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

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Page 2 of 3 2506 North Water Street November 7, 2002 STAFF ANALYSIS 3. This area is zoned M-2 and includes some heavy industrial uses, such as the adjacent concrete business and the HicksGas business to the north. This zoning was likely established due to the presence of the former Illinois Terminal Railway,which was just north of and adjacent to the subject property. The railroad lines were removed several years ago and the former right-of-way is privately owned,but still vacant. However, this area maintains its industrial character. 4. Although the automotive storage lot area is not required to be paved, it must be screened. The chain-link enclosure is currently an open style and must be reconfigured into a site-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-foot site break fence, staff does not object to the use of the existing six-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. 5. 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 RECOMMENDATION 6. 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 site-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. PLAN COMMISSION ACTION 7. Section XXII.A.2 requires all requests for a Conditional Use Permit to first be reviewed by � the Plan Commission in a public hearing, after which the Plan Commission's recommendation is forwarded to the City Council. A recommendation to approve the Conditional Use Permit subject to the above conditions is requested.