Commission approves painted storage container for Cafe D'Arts at 830 W. Saint Paul with conditions

The Waukesha City Plan Commission voted unanimously Aug. 27 to approve a conditional use permit and minor site-plan and architectural review that will allow Cafe D'Arts to locate a painted shipping container for sealed coffee-bean storage behind its building at 830 W. Saint Paul Ave.

Charlie, the city staff presenter, said the container would occupy two rear parking spaces, be painted with decorative artwork to match the building, and be placed parallel to the building with ventilation considerations. Staff recommended approval with conditions that the container be painted within 30 days, that the artwork be approved by city staff before painting, and that fire and engineering comments be addressed.

Commissioners asked whether losing two parking stalls would create problems for a restaurant. Charlie said staff and the applicant believed on-street parking in the area and the smaller internal footprint made the loss acceptable. Commissioner Keller asked whether a car could be parked parallel to the building; the applicant discussed options for compact or parallel spaces. The fire department had reviewed the proposal and required the container be inspected as part of annual inspections.

A motion to approve the conditional use permit and the minor site-plan and architectural review, subject to staff and department comments and pre-approval of artwork, passed by voice vote with no opposition. The commission noted the painting must be submitted to staff for approval before painting.