06/11/1997 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Planning & Zoning Board June 11, 1997 Page 3 Mr. Robert Benning 6788 East Shadow Lake Drive, stated that the ordinance is a good one. He would prefer a stipulation that permits RV's to be parked in front yards or driveways on a short -term basis only and not stored there. They should not be allowed to remain in front yards more than two or three weeks. Mr. Pat Smith, 6922 West Shadow Lake Drive, stated that it is ludicrous to have to come to City Hall for a permit for friends and relatives to park RV's. Such a regulation takes rights from residents to use their property in the manner they see fit. He would like the City to stop imposing government on residents in the community. Mr. Jerry Berg, 6489 Totem Trail, noted that the ordinance has always been intended to regulate storage. Now parking is included. He would like to see any reference to parking removed. He also noted that not all vehicles may be registered to the resident. Some may be stored as a hobby for restoration. He suggested changing the reference of "registered" to "owned." He further stated that because of the limitations of his driveway he stores vehicles on the side of the driveway. According to the ordinance that area would have to be paved or gravel put down at his expense, when he would prefer to keep the grass. A new surface should not be mandated. Ms. Wyland stated that in areas where there are larger lots, the driveway area is not required to be surfaced. In rural areas driveways can be crushed rock, but any parked or stored vehicle in the front yard must be on a hard surface. Mr. Berg stated that he does not see the necessity for a paved surface in front and believes the setbacks are unreasonable. A 10 -foot setback for all street classifications is sufficient for safety and for snow plowing. Mr. Carl Elmquist, 6310 Otter Lake Road, stated that this whole issue should be skipped. With only five complaints in the City in the past few years, there is no problem and the City should leave well enough alone. Mr. Herr noted that if the Board did not address this issue, the current ordinance that would remain would be more restrictive. Mr. Elmquist stated that the real issue is that people store stuff on their property. He criticized the Board for trying to regulate where people's belongings are stored. Property owners should be left alone to do as they please on their own property as long as it is within reason. • Chair Schaps asked Mr. Elmquist how he knew the board members did not share his view.