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06.a Accessory Structure Height Standards - PC Staff Packet 1 | P a g e Date of Meeting: June 2, 2026 To: Chair Loeffler and Members of the Planning Commission From: Greenlee Dahle, Consultant City Planner T.J. Hofer, Consultant City Planner Re: Accessory Structure Height Standards Discussion SUMMARY The Planning Commission is requested to make advisory comments to staff on the proposed ordinance amendment and make a motion to hold a public hearing at a future meeting. The proposed ordinance would amend Sec. 153.200.030 of the Unified Development Code (UDC) regarding accessory structure height standards. BACKGROUND The Planning Commission requested that staff draft ordinance language to address the limitations currently placed on the height of accessory structures in the city. Currently, accessory structures are limited to a maximum height of 35 ft. and cannot be taller than the principal structure, with few exceptions. Staff prepared draft ordinance language to allow accessory structures to exceed the height of the principal structure in certain residential and agricultural zoning districts, subject to conditions and standards. DISCUSSION Staff prepared the following draft ordinance language for the Planning Commission to consider. The draft language uses red strikethrough for deletions and red underline for additions. Sec. 153.200.030 Subd. 2. Agricultural Zoning Districts. Table 153.200.030-3 Agricultural Preserves (A-P) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks Coverage and Height Standards (Maximum) Impervious Surface Coverage 25% H Principal structure height 35 Feet I Accessory structure height 35 Feet, but not taller than Principal Structure Table 153.200.030-5 Agricultural Core (AG-C) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks Coverage and Height Standards (Maximum) Impervious Surface Coverage 25% 2 | P a g e H Principal structure height 35 Feet I Accessory structure height 35 Feet, but not taller than Principal Structure Sec. 153.200.030 Subd. 3. Rural Residential Districts. Table 153.200.030-7 Rural Residential General (RR-G) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks Coverage and Height Standards (Maximum) Impervious Surface Coverage 25% H Principal structure height 35 Feet I Accessory structure height 35 Feet, but not taller than Principal Structure 2.0 – 4.9 acres 35 Feet, but not taller than Principal Structure 5.0 Acres or Greater 35 Feet Sec. 153.200.030 Subd. 6. Accessory Structure Dimensional Standards for all Base Zoning Districts. II. Residential Accessory Structure Flexibility with CUP. Flexibility from the standards established in Table 153.200.030-20 may be permitted with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Provided all other standards and regulations of the Base Zoning District are met, the City shall consider a bonus up to the following limits: a. One additional Structure. b. No more than an additional 25% of total square footage. c. [No more than 1.5 times the height of the principal structure,]/ [35 feet maximum in height, regardless of principal structure height,] provided that: i. All base zoning district standards are met, unless otherwise approved. ii. Side setbacks shall be doubled for the accessory structure. iii. Accessory structures must comply with the design and compatibility standards in Section 153.400. ANALYSIS The existing maximum height limitation of 35 feet for principal and accessory structures is consistent across multiple zoning districts in the UDC. Allowing accessory structures to exceed the height of the principal structure in rural and agricultural districts is consistent with the character of the city. Staff recommend a CUP requirement for smaller parcels to allow for public comment on taller structures. This process ensures compatibility with surrounding properties and character of the city. The Planning Commission should discuss whether a limit of “No more than 1.5 times the height of the principal structure,” or “35 feet maximum in height, regardless of principal structure height,” should be allowed. With a CUP, the Planning Commission would have the 3 | P a g e opportunity to review the request and determine if the proposed structure meets the UDC criteria for approving a CUP. On larger, agricultural and rural residential lots, taller structures would be permitted by right as reasonable use of the property. The request would not require Planning Commission review and would be administratively approved if consistent with the UDC and Comprehensive Plan. Zoning compliance is reviewed at the time of building permit application. COMMISSION ACTION Amendments to the UDC require a public hearing and motion to City Council. The Planning Commission may recommend a UDC amendment and that a public hearing be held on the item at a future date. