Title
Text Amendments to OMC Chapter 18.40, Unified Development Code - Briefing
Recommended Action
Information only; no action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve text amendments to OMC Chapter 18.40, Unified Development Code, and forward to City Council for consideration.
Staff Contact:
Cari Hornbein, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8048
Presenter(s):
Cari Hornbein, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8048
Background and Analysis:
The City received an application from a private party to amend OMC 18.40, Unified Development Code. The proposed text amendments, if approved, would allow electric fences within commercial and industrial zones for security purposes. Currently, electric fences are prohibited within city limits except for low-voltage fences for protection of farms or agricultural animals.
Application materials are attached and include justification statements, proposed code language, and photos. Key provisions of the proposed amendments include:
1. Allow electric fences within commercial and industrial zones for increase security.
2. Allow fences up to ten feet in height.
3. Require that the electric fence be completely surrounded by a non-electric fence or wall not less than five feet in height.
4. Require that the fence be energized by a solar-powered storage battery not to exceed 12 volts DC.
5. Require warning signs.
Issues to consider:
1. Should electric fences other than for agricultural use be allowed?
2. If so, should their use be further defined, for example:
a. Allow electric security fences around storage yards only within specific zone districts such as Auto Services, General Commercial, Industrial, Light Industrial, and High Density Corridor, or
b. Allow electric security fences based solely on use regardless of the zone district, for example around storage yards for automobile repair and service, recreational vehicle repair and service, lumber yards, fleet storage, equipment storage, and garden centers.
Next Steps
At the July 18 Planning Commission meeting, commissioners were interested in learning more about crime rates at the Auto Mall and other ‘hot spots’ in Olympia, and whether statistics are available form the Police Department on the type and frequency of auto-related crimes. Commissioners were also interested in the location of storage yards and security measures being taken by the dealerships at the Auto Mall. Staff will report back on this information at the August 1 meeting.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The City received one comment letter during the initial comment period (see attached).
Options:
None at this time.
Financial Impact:
None; review of this proposal is covered in part by the application fee and the Community Planning and Development Department’s base budget.
Attachments:
Justification Letters
Draft Amendments
Photos
Public Comment