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05.b UDC Amendment for Exterior Storage of Vehicles - PC Packet 1 | P a g e Date of Meeting: August 5, 2025 To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council From: T.J. Hofer, Consultant City Planner Re: UDC Amendment for Exterior Storage of Vehicles City staff have prepared a draft ordinance that would amend a section of the Unified Development Code to address concerns around exterior storage of vehicles. The Council tabled the amendment for further review and revisions at the June 17, 2025, City Council meeting. Revisions were made by staff and the City Council reviewed an updated ordinance at the August 5, 2025. The City Council directed staff to bring the item before the Planning Commission again as the ordinance amendment changed significantly and the Council believed another public hearing would be beneficial and warranted. Revisions to the ordinance were drafted to address concerns expressed about the limits on exterior storage placed on larger lots. Staff have revised the ordinance to establish a standard for allowed exterior storage based on lot size with additional permissions and restrictions related to riparian lots. OVERVIEW OF DRAFT ORDINANCE Two versions of the draft ordinance are attached, one that shows the changes between the ordinance presented at the June 12, 2025, City Council meeting, which was recommended by the Planning Commission, and the current draft and one that shows only the proposed text in a clean format. The version that shows changes includes comments regarding the purpose or intent of the proposed change. Summary of Changes to the Ordinance • Additional standards were added to clarify the allowances for boat docks and boat lifts. • Proposed standards setbacks and allowed locations of exterior storage were added. This standard includes a requirement that LRV and RCV stored in the side or rear yard on RR- G lots be setback 100 ft. from the road right-of-way, reduced from 200 ft. • A standard regarding exterior storage screened from property lines and abutting public streets is proposed. • The number of allowed LRV and RCV allowed on a residential and agricultural lots have been revised from a maximum of two, to a number based on the size of a lot or parcel with a maximum of five, as detailed in Table 153.400.090-1. • Standards previously proposed for the Rural Residential Neighborhood district have been revised to apply to riparian lots. 2 | P a g e • The number of allowed LRV and RCV on riparian lots has been amended to reflect Table 153.400.090-1, resulting in a reduction of LRV allowed. • Table 153.400.090-2 has been revised to reflect the proposed changes; however, the associated diagram has not yet been revised. • An additional standard has been added to clarify how the number of vehicles on vacant lots is determined. ANALYSIS Staff Analysis Staff finds that the proposed amendment is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and UDC. The drafted standards further establish standards for exterior storage, allow for additional storage on larger lots, and allow staff a greater ability to act on violations of the ordinance. With the change in standards, staff would ask the Planning Commission to discuss the following and recommended amendments accordingly: Storage on Pervious Surfaces The previous ordinance allowed for lots zoned Rural Residential Neighborhood (RR-N) to store LRV and RCV on pervious surfaces. This was discussed heavily by both the Planning Commission and City Council, and additional information was received by the watershed districts within the City. The watershed districts generally stated that they did not support storage of vehicles on pervious surfaces, but they would not consider a vehicle stored on pervious surfaces to be an impervious surface without the ground being compacted over time. With the reduction in number of allowed storage, the need for storage on impervious surfaces may be unnecessary. The Planning Commission should discuss whether storage on pervious surfaces should be allowed and if so, on what types of lots (riparian v. nonriparian). The graphics below have been prepared as an example. Storage on Pervious Surfaces Storage on Impervious Surfaces 3 | P a g e Staff notes that enforcement of an ordinance that requires vehicles to only be stored on impervious surfaces does create difficulties with enforcement for potential violations that are not visible from the public right-of-way. This type of standard does give staff greater ability to address nuisance issues such as junk vehicles in yards. Location of LRV and RCV The previous ordinance allowed for storage of LRV and RCV in the front yard of nonriparian lots that were zoned RR-N. With the changes in allowed number of LRV and RCV removing this allowance or restricting the location in the front yard to the driveway may be appropriate as less storage will be needed. The Planning Commission should discuss the appropriate locations for LRV and RCV and if there should be any delineation as to when front yard storage is allowed. The graphics below have been prepared as an example. Storage in All Yards Storage in Side or Rear Only COMMISSION ACTION The Planning Commission can do one of the following: 1. Recommend approval, with or without conditions, of the attached resolution. 