09-13-2012 Planning Comm. Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 the area that is typically used for boat or RV storage may become unkempt and unsightly given weeds will grow or other storage will accumulate. The Planner noted that the ordinance amendment does not say that boats cannot be stored within 3 feet of the side lot line in the side yard, it says that if boats are stored in that area, they must be screened. Murphy asked if the City has received complaints around this issue. The Planner indicated that the issue is that property owners are confused in reading the Code, and City staff is requesting more clarity. Duray asked what other cities are doing. The Planner reported that while each city is a little different, and while some cities have gone deeper into the issue of the parking of RVs, most cities do allow some side yard storage. Knudsen asked which sections of the ordinance amendment proposed are more restrictive than the current Code. The Planner replied that the 6 foot height limitation is new, although implied in the current Code. The Planner also indicated that the screening requirement is also implied in the Code, but not necessarily clear. Maleitzke asked if this was a housekeeping item requested by staff and not the result of complaints. The Planner reported that it is a little of both, and noted that staff has requested the amendment to provide them more clarity in explaining side yard storage to property owners. Again, Knudsen asked where this Code was more restrictive. The Planner replied that the proposed language clarifies the current Code, and indicated that the language relative to RV storage is probably the biggest clarification. Knudsen asked if RVs can be parking in the driveway or behind a house. The Planner replied that that was correct, noting that storage of an RV in a rear yard would be subject to a 10 feet setback from the rear property line. Murphy stated that unless there were numerous complaints, she did not see the necessity of this ordinance. Murphy pointed out the nature of the community and the fact that there are lakes in Little Canada. The Planner replied that staff requested the amendment in order to gain clarity when discussing these issues with property owners. Knudsen recommended approval of the Amendment to the Zoning code, Chapter 903, General Provisions, relating to the regulations for the parking of vehicles on residential properties as recommended in the City Planner's report dated September 7, 2012. Motion seconded by Fischer. - 10 -