2021.09.14 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

(B) Special Use Permit: Request from FedEx at 50 14th Street NW to construct a special purposed fence to provide light and sound protection for nearby residential properties— PID# 20-30-23- 14-0011. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola reported within the last year, FedEx acquired the property at 50 14th St NW which has been the site of a legal nonconforming trucking operation dating back to the 1970's. While the use is allowed to continue under state law, its impacts cannot be expanded. Accordingly, FedEx is currently before the City seeking approval of a special purpose fence to address lighting and sound concerns from the nearby Enclave neighborhood. The special purposed fence would be the last component of corrective actions needed to address the problem(s). Staff provided further comment on the request and recommended approval of the Special Use Permit, based on the findings of fact and subject to the following conditions: 1. The Special Use Permit shall authorize a northern barrier which is 19' tall and approximately 255' long, and a southern barrier that is 17' tall and approximately 350' long. 2. Plans shall be updated to show existing utilities (private and public). Adjustments, if needed, shall be made to address any engineering concerns to protect utilities or to ensure proper drainage. 3. Additional minor adjustments to the fence location and length may be administratively approved by staff, but major adjustments shall only be authorized via an SUP amendment. 4. The sound barrier shall be properly maintained and in place while the legal nonconforming trucking use is in operation. Removal of the wall or failure to maintain the wall aesthetically or operationally will be deemed an illegal expansion of the legal nonconformity. Commissioner Frischman requested further information regarding the main concerns from this request. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola explained noise and light were the main concerns at this time. He noted the proposed fencing walls would address both of these issues. Chair Nichols-Matkaiti questioned why there has been an increase in noise. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola reported the former trucking company wasn't running at top efficiency and after a new operation moved in there has been a change in operations. Commissioner Enanaa asked if any other complaints have been received from adjacent properties. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola indicated the only complaints the City has received were from the adjacent residential neighborhood. Chair Nichols-Matkaiti opened the Public Hearing at 6:48 p.m. Eric Simon, 1480 Old Highway 8, reported FedEx was much quieter than the previous trucking company. He noted he did complain about the lights because they were shining into his home. He explained the lights have since been adjusted and were not an issue. He requested the applicant consider planting more trees along the fence. He asked if the new fence would absorb 3