Applicant proposes large accessory storage for Premier Foods; commission outlines permit, fire-rating and setback requirements

Daniel Olsen introduced a proposal to add accessory storage buildings behind a Premier Foods property and asked whether the structures—described in the applicant drawing as roughly 22 feet by 130 feet—could be sited three feet from the rear property line. Commissioners and planning staff discussed classification (accessory building vs. storage/warehousing), applicable fencing or wall requirements, fire safety ratings and the engineering documentation required for a building permit.

Planning staff told Olsen the project appears to be an accessory building for Premier Foods’ private use rather than a commercial storage-lease facility; as such, the full storage-and-warehousing fencing requirement would likely not apply. Staff listed required materials for permit review: engineered foundation plans, construction materials, openings/doors, utility locations, grading and drainage, north arrow and scaled lot dimensions, easements, and locations of existing utilities and fences. Staff also warned that if an accessory building abuts the property line it must meet the code’s conditions for no openings on the side contiguous to the property line and a 4-hour fire retardant rating on the adjacent wall.

Commissioners noted the applicant’s drawing implies a large footprint (nearly 3,000 square feet) and recommended verifying lot dimensions and offsets before proceeding. Staff confirmed that a building permit would be required for a structure of the proposed size and that the city uses the county building inspector, who requires electronic submission of complete drawings before review.

Next steps: Olsen should supply engineered drawings, confirm setbacks and drainage, and submit permit materials electronically to the county building inspector as required before the city can accept the permit application.