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Accessory Building Report October 18, 2006 Page 2 Attached to this report is a table illustrating the results of a survey taken of neighboring and nearby communities as to what their respective cities allow for accessory buildings. It can be seen that Mounds View’s allowances tend to be more generous than other communities to the extent that we have been told the reason some people have moved to Mounds View is to benefit from larger and multiple garages and storage buildings. Design Requirements: The Zoning Code and Building Code do not regulate or require design guidelines for accessory buildings less than or equal to 952 square feet. Only the size, height and setbacks of the building are controlled. In an effort to prohibit substandard and temporary buildings, the Code was amended to introduce certain basic restrictions but actual design guidelines are absent from the Zoning Code. It is only when the structure exceeds 952 square feet that the structure is required to exhibit a uniform design and appearance with the dwelling unit. Questions: 1. After four years of “experience” with the increased accessory building allowances, is there a need to re-examine the allowances and perhaps adopt more stringent controls regarding the size, height and number of such accessory buildings? 2. If so, should the City Council establish a committee of residents, appointed and elected individuals to determine the most appropriate changes? 3. Should the City adopt design guidelines for ALL accessory buildings rather than just those in excess of 952 square feet? Recommendation: Please review the attached City Code requirements regarding accessory buildings. After discussing the regulations in open forum, staff is hopeful some of the above questions can be addressed via a recommendation to the City Council. _____________________________________ James Ericson Community Development Director