Plan Commission approves painted shipping-container storage at Cafe d'Arts, displacing two parking spaces

The Waukesha City Plan Commission on Aug. 27 approved a conditional use permit and minor site plan to allow a decoratively painted shipping container for storage at Cafe d'Arts, 830 West Saint Paul Avenue. The approvals require the container to be painted within 30 days and the artwork to be approved by city staff; fire and engineering department comments must also be addressed.

Planning staff described the building footprint and rear parking area, noting the lot currently provides 17 parking spaces and that the container would occupy two rear spaces. The applicant said the container is needed because a sealed shipping container better protects green coffee beans from pests and moisture than a conventional shed. Staff recommended approval with conditions including painting the container within 30 days and addressing fire-department comments.

The commission questioned whether losing parking would be problematic. The applicant said a compact or parallel vehicle could still fit in portions of the lot; the applicant and staff characterized the change as minimal. The fire department review required annual inspection of the container as part of building inspections.

The commission approved the conditional use permit and the minor site-plan/architectural review unanimously with staff conditions. Commissioners noted that painting and final artwork must be submitted to staff for approval before painting.