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Commission recommends moving above‑ground fuel tank rules into zoning code, makes them accessory uses
Summary
The commission voted 7‑0 to recommend an ordinance amendment that moves above‑ground storage tank rules from the fire prevention code into the zoning code, treats tanks as accessory uses to on‑site businesses, removes an older local size cap and requires a fire permit and site plan review.
The Inver Grove Heights Planning Commission on June 3 unanimously (7‑0) recommended an ordinance amendment to shift regulation of above‑ground storage tanks (ASTs) from the fire prevention code into the zoning code and to treat ASTs as accessory uses rather than permitted principal uses in nonresidential districts.
Staff said the change follows an earlier variance and council direction to align the fire prevention code and the zoning code. Under the draft amendment, zoning rules in Title 10 would list ASTs as accessory uses in agricultural (A), business (B1/B2/B3), public/institutional and industrial (I1/I2) districts rather than as principal uses in some districts. The amendment would remove the local size caps that used to appear in the fire prevention code (500‑gallon single tanks or dual 1,000‑gallon systems) and instead defer to the state fire code and the fire marshal for size and safety standards tied to the specific contents of a tank (for example, petroleum products, propane or other flammables).
Staff said the ordinance would not create any new nonconforming uses; existing operations with tanks were described as already accessory to essential services such as utility or power plant operations. The draft also requires a fire permit and a site plan review by the fire marshal prior to use, plus inspection after installation.
Commissioners asked how the change would have affected a recent high‑profile application (discussed at length in prior meetings) involving a flammable liquid; staff said that land‑use and rezoning requests in that earlier application would still require separate review and public notice, and that the fire‑code and site‑plan review remain administrative steps for tanks and would not bypass public notification in rezoning cases.
Commissioner Taken moved to approve the amendment as drafted; the motion passed 7‑0. Staff said the item is scheduled for City Council review later in June.
Votes at a glance: recommendation to approve draft ordinance moving AST rules into zoning code, make tanks accessory uses, remove local size caps and require fire permits/site plans — motion passed 7‑0.
