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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Draft Minutes – Wednesday, November 2, 2016 Page 9 and amendments to be as strict as for other outdoor storage and be subjected to 406 the same terminology and treatment, with no difference, with similar processes in 407 place to deal with unique situations if and when they arise. 408 Member Kimble sought clarification that the sale of the property itself didn’t trigger 409 this, but improvements to the lot. 410 Mr. Paschke confirmed that statement, noting the applicant wanted to improve 411 paving and stormwater management, as well as install curb and gutter with the 412 site currently having significant areas of unpaved or deteriorated surfaces, making 413 their application considered to be an expansion of the existing nonconforming use 414 for this site. Therefore, Mr. Paschke noted the result was for a Conditional Use 415 process; but upon analysis, it was found such a process was not available for the 416 use they sought; and therefore, the applicant’s request for a code amendment 417 specific to trailer storage related to their specific use. From staff’s perspective, 418 Mr. Paschke advised that there was a difference in storage and parking, with city 419 code stipulating parking was considered 72 hours or less and anything greater 420 than that was considered storage. While staff was not actively monitoring their 421 trailer time frames on site, Mr. Paschke opined that in this applicant’s situation, 422 storage as a general term was more appropriate terminology for their use on this 423 site and their intent for the site; as well as complying with city goals and guidelines 424 through its zoning and comprehensive plan documents. 425 During last month’s presentation, Member Murphy asked for staff’s reiteration of 426 outdoor storage or semi-trailers next to Walnut Street, and if that would be 427 allowed through Member Bull’s proposed amendment. 428 Mr. Paschke clarified that currently there was no trailer parking there, but advised 429 the area could be expanded to provide employee and customer parking for 430 whatever use was on site if and when needed as per current city code, which staff 431 would support. However, Mr. Paschke further clarified that the applicant’s 432 proposed use of that area of the site for semi-trailer parking (outdoor storage) was 433 not supported by staff’s interpretation of city code; nor for that matter outdoor 434 storage in side yards adjacent to public streets. 435 If the property owner/tenant wished to have semi-trailers in that area, Chair 436 Boguszewski noted staff was suggesting the applicant submit a Variance request, 437 as supported by Members Daire and Murphy, both serving on the Variance Board. 438 Member Kimble noted her understanding of city code primarily in place for new 439 development. However, in an industrial area of the city and a property designated 440 as Industrial, Member Kimble questioned the likelihood of a new motor freight 441 terminal ever being developed. 442 While that may be true, Mr. Paschke noted existing uses may want to reposition 443 themselves and upgrade their facilities. Mr. Paschke noted the current ordinance 444 and city code now being amended by staff’s suggested text amendment was 445 adopted in the 1960’s or 1970’s; with this amendment recommended to become 446 compliant with the city’s current guiding principles for those sites and uses to 447 achieve compliance as well. 448 Member Murphy spoke in opposition to Member Bull’s amendment; stating he felt 449 the aim of city code is better served by not inserting additional amendment as 450 requested by the applicant. 451 At the request of Member Gitzen, Mr. Paschke clarified that where the property 452 now shows trucks parked now, even with the original use, they were not in 453 compliance, as the side and front yards of this building, considered the principle 454 structure, were not supported by current city code for outdoor storage (semi- 455 trailers). 456