2. Recommend denial, with findings, of the attached resolution. 3. Table the request for further review/study. RECOMMEDNATION Staff recommends that the Planning Commission open a public hearing and receive any and all comments from the public. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the ordinance, with any amendments that the Planning Commission believes are necessary or appropriate: Motion to recommend the City Council approval of the attached ordinance to amend 153.400.090 and 153.600.030 of the Unified Development Code to amend standards for 4 | P a g e exterior storage and definitions of large recreation vehicles and camping recreation vehicles, with the findings and conditions described within the staff report. Attachments A. Clean Copy - Ordinance 2025-XX Amending the UDC Regarding Exterior Storage, Large Recreation Vehicles, and Camping Recreation Vehicles B. Tracked Changes with Comments Copy - Ordinance 2025-XX Amending the UDC Regarding Exterior Storage, Large Recreation Vehicles, and Camping Recreation Vehicles C. City Council “UDC Amendment for Exterior Storage of Vehicles” packet, dated July 15, 2025 (Attachments Removed) DRAFT COPY ONLY INCLUDES ADDED TEXT Page 1 of 7 CITY OF SCANDIA ORDNANCE NO.: 2025-XX AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCANDIA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE 153.400.090 AND 153.600.030 (A) REGARDING EXTERIOR STORAGE AND DEFINTIONS FOR CAMPING RECREATION VEHICLE AND LARGE RECREATION VEHICLE The City Council of the City of Scandia, Washington County, Minnesota hereby ordains: Section 1 Amendment. The City of Scandia Unified Development Code (“Development Code”, or “Code”), Chapter 153.400.090 Exterior Storage, shall be amended by adding the underlined text and deleting the stricken text as follows: 153.400.090 EXTERIOR STORAGE Subd. 1. Summary and Intent. The City is made up of lots and parcels that vary widely in size. The presence exterior storage is more easily felt on smaller lots. Additionally, 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 lot sizes and 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. (A) 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: I. Construction, landscaping, and agricultural materials, dumpsters, and equipment currently (within a period of 6 months) being used on the premises. II. 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]. III. Recreation Equipment and Recreation Facilities may be stored outside. IV. Docks and boat lifts may be stored outside subject the standards established in this Section V. Large Recreational Vehicles (LRV) or Recreation Camping Vehicles (RCV) subject to the standards established in this Section. VI. Recreation Camping Vehicles, while parked or stored, may be used as a human dwelling place, living abode or living quarters, on property on which a permanent dwelling is located for a period not to exceed 30 days per year ATTACHMENT A DRAFT COPY ONLY INCLUDES ADDED TEXT Page 2 of 7 while visiting the resident of said property. The recreation camping vehicle or trailer must have compliant self-contained sanitary facilities. (B) Storage of Large Recreational Vehicles (LRV) or Recreation Camping Vehicles (RCV). Storage of large recreational vehicles or recreation camping vehicles is permitted on residential and agricultural parcels as follows: I. Generally, in addition to the requirements below, the exterior storage of large recreational vehicles is permitted, provided that: a. Location. i. LRV and RCV may be stored in the front, side, and rear yard, provided setbacks are met. ii. Vehicles must be stored entirely on the owner’s property and must be located at least five feet from the side lot lines, and at least 10 feet from the rear lot line. iii. LRV and RCV must be stored on impervious surfaces. iv. LRV and RCV may be parked or stored within a designated driveway within the right-of-way, but may not extend past the edge of the street pavement. v. Within the RR-G district, LRV and RCV must be stored in the side or rear yard and at least 100 ft. from the road right-of way. 