Rapid City Planning Commission reviews group home permit for respite care at Big Sky Lodge
October 11, 2024 | Rapid City, Pennington County, South Dakota
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A variance request for a mini warehouse storage facility at 1450 Concourse Drive sparked significant discussion at the Rapid City Planning Commission meeting on October 10, 2024. The proposal seeks to replace the required opaque fencing with an iron fence along the front and a chain link fence on the remaining property lines, raising concerns about security and aesthetics.
The facility, currently under construction, includes six new mini warehouse buildings that were converted from office space to climate-controlled storage. While the zoning code mandates an opaque fence for screening, the applicant argues that the proposed iron fence, complemented by a 100% landscaping buffer, would provide adequate visual separation from the street.
City staff recommended approval of the iron fence but advised against the chain link option, citing insufficient justification for its use. They emphasized that the chain link does not meet the necessary screening requirements and could compromise security, as mini storage facilities are often targets for theft.
Commission members echoed these concerns, noting that the area is a mix of commercial and industrial uses, and the lack of opaque fencing could detract from the neighborhood's appearance. One commissioner pointed out that many similar facilities in the area comply with the opaque fencing requirement, suggesting that the applicant's request appears to be more about cost-saving than necessity.
Public comments included concerns from neighboring property owners about potential access issues related to the proposed fencing. An attorney representing a nearby property owner requested a delay in the decision to gather more information regarding easements and access points.
In conclusion, while the commission is inclined to approve the iron fence with landscaping, the fate of the chain link fence remains uncertain as discussions continue regarding its appropriateness and impact on the surrounding area. The commission's decision will ultimately shape the facility's integration into the community and its compliance with local zoning standards.
The facility, currently under construction, includes six new mini warehouse buildings that were converted from office space to climate-controlled storage. While the zoning code mandates an opaque fence for screening, the applicant argues that the proposed iron fence, complemented by a 100% landscaping buffer, would provide adequate visual separation from the street.
City staff recommended approval of the iron fence but advised against the chain link option, citing insufficient justification for its use. They emphasized that the chain link does not meet the necessary screening requirements and could compromise security, as mini storage facilities are often targets for theft.
Commission members echoed these concerns, noting that the area is a mix of commercial and industrial uses, and the lack of opaque fencing could detract from the neighborhood's appearance. One commissioner pointed out that many similar facilities in the area comply with the opaque fencing requirement, suggesting that the applicant's request appears to be more about cost-saving than necessity.
Public comments included concerns from neighboring property owners about potential access issues related to the proposed fencing. An attorney representing a nearby property owner requested a delay in the decision to gather more information regarding easements and access points.
In conclusion, while the commission is inclined to approve the iron fence with landscaping, the fate of the chain link fence remains uncertain as discussions continue regarding its appropriateness and impact on the surrounding area. The commission's decision will ultimately shape the facility's integration into the community and its compliance with local zoning standards.
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