(1) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish standards and procedures under which motor fuel stations can be conducted within the city without jeopardizing the health, safety and general welfare of the surrounding neighborhood. This section establishes the city's minimum requirements for the establishment and operation of a motor fuel station.
(2) Motor fuel stations. Motor fuel stations shall be constructed in compliance with state and city standards. Additionally, adequate space shall be provided to access fuel pumps and allow maneuverability around the pumps. Underground fuel storage tanks are to be positioned to allow adequate access by motor fuel transports and unloading operations which do not conflict with circulation, access and other activities on the site. Fuel pumps shall be installed on pump islands.
(3) Architectural standards. The architectural appearance, scale, and functional plan of the building(s) and canopy shall be complementary and compatible with each other and the existing buildings in the neighborhood setting.
(4) Canopy. A protective canopy structure may be located over the pump island(s), as an accessory structure. The canopy shall meet the following performance standards:
(a) The edge of the canopy shall be at least 30 feet from any lot line, provided that adequate visibility both on-site and off-site is maintained.
(b) The canopy shall not exceed 18 feet in height and must provide 14 feet of clearance to accommodate a semi-trailer truck passing underneath.
(c) The canopy fascia shall not exceed three feet in vertical height.
(d) The canopy lighting shall consist of canister spotlights recessed into the canopy. No portion of the light source of fixture may extend below the ceiling of the canopy. Total canopy illumination may not exceed 115 foot candles below the canopy at ground level.
(e) The architectural design, colors, and character of the canopy shall be consistent with the principal building on the site.
(f) The canopies support columns shall be constructed of masonry materials consistent with the principal building.
(g) Signage may be allowed on a detached canopy provided that the individual canopy sign does not exceed more than 20% of the canopy facade facing a public right-of-way.
(h) Canopy posts/sign posts shall not obstruct traffic or the safe operation of the gas pumps.
(5) Pump islands. Pump islands shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) Pump islands shall be elevated six inches above the traveled surface of the site.
(b) Pump island setbacks shall be 30 feet from any lot line. Additionally, the setback
between the pump islands curb face must be at least 24 feet.
(6) Drainage. Drainage from all fueling areas shall be directed to an oil/grit separator. Minimum design standards for the oil/grit separator shall include the following:
(a) A minimum of 400 cubic feet of permanent pool storage capacity per acre of drainage area.
(b) A minimum pool depth of four feet.
(c) A minimum oil containment capacity of 800 gallons.
(d) Minimum maintenance/inspection of two times per year and/or after measurable spill events. A measurable spill shall be defined by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Any measurable spill event must be reported to the MPCA.
(7) Buffer. Where lots abut residentially zoned property, a buffer yard of at least 20 feet wide shall be landscaped and screened in compliance with City Code § 1007.049.
(8) Circulation and loading. The site design must accommodate adequate turning radius and vertical clearance for a semi-trailer truck. A site plan must be provided to illustrate adequate turning radius, using appropriate engineering templates.
(9) Noise. Public address systems and gas pump displays shall not be audible at any lot line. Play of music or advertisement from the public address system is prohibited. Noise control shall be required as regulated in § 1007.047(4).
(10) Outdoor storage, sales and service. No outdoor storage or sales shall be allowed, except as follows:
(a) Propane sales of 20-pound capacity tanks may be located outside provided the propane tanks are secured in a locker and meets all State Uniform Building and Fire Codes.
(b) Large, bulk sale propane tanks must meet all applicable building and fire code requirements.
(c) A compressed air service area may be located on site as long as it does not interrupt on-site traffic circulation.
(d) Accessory outdoor services, sales, or rental accessory to the principal use and limited in area to 25% of the gross floor area of the principal building.
(11) Litter control. The operation shall be responsible for litter control on the subject property, which is to occur on a daily basis. Trash receptacles shall be provided at a convenient location on site to facilitate litter control.
(12) Motor vehicle parking. Except for employee passenger motor vehicles and motorcycles, no motor vehicle shall be parked on the property for more than two hours.
(13) Additional stipulations. All conditions pertaining to a specific site are subject to change when the Council, upon investigation in relation to a formal request finds that the general welfare and public betterment can be served as well or better by modifying or expanding the conditions set forth herein.