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03. Exterior Storage in Rural Residential - Neighborhood Zoning District Discussion Staff Report Date of Meeting: April 2, 2025 For: Honorable Mayor and Council From: Kyle Morell, City Administrator Subject: Exterior Storage in Rural Residential -Neighborhood Zoning District Background: It has been brought to my attention that the ordinances in place, which guide exterior store requirements throughout the City, are not in line with what residents of the Rural Residential - Neighborhood (RRH) zoning district believe is appropriate for their location. The City’s RRH districts can be found along lake property throughout the City. The attached zoning maps those RRH districts in yellow. This area includes the Bliss neighborhood, 182 nd St N, Norell Ave. N. 196th St N., and Tii Gavo around Big Marine Lake, Orwell Ave N. around Hay and Sand Lakes, and Melanie Trail N. and Lofton Ct. N. around Bone Lake. As well as lots along Kirby Ave N, west of Manning Trail, and 239th St N, west of Lofton Ave N. Exterior Storage is addressed in the City’s Code of Ordinances (City Code) and the City’s Unified Development Code (UDC). The City Code addresses exterior storage in Chapter 91 Nuisances. The UDC addresses exterior storage in Chapter 153.400.090, Exterior Storage. Both chapter links are on the City’s website in Codes and Ordinances under the Government menu at the top of the page. For this discussion, the City will focus on exterior storage related to the parking and storage of vehicles, including, but not limited to, cars, recreational vehicles (RVs), campers, icehouses, boats, jet skis, and snowmobiles. The current regulations regarding the exterior storage of vehicles can be found in the attached letter, which was sent to residents at the end of February. To summarize the code language outlined in the attached letter, no property may have more than four vehicles and no more than two campers, boats/watercraft, trailers, snowmobiles, or trailers. The City has received complaints from some residents that this limit is unrealistic for properties located on or with access to a lake, particularly those in RRN areas. After discussing this conflict with Deputy Booth and Mayor Kronmiller, we determined it would be best to allow the public to address the Council to propose possible changes to the City Code and UDC that would increase storage limits within the RRN district. I have received a couple of calls from residents who received the letter, asking whether their house is in compliance, which they were. I also received one letter from a resident with suggested changes, which is attached. This will function much like a public hearing, only no action will be taken to adopt changes. If the Council believes changes should be made to the City Code or UDC based on resident input, ordinance changes will be drafted for future consideration. Attachments: Exterior Storage Letter sent to all residents within the Rural Residential – Neighborhood Zoning District. Resident letter with suggested changes. 14727 209 th St. N., Scandia, Minnesota 55073 Phone (651) 433-2274 Fax (651) 433-5112 http://www.cityofscandia.com February 28, 2025 Residents, The City of Scandia has been asked to begin stricter enforcement of its exterior storage rules on properties around recreational and natural environmental lakes within the City. These bodies of water include Big Marine Lake, Bone Lake, Sand Lake, Hay Lake, and Lake Keewahtin. These properties are generally zoned Rural Residential – Neighborhood and generally include lakefront lots. Exterior Storage is addressed in the City’s Code of Ordinances (City Code) and the City’s Unified Development Code (UDC). The City Code addresses exterior storage in Chapter 91 Nuisances. The UDC addresses exterior storage in Chapter 153.400.090 Exterior Storage. Both chapter links are on the City’s website in Codes and Ordinances under the Government menu at the top of the page. For this discussion, the City will focus on exterior storage related to the parking and storage of vehicles, including, but not limited to, cars, RVs, campers, ice houses, boats, jet skis, and snowmobiles. The current regulations related to the exterior storage of vehicles are outlined below. § 91.05 NUISANCE PARKING. (A) Declaration of a nuisance. Outside parking on residentially zoned property of a substantial number of vehicles in violation of the requirements set forth below is declared a public nuisance. (B) Prohibition. A person must not cause, undertake, permit, or allow the outside parking and storage of vehicles on residential property unless it complies with the following requirements: (1) No more than four vehicles per lawful dwelling unit may be parked or stored anywhere outside on residential property, except as otherwise permitted or required by the city. The maximum number does not include vehicles of guests who do not reside on the property. (2) Vehicles that are parked or stored outside in the front yard areas must be on a paved or graveled parking surface or driveway. (Ord. 21-03, passed 11-16-2021) § 91.06 NUISANCE INOPERABLE MOTOR VEHICLES. (A) Declaration of nuisance. Any motor vehicle described in this section shall constitute a hazard to the health and welfare of the residents of the community as such vehicles can harbor noxious diseases, furnish a shelter and breeding ground for vermin, and present physical danger to the safety and well-being of 14727 209 th St. N., Scandia, Minnesota 55073 Phone (651) 433-2274 Fax (651) 433-5112 http://www.cityofscandia.com children and citizens. Motor vehicles also contain various fluids which, if released into the environment, can and do cause significant health risks to the community. (B) Prohibition. It shall be unlawful to keep, park, store, abandon or permit keeping, parking, storing, or