01-23-2013 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Aspects of this discussion may include size, and whether storage in the front or side yard might impact this decision. Questions to consider would be what if they're empty? Where can they be kept, and does this matter to the City if the contents of the trailer are visible or not? There are potentially trailers of all sorts to be considered as part of this discussion ... utility trailers, recreational trailers, open /closed trailers. • Trash receptacles. While this item was not included in the initial discussion, it was apparent from the pictures provided that many residential properties keep their receptacles outside near the house. This has also been an issue for which staff has received occasional complaints. Staff is proposing a separate element of the code that would exempt trash receptacles from location or screening requirements, provided they are kept within 5 feet of the principal or accessory structure (except for the day on which they have scheduled trash pick -up). Staff would suggest that the code would include a staff- reviewed exemption for special service arrangements (such as walk -up) allowing staff to approve an alternative storage location, perhaps with appropriate screening. • Screening needs better definition. Staff will propose that when screening is required, it will be to a height of 6.5 feet along the side lot line, specifying that screening of side yard storage and /or parking is not required toward the street. • Staff is recommending that during winter parking restrictions, single family home occupants be permitted to create one or more additional parking spaces in the front yard provided they can demonstrate that they have made every reasonable effort to comply with other parking requirements, and that the additional space is necessary to comply with the winter parking regulations. They would be able to do so without special permit, but would have to demonstrate their need in the event that a complaint results in the City having to investigate. • Finally, staff is further researching the issue of the idea of "operable" vehicles as being not merely mechanically sound, but compliant with state regulations for operating the vehicle on the public streets — this would include proper equipment, clear visibility, and similar aspects of a legal vehicle. Related to this would be vehicles with "Collector" plates — it is the current understanding of staff that such vehicles are not eligible for general driving, rather they are only to be operated for the purpose of traveling to various events. If so, the keeping of such vehicles would typically be considered storage, rather than parking, and should be regulated as such. More information will be provided on this aspect at the workshop. For the purposes of the upcoming workshop meeting, staff hopes to use this material as a discussion guide to accomplish two primary objectives. First, we would like to know whether the standards identified in the chart are acceptable to serve as the applicable zoning regulations (or if not, what should be changed), and second, if the format and presentation of the material is effective, or again, if not, what can be improved. 3