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Staff to research changes to landscaping thresholds; commission signals support for limited allowance of storage containers on large lots
Summary
Commissioners asked staff to review commercial/industrial landscaping thresholds and tree-replacement enforcement; they also signaled support for drafting an ordinance to allow storage containers on larger, non-visible lots subject to screening and design criteria.
The Planning Commission discussed two code areas Oct. 2: commercial and industrial landscaping standards and the city’s approach to storage containers.
Staff explained that one landscaping threshold (one shrub per 100 square feet of open area) dates from a decade or more ago and can yield unreasonably large shrub counts on certain sites. Commissioners asked staff to consult landscape architects and consider whether thresholds should be adjusted and confirmed that the city enforces a one‑year survivability guarantee and escrow for required plantings.
On storage containers, staff said Dayton’s code does not allow permanent containers but that examples exist (concession stand uses and interim storage). Commissioners generally favored allowing containers in rural or large‑acreage properties where they are not visible from the road, provided there are design controls (color, setback, screening) and a minimum acreage threshold. Suggestions included creating an acreage threshold (several commissioners suggested 1–10 acres; staff noted some ag parcels are only 1–2 acres), a time limit before a container is treated as an accessory structure, and architectural compatibility requirements for accessory buildings on lots under one acre.
Staff will prepare draft ordinance language for storage containers and follow up with landscaping research that may include input from landscape architects.
