§ 18.60.160 — Outdoor Storage

A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this Section is to regulate permanent Outdoor Storage. Temporary uses are addressed in Chapter 18.122 (Temporary Use Permits). The intent of these regulations is to encourage Outdoor Storage that is compatible with associated and surrounding uses and that does not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation or create an unsightly appearance of unrestricted clutter. B. Permit Requirements. All Outdoor Storage areas that are subject to requirements of this Section shall be allowed as specified in Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards) C. General Development Standards. The following developmental standards shall apply to all Outdoor Storage areas. 1. Location. Outdoor Storage areas shall occupy a fixed, specifically approved location that does not disrupt the normal function of the site or its circulation and does not encroach upon required setbacks, public rights-of-way, driveways, emergency vehicle/fire access lanes, landscaped planter areas, parking spaces, vehicle drive aisles, pedestrian walkways or pathways, bicycle lanes, seating, enhanced pedestrian amenities (e.g., waste receptacles and drinking fountains), or any other requirement listed in the Building Code. 2. Hours of Operation. Except as otherwise provided, hours of operation for Outdoor Storage areas shall be consistent with those for the primary use. 3. Signs. No additional business identification or advertising signs for Outdoor Storage areas shall be allowed above the maximum allowable sign area for the corresponding primary use as established in Chapter 18.42 (Sign Standards). 4. Maintenance. Outdoor Storage areas shall be kept free of garbage and other debris. 5. Distance from Residential Uses. Except as otherwise expressly allowed in this Zoning Code, no use involving any Outdoor Storage of goods or merchandise shall be located less than 100 feet from the property line of a residentially zoned parcel without prior approval of a Minor Use Permit. However, a Minor Use Permit shall not be required for the following activities when located less the 100-foot separation requirement: storage of up to two on-site vehicles associated with the sale, lease, or rental of vehicles with no vehicle service, repair, cleaning, or fueling. D. Operational Standards. The following operational standards shall apply to all permanent Outdoor Storage activities: 1. Location. Outdoor Storage may not be located within any required front or street side setback for the applicable zone within which the activity is located. 2. Screening. a. Outdoor Storage shall be screened from public view by a solid wall or fence or by other screening as approved by the Director. b. No Outdoor Storage shall extend above the height of any screening wall or fence, except as expressly authorized through the Minor Use Permit. c. Screening of Outdoor Storage shall comply with Chapter 18.34 (Fences, Walls, and Hedges). 3. Off-Street Parking. Off-street parking associated with permanent Outdoor Storage shall comply with Chapter 18.38 (Off-Street Parking Regulations and Design Standards).