7.b)1) Planning Commission Recommendations to Approve Ordinance No. 131 Amending Ordinance No. 122-Accessory Structures Meeting Date: 6/19/2012
Agenda Item: � � � �
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City Council Agenda Report
City of Scandia
14727 209th St. North
Scandia, MN 55073 (651) 433-2274
Action Requested: Consider the recommendation of the Planning Commission to approve
Ordinance No. 131 Amending Ordinance No. 122, the City of Scandia
Development Code, Chapter 2, Section 3.2 (Accessory Structures.)
Deadline/Timeline: N/A
BaCkground: • Mr. Roger Thomasen, 14757 Oren Road, addressed the Council .
during the Public Forum at the February 21, 2012 City Council
meeting. Mr. Thomasen farms approximately 350 acres. He
stated that the standards for accessory structures do not permit him
to build the size building that he needs for storage of his
equipment on the 40-acre parcel in his ownership. He requested
the council consider revising the regulations for agricultural
buildings to be similar to those of many surrounding communities
which allow unlimited number and size of agricultural buildings
on parcels 20 acres or greater.
• The Council discussed the matter at its March 13, 2012 Work
Session meeting. The Council directed staff to draft an ordinance
amendment that would allow unlimited size and number of
accessory structures for agricultural purposes on lots of 30 acres or
greater.
• The Planning Commission held a public hearing on a proposed
ordinance at its May 1, 2012 meeting. Mr. Thomasen was the
only speaker.
• After some discussion, the Planning Commission requested that
staff prepare some changes to the table in the draft ordinance to
clarify the number and size of accessory buildings for parcels over
10 acres in size.
• The Commission reviewed the revised draft at its June 5 meeting
and recommended approval by the Council. The ordinance as
recommended would:
➢ allow an unlimited number and square footage for agricultural
buildings on parcels larger than 20 acres in size;
➢ retain the current limitations on non-agricultural accessory
structures;
➢ allows one agricultural building)in addition to the two non-ag
Page 1 of 2
06/06/12
buildings now allowed) up to a total of 5,000 square feet, on
parcels more than 10 acres but less than 20 acres in size. (The
current limit is 2 buildings up to a total of 3,500 square feet.)
• Some comments from the public were received at the June 5
meeting.
➢ Chris Ness commented on his concern about allowing an
unlimited number and size of agricultural buildings on parcels
between 20 and 30 acres of size. Scandia's zoning
requirements have resulted in a number of parcels in that size
range which are not in agricultural use.
➢ James Schneider questioned a section of the code that is not
proposed to be amended (3.2 (2)(A)) which states that"No
accessary structure shall be constructed on a lot prior to the
construction of the principal structure on the lot." He asked
about the definition of a principal use. A "Principal Structure
or Use" is defined as "All uses or structures that are not
accessory uses or structure. " An"Accessory Use or
Structure" is defined as "A use or structure on the same lot
with, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate
to, the principal use or structure. "
➢ Bill Voedish appeared in support of the amendment, citing the
needs for indoor riding arenas (which are commonly 12,000 to
20,000 sq. ft.) on parcels less than 80 acres in size, and which
are prohibited by the current regulations. He discussed the
economic benefits of equine operations to the community.
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Council accept the recommendations of the
Planning Commission and adopt the Ordinance.
Attachments/ • Draft Ordinance No. 131 (Redlined Version)
Materials provided: . Draft Ordinance No. 131 (Clean Copy)
• Excerpt of Planning Commission Minutes, May 1, 2012 and June
5, 2012 (Draft)
• Letter from Laurie Carlson and Bill Voedisch dated June 4, 2012
Contact(s):
Prepared by: Anne Hurlburt, Administrator
(ordinance 131 accessory structures)
Page 2 of 2
06/06/12
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CITY OF SCANDIA
ORDINANCE NO.: 131
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 122, THE SCANDIA DEVELOPMENT CODE,
CHAPTER 2, SECTION 3.2 REGARDING ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
The City Council of the City of Scandia, Washington County, 1V�innesota hereby ordains:
Section 1. Amendment. Ordinance No. 122, the City of Scandia Development Code
("Development Code", or "Code"), Chapter Two, Section 3.2, Accessory Structures, shall be
amended to read as follows:
3.2 Accessory Structures
(1) Required Permits. A building permit is required for all accessory structures except the
following: 1) agricultural buildings as defined herein and 2 non-agricultural accessory
structures that are 120 square feet or smaller. An administrative permit is required for all
agricultural buildings and agricultural accessory structures.
