06/23/1997 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 23, 1997 Council Member Kuether moved to adopt FIRST READING of Ordinance No. 09 - 97 as • presented. Council Member Bergeson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. • • Consideration of FIRST READING, Ordinance No. 17 - 97, Zoning Ordinance Amendment, Recreational Vehicles (4/5ths vote) - Mr. Brixius explained that the Planning and Zoning Board held a public hearing on April 9, 1997 to take input on the proposed changes to the Recreational Vehicle section of the Zoning Ordinance. This hearing was held before a packed house (including the Senior Center). The vast majority of those in attendance were opposed to the changes recommended (no parking/storage allowed within 30' of the front property line). It was noted that over the last few months staff has received approximately 18 letters and 48 phone calls objecting to stricter regulations on recreational vehicle parking and/or storage. One resident and one Planning Board Member spoke in favor of the new ordinance at the public hearing. In addition, staff has received approximately 70 letters and 6 phone calls requesting tighter controls and/or enforcement of the existing ordinance to reduce unsightly neighborhoods. Mr. Brixius indicated support is evident for both sides of the questions, however, the vast majority of those present and speaking at the public hearing(s) were opposed to tighter controls. He read each condition which must be met to park a recreational vehicle on a residential site and reported the Planning and Zoning Board has recommended approval on a split vote. Council Member Kuether noted the Council has not done anything with regard to this issue except to discuss it at a workshop. She asked how it grew from expanding the identification of recreational vehicles to this current form. Mr. Brixius reviewed the portion of the ordinance relating to parking and storage of recreational vehicles and indicated the setbacks must be met. He explained the current ordinance requires a setback of 30 feet from the front yard which resulted in an enforcement issue. Also, it resulted in many violations. If not enforced, it becomes an issue of pitting property owner against property owner since the City responds on a complaint basis. The new ordinance is more lenient since it allows the parking of a recreational vehicle within the front yard setback. He explained there are currently a lot of property owners in violation since the City is not enforcing this ordinance on a City-wide basis. He stated it was the majority opinion of the Planning and Zoning Board and property owners that this change should be made. Council Member Kuether inquired regarding recourse. Mr. Brixius stated the proposed ordinance allows the parking of a recreational vehicle on a driveway area in the front yard setback. With regard to size of the recreational vehicle, he explained it was discussed but determined that meeting the setbacks and paved area would address that issue. Council Member Lyden asked what type of surface a boat and trailer can be parked on behind the house. Mr. Brixius stated it can be parked on any type of surface since this only applies to the front yard. In response to the request from an audience member to provide input, Mayor Landers first polled the Council and then requested the resident provide her name and address. Judith Seekon, 889 Main Street, asked if the recreational vehicle can be parked in the front yard if it is on a prepared surface and in the hack yard on any type of surface. Mayor Landers stated this is correct. 9