The purpose of these regulations is to provide adequate and convenient areas for outdoor storage and display of materials, merchandise, and equipment and for outdoor activities in certain commercial and industrial zones where outdoor storage is permitted. The intent of these regulations is to minimize visual impacts to adjacent properties and from public rights-of way.

(Ord. No. 791, § 1, 1-26-2015; Ord. 991 §8, 2025)

For the purpose of this Article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Display area means the area used for display of merchandise or goods available for purchase from the business located outside of a building. Said use shall be allowable only as an accessory to the primary use of the establishment.

Outdoor storage means the keeping of any inventory, goods, material, or merchandise, including raw, semi-finished, and finished materials for any period of time, and as an accessory to the primary use of the establishment, typically retail. Storage related to a residential use, required vehicular parking areas, or nurseries shall not be considered outdoor storage.

(Ord. No. 791, § 1, 1-26-2015; Ord. 991 §9, 2025)

Outdoor storage shall only be permitted as an accessory use through the Site Plan process set forth in Article 24 of this Chapter, and shall meet all of the following requirements and be subject to all of the following limitations:

(1)

Outdoor storage and display areas shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the finished floor area of the principal building unless otherwise specified below.

(2)

In no case shall the storage or parking of trailers, boats, recreational vehicles ("RVs"), vehicles, semi-trailers, cargo containers or shipping containers outdoors, or the warehousing of goods in such containers, be permitted as a principal use.

(3)

Outdoor storage screening requirements. Where conflicts exist between this Section and the general fencing standards of Section 16-12, the requirements of this Section shall apply. Each outdoor storage area shall be screened from view from all property lines and adjacent rights-of-way by either a fence or wall, subject to the following requirements:

(a)

Fences:

(i)

Fences shall be solid and opaque, and constructed in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 16-12 of the Municipal Code.

(ii)

Chain link fencing, with or without slats, is not permitted for outdoor storage screening.

(iii)

All fencing shall be made of high-quality, durable materials manufactured specifically for fence construction.

(iv)

Wood fencing is permitted, provided it is finished and maintained to prevent deterioration, in compliance with Section 16-12(d)(3) and 16-12(d)(9).

(v)

Fence height shall be between six (6) and eight (8) feet, unless a greater height is approved by the Community Development Director due to topographic differences or other site-specific conditions necessary to achieve effective screening.

(b)

Walls:

(i)

Walls shall be constructed of masonry or other comparable permanent materials approved by the City.

(ii)

Wall height shall be between six (6) and eight (8) feet, unless a greater height is approved by the Community Development Director due to topographic differences or other site-specific conditions necessary to achieve effective screening.

(c)

General Provisions:

(i)

No advertising signs or billboards shall be affixed to any required fence or wall.

(ii)

All screening shall be maintained in good condition and appearance for the duration of the outdoor storage use.

(4)

Any outdoor storage associated with a major motor vehicle service facility shall be completely screened with a wall surrounding the storage area. The wall shall be architecturally compatible with the primary structure, including but not limited to materials, color, roof pitch, and detailing, and be a maximum of six (6) feet in height. No advertising signs or billboards shall be permitted thereon.

(5)

Materials may not be stored higher than the height of the primary structure.

(6)

Storage structures shall utilize materials and colors that integrate with the principal building to reduce visual contrast. If the outdoor storage area is covered, then the covering shall include at least one (1) of the predominant exposed roofing colors on the primary structure.

(7)

No flammable or explosive liquids, solids, or gases shall be stored in bulk above ground if they exceed the currently adopted Fire Code requirements. Flammable liquids or gases in excess of one thousand (1,000) gallons shall be stored underground. High pressure gases or liquids, whether flammable or inflammable, shall be stored above ground and shall meet all applicable laws and regulations.

(8)

No materials in a display area may be stored in areas intended for vehicular or pedestrian circulation. Storage areas shall be clearly delineated to prevent encroachment onto vehicle and pedestrian circulation routes.

(9)

No outdoor retail display area shall be located in a required landscaped or buffer yard area.

(10)

Landscaping shall conform to Chapter 16, Article 28 Landscaping Design Standards.

(Ord. No. 791, § 1, 1-26-2015; Ord. 991 §10, 2025)

Outdoor storage related to industrial manufacturing operations, including the temporary staging of raw materials, semi-finished goods, or finished products for shipment, shall be permitted subject to the following conditions:

(1)

Industrial manufacturing outdoor storage areas shall not be subject to the ten percent (10%) limit in Section 16-682 but shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total site area. The specific storage area allowed within this limit shall be determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with City Staff, Planning and Zoning Commission, and City Council, based on compatibility with adjacent land uses and adherence to the requirements of the non-residential design standards and landscaping ordinance.

(2)

Each outdoor storage area shall be screened from view from all property lines and adjacent rights-of-way by an opaque fence or wall at least eight (8) feet in height that incorporates at least one (1) of the predominant materials and one (1) of the predominant colors used in the primary structure. No advertising signs or billboards shall be permitted thereon.

(3)

The materials stored outdoors must be essential to the manufacturing process being conducted on site or actively in preparation for shipment, and operators must demonstrate this need through supporting documentation as part of the approval process.

(4)

Limitations from Section 16-682 that still apply to industrial manufacturing outdoor storage areas include Subsections (2), (5), (6), (7), and (10), which address safety, height, material compatibility, and landscaping requirements and prohibit the parking or storage of trailers, boats, recreational vehicles, vehicles, semi-trailers, cargo containers or shipping containers.

(Ord. 991 §11, 2025)