Consider a Request for a Home Occupation Permit at 6131 Green Valley Rd NW (Project No. 22-118); Case of J. Hill Container Company

The City received an application from Jeff Hillman (the “Applicant”) requesting a Level II Home Occupation Permit for a cardboard box container business in the home as well as in a detached accessory structure located at 6131 Green Valley Rd NW (the "Subject Property"). The Architectural Code Analysis that was requested during the City Council meeting on May 10, 2022 has been received and reviewed by City Staff.  The Code Analysis shows that it is possible to retrofit the building to meet International Building Code (IBC) standards.

Notifications of this proposal were sent via Standard US Mail to Property Owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property regarding the public hearing with the Planning Commission, as reflected by Anoka County Property Records. A notice was also published in the Anoka UnionHerald, the City's Official newspaper for the public hearing.

City Council - May 10, 2022
The City Council reviewed and tabled the request until the May 24th meeting, or the June 14th meeting if an architectural code analysis needed to be conducted for the conversion of the structure for commercial/industrial operations. The analysis is required and was not received for these meeting and a meeting was scheduled with the Applicant's architect and the Applicant.

City Council - June 14, 2022
A 60-day extension letter was sent to the property owner following the May 10 meeting, providing until July 22, 2022, for a formal approval or denial of the request. The Applicant was granted an extension to a future meeting by the City Council on June 14, 2022, to accommodate working with his architect. 

Architectural Code Analysis
The analysis was received by City Staff from the Applicant on July 5, 2022, and has been reviewed by the Fire Department and Community Development Department. A copy of the analysis is attached.  The analysis shows that it is feasible to remodel the structure to accommodate this business.  A fire lane is required and must be constructed to Fire Department standards including a turn-around, "no parking fire lane" signs, proper width, and to weight standards.  Remodeling of the building and site improvements must be constructed with building permits and in a reasonable timeframe.  Additional conditions may be noted with the building permit based on the more detailed construction plans as is typical on any commercial building project.  This may result in a reconfiguration of the interior layout of the structure.

Alternatives
Alternative #1: Adopt Resolution #22-085 approving the Home Occupation Permit request with the modifications noted in the architectural code analysis.

Alternative #2: Deny Resolution #22-085 based on certain findings.
 

The Applicant is responsible for all costs related to this request. 

The Planning Commission recommended approval of only warehousing operations. 

City staff has reviewed the architectural code analysis that was submitted and concurs with its findings that it is feasible to remodel the structure should the City Council decide to approve the Applicant's request.

Motion to adopt Resolution #22-085 approving a Home Occupation Permit at 6131 Green Valley Rd NW.

OR

Motion to deny Resolution #22-085 approving a Home Occupation Permit at 6131 Green Valley Rd NW based on certain findings.