(2) All Accessory Structures.The following standards apply to all accessory structures.
(A) No accessory structure shall be constructed on a lot prior to construction of the
principal structure on the lot.
(B) No detached accessory structure, including storage sheds, shall be located closer to the
road right�f-way than the principal building on a lot without a variance unless all of
the following conditions are met:
l: The accessory structure is at least 200 feet from the road right-of-way on lots of
five(5)acres or more; and
2. All setbacks are met.
(3) Residential and Agricultural Accessory Structures.The following additional standards apply
to all residential and agricultural accessory structures:
(A) All accessory structures,except agricultural buildings such as barns or silos on parcels
of 20 acres or larger in size, shall be limited to one story in height except��prav�
^�� ���a;*;�r�, r T�o Do-m:+ as otherwise allowed by a Conditional Use Permit in
accordance with this Code.
Ordinance No. 131,Draft for June 19,2012 City Council Meeting Page 1 of 4
(B) The permitted total square footage and number of all accessory structures is as
follows:
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I Residential Accessory Structures
jnon-agricultural) A ricultural Buildin s
I Number o Total Square Number o Total Square
Lot Size Structures FootaQe Structures FootaQe
I Parcels less than 1 acre 1 720 scLft.
1 acre to 3.00 acres 1 1,000 sq. ft.
More than 3.00 acres and 2 2,000 s ft. None None
less than 5.00 acres q'
� 5.00 acres to 10.00 acres 2 2,500 sq.ft.
1 aQricultural 5,000 sq. ft.
More than 10.00 acres to 20.00 2 3,500 sq.ft. buildinQ(3 �cludinQ non-
acres total a�ricultural
buildines.
I More than 20.00 acres to 30.00 2 4,500 sq.ft.
acres
More than 3a.�0 acres to 40.00 No limit No limit
acres � 5,500 sq.ft. provided nrovided
More than 40.00 acres to 60.00 2 6,000 s . ft. structures are structures are
acres q agricultural agricultural
More than 60.00 acres to 80.00 2 7,000 scLft. buildinQs. buildings
acres
I More than 80.00 acres 2 8 000 s . ft.
Ordinance No. 131,Draft for June 19,2012 City Council Meeting Page 2 of 4
(C) One single story shed of 120 square feet or less is permitted in addition to the number
of accessory structures listed in Section(B), above. Ice fishing houses stored on
parcels of land during summer months shall be deemed to be the permitted shed.
(D) All detached accessory structures are to be used for personal use or agricultural use
only.No commercial use or commercial-related storage is allowed in these structures.
(E) No land shall be subdivided so as to have a larger structure and/or exceed the total
number of structures as permitted by this Development Code.
(F) Domestic Farm Animals. Accessory structures used to shelter domestic farm animals
shall meet the following requirements:
1. All domestic farm animal structures, feedlots and manure storage sites shall be
setback as follows:
Natural/Man-Made Features Horizontal
Setbacks
(a) Any property line 100 feet
(b) Any existing well or residential structure on t3�e 50 feet
same parcel
(c) Any seasonal or year-round wetland,lake or stream 200 feet
2. Said structure, feedlot or manure storage shall not be placed on slopes which
exceed 13%.
(G) For the purpose of determining the size,number and location of agricultural buildings
on farms 40.00 acres or greater,the lot shall include all contiguous tax parcels farmed
as a unit as evidenced by common ownership within a family or other entity
cornprised of some or all of the family members, or a combination thereof.
(4) Commercial and Industr�al Accessory Structures.The following additional standards shall
apply to commercial and industrial accessory structures:
(A) One accessory structure is allowed on a parcel provided it is used for storage related to
the principal use of theproperty.No separate business is allowed in the accessory
structure.
(B) The accessory structure shall be placed to the rear of the principal building and
conform with applicable setback requirements and lot coverage standards.
(C) No accessory building shall exceed 35 feet in height.