abandoning any motor vehicle that is not in operating condition, partially dismantled, or which is not properly licensed for operation within the state. This section shall apply to public lands, streets or alleys, and private lands. (C) Exception. This section does not apply to a motor vehicle enclosed in a building or kept out of view from any street, road, sidewalk, or alley. (Ord. 21-03, passed 11-16-2021) 153.400.090 EXTERIOR STORAGE Subd.1. Summary and Intent. The City is divided into different Character Areas and Zoning Districts each with different dimensional standards and requirements that have a direct impact on the use of property including exterior storage. The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for exterior storage that are correlated to the Character Area and/or Zoning District. Subd. 2. Exterior Storage and Off-Street Parking for Residential and Agricultural Uses. Exterior storage shall be regulated by the following standards. Residential and Agricultural Uses. All materials, machinery, vehicles, and equipment must be stored within a building or fully screened so that it is not visible from adjoining properties and public streets, except for the following: Construction, landscaping and agricultural materials and equipment currently (within a period of 6 months) being used on the premises. Off-street parking of licensed passenger automobiles and pick-up trucks; and the parking of such other motor vehicles as may be permitted by Section [153.400.080]. Recreation Equipment (non-vehicular) and Recreation Facilities may be stored outside. Storage of not more than 2 Large Recreational Vehicles (LRV) or Recreation Camping Vehicles (RCV) as permitted in this Section. Recreation Camping Vehicles, while parked or stored, may not be used as a human dwelling place, living abode or living quarters, except that such a vehicle owned by a non-resident guest or visitor may be parked or occupied by said guest or visitor on property on which a permanent dwelling is located, for a period not to exceed 30 days per year while visiting the resident of said property. The recreation camping vehicle or trailer must have compliant self-contained sanitary facilities. Non-Residential and Non-Agricultural Uses. Exterior storage of useable personal property accessory to an allowed commercial, industrial or other non-residential or non-agricultural use may be allowed by Conditional Use Permit. All such exterior storage in commercial/industrial areas must be screened as provided by Section [153.400.060], with the following exceptions: Merchandise being displayed for sale; Materials and equipment currently being used for construction on the premises; and Merchandise located on service station pump islands. Storage of Large Recreational Vehicles (LRV) or Recreation Camping Vehicles (RCV). Storage of large recreational vehicle or recreation camping vehicles is permitted on residential and agricultural parcels as follows: Lakeshore parcels. 14727 209 th St. N., Scandia, Minnesota 55073 Phone (651) 433-2274 Fax (651) 433-5112 http://www.cityofscandia.com a. Boats, boat docks, and boat lifts may be stored outside on the lake side of lakeshore parcels between September 15 and May 30, and are not included in the total number of LRV or RCV permitted on those parcels in items B and C below. Parcels one-half acre (0.5 acre) or less in area. a. One LRV or RCV may be stored outside on the parcel. b. The vehicle must be stored entirely on the owner’s property and must be located at least five (5) feet from the side lot lines, and at least ten (10) feet from the rear lot line. c. If the physical conditions on the parcel (including but not limited to steep slopes, locations of wetlands, location of the principal structure) prevent the location of the LRV or RCV within the side or rear yard, the property owner may obtain an administrative permit authorizing the location of the vehicle in the front yard. Parcels larger than one-half acre (0.5 acres) in area: a. Up to two LRVs or RCVs may be stored on the parcel. b. The vehicles must be stored entirely on the owner’s property and must be located at least five (5) feet from the side lot lines, and at least ten (10) feet from the rear lot line. c. Storage any vehicle in the front yard must be located at least two hundred (200) feet from the road right-of-way. In addition to the requirements above, the exterior storage of large recreational vehicles is permitted, provided that: a. Corner lots. In the case of a corner lot, LRV or RCV may be stored on the side of an attached or detached garage adjacent to the public road right-of-way, but must be located at least twenty (20) feet from the public right-of-way and must be screened from view by a fence, existing vegetation, or plantings that are a minimum six (6) feet in height. b. Drainage and utility easements. LRV or RCV may not be parked within a drainage or utility easement. c. Parking of licensed LRV and RCV is prohibited on all public roadways except while being loaded or unloaded for a period not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours. Off-Street Parking for Residential and Agricultural Uses. Off street parking facilities accessory to residential and agricultural uses must be utilized solely for the parking of passenger automobiles and trucks with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) 12,000 pounds or less, and no more than 30 feet in length. No more than 4 such vehicles per lawful dwelling unit may be parked or stored outside of a building on parcels of 10 acres or less except visitors and guests by permission of the property resident. More than 4 vehicles may be permitted with an Interim Use Permit. a. Larger trucks, contracting or excavating equipment and storage trailers may not be parked, stored or otherwise located on any lot, with the following