Plan Commission approves fenced outdoor storage area at 2750 Vinland Street with reduced fence height and heavy screening

On July 15 the Plan Commission approved a Specific Implementation Plan allowing an approximately three-acre outdoor storage area behind the easternmost building at 2750 Vinland Street. The owner is 2750 Vinland LLC and the applicant presented plans that include slatted chain-link fencing with solid fencing along the south side; the applicant requested a buffer-yard standard modification (BSM) to allow 6-foot solid fencing along the east property line that abuts residentially zoned land. Staff supported the BSM, citing a substantial existing tree buffer and a berm and concluding the combination of existing vegetation, new evergreens and a 30-foot setback would provide equivalent screening and opacity to an 8-foot fence.

Staff noted the site is in a Heavy Industrial district (planned development overlay) and that the storage area would be accessed from an existing driveway. The landscaping plan retained roughly 97 existing tall deciduous trees along the east property line (staff noted existing mature trees can be doubled for point value) and proposed new evergreen plantings to meet buffer requirements; the applicant also proposed a masonry refuse enclosure matching building materials. The plan included 6-foot slatted chain link on three sides and 8-foot slatted chain link on the south side; the eastern frontage was proposed with a 6-foot solid fence and enhanced landscaping in the 30-foot buffer.

No public speakers testified on this item. The commission voted on a motion to adopt staff findings and recommendations; roll-call votes were recorded in the minutes. Staff recommended approval with conditions listed in the staff report.