Ordinance No. 131,Draft for June 19,2012 City Council Meeting Page 3 of 4
Section 2. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its adoption and
publication according to law.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Scandia this 19`h day of June, 2012.
Randall Simonson; Mayor
ATTEST:
Anne Hurlburt, Administrator/Clerk
Ordinance No. 131,Drafi for June 19,2012 City Council Meeting Page 4 of 4
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CITY OF SCANDIA
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ORDINANCE NO.: 131
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 122, THE SCANDIA DEVELOPMENT CODE,
CHAPTER 2, SECTION 3.2 REGARDING ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
The City Council of the City of Scandia, Washington County, Minnesota hereby ordains:
Section 1. Amendment. Ordinance No. 122, the City of Scandia Development Code
("Development Code", or "Code"), Chapter Two, Section 3.2, Accessory Structures, shall be
amended to read as follows:
3.2 Accessorv Structures
(1) Required Permits. A building permit is required for all accessory structures except the
following: 1) agricultural buildings as defined herein and 2)non-agricultural accessory
structures that are 120 square feet or smaller. An administrative permit is required for all
agricultural buildings and agricultural accessory structures.
(2) All Accessory Structures.The following standards apply to all accessory structures.
(A) No accessory structure shall be constructed on a lot prior to construction of the
principal structure on the lot.
(B) No detached accessory structure, including storage sheds, shall be located closer to the
road right-of-way than the principal building on a lot without a variance unless all of
the following conditions are met:
1. The accessory structure is at least 200 feet from the road right-of-way on lots of
five(5)acres or more; and
2. All setbacks are met.
(3) Residential and Agricultural Accessory Structures.The following additional standards apply
to all residential and agricultural accessory structures:
(A) All accessory structures,except agricultural buildings such as barns or silos on parcels
of 20 acres or larger in size, shall be limited to one story in height except as otherwise
allowed by a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with this Code.
Ordinance No. 131,Draft for June ]9,2012 City Council Meeting Page l of 3
(B) The permitted total square footage and number of all accessory structures is as
follows:
Residential Accessory Structures
(non-agricultural) Agricultural Buildin s
Number of Total Square Number of Total Square
Lot Size Structures Foota e Structures Foota e
Parcels less than 1 acre 1 720 s . ft.
1 acre to 3.00 acres 1 1,000 s .ft.
More than 3.00 acres and 2 2,p00 s ft. None None
less than 5.00 acres 4'
5.00 acres to 10.00 acres 2 2,500 sq.ft.
1 agricultural 5,000 sq. ft.
More than 10.00 acres to 20.00 2 3,500 sq.ft. building(3 including non-
acres total) agricultural
buildings.
More than 20.00 acres to 30.00 2 4,500 sq.ft.
acres
More than 30.00 acres to 40.00 2 5,500 s ft. No limit No limit
acres q� provided provided
More than 40.00 acres to 60.00 2 6 000 s fr. structures are structures are
acres ' �' agricultural agricultura]
More than 60.00 acres to 80.00 2 7 000 s ft. buildings. buildings
acres ' q'
More than 80.00 acres 2 8,000 sq. ft.
(C) One single story shed of 120 square feet or less is permitted in addition to the number
of accessory structures listed in Section(B), above. Ice fishing houses stored on
parcels of land during summer months shall be deemed to be the permitted shed.
(D) All detached accessory structures are to be used for personal use or agricultural use
only.No commercial use or commercial-related storage is allowed in these structures.
(E) No land shall be subdivided so as to have a larger structure and/or exceed the total
number of structures as permitted by this Development Code.
(F) Domestic Farm Animals. Accessory structures used to shelter domestic farm animals
shall meet the following requirements:
1. All domestic farm animal structures, feedlots and manure storage sites shall be
setback as follows:
NaturaU Man-Made Features Horizontal
Setbacks
(a) Any property line 100 feet
(b) Any existing well or residential structure on the 50 feet
same arcel
(c) Any seasonal or year-round wetland,lake or stream 200 feet
2. Said structure, feedlot or manure storage shall not be placed on slopes which
exceed 13%.
