4/27/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

DISCIIBBION REGARDING AABASSO FLEA MARKET Commissioner Adams advised that she added this to today's Agenda after receiving numerous phone calls from residents in the Wabasso area who wish to continue frequenting the flea market activities in the old post office building. Community Development Director Robert Keating advised that this matter came up before the Code Enforcement Board yesterday. Activities taking place at 87th Street in Wabasso meet the definition of a flea market according to our Code. Our definition of a flea market is very specific and based on the information we have gotten and personal observation by some of the staff, the use constitutes a flea market. According to the Code, flea markets are allowed as administrative permitted uses in the CH and IL zoning districts. They are administrative permit uses because that allows additional criteria over and above those that would be applied to any permitted uses to be established and applied to these uses when they come in. Generally, it has been the County's position in the past to discourage flea markets, particularly in the lower intensity districts like CL which have high visibility because they are along major roadways and associated with a lot of retail. Flea markets are allowed in districts that have industrial uses, warehouse uses, and contractor trade uses. Generally, that has worked well in the past and seems to make sense. Some of the characteristics of flea markets is that generally they are not aesthetic and are not perceived as the best -looking use out there. If they are not carefully controlled, they will develop noise and traffic circulation problems and have other adverse effects. This particular flea market activity is located in a CG district, and CG does not allow flea markets. All the indications are that even though the use is not allowed, the scope of the activity is kept moderate and there are not any actual problems with it at the present time. It is hard to say that this particular use should not be allowed there since it seems to be working out. This went to Code Enforcement because there was a complaint. If this use is allowed in one particular situation, it has to be allowed in all similar situations. Therefore, if this particular use is deemed appropriate for General Commercial (CG), then it would have to be allowed generally throughout the CG districts with the same restrictions and conditions. In'other circumstances, there is no guarantee that the use would be as well maintained or as well conducted. Staff has looked at several ways to solve the situation. One would be to rezone to CH zoning, but a site plan would have to be approved and any necessary infrastructure put in. Another would be a change in the Land Development Regulations 27 APR 71993 boa 89 P,* -378