ZN90-1 Storage Trailers ` � t Y O
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� March 14 , 1990 � P K � N Planning Report: ZN90-1
ZONING AMENDMENT - STORAGE TRAILERS
Proposed Action.
Staff recommends approval of the following motion: Move to approve
Resolution 90-2 recommending adoption of Ordinance 90-673 regarding
the use of trailers for storage in the business districts.
Approval of this motion will prohibit the use of trailers for
commercial and storage purposes within the business districts.
Overview.
Staff knows of a few locations where permanently parked trailers are
used as storage structures in the business districts. The existing
language does not address the use of trailers for storage use in
business districts. Other cities such as Wayzata have language in
their zoning ordinance to prohibit the use of trailers for storage.
The staff has the following concerns regarding the use of trailers
for storage: 1) Storage trailers may create fire hazards and other
threats to safety 2) Storage trailers serve to blight the areas in
which they exist 3) Storage trailers are conducive to vermin
harborage and infestation because garbage may easily accumulate under
or around these structures.
� This proposed ordinance amendment was discussed at the December
Council work session. The City Council reviewed the proposal and
directed staff to pursue this amendment. It was referred to the
Zoning and Planning Commission and the Hopkins Business Council.
Issues to Consider.
o Why is this ordinance proposed?
o Does the Comprehensive Plan address this issue?
o Can the Fire Code be used because hazards exist?
o What will the ordinance regulate?
o What is the extent of the problem?
o How will this ordinance affect existing storage trailers?
o Does the Hopkins Business Council support this amendment?
supporting Information.
o Analysis of issues
o Section of Wayzata Zoning Code
o Copy of letter Business Council sent to affected parties
o Photocopies of known sites
o Memorandum from Hopkins Fire Marshal
o Resolution No: 90-2
o Ordinance No: 90-673
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ZONING AMENDMENT - STORAGE TRAILERS
^ ZN90-1
Page 2
Issues to Consider.
- Why is this ordinance proposed?
Staff feels that storage trailers should be regulated in the business
districts for two reasons; 1) potential hazards exist with these
storage trailers, and 2) storage trailers create aesthetically
unpleasing conditions.
This amendment will improve the current physical appearance and
safety of the business districts. This ordinance will also protect
the business districts from potential hazardous conditions and blight
in the future.
- Does the Comprehensive Plan address this issue?
The following quotations were taken from the Comprehensive Plan,
"Increased negative physical appearances are a threat to Hopkins, "
"The City will make a conscious effort to improve its physical and
non-physical image to residents and non-residents. " Also identified
� in the Downtown Action Plan are the following pertinent actions; 1)
assist improvement of rear of buildings along Mainstreet, and 2)
upgrade alleys and utilities. The Alleyscape Improvement Study by
Westwood Professional Services makes recommendations regarding the
visual experience of the alley. One of these recommendations
includes clearing up the cluttered appearance.
- Can the Fire Code be used because hazards exists?
The Fire Code cannot address these storage trailers because they are
on wheels. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is responsible
for the safety of these units. MNDOT, however, will only get
involved when these trailers are actively transporting. This creates
a situation where the authority to regulate storage trailers falls
between the cracks. For this reason, the proposed ordinance
amendment is in front of you.
- What will the ordinance regulate?
Staff and the City Attorney have drafted a ordinance which would
prohibit house trailers, truck trailers, motor vehicles, and similar
mobile structures, from being used for storage purposes within the
business districts. Exception is made as permitted in connection
^ with construction projects, or for a temporary, specified period of
time as determined and allowed by the City.
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ZONING AMENDMENT - STORAGE TRAILERS
^ ZN90-1
Page 3
Issues to Consider - continued.
- What is the extent of the problem?
A visual survey of business and industrial areas was conducted on
November 1, 1989 . The survey results show two known locations where
trailers are used for commercial or storage purposes in the business
districts. They include:
o Discount Tire 10 17th Avenue South
o Koss Paint 720 Mainstreet
- How will this ordinance affect existing storage trailers?
The businesses which currently use storage trailers will immediately
be notified in writing if this ordinance amendment is passed. They
will given a reasonable period of time to cease the action and remove
the storage trailers. Staff feels a one year grace period is a
reasonable length of time for the violators to remove these trailers.
- Does the Hopkins Business Council support this proposed amendment?
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The Hopkins Business Council was given a presentation and asked to
offer input regarding this proposal at their January meeting. The
Hopkins Business Council supports the proposed amendment with the
following two conditions:
1) A public hearing is scheduled
2) The affected business owners are given due process
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^ CITY OF HOPKINS
Hennepin County, Minnesota
ORDINANCE NO: 90-673
AN AMENDMENT TO HOPKINS ZONING
ORDINANCE NO: 520 REGARDING USE OF TRAILERS FOR
STORAGE PURPOSES IN THE BUSINESS DISTRICTS
BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Hopkins
as follows:
That the Hopkins Zoning Ordinance No. 520. 08 be and is hereby
No house trailer, truck trailer, motor
vehicle or similar mobile structure of any
kind shall be used for storage purposes
within the business districts of the City,
except that such a use may be permitted in
connection with a construction project or
for a temporary period of time not to
exceed 30 days per year. A use prohibited
herein shall be deemed to be a public
nuisance and as such shall cease and be
removed following due notice from the City
.-� to cease and desist.
First Reading May 1, 1990
Second Reading May 15, 1990
Date of Publication May 30, 1990
Date Ordinance Takes Effect June 19, 1990
Nelson W. Berg, Mayor
Attest:
James A. Genellie, City Clerk
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� CITY OF HOPKINS
Hennepin County, Minnesota
RESOLUTION NO: Z90-2
RESOLUTION MAKING FINDING OF FACT AND RECOMMENDING APPROVAL
OF ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF TRAILERS FOR STORAGE
IN BUSINESS DISTRICTS
WHEREAS, an ordinance to prohibit trailers used for storage in the
Business Districts is recommended for approval.
WHEREAS, the procedural history of the application is as follows:
1. That the ordinance amendment to regulate storage
trailers in the business districts was initiated by the
City.
2 . That the Hopkins Zoning and Planning Commission,
pursuant to published notice, held a public hearing
on February 28, 1990 and continued on to
March 27 , 1990, and April 24, 1990; all persons present
at the hearing were given an opportunity to be heard.
3 . That the written comments and analysis of the Planning
Commission and City Staff were considered.
^ WHEREAS, The Hopkins Business Council is in support of this
ordinance for the good of the business community and the
City of Hopkins.
NOW IT THEREFORE BE RESOLVED, that an ordinance to prohibit storage
trailers in the business districts is recommended for
approval with the following findings of fact:
1. That storage trailers should be prohibited in the
business districts for the health, safety, and welfare
of the general public.
2 . That storage trailers should be prohibited in the
business districts to prevent blight.
Adopted this 24 day of Apri1, 1990.
Toni Richardson, Chair
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