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommend the Planning Commission discuss the drafted ordinance amendment language detailed in the staff report and provide further direction to staff. The Planning Commission may motion to schedule a public hearing for the ordinance amendment to be heard at a public hearing at the next Planning Commission meeting on July 7, 2026. Attachments A. Draft Ordinance B. Sections from UDC 153.200 C. Section from UDC 153.400 D. Planning Commission Staff Packet, May 5, 2026 (link only) Added Text – Red Underline Removed Text – Red Strikethrough Page 1 of 3 CITY OF SCANDIA ORDINANCE NO. 2026-XX AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCANDIA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 153.200.030 REGARDING ACCESSORY STRUCTURE HEIGHT STANDARDS 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”), Table 153.200.030-3 Agricultural Preserves (A-P) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks, shall be amended by adding the red underlined text and deleting the red stricken text as follows: Table 153.200.030-3. Agricultural Preserves (A-P) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks Coverage and Height Standards (Maximum) Impervious Surface Coverage 25% H Principal structure height 35 Feet I Accessory structure height 35 Feet, but not taller than Principal Structure Section 2 Amendment. The City of Scandia Unified Development Code (“Development Code,” or “Code”), Table 153.200.030-5 Agricultural Core (AG-C) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks, shall be amended by adding the red underlined text and deleting the red stricken text as follows: Table 153.200.030-5. Agricultural Core (AG-C) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks Coverage and Height Standards (Maximum) Impervious Surface Coverage 25% H Principal structure height 35 Feet I Accessory structure height 35 Feet, but not taller than Principal Structure Section 3 Amendment. The City of Scandia Unified Development Code (“Development Code,” or “Code”), Table 153.200.030-7 Rural Residential General (RR-G) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks, shall be amended by adding the red underlined text and deleting the red stricken text as follows: Table 153.200.030-7 Rural Residential General (RR-G) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks Added Text – Red Underline Removed Text – Red Strikethrough Page 2 of 3 Coverage and Height Standards (Maximum) Impervious Surface Coverage 25% H Principal structure height 35 Feet I Accessory structure height 35 Feet, but not taller than Principal Structure 2.0 – 4.9 acres 35 Feet, but not taller than Principal Structure 5.0 Acres or Greater 35 Feet Section 4 Amendment. The City of Scandia Unified Development Code (“Development Code,” or “Code”), Section 153.200.030 Subd. 6. Accessory Structure Dimensional Standards for all Base Zoning Districts, shall be amended by adding the red underlined text and deleting the red stricken text as follows: II. Residential Accessory Structure Flexibility with CUP. Flexibility from the standards established in Table 153.200.030-20 may be permitted with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Provided all other standards and regulations of the Base Zoning District are met, the City shall consider a bonus up to the following limits: a. One additional Structure. b. No more than an additional 25% of total square footage. c. [No more than 1.5 times the height of the principal structure,]/ [35 feet maximum in height, regardless of principal structure height,] provided that: i. All base zoning district standards are met, unless otherwise approved. ii. Side setbacks shall be doubled for the accessory structure. iii. Accessory structures must comply with the design and compatibility standards in Section 153.400. Section 5 Planning Commission. The Planning Commission discussed the proposed ordinance and held a public hearing on the amendment at a public hearing at their ________, 2026, meeting. ____ comments were made at the public hearing. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the ordinance. Section 6 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 ___ day of ___________ 2026. Added Text – Red Underline Removed Text – Red Strikethrough Page 3 of 3 Steve Kronmiller, Mayor ATTEST: Kyle Morell, City Administrator City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.200 ZONING DISTRICTS 153.200 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 04.15.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-05) page-4 Subd. 2. Agricultural Zoning Districts. The Agricultural Zoning Districts are established to protect and preserve the long-term agricultural use of land in the City. Lands zoned with the Agricultural designation are intended to promote the right-to-farm as a principal use with permitted homestead, farmstead and accessory uses. (A) Purpose of Agricultural Preserves (A-P) Zoning District. Lands zoned Agricultural Preserves are parcels enrolled in the Metropolitan Agricultural Preserves according to Minnesota Statute 473H, as amended, and are to remain in long-term agricultural production according to the A-P contract terms. A-P District areas are guided Agricultural Core in the Comprehensive Plan. I. Agricultural Preserves Zoning District Dimensional Standards. The following table is a summary of the Agricultural Preserves District-specific dimensional standards for newly created lots or parcels with private well and septic systems. Table 153.200.030-2. Agricultural Preserves (A-P) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size Lot Dimensions (only for lots created after the effective date of this UDC) A Lot Size (minimum) Density (maximum) 40.0 Acres1 1 Dwelling Units per 40 Acres B Buildable Area (minimum) 1.0 Acres C Lot Frontage on All Roads (minimum) 300 Feet 1 Minimum density and lot size may be reduced if criteria established in Minnesota State Statute 473H is met. Figure 153.200.030-1. Agricultural Preserves (A-P) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.200 ZONING DISTRICTS 153.200 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 04.15.