2019-2024 Economic Development Strategic Plan

Chapter 11 General Regulations

Off Street Parking in 9-13-3(B). The parking ratio of 1 space for every 2 employees on the largest working shift is good. However, the code does not include ratios for warehousing and distribution and it does not address truck and trailer parking for industrial uses. We’d suggest a ratio of 1 stall per 3,000 square feet of warehousing and distribution. This would be consistent with the requirements we’ve seen on several private sector projects we’ve recently worked. The high ratio is due in part to the advancement of automation in

warehousing, especially fulfillment. 9-11-8 Supplemental Use Regulations C. Home Occupations –

(2) – the current language would appear to allow for multiple members of the family not living on site to work in the home occupation, plus one additional non-related person living outside the residence. While we believe it is great that the City code allows small business/entrepreneurship to start in the home or garage, home occupations can cause uproar in neighborhoods, ultimately leading to additional, less business-friendly regulations. We’d suggest considering a hard limit of 4 employees, including residents. (8) – may want to allow customers to visit, but restricts customers to by appointment only. This supports small businesses like accountants, lawyers, home salons, etc. D. Accessory Structures Regulations. May want to change to “accessory dwelling unit” since primary purpose is residential and then provide separate standards for accessory structures (non-residential). Chapter 17 Public Water Supply Protection Overlay General Comment Consider adding as an overlay on the official zoning map. For planning maps, it may be more user friendly to include these on the Planning section of the City website as well as in the maps section. It is important for potential developers to understand any development restrictions in early in the process as they research their site. II. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Suggested Implementation Measures

Pages IX and X General Observations:

The comprehensive plan describes either “suggested implementation measures the city may wish to review” but it is not clear which have been adopted. Several of these are important for discussion of an economic development strategic plan. We have made note of

this and will incorporate appropriate discussions into our work with the Grow Spencer Commission. For ease of reference, the eight suggested implementation measures from the comprehensive plan are:

o Establish a benchmark from which growth will be measured and create 3-5 year action or strategy plan for specific growth? o Consider creating and implementing a separate annexation plan. o Encourage city officials, planning and zoning commissioners, board of adjustment, etc. to attend training. o Establish an annual comprehensive plan review process

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