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City of Mounds View Staff Report <br /> February 26, 1998 <br /> Page 2 <br /> • Should staff take a more proactive or reactive approach to Code enforcement ? <br /> Historically, staff has responded to complaints as they are brought to our attention unless the <br /> property is in flagrant violation of City Codes. This practice has been compromised recently due <br /> to the large number of planning and development cases presented to the City resulting in a gradual <br /> lessening of the amount of time devoted to Code enforcement. <br /> • Should the City require that all driveways be improved by a certain date ? <br /> The issue here is that vehicles are to be parked upon an improved surface. If a resident has a dirt <br /> driveway, where is he or she to park? Obviously on the driveway(or in the garage if one is <br /> available), but where does the edge of the dirt driveway stop and the dirt of the yard begin? <br /> While we do not have accurate data with regard to the number of unimproved driveways, we <br /> estimate that there are at least 150 unpaved drives in the City, which would represent about five <br /> percent of the single- and two-family homes. Requiring that all drives be improved is common <br /> among first tier and fully developed cities. The City of Columbia Heights recently passed such an <br /> ordinance. Would such a requirement be overly burdensome to our residents? The cost to pave <br /> a typical driveway is anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 dollars. The same driveway improved with an <br /> approved gravel surface might cost 50 to 75 percent less. Either way, for people on fixed <br /> budgets, any amount might be too much. <br /> • Should the City Require that RVs be parked upon an improved surface ? <br /> The past practice with regard to recreational vehicles is that they have been allowed pretty much <br /> anywhere, even though the Code specifically states that all vehicles shall be parked upon an <br /> improved surface. It may be more appropriate for RVs to be parked in a rear or side yard on a <br /> gravel parking spot (contiguous to the driveway if possible) rather than the front yard. While I'd <br /> rather not generate a"St. Louis Park"-like revolt, we do need to know how to handle this. <br /> Conclusion: <br /> Staff will continue to enforce the Code to the best of its time and ability, but seeks guidance as to <br /> the desired level of proactivity. In addition, staff would like guidance from the Council with <br /> regard to the sections of City Code that regulate where vehicles are allowed to be parked and <br /> whether or not any amendments to the City Code are warranted. <br /> C:\OFFICE\WPWIN\WPDOCSUERICSONWEHICLES.CC <br /> • <br />