Council considers drafting rules for industrial/commercial outside storage after resident inquiry

Council discussed a written inquiry asking whether village zoning allows industrial outside storage—specifically, parking or long‑term storage of trailer and tractor‑trailer units on commercial or industrial lots. Staff said the current code contains junk/abandoned vehicle provisions and rules on containers, but council identified a gap: there is no explicit standard requiring screening, fencing, or special permitting for large outside storage yards in commercial/warehouse areas.

Council members said they would prefer proactive code language to require landscape screening or fencing and to identify licensing, insurance and site‑improvement expectations for outside storage. Staff recommended the solicitor draft model ordinance language addressing industrial outside storage (fencing, screening, paved surfaces or maintenance standards) for council review.