[Ord. No. 2093, 11-15-2021]
A. 
Intent.
1. 
The intent of this Division is to establish regulations for storage operations that will be maintained outside of a building or structure, that have the potential to result in additional impacts to adjacent properties and the surrounding community.
2. 
These regulations shall apply to open and outdoor storage facilities in addition to any regulations of the zoning district in which the use/facility is located.
B. 
Definitions.
ACCESSORY USE
See Section 405.050, Definitions.
LESSORS OF MINIWAREHOUSES AND SELF-STORAGE UNITS
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in renting or leasing space for self-storage. These establishments provide secure space (i.e., rooms, compartments, lockers, containers, or outdoor spaces) where clients can store and retrieve their goods.
OPEN/OUTDOOR STORAGE
See Section 405.050, Definitions.
STORAGE AND WAREHOUSING OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating merchandise warehousing and storage facilities. These establishments generally handle goods in containers, such as boxes, barrels, and/or drums, using equipment, such as forklifts, pallets, and racks. They are not specialized in handling bulk products of any particular type, size, or quantity of goods or products.
STORAGE AND WAREHOUSING OF NON-HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating warehousing and storage facilities (except general merchandise, refrigerated, and farm product warehousing and storage).
TEMPORARY USE
See Section 405.260, Temporary Uses.
C. 
General Provisions.
1. 
Applicability. These regulations shall apply to primary, accessory, and temporary open or outdoor storage uses/facilities.
2. 
Conditional Use Permit.
a. 
Open or outdoor storage facilities shall only be permitted as a primary use with a conditional use permit as outlined in Appendix A, Listing of Permitted and Conditional Zoning District Uses[1].
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix A, Listing of Permitted and Conditional Zoning District Uses, is set out as an attachment to this Chapter
b. 
An accessory use of open or outdoor storage shall only be permitted with a conditional use permit. If the accessory open or outdoor storage occupies less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the lot area and the primary use is operated inside of a building or structure, then a conditional use permit is not required.
Through the conditional use permit process, the Planning Commission and/or the Board of Aldermen may add conditions or regulations to govern a specific business based on the intent to mitigate potential negative impacts due to the operations or location of the proposed business.
3. 
Business License.
a. 
These regulations shall only modify and not replace City requirements or regulations for business licenses.
b. 
Any business leasing a storage area shall obtain and maintain a business license with the City.
4. 
Application Requirements.
a. 
The following information shall be provided to the City for review prior to operation of any outdoor storage as a primary or accessory use:
(1) 
A detailed site plan showing property lines and the location of any structures, parking areas, storage areas, light fixtures, landscaped areas, fences or screening, and additional information as requested by the City;
(2) 
A plan for facility amenities such as trash and recycling services or restroom facilities;
(3) 
Hours of operation;
(4) 
An access plan for first responders, emergency responders, and law enforcement;
(5) 
All application and submission requirements as required by Article X, Special Procedures and Regulations, Division 1, Generally.
D. 
Site Design Standards.
1. 
Layout.
a. 
No open or outdoor storage shall be located within a front yard setback or beyond the front building line of a structure.
b. 
In order to avoid traffic congestion and damage to adjacent curbing, pavement, or property, entry or exit drives to such facilities shall be of proper width and length with appropriate curb or pavement radii to accommodate the types of vehicles with trailers or trucks that are expected to use the facility.
c. 
All vehicles, trucks, trailers, recreation vehicles, motorcycles, or powered equipment stored on the site shall be parked on pavement as defined in Section 405.050, Definitions.
d. 
All sites shall be designed in accordance with regulations of Chapter 405, including, but not limited to, Article VII, Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements.
e. 
Shipping containers, trailers, and similar shall be considered accessory structures and must conform to structure regulations, including setbacks, facade treatments, etc., unless amendments to such requirements are granted through a conditional use permit.
2. 
Screening.
a. 
All open storage areas shall be screened from adjacent property by berms, dense vegetative plantings, solid fences, or brick or decorative masonry walls, or a combination of these materials measuring at least eight (8) feet in height.
(1) 
Open storage areas adjacent to residential zoning districts shall provide screening of at least ten (10) feet in height.
b. 
All open storage areas shall not be visible from adjacent property or public right-of-way at grade level.
c. 
All screening methods as described in Subsection (D)(2)(a) above shall be maintained in good condition and shall include replacement of damaged areas or dead plant material within ninety (90) days of any such condition or upon notice by the Building Commissioner.
3. 
Height.
a. 
Shipping containers and storage pods may not be stacked.
b. 
Items stored on the site may not be stacked more than twenty (20) feet above grade.
4. 
Lighting.
a. 
There must be general area lighting sufficient along access roadways but without spillover to adjacent residential properties.
b. 
The lighting plan shall conform to regulations contained in Section 405.305, Site Lighting Standards.
E. 
Facility Operations Standards.
1. 
The storage of hazardous materials of any form or mass storage of controlled substances or chemicals shall be prohibited.
2. 
All vehicles, trucks, trailers, recreation vehicles, or motorcycles stored on the site shall have current registration and license plates and be in operable or usable condition.
3. 
Storage areas and vehicles stored, i.e., trailers, boats, recreation vehicles or similar, shall not be used for habitation for any duration of time when located on the property.
4. 
Any site with storage of vehicles, boats, powered equipment or similar shall maintain a plan and appropriate mitigation materials on site to address the spill of any gas, oil, or similar fuel.
5. 
No items shall be stored in the open that create a nuisance due to odor, vibration, noise, electrical interference or fluctuation in line voltage beyond the property line.
6. 
The property and facility shall be maintained and operated so as not to cause any offenses pursuant to Chapter 210 or any nuisances pursuant to Chapter 215.
F. 
Self-Storage Or Storage Space Rental Facilities.
1. 
In addition to the regulations contained in the rest of this Division, facilities that provide storage space or pods for rent and access by lessees, shall comply to the additional regulations contained herein.
a. 
Storage areas and vehicles stored shall not be used for the operation of a business on the site (i.e., office space, purchasing of goods or services by patrons, construction or manipulation of materials, manufacturing of goods, or similar).
b. 
All open storage areas designated for vehicle, boat, or similar parking shall be designed similarly to a parking lot with striped spaces assigned to a designated lessee.
c. 
All open storage areas available for storage of multiple vehicles and/or storage containers by one (1) lessee shall be enclosed with fencing to clearly establish the boundaries of the leased area.
d. 
All storage spaces shall be labeled or numbered to correspond with a lease agreement.
e. 
Visitor parking shall be provided in either a central parking lot or through parallel parking spaces along the driveway access to the storage areas.
f. 
The property owner or manager shall maintain lease agreements for each storage area on site including current and accurate contact information for each storage area lease holder.