1992.01.22 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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P.C. Minutes - 1-22-92 page 4 POLE BARNS Administrator Huber noted that over the past year or so there has been much controversy in the City of Hugo with regard to pole barns in rural and residential areas, as well as activities within these buildings. Nowhere in the City's zoning ordinance dealing with residential or agricultural uses does the ordinance identify pole barns as principal buildings or principal uses. The City Attorney concurs with the staff interpretation of the ordinance which requires a special use permit be issued prior to allowing a pole barn on a site without the existence of a principal structure. It becomes very difficult for the staff to interpret the ordinance and deal with this issue equitably for each applicant when there are so many disagreements on ordinance interpretation. Despite past practice and the legal opinion of the City Attorney, there are still representatives of the City who disagree with the manner in which the City has been handling these requests. The City Council recently discussed the need to enforce the current ordinance or change the ordinance and how pole barns are regulated. The Mayor has indicated his concern that pole barns will end up being used for commercial purposes rather than residential or agricultural. The City Administrator also pointed out that people identify accessory building uses as residential or agricultural on their permit applications, then start a commercial business and call it a hobby to get around the law. Dealing with these issues now would be far less costly to the City than trying to correct these situations later. In amending the ordinance, a public hearing is required by the Planning Commission prior to consideration by the City Council. It was recommended that the Planning Commission begin to review certain questions prior to the public hearing process. Mayor Walter Stoltzman welcomed Planning Commissioners to another year of serving the citizens of Hugo and invited all members to attend City Council meetings to keep abreast of the issues brought before the City. Mayor Stoltzman also invited any commissioner to visit the Rice Lake Park Building which is being considered as a new city hall. He stated that the existing city hall can seat a maximum of 45 audience members. The Rice Lake Park Building can accommodate up to 100 seats, while at the same time alleviating the congestion problem for the city staff and the fire department. Motion made by Mezzano, seconded by Olson to adjourn at 8:29PM. All aye, motion passed. Carole LaBelle, Secretary Hugo Planning Commission