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. vi. 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 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 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 24 hours. d. Any LRV or RCV not enclosed in a building but entirely screened from abutting public streets and adjacent property is not considered to be exterior storage. DRAFT COPY ONLY INCLUDES ADDED TEXT Page 3 of 7 II. Number of LRV and/or RCV Allowed a. The number of LRV and/or RCV allowed as exterior storage on a lot or parcel shall be regulated per table 153.400.090-1. Table 153.400.090-1. Number of LRV and/or RCV Allowed Lot Size Number of LRV Allowed on Lot Number of RCV Allowed on Lot Parcels less than 0.25 Acres 1 1 0.26 to 0.5 Acres 2 1 0.51 to 0.75 Acres 3 1 0.76 to 1.00 Acres 4 1 1.0 and larger 5 2 III. Riparian parcels. Riparian parcels within the city have a unique need for storage as there are typically additional vehicles, such as boats, or equipment, such as docks and boat lifts, that need to be seasonally stored on the property. In addition to this, many existing riparian lots in the city are nonconforming and unlikely to be able to be made conforming through the standards established in the UDC. The following standards apply to riparian parcels: a. Boats, boat docks, and boat lifts may be stored outside on the lake side of lakeshore parcels, the front yard on riparian lots and are not included in the total number of LRV or RCV permitted on those parcels in items IV and V below. b. On vacant riparian lots, where storage is allowed as described in 153.400.090 Subd. 4, only boats, boat docks, and boat lifts may be stored. c. Location. LRV or RCV may be stored on pervious or impervious surfaces. Table 153.400.090-2. Exterior Storage of Vehicle Standards Summary Standard Diagram Lot Categories Non-Riparian Riparian Number of motor vehicles 4 4 Number of LRV (maximum) Based on Parcel Size Based on Parcel Size Number of RCV (maximum) Based on Parcel Size Based on Parcel Size Vehicle setback (front, rear), except paved driveway (ft.) • Front lot line 10 ft. 10 ft. • Rear lot line 10 ft. 10 ft. • Side lot line 5 ft. 5 ft. DRAFT COPY ONLY INCLUDES ADDED TEXT Page 4 of 7 Standard Diagram Lot Categories Non-Riparian Riparian • Side lot line, corner lot 20 ft. 20 ft. Allowed within right-of -way, in driveway Not Allowed Not Allowed RCV and LRV allowed in: • Front Yard1 Allowed Not Allowed, Boats, boat docks, and boat lifts allowed • Side Yard Allowed Allowed • Rear Yard Allowed Allowed 1The front yard on a non-riparian lot is often the yard between the street and principal structure, the front yard on a riparian lot is the yard between the principal structure and the adjacent waterbody. DRAFT COPY ONLY INCLUDES ADDED TEXT Page 5 of 7 (C) Off-Street Parking for Residential and Agricultural Uses. I. The number of vehicles that may be parked or stored outside of a building on improved parking areas, except visitors and guests by permission of the property resident, shall be four motor vehicles, or based on the number of licensed drivers that reside on a property, whichever number is greater. II. Off street parking facilities accessory to residential and agricultural uses must be utilized solely for the parking of passenger automobiles, pickup trucks, trucks with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) 12,000 pounds or less and no more than 30 feet in length, vehicles defined as an RCV, and LRV. III. Larger trucks, contracting or excavating equipment, and storage trailers, aside from those allowed in 153.400.010 Subd. 2. (B), may not be parked, stored, or otherwise located on any lot, with the following exceptions: a. Trucks, tractors, and other vehicles and equipment directly associated with an agricultural use of the property. b. 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 IV. Licensed vehicles parked or stored outside on residential or agricultural property shall be parked as follows: a. Vehicles must be parked on a paved driveway or other impervious surface that is a designated driveway or parking area. b. 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. c. Vehicles shall not be stored in the right-of-way, outside of a designated driveways. Subd. 3. Non-Residential and Non-Agricultural Uses. (A) 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. (B) All such exterior storage allowed by a conditional use permit in commercial/industrial areas must be screened as provided by Section [153.400.060], with the following exceptions: I. Merchandise being displayed for sale; II. Materials and equipment currently being used for construction on the premises; and III. Merchandise located on service station pump islands. DRAFT COPY ONLY INCLUDES ADDED TEXT Page 6 of 7 Subd. 4. 