§ 8-16. Natural gas line compressor stations.

A.

Natural gas line compressor stations (the "station complex") shall be subject to the minimum development criteria set forth in this section 8-16. As a component of an SUP, the city council may modify the requirements set forth herein as it deems appropriate, to ensure that the station complex is compatible with surrounding land uses.

1.

A building permit shall be required for the station complex.

2.

The station complex shall be situated on a platted lot approved by the city and recorded in the local county jurisdiction.

B.

A minimum building setback for all compressor station buildings and equipment shall be established and maintained for all yards at the distances specified for the zoning district adjoining the station complex as shown below.

1.

Table of building setbacks for compressor station buildings and equipment.

Adjoining Zoning District (applied to both base zoning and PD districts)	Required Building Setback (in feet—applied to all yards)
AG	300
SF-1	300
SF-2	300
SF-3	300
SF-4	300
SF-A	300
DX	300
ZLL	300
MH	300
MF-1	300
MF-2	300
OP	300
NC	300
CC	300
CF	300
LI	200
HI	200

 

2.

Where an adjoining planned development (PD) district contains more than one base zoning district, the most restrictive building setback shall be applied.

3.

Where a compressor station site adjoins a street right-of-way, the required building setback along that right-of-way shall be established by the zoning district designated for the property situated on the opposite side of the right-of-way.

C.

A wrought iron type fence of sufficient height to obscure the entire station complex from public view shall be required along boundary lines that front a dedicated public street right-of-way of any type, or that front a private street right-of-way dedicated for public use. Brick or stone columns shall be constructed on approximate 50-foot centers for such fence.

D.

All compressor station equipment and sound attenuation structures shall be enclosed within a building. Such building shall be designed with the following elements:

1.

The architectural design of the building shall be compatible with the visual context of the surrounding development. Such buildings may be designed as a representation of, but not be limited to, the following building types:

(i)

Barn structure or equestrian facility.

(ii)

Estate residence.

(iii)

School facility or similar institutional use.

(iv)

Gazebo or picnic area enclosures.

(v)

Club house or recreational facility.

(vi)

Retail or office building.

(vii)

Any combination of the above as approved by the city council.

2.

Vehicular access to the boundaries of the station complex from the street thoroughfare shall be paved with a concrete surface at a thickness and design approved by the city engineer or designee. This provision shall also apply to those areas inside the boundaries of the station complex where vehicular traffic and parking is to occur.

E.

The operation of the equipment shall not create any noise that causes the exterior noise level to exceed the pre-development ambient noise levels as measured within 300 feet of the compressor station building(s). The operator shall be responsible for establishing and reporting to the city the pre-development ambient noise level prior to the issuance of the building permit for the station complex.

F.

The compressor station site shall be landscaped in a manner that is compatible with the environment and existing surrounding area.

(Ord. No. 2009-13, § 3, 9-1-09)