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-05) page-5 Table 153.200.030-3. Agricultural Preserves (A-P) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks Principal and Accessory Structure Setbacks (Minimum) D Front • Minor Arterial 150 Feet from centerline, or 75 Feet from ROW, whichever is greater • Major or Minor Collector 100 Feet from centerline, or 50 Feet from ROW, whichever is greater • Any other Public Street 40 Feet E Side 20 Feet F Rear 50 Feet Accessory Structure Standards for 40.0 Acre Lot1 G Location Behind Principal Structure Size 6,000 SF Residential Accessory Structure Number 2 Residential Accessory Structures No Limit on Agricultural Accessory Structures Coverage and Height Standards (Maximum) Impervious Surface Coverage 25% H Principal structure height 35 Feet I Accessory structure height 35 Feet, but not taller than Principal Structure Other Standards Principal & Accessory Uses See Section 153.300.020-2 Table of Uses Character & Development See Section 153.400 1Accessory Structure Standards identified based on Minimum Lot Size. Accessory Structure Standards can be found in Subd. 6 of this Section. Figure 153.200.030-2. Agricultural Preserves (A-P) Dimension Standards and Setbacks City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.200 ZONING DISTRICTS 153.200 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 04.15.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-05) page-6 (B) Purpose of Agricultural Core District (AG-C). Lands zoned Agricultural Core support, protect and preserve land for agricultural production. The parcels and lots generally contain principal homestead or farmstead uses with a mix of hobby farms, commercial production farms and other agricultural uses. The lands zoned AG-C are guided Agricultural Core in the Comprehensive Plan. I. Dimensional Standards. The following table is a summary of the Agricultural Core District-specific dimensional standards for newly created lots or parcels with private well and septic systems. Table 153.200.030-4. Agricultural Core (AG-C) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size Lot Dimensions (only for lots created after the effective date of this UDC) A Lot Size (minimum) Density (maximum) 2.0 to 5.0 acres, OR 20.0 acres or greater 4 Dwelling Units per 40 Acres B Buildable Area (minimum) 1.0 Acres C Lot Frontage by Lot Size (minimum) • 2.0 – 3.0 Acres 160 Feet • 3.0 – 4.0 Acres 240 Feet • 4.0 Acres or Greater 300 Feet • If on cul-de-sac 60 Feet at terminus Figure 153.200.030-3. Agricultural Core Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.200 ZONING DISTRICTS 153.200 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 04.15.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-05) page-7 Table 153.200.030-5. Agricultural Core (AG-C) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks Principal and Accessory Structure Setbacks (Minimum) D Front • Minor Arterial 150 Feet from centerline, or 75 Feet from ROW, whichever is greater • Major or Minor Collector 100 Feet from centerline, or 50 Feet from ROW, whichever is greater • Any other Public Street 40 Feet E Side 20 Feet F Rear 50 Feet Accessory Structure Standards based on 5.0 Acre Lot1 G Location Behind Principal Structure Size 1,000 SF Residential Accessory Structure Number 1 Residential Accessory Structure Coverage and Height Standards (Maximum) Impervious Surface Coverage 25% H Principal structure height 35 Feet I Accessory structure height 35 Feet, but not taller than Principal Structure Other Standards Principal & Accessory Uses See Section 153.300.020-2 Table of Uses Character & Development See Section 153.400 1Accessory Structure Standards identified based on Minimum Lot Size. Accessory Structure Standards can be found in Subd. 6 of this Section. Figure 153.200.030-4. Agricultural Core Dimensional Standards and Setbacks City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.200 ZONING DISTRICTS 153.200 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 04.15.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-05) page-8 Subd. 3. Rural Residential Districts. The Rural Residential Districts are predominantly single-family principal uses with accessory uses and structures that support the rural character of the City. There are two distinct development patterns in this category including historically platted riparian and non-riparian lots abutting or in proximity to the lakes, and general rural residential patterns with larger lot configurations. The lands zoned for rural residential uses are categorized by two designations and are intended to provide a direct correlation between dimensional standards, use, and development patterns of the area. (A) Purpose of Rural Residential General (RR-G). Lands zoned Rural Residential General (RR-G) are established to provide for principal residential use with estate or large-lot development patterns. The RR-G District includes lot or parcel configurations that are generally unplatted, including mostly non-riparian land. The RR- G District areas are guided General Rural in the Comprehensive Plan. I. Rural Residential General Dimensional Standards. The following table is a summary of the RR-G district-specific dimensional standards for newly created lots or parcels with private well and septic systems. Table 153.200.030-6. Rural Residential General (RR-G) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size Lot Dimensions (only for lots created after the effective date of this UDC) A Lot Size (minimum) Density (Maximum) 2.0 Acres 4 Dwelling Units per 40 Acres B Buildable Area (minimum) 1.0 Acres C Lot Frontage by Lot Size (minimum) • 2.0 – 3.0 Acres 160 Feet • 3.0 – 4.0 Acres 240 Feet • 4.0 Acres or Greater 300 Feet • Cul-de-sac (at terminus) 60 Feet Figure 153.200.030-5. Rural Residential – General (RR-G) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.200 ZONING DISTRICTS 153.200 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 04.15.