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 on a non-contiguous parcel only when such a lack of contiguity is due to the presence of a dedicated public right-of-way that are under the same ownership on which a principal structure is constructed. Exterior storage on allowed vacant parcels shall meet structure setbacks established in Section [153.200]. For the purposes of determining the amount of vehicles that may be stored, the total contiguous land area shall be used. Subd. 5. 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. Section 2 Amendment. The City of Scandia Unified Development Code (“Development Code”, or “Code”), Chapter 153.600.030 Definitions of Use, Standards and Terms (A), shall be amended by adding the underlined text and deleting the stricken text as follows: 153.600.030 DEFINITIONS OF USE, STANDARDS AND TERMS (A) This subsection will list all definitions contained in this Chapter. 192. Recreation Vehicle, Camping: Any travel trailers, chassis-mounted campers, motor homes, tent trailers, slide-in campers, and 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. 193. Recreation Vehicle, Large (LRV): Recreational vehicles that are operable and licensed (if required) including but not limited to: airplanes, converted buses, snowmobiles and trailers, boats/watercraft and trailers, ice fish houses and trailers, all-terrain vehicles, and utility trailers. DRAFT COPY ONLY INCLUDES ADDED TEXT Page 7 of 7 Section 3 Planning Commission. The Planning Commission discussed the proposed ordinance at their May 6, 2025, meeting and held a public hearing on the amendment at a public hearing at their May 6, 2025, meeting. Two comments were made at the public hearing. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the ordinance. Section 4 Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its adoption. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Scandia this XXth day of ____ 2025. Steve Kronmiller, Mayor ATTEST: Kyle Morell, City Administrator June 2025 Draft – Red Underline July 2025 Revisions – Blue Underline and Blue Strikethrough Moved Text From June Draft – Green Underline and Green Strikethrough Page 1 of 10 CITY OF SCANDIA ORDNANCE NO.: 2025-XX08 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCANDIA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE 153.400.090 AND 153.600.030 (A) REGARDING EXTERIOR STORAGE AND DEFINTIONS FOR CAMPING RECREATION VEHICLE AND LARGE RECREATION VEHICLE The City Council of the City of Scandia, Washington County, Minnesota hereby ordains: Section 1 Amendment. The City of Scandia Unified Development Code (“Development Code”, or “Code”), Chapter 153.400.090 Exterior Storage, shall be amended by adding the underlined text and deleting the stricken text as follows: 153.400.090 EXTERIOR STORAGE Subd. 1. Summary and Intent. The City is made up of lots and parcels that vary widely in size. The presence exterior storage is more easily felt on smaller lots. Additionally, 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 lot sizes and 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. (A) 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: I. Construction, landscaping, and agricultural materials, dumpsters, and equipment currently (within a period of 6 months) being used on the premises. II. 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]. III. Recreation Equipment (non-vehicular), including docks and boat lifts, and Recreation Facilities may be stored outside. III.IV. Docks and boat lifts may be stored outside subject the standards established in this Section IV.V. Storage of not more than 2two Large Recreational Vehicles (LRV) or Recreation Camping Vehicles (RCV) subject to the standards established as permitted in this Section. Commented [TH1]: Amendment to purpose statement to clarify new standard inclusions and new standards. ATTACHMENT B June 2025 Draft – Red Underline July 2025 Revisions – Blue Underline and Blue Strikethrough Moved Text From June Draft – Green Underline and Green Strikethrough Page 2 of 10 V.VI. Recreation Camping Vehicles, while parked or stored, may not be used as a human dwelling place, living abode or living quarters, 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. 