Date: August 17, 2017
To: Members of the Zoning Board of Appeals
From: Scott Tempel, City Planner
Title
Consideration of a Resolution for a Variance at 1203 Hwy 3 South.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff is recommending approval of ZBA Resolution allowing outdoor storage between the principal building and the street at 1203 Hwy 3 South.
Summary Report:
The subject property is zoned C2, Highway Commercial. This commercial structure was built in 1966. It is currently leased to Small Engine Unlimited as a repair shop. Due to the small size of the property, the lessor has no place to store incoming and outgoing customer machinery. He has been storing equipment outside of the shop since opening.
Northfield Community Development has received no complaints about the property. However, staff is aware of the ongoing violation and is working proactively with the lessor to solve the issue. The business has been considering moving to Dundas due to the storage problem.
The Northfield Land Development Code, Section 3.3.3 (B)(4)(c) Outdoor Dining, Display, and Storage, does not permit outdoor storage between a principal building and the street. There is no other location for storage on this 8,900 sq. ft. parcel. There is a small side yard on the north side of the building, but it is occupied by a drive lane accessing the rear parcels and cannot be blocked off.
If the variance is approved, the property must follow LDC Sec. 3.3.3(B)(4)(d) and screen the storage area with a six foot high fence that is architecturally compatible with the main structure in material type and color. The applicant and building owner are amenable to this solution. A rendering of what the property may look like is included in the packet.
The criteria for approving a variance, according to Section 5.5.16(C), are as follows:
(1) Pursuant to Minn. Stat. ?462.357, Subd 6, as it may be amended from time to time, the zoning board of appeals may only grant applications for variances where prac...
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