16 - New Land Use Definition for Vehicle Storage Facility

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Because there needs to be a distinct difference between vehicle storage facility and any facility allowing wrecking and salvage of parts and scraps, staff is recommending the following definition be added to the Zoning Ordinance: Vehicle storage facility means a state licensed garage, parking lot, or any type of facility owned by a person other than a governmental entity for storing or parking vehicles as defined by state law, where no vehicle repairs or dismantling of parts is permitted. When deciding the appropriate zoning districts for vehicle storage facilities it is important to consider the type of operations at these facilities and how that may impact surrounding land uses. It is extremely important that this type of business have access to an arterial street so that towing of vehicles to the storage facility can be achieved along major roadways without entering quiet neighborhoods. Also of importance is the visibility of stored vehicles from the public way, and what sort of aesthetic impact the storage lot may have on the surrounding area. Unlike used car lots, these vehicles could be wrecked or in various states of disrepair. Therefore is it recommended that any vehicle storage areas be reasonably screened from public view. Similar automobile—related land uses already in the Zoning Ordinance include Commercial Auto Parking Lot, Truck Parking Lot, Auto Sales & Repair, New or Used Car Lot, and Auto Fuel Sales. All of these uses are allowed in Commercial, Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial districts. Considering these points, staff recommends that the Zoning Ordinance be amended to add Towing with Vehicle Storage Lot as a new land use, and amend Section 8-105 to allow this use in the Commercial Districts by SUP, and outright in Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial Districts. STATUS OF ISSUE: The attached draft ordinance amendment was presented at the October Planning & Zoning meeting, and recommended for approval with a 7-0 vote. RECOMMENDATION: Approve of an amendment to Sections 8-105,12-100, and 22-100 of the Zoning Ordinance, adding Towing and Vehicle Storage Facility as a land use, and listing the use as permitted outright in the Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial districts, and also allowed in the Commercial District with a Specific Use Permit.