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. (B) 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: (C) Merchandise being displayed for sale; (D) Materials and equipment currently being used for construction on the premises; and (E) Merchandise located on service station pump islands. (B) Storage of Large Recreational Vehicles (LRV) or Recreation Camping Vehicles (RCV). Storage of large recreational vehicles or recreation camping vehicles is permitted on residential and agricultural parcels as follows: I. Generally, in addition to the requirements below, the exterior storage of large recreational vehicles is permitted, provided that: a. Location. i. LRV and RCV may be stored in the front, side, and rear yard, provided setbacks are met. ii. 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. iii. LRV and RCV must be stored on impervious surfaces. iv. LRV and RCV may be parked or stored within a designated driveway within the right-of-way, but may not extend past the edge of the street pavement. v. Within the RR-G district, LRV and RCV must be stored in the side or rear yard and at least 100 ft. from the road right-of way. 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. Commented [TH2]: Additional standards to clarify that dumpsters are allowed while in use. Additional standards clarifying docks and boat lifts may be stored outside. Removing “non-vehicular” as by definition recreation equipment is non-vehicular. Removing limit of two LRV and RCV and including reference to new standards. Clarifying language regarding use of RCVs as dwellings. Commented [TH3]: Text relocated to later in section. Commented [TH4]: Added since the July 15, 2025 City Council meeting as staff noted there was a missing standard. Commented [TH5]: Added since the July 15, 2025 City Council meeting as staff noted there was a missing standard. Commented [TH6]: Standards for location added based on allowances previously considered for RR-N lots. Additional standards included for RR-G lots, which are generally larger, to require LRV and RCV be setback on to the property, with flexibility built into the ordinance when needed through an administrative permit. June 2025 Draft – Red Underline July 2025 Revisions – Blue Underline and Blue Strikethrough Moved Text From June Draft – Green Underline and Green Strikethrough Page 3 of 10 a.vi. 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 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 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 24 hours. d. Any LRV or RCV not enclosed in a building but entirely screened from abutting public streets and adjacent property is not considered to be exterior storage. LRV and RCV must be stored in the side or rear yard. 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. II. Number of LRV and/or RCV Allowed a. The number of LRV and/or RCV allowed as exterior storage on a lot or parcel shall be regulated per table 153.400.090-1. Table 153.400.090-1. Number of LRV and/or RCV Allowed Lot Size Number of LRV Allowed on Lot Number of RCV Allowed on Lot Parcels less than 0.25 Acres 1 1 0.26 to 0.5 Acres 2 1 0.51 to 0.75 Acres 3 1 0.76 to 1.00 Acres 4 1 1.0 and larger 5 2 c. III. Riparian parcels. Riparian parcels within the city have a unique need for storage as there are typically additional vehicles, such as boats, or equipment, such as docks and boat lifts, that need to be seasonally stored on the property. In addition to this, many existing riparian lots in the city are nonconforming Commented [TH7]: New heading language to established general standards. Existing language that was relocated. Commented [TH8]: Staff originally misinterpreted part of the ordinance to believe that if an LRV or RCV was entirely screened it was not counted towards the limit on a property. This was identified as incorrect, but Council was favorable to the standard so it was added. Commented [TH9]: Standards for location added based on allowances previously considered for RR-N lots. Additional standards included for RR-G lots, which are generally larger, to require LRV and RCV be setback on to the property, with flexibility built into the ordinance when needed through an administrative permit. Commented [TH10]: Revised from previously static numbers. Ultimately leads to less LRV and RCV allowed to be stored on smaller RR-N lots. June 2025 Draft – Red Underline July 2025 Revisions – Blue Underline and Blue Strikethrough Moved Text From June Draft – Green Underline and Green Strikethrough Page 4 of 10 and unlikely to be able to be made conforming through the standards established in the UDC. The following standards apply to riparian parcels: Number of Vehicles. Up to one RCV may be stored on a property. Up to five LRV may be stored on a property. a. Boats, boat docks, and boat lifts may be stored outside on the lake side of lakeshore parcels, the front yard on riparian lots between September 15 and May 30, and are not