Ordinance No. 131,Draft for June 19,2012 City Council Meeting Page 2 of 3
(G) For the purpose of determining the size, number and location of agricultural buildings
on farms 40.00 acres or greater, the lot shall include all contiguous tax parcels farmed
as a unit as evidenced by common ownership within a family or other entity
comprised of some or all of the family members, or a combination thereof.
(4) Commercial and Industrial Accessory Structures.The following additional standards shall
apply to commercial and industrial accessory structures:
(A) One accessory structure is allowed on a parcel provided it is used for storage related to
the principal use of the property. No separate business is allowed in the accessory
structure.
(B) The accessory structure shall be placed to the rear of the principal building and
conform with applicable setback requirements and lot coverage standards.
(C) No accessory building shall exceed 35 feet in height.
Section 2. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its adoption and
publication according to law.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Scandia this 19th day of June, 2012.
Randall Simonson, Mayor
ATTEST:
Anne Hurlburt, Administrator/Clerk
Ordinance No. 131,Draft for June 19,2012 City Council Meeting Page 3 of 3
May 1, 2012
The Scandia Planning Commission held their regular monthly meeting on the above date.
• Commission Chair Maefsky called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following were in
attendance: Commission Chair Christine Maefsky, Commissioners Jan Hogle, Tom Krinke,
Steve Philippi and Peter Schwarz. Staff present: City Administrator Anne Hurlburt, City Planner
Sherri Buss and Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA, MINUTES
Krinke, seconded by Schwarz, moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion
carried 5-0.
Commissioner Philippi suggested that the word "could"be changed to "may" on page 3,
paragraph 8, of the April 3, 2012 minutes, as this was the intent of the speaker. Hogle, seconded
by Krinke, moved to approve the Apri13, 2012 minutes as corrected. The motion carried 5-
0.
Commissioner Philippi added his commentary concerning the April 3 meeting, which was the
public meeting on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Zavoral Mining and
Reclamation Project. Consultants from AECOM allowed a limit of five minutes for each
speaker, which Commissioner Philippi felt had the speakers rushing through their presentations
and possibly curtailing their input. Commissioner Hogle agreed that it gave the appearance of
stifling the public input.
City Administrator Hurlburt explained that the consultants felt very strongly on the time limit,
and allowed the time to be extended when necessary. Based on the consultants' experience, they
felt this would avoid repetition and speakers could get there points across more efficiently.
Commissioner Schwarz stated that everyone was given the opportunity to speak and none were
cut off. Commissioner Philippi said that it was a productive meeting,but the tone appeared
harsh.
P BLIC HEARING: DRAFT ORDINANCE NO. 130, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO.
122, THE CITY OF SCANDIA DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 2, SECTION 3.2
(ACCESSORY STRUCTURES)
At their March 13 Work Session, the City Council discussed revising the regulations for
agricultural buildings. Roger Thomasen raised this issue during the Public Forum of the February
21 Council meeting. Mr. Thomasen stated that the current standards do not allow him to build
the size building he needs for the storage of his farm equipment on his 40-acre parcel. Mr.
Thomasen farms approximately 350 acres, and provided copies of ordinances from surrounding
communities which do not have limits on ag buildings on 20 acres or greater.
The Council directed staff to draft an ordinance amendment that would allow unlimited size and
number of accessory structures for agricultural purposes on lots of 30 acres or greater. City
Administrator Hurlburt explained the table within the draft ordinance as related to total allowed
buildings and total square feet, with columns separating ag and non-ag buildings. Hurlburt stated
that the reasons for the limits are to prevent future uses that are not compatible to the residential
May 1, 2012
Scandia Planning Commission �
Page 2 of 5
nature of the property, such as a commercial use. There could be a question of what may happen
to the buildings over time once a farming operation no longer exists.
Hurlburt recommended the commission hold the public hearing and discuss the proposed
ordinance.
Commissioner Maefsky opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.
Roger Thomasen, 14757 Oren Road, Scandia: Mr. Thomasen stated that he understood the
reasons to limit size due to concerns of illegal uses that could occur in the future, but foresees
renting out the buildings for agricultural storage once the farming operation ceases.
Commissioner Philippi asked Mr. Thomasen to explain the nature of his type of farm. Mr.
