Resident seeks approval for outside storage at 530 West Main; planning staff recommends conditional-use approach

Ken Cermelli identified himself in council's public comment period and asked to be allowed outside storage at 530 West Main Street, the property he said contains Kidspace Daycare in front and self-storage in back. He told council he has met with planning staff and requested an option that would permit an outdoor storage area on the site.

A planning representative told council outside storage is not permitted in the B-2 zoning district and described three options: rezone the property (which the planner said would raise spot-zoning concerns), pursue a variance (not available for a use change), or create a conditionally permitted use limited by ordinance. The planner said a conditional-use route could allow outside storage under strict conditions, including substantial setbacks from rights-of-way (the planner cited 150'200 feet as an example), perimeter fencing, landscape buffers, stormwater-management compliance and city-engineer approval, and a minimum acreage requirement so the use isn't allowed on small lots.

The planner also said the draft ordinance could be tailored to capture only larger properties or particular circumstances so that the provision would not become the primary use for small B-2 lots. Council and the planner noted that the property owner had been made aware of the B-2 restrictions before purchase.

The planner asked Mr. Cermelli to provide feedback on draft language before the next council meeting. No formal action was taken; staff was asked to draft ordinance language for council consideration.

Ending: Council asked the applicant to return comments and the planner said staff would prepare draft ordinance language for a future meeting.