included in the total number of LRV or RCV permitted on those parcels in items BIV and CV below. b. On vacant riparian lots, where storage is allowed as described in 153.400.090 Subd. 4, only boats, boat docks, and boat lifts may be stored. all vehicles shall meet structure setbacks. Vehicles shall be setback the maximum amount possible and at least 50 ft. from the ordinary high-water level and may encroach into structure setbacks to meet the minimum setback from the ordinary high-water level. c. Location. LRV or RCV may be stored on pervious or impervious surfaces. II. RR-N zoned district. Exterior storage and off-street parking on parcels zoned RR-N are allowed the following: a. Number of Vehicles. i. Up to one RCV may be stored on a property. ii.i. Up to five LRV may be stored on a property. b. Location i. RCV and LRV may be parked or stored within a designated driveway within the right-of-way, but may not extend past the edge of the street pavement. ii. Boats, boat docks, and boat lifts may be stored outside in the front, side, and rear yard. iii. All vehicles must be stored entirely on the owner’s property and must be located at least five feet from the side lot lines, and at least 10 feet from the front and rear lot line, except on driveways. iv. LRV or RCV may be stored on pervious or impervious surfaces. III. Lakeshore Riparian parcels. a. Boats, boat docks, and boat lifts may be stored outside on the lake side of lakeshore parcels, the front yard on riparian lots between September 15 and May 30, and are not included in the total number of LRV or RCV permitted on those parcels in items BIV and CV below. Commented [TH11]: Purpose language added for riparian lot special standard. Commented [TH12]: Riparian lots are the most heavily encumbered by impervious surface coverage. With many riparian lots in the city being smaller lots, additional impervious surface for storage purposes creates challenges to meet lot standards and increase run off to water resources. Storage of RCV and LRV is expected to be largely static with minimal back and forth. Over time pervious surfaces may become impervious due to compaction, but the area created is significantly less than the construction of a concrete slab. Commented [TH13]: Standards for RR-N zoned parcels removed. Some standards removed based on Table 153.400.090-1. Some standards moved to Riparian section above. June 2025 Draft – Red Underline July 2025 Revisions – Blue Underline and Blue Strikethrough Moved Text From June Draft – Green Underline and Green Strikethrough Page 5 of 10 b. On vacant lots, where storage is allowed as described in 153.400.090 Subd. 4, all vehicles shall meet structure setbacks. Vehicles shall be setback the maximum amount possible and at least 50 ft. from the ordinary high-water level and may encroach into structure setbacks to meet the minimum setback from the ordinary high-water level. IV. 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.a. LRV and RCV must be stored in the side or rear yard. 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. V. 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 of any vehicle in the front yard must be located within the side or rear yardat least two hundred (200) feet from the road right-of-way. Table 153.400.090-12. Exterior Storage of Vehicle Standards Summary Standard Diagram Lot Categories RR-NNon-Riparian Riparian Number of motor vehicles 4 4 Number of LRV (maximum) Based on Parcel Size5 Based on Parcel Size Number of RCV (maximum) Based on Parcel Size1 Based on Parcel Size Vehicle setback (front, rear), except paved driveway (ft.)  Front lot line 10 ft. 10 ft.  Rear lot line 10 ft. 10 ft.  Side lot line 5 ft. 5 ft.  Side lot line, corner lot 20 ft. 20 ft. Allowed within right-of-way, in driveway AllowedNot Allowed Not Allowed RCV and LRV allowed in: Commented [TH14]: Standards moved to Riparian section above. Commented [TH15]: Standards included in general standards above. Commented [TH16]: Table updated to reflect new standards. Diagram to be revised. June 2025 Draft – Red Underline July 2025 Revisions – Blue Underline and Blue Strikethrough Moved Text From June Draft – Green Underline and Green Strikethrough Page 6 of 10 Standard Diagram Lot Categories RR-NNon-Riparian Riparian  Front Yard1 Allowed Not Allowed, Boats, boat docks, and boat lifts allowed  Side Yard Allowed Allowed  Rear Yard Allowed Allowed 1The front yard on a non-riparian lot is often the yard between the street and principal structure, the front yard on a riparian lot is the yard between the principal structure and the adjacent waterbody. Commented [TH16]: Table updated to reflect new standards. Diagram to be