Thomasen stated that he rents land from three or four different owners for a total of 350 acres,
some of the land which is a mile away. Mr. Thomasen said that renting land at increasing
distances is quite common, and he knows farmers that travel up to 50 miles between their farm
and the rented property. Smaller parcels can no longer support one farm, and renting additional
land is a necessity. Larger parcels are being divided and contiguous ag parcels are becoming
rare.
Mr. Thomasen explained that he will be losing the storage buildings that he uses off-site from his
property and that it is a hardship to have his equipment stored up to a mile away.
There were no additional public comments and Chair Maefsky closed the public hearing at 7:26
p.m.
Chair Maefsky asked for clarification about the table within the draft ordinance which lists the
total square footage and number of accessory structures. Administrator Hurlburt explained that
the new table added a column for non-ag accessory structures and should be clearer than the
current table in the development code.
Commissioner Schwarz asked how an ag building is defined. Administrator Hurlburt read the
definition from Chapter One and stated that it is related to the state law definition. The building
must be on agricultural land, designed to hold farm implements, livestock, or ag produce or
products.
Maefsky suggested the table be revised to have four columns to more clearly define between ag
and non-ag buildings, and the size and number allowed. Commissioners were in agreement with
this revision.
The Commissioners then discussed the acreage that would allow unlimited size and number of ag
buildings, and questioned why parcels greater than 30 acres was determined, and not 20 acres as
is common for surrounding communities. Commissioner Hogle stated that a 30-acre parcel
seems arbitrary if not for a valid reason. Schwarz stated that the designation should be lowered to
20 acres.
. ` May 1, 2012
Scandia Planning Commission
Page 3 of 5
Hurlburt recommended the Commissioners resolve the question of how many acres should you
have to allow for unlimited non-ag buildings; should it be 20 or 30 acres. Hurlburt explained that
under state tax law, a 10-acre parcel can qualify as an agricultural classification. Under the state
building code, a building permit is not required for ag buildings on 20-acres or greater.
Commissioner Hogle stated that her concern is requiring 30 acres when 20 is common in other
communities and sees no particular reason for it to be 30 acres.
Chair Maefsky said that limiting the ordinance to a 30-acre parcel is restrictive and it gives the
appearance that Scandia is not friendly to agriculture. Maefsky stated that the intent of the
Comprehensive Plan is to be friendlier to agriculture.
Commissioner Schwarz agreed that it seems counterproductive to allow more animals on smaller
lots, and then not increasing the size of buildings allowed for more storage. Schwarz stated that it
appears there is a fear of having larger accessory structures and what they may be used for. The
Commissioners also discussed increasing the number of ag buildings allowed on smaller parcels.
Chair Maefsky recommended increasing the total square footage for ag buildings on parcels
between 5 and 10 acres to 3,500 square feet, and 10 and 20 acres to 5,000 square feet. The
Commissioners reviewed the requirements allowed for surrounding communities as a
comparison. City Planner Buss suggested that a graduated table incorporating these changes be
prepared for the next meeting. Commissioners agreed this would be helpful before action is
taken on the ordinance revision, and decided to postpone further action to the June 5 meeting.
There was some discussion on proportionally basing the size of accessory sh-ucture on the
acreage,but City Administrator Hurlburt advised that this could be confusing and may require a
survey of the property to determine acreage most accurately. It's more common to have definite
breaks between categories.
City Administrator Hurlburt summarized the changes that will be made to the draft ordinance for
discussion at the June meeting. The table will be revised to more clearly define the size and
number of allowed ag and non-ag buildings. Ag structures will be allowed on properties greater
than 10 acres, and there will be no limit on size of ag structures on parcels greater than 20 acres.
The square footage of ag buildings will be increased to 5,000 for parcels between 10 and 20
acres. The current limits for non-ag structures will remain as they are in the current ordinance.
The number of ag buildings will be increased to 3 on 10 to 20-acres parcels and no limit for
number of ag buildings on properties greater than 20 acres. Commissioners agreed that seeing
the table would make their recommendation more clear.
Commissioner Philippi stated that recommending the proposed changes is consistent with the
goals of the Comprehensive Plan by privileging agricultural use and by bringing Scandia's
requirements in line with neighboring communities.
