2002-103 GRANTING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - 2506 NORTH WATER STREET

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Excerpts from Plan Commission Minutes of November 7, 2002 Cal. No. 02-54 Petition of J & H AUTO SERVICE for a Conditional Use Permit at 2506 NORTH WATER STREET to operate an Automotive Storage Yard. Mr. Van Steenhuyse presented the recommendation of staff: The subject property contains two businesses and a yard surrounded by a six(6) foot high chain-link f�nce. The alley to the south is actually a private drive that accesses Grohne Concrete to the east as well as access to parking for the adjacent officebuilding. The front building on the site contains a pet adoption service and the metal building along the north property line contains an auto repair service. The large fenced-in area to the east has been used as a storage area in the past. None�of the lot is currently paved. The owners of the auto repair business are leasing the metal building and wish to utilize the fenced area as an automotive storage yard. They also intend to sell used cars on the site. An automotive storage use requires a Conditional Use Permit. Although the other uses (car repair and auto sales) are permitted uses in the M-2 District, the Zoning Ordinance requires that parking areas serving such uses be paved. Although the automotive storage lot area is not required to be paved, it must be screened. �e chain-link enclosure is currently an open style and must be reconfigured into a sight-break fence that is at least 85 percent opaque on all sides. This includes the gate. Although new automotive storage lots have been required in the past to erect an eight (8)foot sight break fence, staff does not object to the use of the existing six (6) foot fence. The Fire Department requires that a "Knox lock"or similar 24-hour access lock be utilized in case the Fire Department needs to access the lot to fight a fire. If the storage lot is properly screened and the circulation areas are paved, the resulting use should not have a negative impact on adjoining properties. This case represents an opportunity to improve a property that has a neglected appearance. Staff recommends that the Conditional Use Permit for an automotive storage yard at 2506 North Water Street be approved, subject to the following conditions: a. The storage area must be wholly enclosed by a sight break fence that is at least 85 percent opaque and at least six (6)feet in height. b. Except for the storage of vehicles for sale or vehicles awaiting repair, no outside sales or storage is permitted (other than within the enclosed automotive storage lot area). c. The storage area shall utilize a 24-hour access lock approved by the Decatur Fire Department. d. The storage area shall have at minimum a gravel base. All other areas used for parking or circulation shall be paved with a hard surface in accordance with the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. All paving shall be completed within six (6)months of the issuance of the building permit.