02-22-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 22, 2012 McGraw stated that he would like clarification of what Anderson plans to store on his property. McGraw agreed that the Fire Marshal should evaluate the property from a Fire Code standpoint. Anderson stated that he is requesting a Variance to store his fire wood, boat/trailer, and utility trailer in his front yard in the furthest northeast corner. Keis pointed out that there is a composting bin and landscaping items in the area of the fire wood. Those would have to be removed. Anderson stated that some of the landscaping items had wood piled on top, but that he would remove those items. Montour stated that the fire wood would have to be stored in compliance with Code. Anderson stated that he never said he would not store the wood in compliance with Code, only that he did not agree with the Code. The City Administrator reported that the City has dealt with a number of code issues relative to fire wood storage on pallets. While this is currently not allowed under the Code, the Administrator felt it was reasonable and pointed out that many people store their wood in this manner. The Administrator reported that in updating the City's Nuisance Ordinance, this is one issue that City staff had been planning to present to the Council for discussion, again indicating that this issue has been raised previous to the Anderson Variance request. Montour asked if the Code contains a definition of recreational trailer. The City Planner replied that it does not. The Code does say that recreational equipment can be stored in the rear yard. The Planner noted that it is common for homeowners to have utility trailers that they use for hauling. Keis noted that Roberto had a 4 -place utility trailer and asked how long it is. Roberto responded that it was 18 feet long. Montour pointed out that the Planning Commission discussed screening with plantings versus fencing. Montour noted that the City Code limits the height of fencing to 4 feet in front yards. Montour noted that if the wood pile or the boat is six feet in height, a 4 foot fence provides little screening. Montour also noted the Planning Commission's recommendation relative to screening and asked if the intention was to screen just the wood pile or the boat /trailer and utility trailer as well. The City Planner stated that both staff's and the Planning Commission's recommendation was for screening the entire outdoor storage area. hIe noted that the applicant indicated that there were some existing trees adjacent to the storage area, and the Planner stated that his recommendation was for additional plantings to supplement the screening provided by the trees. Roberto pointed out that there was discussion about the ability of plantings to survive in the gravel area adjacent to the storage. 11