(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide standards for allowing outdoor storage of materials, equipment, and vehicles as may be allowed within the respective zoning districts such that the activity can maintain compatibly with surrounding uses and properties.
(B) Outdoor storage. Except as herein provided or as specifically allowed within the specific zoning districts established by § 218.01 (Establishment of Districts) of this title (excluding farm properties), all materials, equipment, rubbish, junk, or miscellaneous refuse shall be stored within a building and shall not be stored or kept in the open, when the same is construed by the City Council to be a menace or nuisance to the public health, safety, or general welfare of the city, or to have a depressing influence upon property values in the area.
(1) Exceptions.
(a) Clothesline pole and wires and play equipment.
(b) Not more than 4 total licensed and operable recreational or power sports vehicles and equipment, RV’s and trailers which are used for hauling/storing recreational/power sport vehicles that are 22 feet in length or less, boats, snowmobiles, seasonal automobiles, etc.), may be parked or stored on property outside a building as follows:
1. In the front yard, provided they are kept on an established driveway, entirely on the equipment or vehicle owner’s property. Recreational vehicles may not be parked or stored on public property or street right-of-way.
2. In the side yard abutting an attached or detached garage provided recreational vehicles and equipment are not closer than 5 feet from the side lot line unless properly screened.
3. In the rear yard not closer than 10 feet from the rear lot line, 5 feet from the side lot lines, and not within drainage and utility easements.
4. On a corner lot not closer than 20 feet from the property line abutting the side street and not within drainage and utility easements.
5. Each vehicle stored on an open trailer shall be counted as 1 item. In addition each open or enclosed trailer shall count as 1 vehicle or item.
(c) Construction and landscaping materials currently being used on the premises.
(d) Off-street parking of currently registered and operable motor vehicles as specified in the respective zoning districts.
(e) Lawn furniture or furniture used and constructed explicitly for outdoor use.
(f) Rear or side yard exterior storage of firewood for the purpose of consumption only by the person(s) on whose property it is stored.
(g) Swing sets and children’s playhouses, provided they are stored or located in the side or rear yard.
(h) Flag poles.
(i) Landscaping. Environmental and ornamental landscaping and lawn and garden decor.
(j) Portable sporting equipment such as basketball hoops.
(k) Other items typically found in yards and approved by the City Council.
(l) Within the I-1 Light Industrial District semi-tractor trailers used for normal freight and cartage in transit for up to 120 consecutive days per calendar year.
(2) Accessory use. Outdoor storage within the I-1 Light Industrial and POS Public and Open Space zoning districts shall be an allowed accessory use under the following conditions:
(a) The outdoor storage area occupies space other than a required front yard area or side yard area on a corner lot adjacent to the right-of-way.
(b) The outdoor storage area shall be fenced, screened, and/or landscaped from view of neighboring residential uses, abutting residential districts and the public right-of-way according to a plan in compliance with § 213.04 (Required Screening and Landscaping) of this title and subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator.
(c) The outdoor storage area is surfaced with asphalt, concrete, or pavers with perimeter concrete curb, unless the City Engineer exempts all or portions of the curb for stormwater management purposes.
(d) All lighting shall be hooded and so directed that the light source shall not be visible from the public right-of-way or from neighboring residences and shall be in compliance with § 205.11 (Exterior Lighting) of this title.
(e) The outdoor storage area shall not encroach upon required parking space or required loading space as required by Chapter 210 (Off-Street Parking) and Chapter 211 (Off-Street Loading) of this title.
(f) The property stored shall not include any waste, except as provided in § 205.12 (Emissions, Noise, Odors, Smoke, Air Pollution, Dust and Other Particulate Matter, and Waste) of this title.
(g) The outdoor storage area shall not encroach into the required rear yard or side yard setback area if abutting a residential district.
(3) Waste and recycling receptacles. In all districts, all waste and recycling materials shall be stored within an approved receptacle. All enclosures and receptacles shall be kept in a good state of repair and receptacles shall include secure tops or covers to properly contain the waste.
(C) Vehicles/equipment.
(1) Vehicles “For Sale.”
(a) Residential District. Subject to the provisions of § 209.07(A) (Sales in Residential Areas (Accessory Use)) of this title, motor vehicles and recreational vehicles which are permitted within the respective residential district may be advertised for sale and sold provided the vehicle is owned by the resident where the vehicle is parked and the vehicle is currently licensed, operable and parked entirely on a driveway. Vehicles shall not be parked or stored on public property or rights-of-way. At no time shall any commercial vehicle be parked within a residential district and advertised for sale.
(b) Nonresidential District. Motor, commercial, and recreational vehicles shall not be displayed “for sale” or sold within nonresidential districts unless as part of an approved licensed sales dealership or for short-term parking (12 hours or less) if the vehicle is owned by an employee of said business where the vehicle is parked with the consent of the business owner.
(2) Commercial vehicles in Residential Districts. No commercial vehicle or equipment shall be parked or stored in a residential district except when loading, unloading, or rendering a service as allowed by Chapter 210 (Off-Street Parking) of this title.
(3) Junked and dismantled vehicles. All unlicensed, unregistered, or inoperable motor vehicles, household furnishings or appliances, or parts thereof, may not be stored on any property, public or private, unless housed within a lawfully erected building.
(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011)