05-27-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 27, 2015 way given the increased railroad traffic in the City. This citizen has suggested that fences up to 12 feet be allowed in this situation. The Planner indicated that in discussing this at the Planning Commission, it was felt that a fence of this height along one property would not do much to block out noise. The Planner stated that it was indicated that visibility may be just as much of a factor as the noise. The Planner reported that the current ordinance has a provision for special purpose fences by Conditional Use Permit which would allow for a fence height in excess of the 6 '/2 foot maximum allowed by Code. The Planner presented the Council with an ordinance amendment that would establish parameters for special purpose fences along railroad rights-of-way. He noted that a Conditional Use Permit and a building permit would still be required for these fences. The Planner also noted that at its meeting, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance amendment with the additional condition that a structural engineer would be required to certify the fence design given the height of the structure. Keis asked if this was something that the Building Official could do. The City Planner indicated that depending on the fence design, the Building Official may be able to sign off on the plans. However, again depending on the fence design, structural certification may be required. The Planner noted that there are fence plans available that come along with structural certifications. Keis asked if obtaining structural certification for a fence plan was expensive. The Planner was not sure of the cost for obtaining a separate engineering certification, and again mentioned that there are plans available with certifications. Torkelson asked if the 12 -foot high fence would be allowed only along the railroad right-of-way. The Planner replied that the 12 feet would be allowed only on the rear or side yard adjoining the railroad right-of-way. Montour asked how the railroad right-of-way would be delineated. The Planner replied that it is not uncommon to require a survey along with a fence permit. Montour asked if permission would be required from the railroad if the fence is placed on the property line. The Planner replied that that would be correct. However, no permission is needed if the fence is placed 2 feet inside the property line. The City Administrator noted that the 2 foot distance is so that there is room for the property owner to maintain the area outside the fence. Fischer asked about a listing of acceptable building materials for the fence. The Planner noted that item 7 in the ordinance lists maintenance free material, such as vinyl, brick, or weather -resistant metal or wood. He suggested that the last line of that provision be reworded to read "Other 4