05/14/1997 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Planning & Zoning Board May 14, 1997 Page 6 Arden Hills allows three RV's on a residential lot. She does not want to see the ordinance be too restrictive on private property. Mr. Herr stated that he sees many RV vehicles on side lots that have been paved or treated with rock, and they are probably not in compliance with a 5 -foot setback. He suggested that RV owners obtain a written acceptance from current affected neighbors that would be accepted as an exception to the 5 -foot setback. Ms. Wyland asked what would happen if the neighbor moved, and the new neighbor does not accept it. She believes there may be enforcement problems. Mr. Herr stated that there would have to be a clear understanding with the resident that if a new neighbor does not accept the encroachment of the 5 -foot setback, the RV vehicle would have to be moved. There are enforcement problems now because vehicles are parked in those locations now. People have been paving or providing a rock surface for these parking areas. Mr. Dunn stated that a number of issues have been put on the table: 1) septic systems, 2) number of RV vehicles, 3) setbacks. He believes a workshop session is needed to address all of the issues and make sure that the final ordinance represents the Board's best effort at doing what is best for the City. The 150 people who attended the public hearing represents 1 percent of the City's population, and he feels that it is unpopular to represent the other 13,000, but that is his job. He read the following from a planning commissioner's guide on how planning commissions are to operate: "Planning is clearly based on a public regarding view of government. Planning is supposed to be a future conception of the public interest. Planning theory frowns on any planning policy which is contaminated by influence from special groups." He asked that the Board keep this thought in mind as the process proceeds with this ordinance. Mr. Gelbmann stated that residents on normal residential lots who will not have room for more than two vehicles. Residents with longer lots and more room frequently do not have good access to back or side yards. The curb setback with an unlimited number of vehicles is self- restricting. The proposed ordinance appears to be a good combination of regulations to address these issues. Mr. Brand stated that he wished to remind the Board that the petition that generated an effort to change this ordinance was a petition signed by 58 people. Chair Schaps stated that there will not be a closed discussion or a closed meeting. He emphasized that he does not like to see over legislation, but this issue will be addressed. The ordinance needs to address septic systems.