Hi all,
I’m reaching out to see if anyone has code language, or has seen good examples, that allows landscape businesses with outdoor storage in a commercial zone.
We recently brought a code amendment to our City Council for an applicant who is requesting about 20,000 sq. ft. of outdoor storage. Our current commercial code limits this type of use to 5,000 sq. ft. and doesn’t allow outdoor storage at all. During the public process, we received written comments raising concerns about the materials that come with this kind of business, especially sand, mulch, and similar bulk materials blowing onto neighboring properties. The Council tabled the item and asked staff to come back with more detail on how other communities have handled it.
I’d especially appreciate anything you have on:
– Maximum outdoor storage area, or how it’s tied to lot or building size
– Screening, fencing, and setback requirements
– Containment of bulk materials (bins, three-sided enclosures, covering, stockpile height limits)
– Dust and wind-blown material control
– Whether the use is permitted, conditional, or limited to certain commercial or light industrial zones
If your community has adopted something that has worked well, or run into problems you’d do differently, I’d love to hear about it.
Thank you in advance for any help!