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-05) page-9 Table 153.200.030-7. Rural Residential General (RR-G) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks Principal and Accessory Structure Setbacks (Minimum) D Front • Minor Arterial 150 Feet from centerline, or 75 Feet from ROW, whichever is greater • Major or Minor Collector 100 Feet from centerline, or 50 Feet from ROW, whichever is greater • Any other Public Street 40 Feet E Side 20 Feet F Rear 50 Feet Accessory Structure Standards1 G Location Behind Principal Structure Size 1,000 SF Residential Accessory Structure Number 1 Residential Accessory Structure Coverage and Height Standards (Maximum) Impervious Surface Coverage 25% H Principal structure height 35 Feet I Accessory structure height 35 Feet, but not taller than Principal Structure Other Standards Principal & Accessory Uses See Section 153.300.020-2 Table of Uses Character & Development See Section 153.400 1Accessory Structure Standards identified based on Minimum Lot Size. Accessory Structure Standards can be found in Subd. 6 of this Section. Figure 153.200.030-6. Rural Residential – General (RR-G) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.200 ZONING DISTRICTS 153.200 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 04.15.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-05) page-10 (B) Purpose of Rural Residential Neighborhood (RR-N) Zoning District. Lands zoned RR-N are the parcels adjoining, abutting, or a portion of which are within 1,000 feet of a lake with a public waters designation that were historically platted or divided into smaller lots for seasonal use. The use of these lots has generally transitioned to permanent year-round use with predominantly principal residential uses. Most parcels and lots in the RR-N District are at least 50% contained within the Shoreland Management Overlay (SM-O) District. In addition to the standards identified in this Section, the lots or parcels are subject to the regulations contained within Chapters 155 of the City Code and the Washington County St. Croix River District standards which are incorporated by reference herein. Land zoned RR-N are guided Agricultural Core and General Rural in the Comprehensive Plan. I. Rural Residential Neighborhood Zoning District Dimensional Standards. The following table is a summary of the RR-N District-specific dimensional standards for newly created lots or parcels with private well and septic systems. Table 153.200.030-8. Rural Residential Neighborhood (RR-N) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size Lot Dimensions (only for lots created after the effective date of this UDC) Lot Size Lots in SM-O for Recreational Development Lake Lots in SM-O for Natural Environment Lake Existing Lot of Record (minimum) 0.92 Acres 1.84 Acres A New Lot (minimum) 2.5 Acres 2.5 Acres Density (maximum, apply to any new division of property) 4 DU/ 40 Acres 4 DU/ 40 Acres B Buildable Area (minimum, New Lot) 1.0 Acres 1.0 Acres C Lot Width (minimum if Riparian, New Lot) 150 Feet 200 Feet D Structure Setback from OHWL (minimum, Riparian) 100 Feet 150 Feet E Lot Frontage by Lot Size (minimum) • Less than 2.0 Acres 100 Feet • 2.0 – 3.0 Acres 160 Feet • 3.0 – 4.0 Acres 240 Feet • 4.0 Acres or Greater 300 Feet • If cul-de-sac lot 60 Feet Figure 153.200.030-7. Rural Residential – Neighborhood (RR-N) Dimensional Standards – Density and Lot Size City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.200 ZONING DISTRICTS 153.200 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 04.15.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-05) page-11 Table 153.200.030-9. Rural Residential Neighborhood (RR-N) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks Principal and Accessory Structure Setbacks (Minimum) F Front • Minor Arterial 150 Feet from centerline, or 75 Feet from ROW, whichever is greater less • Major or Minor Collector 100 Feet from centerline, or 50 Feet from ROW, whichever is greater less • Any other Public Street 40 Feet G • Side 10 Feet H Rear Non-Riparian 50 Feet D Riparian See OHWL Setback in Table 9 Accessory Structure Standards1 Location Outside all setbacks, if in front of principal structure see Character Standards Size 1,000 SF Residential Accessory Structure Number 1 Residential Accessory Structure Coverage and Height Standards (Maximum) Impervious Surface Coverage 25% I Principal Structure Height 35 Feet J Accessory Structure Height 35 Feet, but not taller than Principal Structure Other Standards Principal & Accessory Uses See Section 153.300.020-2 Table of Uses Character & Development See Section 153.400 1Accessory Structure Standards identified based on Minimum Lot Size. Accessory Structure Standards can be found in Subd. 6 of this Section. Figure 153.200.030-8. Rural Residential Neighborhood (RR-N) Dimensional Standards and Setbacks (Example RR-N, SM-O) City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.200 ZONING DISTRICTS 153.200 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 04.15.