, ' June 5, 2012
Scandia Planning Commission
Page 2 of 4
Schwarz, seconded by Philippi, moved to recommend that the City Council authorize
sending the draft plan to the reviewing agencies for the formal review period as required
by law. The motion carried 3-0.
City Administrator Hurlburt stated that the City Council will review the plan at the June 19
Council meeting. If approved, a resolution will be adopted to authorize that the plan be sent to
reviewing agencies for a 60-day period beginning July 1. The Planning Commission will then
review the agency comments and proposed revisions at their September 4 meeting, for adoption
by the City Council on September 18.
DRAFT ORDINANCE NO. 131, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 122, THE CITY OF
SCANDIA DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 2, SECTION 3.2 (ACCESSORY
STRUCTURES)
At its May 1s1 meeting, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on a proposed
amendment to the Development Code that would allow unlimited size and number of accessory
structures for agricultural purposes on lots of 30 acres or greater. After discussion of the
amendment, the Planning Commission lowered the lot size to 20 acres for unlimited size and
number of ag buildings. Other changes were requested and action was postponed to the June
eeting so that staff could prepare a table which would more clearly show the revised standards.
he table was included in the draft ordinance for review by the Commissioners:
Residential Accessory
Structures (non-
agricultural) Agricultural Buildings
Number of Total Number of Total
Structures Square Structures Square
Lot Size Footage Footage
Parcels less than 1 acre 1 720 s . ft.
1 acre to 3.00 acres 1 1,000 s . ft.
More than 3.00 acres and 2 2 000 s ft. None None
less than 5.00 acres ' q'
5.00 acres to 10.00 acres 2 2,500 s . ft.
1 5,000 sq. ft.
More than 10.00 acres to agricultural including
20.00 acres 2 3,500 sq. ft. building (3 non-
total) agricultural
buildings.
More than 20.00 acres to 2 4,500 sq. ft.
30.00 acres
More than 30.00 acres to No limit No limit
40.00 acres 2 5,500 sq. ft. provided provided
More than 40.00 acres to structures structures
60.00 acres 2 6,000 sq. ft. are are
More than 60.00 acres to agricultural agricultural
80.00 acres 2 7,000 sq. ft. buildings. buildings
More than 80.00 acres 2 8,000 sq. ft.
June 5,201�
Scandia Planning Commission �
Page 3 of 4
Commissioner Krinke commented that the table was very clear and accurate to the suggested
changes. Krinke asked for comments from those in attendance at the meeting.
City Council member Chris Ness: Ness explained his recommendation for the parcel standard to
be set at 30 acres for unlimited size and number of ag buildings. Ness stated that the
development code at the time allowed acreage to be divided into lots of 20 acres or greater and
the remaining parcels between 2 to 4 acres; therefore it is more common to have lots less than 30
acres. He reasoned that once a farmstead is divided into lots,the farming operation has ceased
and there is no longer a need for ag buildings to be built. Ness stated that he is concerned about
the future use of large buildings and would rather be proactive now to prevent unlawful uses than
after the fact.
City Council member Jim Schneider: Schneider stated that he has no problems with the revised
standards and asked for clarification of the term "principal structure" as written in Section
3.2(2)(A). This sentence stated that no accessory structure may be built on a lot prior to
construction of the principal structure on the lot. City Administrator Hurlburt explained that this
has been part of the standard for many years and is commonly found in zoning codes. Planner
Buss added that communities have concerns on how a structure will be used if there is not a
homeowner on the property, which can then become an enforcement problem. Hurlburt further
explained that building permits can be issued concurrently for a detached structure and the
principal dwelling with conditions that the dwelling be completed within a designated amount of
time.
Bill Voedisch, 14625 Old Guslander Trail; May Township Board Chairman: Mr. Voedisch
referenced a letter written June 4 which the Planning Commissioners received at the meeting.
Mr. Voedisch stated that he was in favor of the proposed ordinance change, particularly for the
benefits to equine operations. He went on to state that indoor riding arenas and storage for hay
and machinery can easily put the needed amount of accessory building square footage at 10,000
to 15,000 or more. His experience in May Township has demonstrated that viable equine farms
can operate on parcels ranging from 20 to 60 acres. Mr. Voedisch added that equine farms can be
a large asset to the community by providing jobs for youth and by purchasing from local
businesses.