revised. Commented [TH17]: Planning Commission should discuss. June 2025 Draft – Red Underline July 2025 Revisions – Blue Underline and Blue Strikethrough Moved Text From June Draft – Green Underline and Green Strikethrough Page 7 of 10 (C) In addition to the requirements above, the exterior storage of large recreational vehicles is permitted, provided that: (D) 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. (E) Drainage and utility easements. LRV or RCV may not be parked within a drainage or utility easement. (F) 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. (C) Off-Street Parking for Residential and Agricultural Uses. I. The number of vehicles that may be parked or stored outside of a building on improved parking areas, except visitors and guests by permission of the property resident, shall be four motor vehicles, or based on the number of licensed drivers that reside on a property, whichever number is greater. II. Off street parking facilities accessory to residential and agricultural uses must be utilized solely for the parking of passenger automobiles, pickup trucks, and trucks with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) 12,000 pounds or less, and no more than 30 feet in length, vehicles defined as an RCV, and LRV. III. 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 within an Interim Use Permit. IV. Larger trucks, contracting or excavating equipment, and storage trailers, aside from those allowed in 153.400.010 Subd. 2. (B), may not be parked, stored, or otherwise located on any lot, with the following exceptions: a. Trucks, tractors, and other vehicles and equipment directly associated with an agricultural use of the property.; or b. 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 V. Licensed vehicles parked or stored outside on residential or agricultural property shall be parked as follows: a. Vehicles must be parked on a paved driveway or other impervious surface that is a designated driveway or parking area. Commented [TH18]: Moved to above in the ordinance to list general standards first. June 2025 Draft – Red Underline July 2025 Revisions – Blue Underline and Blue Strikethrough Moved Text From June Draft – Green Underline and Green Strikethrough Page 8 of 10 b. 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. c. Vehicles shall not be stored in the right-of-way, outside of a designated driveways. Subd. 3. Non-Residential and Non-Agricultural Uses. (A) 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. Subd. 3.(B) All such exterior storage allowed by a conditional use permit in commercial/industrial areas must be screened as provided by Section [153.400.060], with the following exceptions: (A)I. Merchandise being displayed for sale; (B)II. Materials and equipment currently being used for construction on the premises; and (C)III. Merchandise located on service station pump islands. Subd. 4. 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 on a non-contiguous parcel only when such a lack of contiguity is due to the presence of a dedicated public right-of-way or lots that are under the same ownership on which a principal structure is constructed. Exterior storage on allowed vacant parcels shall meet structure setbacks established in Section [153.200]. For the purposes of determining the amount of vehicles that may be stored, the total contiguous land area shall be used. Subd. 5. 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. Section 2 Amendment. The City of Scandia Unified Development Code (“Development Code”, or “Code”), Chapter 153.600.030 Definitions of Use, Standards and Terms (A), shall be amended by adding the underlined text and deleting the stricken text as follows: 153.600.030 DEFINITIONS OF USE, STANDARDS AND TERMS (A) This subsection will list all definitions contained in this Chapter. 192. Recreation Vehicle, Camping: Any travel trailers, chassis-mounted campers, motor homes, tent trailers, slide-in campers, and any vehicle or structure which meets the following qualifications: Commented [TH19]: Added to clarify above standards. Commented [TH20]: Only allowed through CUP. Commented [TH21]: There are numerous vacant lots within older neighborhoods like the Bliss addition that have vacant lots that are used for storage. Many of these are nonconforming and should be combined, but the city cannot require this until a process triggers the combination. Allowing the use addresses ongoing activity in the City that is generally considered acceptable. June 2025 Draft – Red Underline July 2025 Revisions – Blue Underline and Blue Strikethrough Moved Text From June Draft – Green Underline and Green Strikethrough Page 9 of 10 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. 