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-05) page-22 Subd. 6. Accessory Structure Dimensional Standards for all Base Zoning Districts. The City regulates its Accessory Structures by lot size and use type which is independent from the Base Zoning District. The following Dimensional and Size Standards are provided for Accessory Structures. (A) Accessory Structure Dimensional Standards Table. Table 153.200.030-20. Accessory Structure Dimensional and Size Standards Residential Accessory Structures (Non-agricultural) Agricultural Accessory Structures Lot Size Number of Structures Total Square Footage (SF) Number of Structures (Maximum) Total Square Footage (SF) Parcels less than 1.0 Acres 1 1,000 SF None None 1.0 to 2.99 Acres 1 1,500 SF None None 3.00 to 4.99 Acres 2 3,000 SF None None 5.00 to 9.99 Acres 3 4,000 SF 1 agricultural building (3 total) 4,000 SF including non- agricultural buildings 10.00 to 19.99 Acres 3 5,000 SF 2 agricultural buildings (4 total) 6,000 SF including non- agricultural buildings 20.00 to 29.99 Acres 3 6,500 SF No limit provided structures are agricultural buildings No limit provided structures are agricultural buildings 30.00 to 39.99 Acres 4 7,500 SF 40.00 to 59.99 Acres 4 8,500 SF 60.00 to 79.99 Acres 4 10,000 SF 80.00 Acres and larger 5 12,000 SF I. Exceptions. The following exceptions shall apply in any Base Zoning District: a. Residential Garage. A residential garage, either attached or detached, is an Accessory Structure per the standards established in this Section. One residential garage used for the storage of personal vehicles and personal property shall not be counted towards the number of structures or total square footage of Residential Accessory Structures up to the following limits: i. Properties 0 to 3.0 Acres. Up to 864 Square Feet shall not be counted towards the maximum standards established on Table [153.200.030-20]. If a garage exceeds 864 square feet, the additional square footage shall be counted towards the maximum standards established. ii. Properties greater than 3.0 Acres. Up to 1,200 square feet shall not be counted towards the maximum standards established on Table [153.200.030-20]. If a garage exceeds 1,200 Square Feet, the additional square footage shall be counted towards the maximum standards established. b. Sheds and small structures. Two single story sheds of up to 120 square feet are permitted in addition to the number accessory structures listed in this Section, and such square footage shall not count towards the total square footage. Ice fishing houses stored on parcels of land during non-winter months shall be deemed to be the permitted shed. i. One of the permitted sheds may be located within the front-yard setback for purposes of bus shelter, garbage/recycling enclosure or similar use. Such shed may not exceed 8- feet in height, and must be located outside the right-of-way. City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.200 ZONING DISTRICTS 153.200 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 04.15.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-05) page-23 c. Detached Accessory Structures in front of Principal Structure. All accessory structures must comply with the location standards established by the Base Zoning District, unless the following conditions are met: i. The accessory structure is located on a lot of five (5) acres or more and is placed at least 200 feet from the road right-of-way; or ii. The accessory structure is located on a parcel that is less than five (5) acres in size, is necessary to meet the Exterior Storage requirements of this UDC, and the physical conditions on the parcel (including but not limited to steep slopes, locations of wetlands, location of principal structure) prevent the location of the storage structure within the side or rear yard; and iii. If such conditions are met, the property owner must submit a plan for the proposed structure and obtain an administrative permit authorizing the location of the structure in front of the principal structure. The Zoning Administrator may require screening if needed to protect views from adjacent properties or public roadways. II. Residential Accessory Structure Flexibility with CUP. Flexibility from the standards established in Table 153.200.030-20 may be permitted with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Provided all other standards and regulations of the Base Zoning District are met, the City shall consider a bonus up to the following limits: a. One additional Structure. b. No more than an additional 25% of total square footage. III. Accessory Structure on Non-Contiguous Parcel. A Residential Accessory Structure may be permitted on a non-contiguous parcel from the principal structure only when such lack of contiguity is due to the presence of a dedicated public right-of-way. In such cases the following conditions shall apply: a. The Parcels must be under common ownership. b. A restrictive covenant must be recorded on the deed identifying that the parcels may not be sold