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Planning & Zoning Board <br />November 13, 1996 <br />Mr. Brixius stated that site plans are required for accessory buildings of multiple <br />residential or commercial /industrial developments. A site plan for an accessory <br />building for a single family home is not required because of the administrative <br />cost. Although there was a recent problem with an accessory building on a <br />single family lot, he believes the City communication vehicles, such as the <br />newsletter, could be used to inform residents about the requirements. He <br />suggested that especially in the spring and fall, when new projects are being <br />done, the City consider publishing code requirements. He would like to see the <br />City use that course of action before adopting a permit system for every <br />accessory building. <br />Mr. Dunn asked for clarification of the swimming pool definition and regulations. <br />Mr. Brixius stated that if the pool is 3.5 feet in depth or more, a building permit is <br />required. <br />Mr. Dunn expressed his concern about a pool that is 24 inches deep, which is <br />just as hazardous to young children. <br />Mr. Brixius agreed to review that section for appropriate protective language. <br />Mr. Dunn asked for clarification on the definition of a farm. <br />Ms. Wyland responded that the county and state definition is real estate <br />consisting of 10 acres or more that is exclusively devoted to agricultural use with <br />a certain percentage of the family income derived from working the farm. <br />Mr. Dunn asked for clarification on outside storage regulations, i.e., whether <br />firewood can be stacked in the front yard, as well as the side yard and back yard. <br />Mr. Brixius stated that outside storage is a concern with urban lots. <br />Mr. Dunn referred Board members to page 5 -1, Subd. 1. R, Rural District and <br />stated that the listed guidelines appear to be inconsistent. On the one hand, <br />open space and land for agricultural use is to be preserved; but item No. 4 refers <br />to amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to control urban sprawl. <br />Mr. Brixius explained that the language in this section has not been redrafted. <br />The rural service and urban areas are established by the Comprehensive Plan <br />and are intended to promote orderly growth patterns. Conserving land, <br />controlling urban sprawl and providing needed utilities is more efficiently done <br />when growth is concentrated; and land areas are specifically designated for <br />development or rural use. <br />Chair Schaps added that the intent of this section is to recognize the sanctity of <br />rural property and also the possibility of eventual urban growth. To the extent <br />that urban growth occurs, it should occur in an orderly manner consistent with <br />the Comprehensive Plan. This type of planning prevents a hodge -podge of <br />9 <br />