A city council in Andover, Minn., denied a self-storage owners request to develop outdoor storage for trailers, RVs, boats and other vehicles.

Kraig Domogalla requested a conditional-use permit for outdoor storage at his business, ABC Mini Storage, 13624 Hanson Blvd.

In a 3-2 vote, the council denied the request, despite a need for such storage, according to some residents and at least one councilmember, Mike Knight. Three other council members said they had concerns about the aesthetics of the property, claiming its not the direction of redevelopment in which theyd like to focus.

Domogalla proposed adding plastic slats to an existing fence to screen the outdoor storage area, which is visible from Bunker Lake Boulevard and Grouse Street. Knight suggested raising the fence height and adding height restrictions for store vehicles and boats.  Domogalla agreed to these stipulations and also said he would forbid the use of tarps.

Upon further discussion, the council also determined the property didnt meet certain city codes, including parking and storage areas to be paved and have a curb and gutter. The property also didnt meet the required 20-foot setback from the parking area to the front property line on the east side of the site.

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