independently from each other without the removal of the Accessory Structure. c. The Lot Area used to determine the permitted number of structures and total square footage as identified in Table [153.200.020-20] must exclude the dedicated right-of-way. d. The design of the Accessory Structure shall be subject to the standards established in Section [153.400.030]. IV. For calculating permitted accessory square footage on parcels within the Shoreland Management Overlay District areas, the area of the lot shall be calculated as the area of the lot outside the Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL). V. For purposes of determining allowable square footage and number 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. VI. On any publicly owned parcel used for recreational or park purposes the permitted number and square footage of Accessory Structures shall be waived. Any Accessory Structure shall be required to obtain the required building permit and must comply with the dimensional standards as established by the Base Zoning District or any applicable Overlay District. (B) Accessory Structure Dimensional Standards for Domestic Farm Animals. I. Accessory structures used to shelter domestic farm animals, except as provided in Section [153.300.030] shall meet the following requirements. All domestic farm animal structures, feedlots and manure storage sites shall be setback as follows: City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.400 DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTER AND BUILDING STANDARDS 153.400 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 12.16.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-19) page-15 III. Finished Building Material for Principal Structures. Except for agricultural accessory buildings and buildings covered under Section 153.400.040 Character Area Standards and/or as otherwise approved by the City Council, exterior building finishes must consist of materials comparable in grade and quality to the following, unless otherwise provided by this Section: a. Brick b. Natural stone c. Decorative concrete block or professionally designed pre-cast concrete units if the surfaces have been integrally treated with an applied decorative material or texture, or decorative block and if incorporated in a building design that is compatible with other development throughout the district. d. Wood, vinyl, steel, cement fiberboard or aluminum lap siding provided the surfaces are finished for exterior use and proven to have exterior durability, such as cedar, redwood, and cypress. e. Stucco, cementitious coating. f. Architectural metal panels for roofing and accents only. (B) Residential Accessory Structures. I. Accessory buildings on parcels less than 20.0 acres in size must provide a minimum one-foot overhang on all sides of the building with finished soffits except when the building is accessory to a principal residential home constructed with no or minimal overhang in which case the overhang of the accessory building must match the overhang of the residential building. II. All accessory buildings on parcels of 4 acres or less, excluding road right-of-way, must resemble, in style, materials, color, roofline, and siding type, the principal building on the lot, except the following building types may vary from this standard: a. Accessory Buildings 120 sq. ft. or less in size (this exception is not applicable to the General Standards set forth in Section (A)1; b. Greenhouses; c. Gazebos and decorative shelters; d. Historic Buildings III. Any Residential Accessory Building located on a non-contiguous parcel owned by the same Owner, must meet the following standards: a. Must be designed to be consistent and compatible with the Principal Structure. Design must include a compatible architectural design, and the same or similar material and color palette as that of the Principal Structure. Subd. 4. Lighting . The City’s standards regarding exterior or outdoor lighting are established to regulate the character of the City consistent with the character and development patterns of the community. The following standards regarding outdoor and exterior lighting apply in all Zoning Districts: (A) Applicability. The standards in this section apply to Outdoor Lighting of any structure, lot or area. (B) Exemptions. The standards of this section do not apply to the following: I. The use of temporary outdoor lighting during customary holiday seasons provided that individual lamps are 10 watts or less. II. The use of temporary outdoor lighting used for civic celebrations and promotions. III. Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration or other federal or state agency. City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.400 DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTER AND BUILDING STANDARDS 153.400 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 12.16.