Owensville Planning and Zoning Commission members on Monday approved a motion forwarding an application from Daryl Heidbrink for a conditional use permit, seeking authorization to build storage units in a commercially-zoned property, to the Board of Aldermen.

A public hearing has been scheduled at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, for aldermen to take the next step and receive comments in person or in writing prior to making a final decision on the request on Heidbrink’s request to build storage units at 906 West  Franklin Avenue. A public notice appears in this week’s Republican as required by city code.

Heidbrink’s son, Brad, was at the meeting and fielded questions from commission members about the proposed storage units. He said they would be building 20-unit metal structures with tin roofs, each individual unit measuring 10-by-15-foot.

He and his father intend to building one unit “and go from there,” he told the commissioners about the request to construct four units on the site.

Peggy Farrell, deputy city clerk, reminded P&Z members that building storage units on a highway commercial-zoned site requires a conditional use permit, according to city code. City zoning also requires a buffer zone be installed in a commercial zone bordered by a residential zone as is the case in this request.

A developer who receives permission to build these types of units will be required to install either 6-foot tall chain-line fencing with privacy slats, landscaping of an “evergreen planting material,” or trees “of a certain height” (at least 8 feet tall) to mask off the development from the neighboring residences. The developer is also required to abide by the 25-foot setback rules which apply.

Noel Arnold, who had asked about property values in residential areas potentially decreasing, made the motion to move forward with the request and send it to the city’s elected officials for the public hearing. It received a second from Calvin Ruth. Also voting by voice in support of the motion were Lahmeyer, and elected officials Denise Bohl (Ward 2 alderman) and John Kamler, mayor, who have voting privileges on the P&Z Commission. Tom Lahmeyer, chairman of the commission presided over the meeting.

Residents and property owners within 185 feet of the proposed development will be receiving notification from the city about the Nov. 15 public hearing as required by city code. Aldermen on Nov. 15 can approve the request by motion and majority vote since there is no requirement to wait a certain number of days for formal approval.