exceptions: Trucks, tractors and other vehicles and equipment directly associated with an agricultural use of the property; or When loading, unloading, rendering service or being used in conjunction with a temporary service including, but not limited to, a construction or remodeling project benefiting the premises. Licensed vehicles parked or stored outside on residential or agricultural property shall be parked as follows: 14727 209 th St. N., Scandia, Minnesota 55073 Phone (651) 433-2274 Fax (651) 433-5112 http://www.cityofscandia.com Vehicles must be parked on a paved driveway or other impervious surface that is a designated driveway or parking area. Visitors and guests may park on a boulevard or open yard space with the permission of the owner of the property for up to 72 hours. Vacant Lots. No personal property, vehicles, recreation equipment, large recreational vehicles, recreational camping vehicles, lumber or materials (except during the process of construction of a structure) may be kept or maintained on any lot or property on which a permanent structure is not located. This standard does not include contiguous parcels or lots that are under the same ownership on which a principal structure is constructed. Shipping Containers. No more than one shipping container, intermodal shipping container or freight container may be stored in a side or rear yard in all Zoning Districts, provided that any such side yard storage may not be adjacent to a street and all setbacks must be met. The container may be located on the property for a period not to exceed six (6) months per year, and is only permitted as storage while remodeling or other similar activities relating to the property are active. The City defines Large Recreational Vehicles (LRV) and Recreation Camping Vehicles (RCV) as follows: 1. Recreation Vehicle, Camping: Any vehicle or structure which meets the following qualifications: Any vehicular, portable structure mounted on wheels to be towed by a self-propelled vehicle, and designed to be used as temporary living quarters for travel, vacation uses or for recreational uses. Such structures include travel trailers, pop-up (including folding and retractable) campers, ice-fishing houses, and the like. Any vehicular, portable structure designed to be mounted on a truck upon a self-propelled vehicle for use as temporary living quarters for travel, recreation, or vacation uses. Such structures include, but are not limited to, pick-up campers. Any vehicular, portable structure mounted on wheels, designed to be used as temporary living quarters for travel, recreation, or vacation uses, and which is constructed as an integral part of a self-propelled vehicle. Such vehicles include motorhomes, mini-motorhomes, buses converted into campers, and the like. 2. Recreation Vehicle, Large (LRV): Recreational vehicles that are operable and licensed (if required) including but not limited to: travel trailers, chassis-mounted campers, motor homes, tent trailers, slide- in campers, airplanes, converted buses, snowmobiles and trailers, boats/watercraft and trailers, ice fish houses and trailers, all-terrain vehicles, and utility trailers. With the code language listed above, no property may have more than four vehicles and no more than two campers, boats/watercraft, trailers, snowmobiles, or trailers. The City has heard from some residents that this limit is unrealistic for properties that live on or have access to a lake. The City Council has set aside time at its April 2, 2025, Work Session to listen to public input on the current language and any suggested changes. Feel free to contact me at 651.433.2274 if you have any questions. Sincerely, Kyle H. Morell City Administrator Front yard definition, to be changed throughout – this needs to be changed/clarified to read: For lake parcels, the front yard is property facing the lake. Lots that are NOT lake parcels, should be described to the property between a permanent structure (such as a garage) and the road. Back Yards would then be described the opposite of that above. Section 91.05 Nuisance Parking (B)(2) – Define front yard Section 91.06 Nuisance Inoperable Motor Vehicles C. – Add or nearby properties – Although not adjacent property, I have to look at neighbors inoperable vehicles. Exterior Storage Comments: Section 153.400.090 – Exterior Storage Subd.2(A) – “not visible from adjoining properties” I think this should be changed to “nearby properties”. C I. – Storage of boats, boat docks and boat lifts – REMOVE “may be stored outside on the lake side of lakeshore parcels”. Not sure if appropriate language should be the least intrusive lot possible for homeowner and neighbors when possible? C II. b – ADD a certain number of feet from the road right of way (say 10 plus feet) when possible. C III. b - ADD a certain number of feet from the road right of way (say 20 plus feet) when possible. C V. – No more than 1 trailer that is 30 feet in length should be allowed on properties less than 2 acres and be included in LRV count. RCV Definition Remove fish houses (but only allow 1 per household) as they look more like a shed. The fish house should be required to be in the back yard when possible. LRV Definition REMOVE or do not include: Again, do not include fish houses (but only allow 1 per household), all-terrain vehicles/golf carts and small utility trailers (should define size of utility trailer). You may want to add only of each item is permitted. ADD storage of snowmobiles, boats, watercraft must be stored on a trailer. Bring the total number of LRVs to 3 with the removal of the items listed above. If the items listed above are not going to be removed, the total LRVs should be at least 4. ADD parking of boats, trailers, etc. should be stored in “back yard” when possible and/or at least 10 feet from the road right of way when possible.