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Item No: 04 Meeting Date: Feb 2, 2004 Type of Business: Worksession Administrator Review : _______ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: James Ericson, Community Development Director Item Title/Subject: Review Zoning Code Provisions Related to Temporary Structures Introduction: Staff and the Planning Commission is seeking guidance from the City Council regarding temporary structures in residential districts. A provision in the City’s Zoning Code implicitly prohibits temporary structures, however from time to time the City receives requests for temporary storage structures and up to this point has denied such requests as being inconsistent with the Code. There are situations, however, when allowing a temporary structure would be preferable to other alternatives. It is for this reason Staff asked the Planning Commission to review the Code requirements and make a recommendation as to whether an was in order. Discussion: The Zoning Code implicitly prohibits most “temporary” structures in Subd 1 of Section 1106.03, regarding accessory buildings as accessory uses within the R-1 zoning district. The pertinent language is as follows: “Accessory buildings shall have a weather resistant, treated or finished exterior. Structures composed of tubular metal and canvas or exposed plywood, particle board or similar materials shall not be permitted.” (Emphasis added.) This passage was added to the Zoning Code in 2000 with the adoption of Ordinance 664. The intent of this passage was to effectively prohibit the often unsightly tubular metal framed membrane covered temporary structures as well as unsightly plywood “shacks.” The prohibition, however, prevents staff from allowing membrane structures on a temporary basis under certain conditions. Recent cases which would potentially justify such a temporary “permit” include garage reconstructions, home remodels and reconstructions. Other more common requests are for winter coverage for vehicles stored outside. (Examples of these types of temporary structures are attached for the Commission’s review.) Often times the temporary structures are erected without permission unbeknownst to staff. When complaints are received, staff will investigate and inform the resident that the structure is in fact prohibited and request that it be removed. What do other Communities allow? The City of Crystal recently performed a study regarding temporary structures in response to the same issues Mounds View is experiencing. Mounds View participated in their survey and their survey results are attached. Some cities expressly prohibit such structures; some are