Commissioner Philippi stated that he has spoken with residents and that lowering the standard
for unlimited size to 20 acres may be going too far too fast.
Planner Buss advised that it may be questionable if an agricultural operation can be run on
parcels between 20 and 30-acres, but there is a trend to Community Supported Agriculture
(CSA). These farms can be viable on smaller parcels, and storage facilities are seen as a
necessity.
City Administrator pointed out the examples that came before the Commission, such as Mr.
Thomasen's situation in which he was farming ten times his home acreage, and Mr. Voedisch's
riding arena operation.
' June 5,2012
� Scandia Planning Commission
Page 4 of 4
Schwarz, seconded by Krinke, moved to recommend that the City Council adopt the
proposed amendment to the Development Code regarding Accessory Structures (Draft
Ordinance No. 131). The motion carried 3-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Philippi, seconded by Schwarz, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 3-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Depury Clerk
June 4, 2012
To: Scandia City Planning Commission
Scandia City Administrator
From: Laurie Carlson and Bill Voedisch
Re: Why some farms of 20.01 to 60 acres need large accessory buildings
Dear Commissioners and Administrator,
As horse people, we in May Township have always wondered why Scandia has been so biased
against equine operations. When you adopted an ordinance that required 80 acres to have
unlimited sized accessory buildings, you effectively said ... "Equine farms— STAY OUT!"
We are pleased you are reconsidering this requirement.
The reasons reveal themselves once you understand the needs of an equine facility. Anyone
wanting a year-round, weather-proof riding/training environment needs an indoor riding arena,
and these are generally 60 to 70 feet wide by 100 to 140 feet long for the most common sized
arenas. In addition to 6,000 to 10,000 sq feet for the arena,horse housing, hay storage and
machinery storage needs can put the amount of needed accessory building square footage at
10,000 to 15,000 or more.
More than just larger equine trainin oarding facilities need this space
The need for this space is obvious for those with horse training/boarding operations. However
small breeders/trainers as well as just single-families with a passion to train and show horses also
need a year round riding facility.
Your ordinances prevent all of this unless the owner has at least 80 acres.
20 to 60 acres is sufficient
Rather than 80 acres, a viable equine farm can operate on 20.01 to 60 acres. In the last 12 years
in May Township, at least four(4) very nice equine farms have been built from scratch on bare
acreages ranging in size from 35 to 59 acres. These are all attractive farms that preserve open
space and feature graz�ng animals Our May Township Comp Plan deems these smaller farms
as assets to the community, and should be encouraged
You might want to look at these operations; we could give you a tour. If these weren't horse
farms, they might just be a bunch of houses. We have 59 acres but in reality we could ogerate
almost everything we have that supports our horse operation on a little over 20 acres.
Part time jobs for our youth are created
Our equine farm employs one part time "barn steward" and other youth during haying season,
and for pasture mowing. Other equine operations will tell you the same ... they employ part-
time neighborhood youth to work their farms. This is a good thing, right?
Horses are "a�-icultural"
MN state law defines horses as "agricultural." If there was ever any doubt of this, it was put to
rest by a successful law suit against Sherburne County and a further clarification to MN Statutes
passed in 20l]. Scandia should follow state law and treat horse fanns and their reasonable
needs, as "agricultural." An indoor riding arena is a reasonable need for an equine operation.
Therap.y ridin�non-profits can never consider Scandia
A special equine application is therapy riding for disabled individuals. We operate such a
program in May Township for We Can Ride (WCR). Whether WCR, River Valley Riders or
Courage Riders, none of us could consider building an operation in Scandia with your ordinances
as they are now. These programs operate best with an indoor arena.
In closing, we urge Scandia to drop its requirement that to have large buildings requires 80 acres,
and revert to the 20.01 acres that you used to have and that your neighboring communities and
the County, still use. Doing so will treat equine operations as the valuable assets that they are.
(NOTE: We have owned acreage in Scandia since 1996, which has been crop farmed for
decades. We have no plans to develop this land,but some day it would be nice if equine
operations were a possible option.)
Thank you for your consideration.
Most cordially,
Laurie Carlson and Bill Voedisch
14625 Old Guslander Trail Marine MN 55047
Ph: 433-5976