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Hanover planning commission recommends tighter industrial zoning, outdoor-storage limits
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of amendments to the I-2 industrial zoning district that remove heavier uses adjacent to residential areas, add interim-use review requirements, and restrict outdoor storage with a new two-tier setback option.
City Planner Cindy Nash presented a redlined draft amendment to Hanover’s zoning ordinance on July 22 that would revise uses and performance standards in the I-2 Industrial district and place new limits on outdoor storage.
The Planning Commission heard that the I-2 district is intended as a transition zone next to residential neighborhoods. Nash said the draft removes several heavier industrial uses from I-2, designates some activities as interim uses requiring additional Planning Commission and City Council review, and proposes limits on how much of a parcel can be occupied by outdoor storage. Council Liaison Mike Amery asked for a small text correction beneath the chart of uses, which Nash agreed to make.
During a public hearing, Brian Lee, who has a pending rezoning application for a parcel on 5th St requesting I-2 zoning, raised concerns that interim-use permit restrictions could impose timelines on his proposed operation and asked for flexibility that would allow outdoor storage closer to property lines. Nash said the commission could adopt a two-tier setback that would permit certain lower-impact storage types (for example, work trailers and equipment used by the business) to be located as close as 25 feet from property lines so long as screening requirements are met. Nash also stated that existing design guidelines in section 10.20 would remain unchanged.
Commission members noted additional textual edits in the draft, including moving freight use to the I-3 district and adding the wording 'or interim' to the conditional-use language. After discussion, Commissioner Gretchen Barrett moved and Commissioner Chad Olson seconded a recommendation to approve the ordinance amendment with the alterations discussed. The motion carried with all members voting in favor.
The commission did not adopt final ordinance language at the meeting; it recommended approval of the draft with the specified edits and clarifications. The next steps are for the recommended revisions to be forwarded to the City Council for its review and any further action.