193. 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. Section 3 Planning Commission. The Planning Commission discussed the proposed ordinance at their May 6, 2025, meeting and held a public hearing on the amendment at a public hearing at their May 6, 2025, meeting. Two comments were made at the public hearing. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the ordinance. June 2025 Draft – Red Underline July 2025 Revisions – Blue Underline and Blue Strikethrough Moved Text From June Draft – Green Underline and Green Strikethrough Page 10 of 10 Section 4 Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its adoption. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Scandia this 17XXth day of June____ 2025. Steve Kronmiller, Mayor ATTEST: Kyle Morell, City Administrator 1 | P a g e Date of Meeting: July 15, 2025 To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council From: T.J. Hofer, Consultant City Planner Re: UDC Amendment for Exterior Storage of Vehicles City staff have prepared a draft ordinance that would amend a section of the Unified Development Code to address concerns around exterior storage of vehicles. The amendment was last discussed at the June 17, 2025, City Council meeting where the Council tabled the amendment for further review and revisions directed by staff. The staff report to the City Council from the June 17, 2025, meeting is attached. Concerns were expressed about the limits on exterior storage placed on larger lots. Staff have revised the ordinance to establish a standard for allowed exterior storage based on lot size with additional permissions and restrictions related to riparian lots. OVERVIEW OF DRAFT ORDINANCE Two versions of the draft ordinance are attached, one that shows the changes between the ordinance presented at the June 12, 2025, meeting and the current draft and one that shows only the proposed text. Summary of Changes to the Ordinance • Additional standards were added to clarify the allowances for boat docks and boat lifts. • Proposed standards setbacks and allowed locations of exterior storage were added. This standard includes a requirement that LRV and RCV stored in the side or rear yard on RR- G lots be setback 100 ft. from the road right-of-way, reduced from 200 ft. • A standard regarding exterior storage screened from property lines and abutting public streets is proposed. • The number of allowed LRV and RCV allowed on a residential and agricultural lots have been revised from a maximum of two, to a number based on the size of a lot or parcel with a maximum of five, as detailed in Table 153.400.090-1. • Standards previously proposed for the Rural Residential Neighborhood district have been revised to apply to riparian lots. • The number of allowed LRV and RCV on riparian lots has been amended to reflect Table 153.400.090-1, resulting in a reduction of LRV allowed. • Table 153.400.090-2 has been revised to reflect the proposed changes, however, the associated diagram has not yet been revised. ATTACHMENT C Attachments to the July 15, 2025 Staff Report were removed. See note on page 2 of this attachment. 2 | P a g e • An additional standard has been added to clarify how the number of vehicles on vacant lots is determined. ANALYSIS Staff Analysis Staff finds that the proposed amendment is generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and UDC. The drafted standards further establish standards for exterior storage, allow for additional storage on larger lots and allow staff a greater ability to act on violations of the ordinance. COUNCIL ACTION The City Council can do one of the following: 1. Approve, with or without conditions, of the attached resolution. 2. Deny, with findings, of the attached resolution. 3. Table the request for further review/study. RECOMMEDNATION Staff recommends the City Council discuss the revised ordinance. If the City Council prefers the revised version of the ordinance, the Council should recommend the ordinance to the Planning Commission for a public hearing as the ordinance has changed significantly since it was last presented at a public hearing. Attachments A. Clean Copy - Ordinance 2025-XX Amending the UDC Regarding Exterior Storage, Large Recreation Vehicles, and Camping Recreation Vehicles B. Tracked Changes Copy - Ordinance 2025-XX Amending the UDC Regarding Exterior Storage, Large Recreation Vehicles, and Camping Recreation Vehicles C. City Council “UDC Amendment for Exterior Storage of Vehicles” packet, dated June 17, 2025 2025-08-05 Note: Outlined attachments removed from August 5, 2025 Planning Commission Packet. See Previous meeting staff report for all attachments listed.