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-19) page-17 d. Hours. The use of outdoor lighting for parking lots serving commercial and industrial businesses is restricted according to the following. Outdoor lighting that serves businesses that do not operate after dark shall be turned off 1 hour after closing except for approved security lighting. For those businesses that offer services after dark, outdoor lighting may be utilized during the nighttime hours provided the business is open for service. Once the business closes, the outdoor lighting shall be turned off 1 hour after closing except for security lighting. IV. Outdoor Recreation. Outdoor recreational uses such as, but not limited to baseball fields, football fields, tennis courts and snow skiing areas have special requirements for nighttime lighting. Due to these unique circumstances, a conditional use permit is required for all new outdoor lighting fixtures that do not meet the regulations stated above. a. No outdoor recreation facility whether public or private may be illuminated after 11:00 PM unless the lighting fixtures conform to 153.300.030 Subd. 4. (D) II153.300.030Subd. 4(D)IIII, above. b. Off street parking areas for outdoor recreation uses which are illuminated must meet the requirements stated in 153.300.030 Subd. 4. (D) II. (E) Prohibitions. The following outdoor light fixtures are prohibited within the City of Scandia: I. Search lights or sky trackers II. Flashing, blinking or rotating lights III. Neon lighting on the exterior of a building IV. Raceway lighting V. Exposed fluorescent tubes VI. Mercury vapor lamps VII. Laser lights VIII. Back lit canopies or awnings (F) Submission of Plans. The applicant for any permit requiring outdoor lighting must submit evidence the proposed outdoor lighting will comply with this UDC. The submission must contain the following in addition to other required data for the specific permit: I. Plans indicating the location on the premises, and the type of illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps, supports, reflectors and other devices. II. Description of illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps, supports, reflectors and other devices and the description may include, but is not limited to, catalog cuts by manufacturers and drawings (including sections where required); III. Photometric data, such as that furnished by manufacturers, or similar showing the angle of the cutoff or light emissions. 153.400.040 CHARACTER AREA STANDARDS Subd. 1. Purpose and Intent. The City’s Base Zoning Districts are categorized and organized by Character Area as defined in [Section 153.200.010]. The development patterns and forms throughout the City differ by Character Area. The standards contained within this Section are intended to support and reinforce the desired physical development patterns and forms in the City based on the described Character Area. (A) Applicability. The following Character Area Standards do not apply to single-family detached residences or the accessory structures that are used by the inhabitants of the principal structure, unless expressly stated in subsection (B). City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.400 DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTER AND BUILDING STANDARDS 153.400 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 12.16.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-19) page-18 (B) Architectural Design Standards. The City’s adopted Design Guidelines are standards which are generally suggested and encouraged. This Section is established to identify those standards and suggestions from the Design Guidelines that are required and are defined as the Architectural Design Standards. The following Architectural Design Standards are organized by Character Area. I. Character Area: Agricultural Districts (A-P and AG-C). This Character Area is defined by larger tracts of land that are used for active agricultural, small hobby farms, rural residential and associated accessory uses and activities. Single-family homes, accessory structures and farmsteads are typically setback from public rights-of-way and are buffered from adjacent properties and uses with vegetation and /or natural topography. The following standards are established for any non- residential use, conditional or interim use that proposes a new structure, expansion, or modification of an existing structure. The purpose of the following is to reinforce the character of this area as described herein: a. Architectural Design. Design of new structures must reference design elements of existing historic rural buildings if present onside including barns, farmhouses and schoolhouses. b. Windows and Doors. Window and door configurations and styles must be consistent with the architectural style of the structure. For example, a traditional farmhouse design would include double hung windows with true divided light, with various configurations. c. Landscaping and Vegetation. Existing vegetation should be maintained to the extent possible. If trees along the street or highway must be removed for new construction, they should be replaced with species consistent with Section [153.400.060 Subd. 2. I. Table 8] of this UDC. d. Fences shall meet the following standards: i. Fences within the structure setback that abuts public streets must be constructed of natural materials, such as wood or stone, composite materials if similar in appearance, wrought iron fences, vinyl-wrapped chain link, chain link with decorative slats, or decorative aluminum fencing. ii. Chain link or plastic fences, except as exempted above, that are visible from the right- of-way or public sidewalk are not permitted. iii. Fences used for agricultural purposes such as horse pastures, livestock, etc., are excepted from the above requirement. iv. Fences used as temporary snow control are excepted from the above