wording changed to "parked in front, or stored on prepared surface on the side, or in the rear". He explained the visibility would then be moved from the street. Commissioner Terry stated the visibility would be moved to the back yard for the neighbors to look at. Commissioner Deemer stated he would like to see the word "stored" removed in the front yard. He stated he would like the language in item b. to read, "parked in from yard, or stored on a prepared surface in the side yard or in the rear yard." Ms. Frolik surmised that Councilmember Beyer's intent by striking out items c. 1, c.2, and c. 3, is that the ordinance allow persons to bring home their commercial vehicles and equipment with no performance standards imposed on them. Commissioner Deemer explained that Blaine places a restriction on vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 12,000 pounds or more. Commissioner Jensen stated that bringing commercial vans home is a reasonable request and her concem is with semi-trucks and other tracks that size. Commissioner Terry recommended verbiage stating, "parked/stored 72 hours or less not affected by the Chapter." He explained that this would exempt the vehicles that are driven to work everyday. Commissioner Thorud stated this would pose a problem when the person went on vacation. Commissioner Jensen stated ifa weight and size restriction was outlined, the need for screening and time restrictions would be eliminated. Commissioner Terry explained that two of the same truck can be licensed with different weights. Commissioner Deemer stated that the State no longer gives that option. Commissioner Jensen stated she would like to use weight and size as a restriction, as it is easier to enforce. She added that the screening can become an issue in itself; for example, if it is not kept up. Commissioner Deemer stated many commercial vans are 1-ton vehicles. Commissioner Deemer explained that all commercial vehicles should have the same standards. Commissioner Jensen pointed out the issue of how to screen the larger commercial vehicles. Chairperson Bawden explained that when this discussion began, the Commission decided that if the vehicle could not be seen, it did not pose a problem. Commissioner Deemer explained that one person in the audience at an earlier date was a self-employed garbage hauler, and did not have a problem with the screening. He added that currently residents were allowed one 1-ton vehicle. Chairperson Bawden asked how item c. could be changed, and if the Commission wants to change it. Commissioner Deemer stated he did not want to change the intent. Chairperson Bawden asked if the 72 hour limit was acceptable to the Commission. Commissioner Deemer stated that fi-om 5:00 p.m. Friday to 8:00 a.m. Monday was 63 hours. Commissioner Thorud stated 72 hours was a reasonable time frame. Ms. Frolik clarified that the vehicle could be parked on the driveway for 72 hours without screening. Commissioner Thorud questioned how long the vehicle must be gone, before it 'can be parked on the driveway for another 72 hours. Chairperson Bawden stated that 1Wmnegasco and NSP trucks leave for work everyday, and semi-trucks are somewhat undefined, because they are not always on a regular schedule. Ms. Frolik clarified that the intent of the previous short-term clause is to address trucks such as moving vans and delivery trucks, and is not meant to accommodate the resident. Ms. Frolik stated that a size restriction would be easier to enforce, to address the company van issue. Commissioner Deemer argued that small company vans will fit in most garages. Commissioner Thorud stated that residents do not want to build a garage for a vehicle that they do not own. He recommended that the wording, "short- term", be changed to "72 hours". Planning Commission/August 6, 1996 Page 4 of 20