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<br />Western Resources (owner) and Watkins Trucking, 2960 Long Lake Road have proposed to expand Watkins Truck <br />parking on a separate parcel east of their current operation (see map). The current trucking operation and <br />contiguous parcel are located in the City Code's B-6 zoning district (since 1985). The trucking operation is a pre- <br />existing, non-conforming use within the B-6 mixed use business park district. The Code does not allow for the <br />issuance of permits for new or expanded trucking operations in this zoning district. In addition, Section 1011.04 of <br />the City Code states that when a non-conforming use has been discontinued for more than 6 months, it cannot be <br />re-established as a non-conforming use - the proposed use must conform to the current zoning. The applicants <br />(owner and tenant) have requested a permit to grade and expand graveled parking spaces on the vacant <br />contiguously owned parcel. <br /> <br />The Community Development Staff cannot recommend issuance a permit for this case (except the Interim Use <br />Permit) because the City Code does not permit re-establishment or expansion of a pre-existing non-conforming use <br />issue. <br /> <br />The representative from Western Resource explained the history of trucking in the community. The three parcels <br />were bought as one ten acre site, including the east parcel to be used for expansion. He noted the expansion area <br />on many sites are gravel. In the fall Watkins will rent 50 trucks for parking on this site, for peak spring, summer and <br />early fall trucking. Such space is not needed year-round. There used to be a berm with gravel. It was removed. He <br />explained the trailer parking history. The high wire and underground pipes cross this site. <br /> <br />In 1987 the site was rezoned to B-6 for office buildings with a new bridge (B-2). Twin Lakes Freight (Watkins) is the <br />remaining trucker along Terminal Road. <br /> <br />The trucking area now proposed would be secured with a fence. Drainage is to a pond to the north. The application <br />would move the existing fence further east and re-grade with gravel. <br /> <br />Member Ipsen asked how many trailers will be on the parcel. Karl Dordal, Watkins, stated in 1996 there was <br />seasonal trucking on the site. Watkins does maintain the site. Watkins has grown dramatically in recent years. The <br />fall is the peak season for Watkins, when they need a secured parking area. <br /> <br />Member Stone asked when Watkins will grow out of this site. Mr. Dordal said there are plenty of doors, but capacity <br />pressure for trailer space Oust in time inventory) through 2015. <br /> <br />Member Traynor noted the Planning Commission needs to see continuous use throughout a year - Watkins does <br />park them on the site but mostly in the fall. The previous tenant destroyed portions of the temporary staging area. <br />Non-paved area for trailers is best because of the damage to pavement in the summer. <br /> <br />Member Duncan explained that an interim use permit is appropriate. <br /> <br />Karl Dordal said Watkins cannot survive without expansion on this site. Watkins may have to expand. <br /> <br />Member Bakeman proposed the five-year Interim Use Permit with evidence that Watkins uses of the site will be <br />continuous. <br /> <br />Mr. Dordal asked when notice will be given to discontinue (six months after termination of the IUP). <br /> <br />Member Stone summarized conditions. If an expansion occurs, will the IUP go with the site. Is there any evidence <br />of continuance? <br />Chair Duncan closed the hearing. <br /> <br />Motion: Member Duncan moved, seconded by Member Traynor, to deny the appeal and recommend to the <br />Council an Interim Use Permit for three years to expand to a B-6 zoned parcel owned by Western <br />Resources with tenant Watkins Trucking located at 2560 Long Lake Road because it is inconsistent with <br />the Comprehensive Plan. <br /> <br />Ayes: 5 <br />Nays: 1 <br />Motion carried. <br /> <br />Member Traynor said the lack of evidence of continuous use, an IUP works best. <br /> <br />Member Bakeman recommended conditions be placed on the IUP. <br /> <br />This item will be on the City Council Consent Agenda for the June 16, 2003 meeting. <br /> <br />g. Planning File 3488: Request by Muna Sabri, 2154 Lexington Avenue, for a CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT and <br />