requirement starting October 15th and ending April 30th. v. Fence standards are provided in Section [153.300.060 Subd. 4]. e. Design Guidelines: In addition to the standards listed herein, consideration of the City’s adopted Design Guidelines is required for any new use or development. II. Character Area: Rural Residential Districts (RR-G and RR-N). This Character Area is defined by rural residential uses including single-family detached structures, small hobby farms, open spaces and associated accessory uses and activities. Structures are typically setback from road rights-of-way and are sited with an attached garage facing the road frontage. Accessory buildings are set behind the principal structure’s primary façade on non-riparian lots and are often set in front of the primary façade on riparian lots. The following standards are established for any non-residential use, conditional or interim use that proposes a new structure, expansion, or modification of an existing structure. The purpose of the following is to reinforce the character of this area as described herein: a. Architectural Design of Principal Structures. Design of new structures must reference design elements of the existing rural buildings in Scandia including barns, farmhouses and schoolhouses. b. Architectural Design of Accessory Structures. Accessory Structures located in front of the principal structure’s primary façade, or if visible from the public right-of-way, must be designed to be City of Scandia, MN CHAPTER 153: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) SECTION 153.400 DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTER AND BUILDING STANDARDS 153.400 Adopted 09.20.2022, Last Amended 12.16.2025 (Ordinance No. 2025-19) page-19 consistent and compatible with the Principal Structure. This standard shall apply to single- family detached residences if the Accessory Structure is visible from the public right-of-way. Design must include a compatible architectural design, and the same or similar material and color palette as that of the Principal Structure. Accessory Structures placed behind the Principal Structure’s primary façade which are not visible from the public right-of-way must be compatible with the Principal Structure but may vary in its color and material selection. c. Windows and Doors. Window and door configurations and styles must be consistent with the architectural style of the structure. For example, a traditional farmhouse design would include double hung windows with true divided light, with various configurations. d. Fences shall meet the following standards: i. Fences within the structure setback that abuts public streets must be constructed of natural materials, such as wood or stone, composite materials if similar in appearance, wrought iron fences, vinyl-wrapped chain link, chain link with decorative slats, or decorative aluminum fencing. ii. Chain link or plastic fences, except as exempted above, that are visible from the right- of-way or public sidewalk are not permitted. iii. Fences used for agricultural purposes such as horse pastures, livestock, etc., are excepted from the above requirement. iv. Fences used as temporary snow control are excepted from the above requirement starting October 15th and ending April 30th. v. Fence standards are provided in Section [153.300.060 Subd. 4]. e. Existing vegetation should be maintained to the extent possible. If trees along the street or highway must be removed for new construction, they should be replaced with native species consistent with Section [153.400.060 Subd. 2. I. Table 8] of this UDC. f. Design Guidelines: In addition to the standards listed herein, consideration of the City’s adopted Design Guidelines is required for any new use or development. III. Character Area: Village Districts (V-N, V-C, and V-HC). This Character Area is defined by a mix of new and historic residential and commercial uses. The historic core (V-HC) is pedestrian friendly, walkable with a mix of shopfronts, businesses and community gathering places. Surrounding the historic core are newer village commercial uses and neighborhoods (V-N and V-C) that reference the historic architectural and design character of the V-HC. The following standards are established for any non-residential use, conditional or interim use that proposes a new structure, expansion, or modification of an existing structure. The purpose of the following is to reinforce the character of this area as described herein: a. Architectural Design. The architectural design of the village core structures, including the V-HC and V-C Zoning Districts, is defined by the form and scale of the existing buildings. To reinforce this pattern, the following standards are required for any new structure, including single-family detached residences, within the V-C and V-HC districts: i. Structures should be 1 ½ to 2 stories with a maximum height as regulated by the Base Zoning District standards as defined in Section [153.200.030] ii. Facades designed for commercial uses with frontage on a public street must be designed with bays or articulation that may include changes in wall plane, color, materials or similar. The design must include a definable base, middle and top. iii. Facades in the V-HC must include a minimum of 60% glass transparency. Spandrel glass may be used, but may not comprise more the 15% of the minimum transparency requirement.