CCP 04-10-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I . e e ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 27, 2006 3 Councilmember Holden inquired about the accessory structures and them being compatible with the existing structure. She asked if peoplc were allowed to have steel sheds, plastic sheds, membrane stmctures, etc. Mr. Scherbel stated this had been discussed and were addressed in the Ordinance. He noted any accessory structure less than 120 square feet did not require a pem1it Councilmember Grant asked if staff was actively enforcing the membrane structures. Mr. Scherbel responded to be pro active took a lot of time and effort and when this was discussed with Council a few years ago, staff was given direction to enforce actions on a complaint basis. Council member Grant stated he would like to see more active enforcement in order to maintain the quality of the housing stock in the City. Mayor Aplikowski stated it was her personal opinion that either they allowed the membrane structure or they did not allow them, but if they did allow them, it had to be reasonable and clearly set out She agreed the wording was ambiguous with saying the structure had to be compatible to the main structure. She asked if the membrane structure should be part of this also. Councilmember Larson stated he did not sec compatible as meaning the same, just that it was compatible with the main structure. He believed in some ways this gave the inspections department some flexibility in trying to enforce this. He did not believe a tool shed in a back yard made it incompatible. Mr. Scherbel noted he had never received a complaint with respect to a metal shed, but he had received complaints with respect to the membrane structures. He believed the reason he received complaints on the membrane structures was because they were silver in color and stuck out in the area. He also noted the membrane structures tended to be quite a bit larger than a tool shed. Mayor Aplikowski asked if they should have more authority as to what went up and what was not allowed to go up. She asked if membrane structures ofa certain size should be permitted. Councilmember Larson stated he believed the membrane structure was obviously temporary and he would not like one put up on the property next to him. He stated he was comfortable with the way this was written now with them being not allowed. Council member Grant asked if they were going to remain on a complaint only policy" He indicatcd this was a pressing issue. He requested this be put on a work session discussion. Councilmember Holden stated she would be more comfortable with this having the wording "a membranc covcrcd frame". Mr. Scherbel said that the City currently follows the International Building Code (lEC) which covers all membrane structurcs.