Minutes - Planning Commission - 09/03/2009 - Jt Meeting w City Council

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Councilmember Dehen stated that although he would not prefer to see a monster truck on a trailer in his neighborhood, it would be allowed and counted as one item in the ordinance. He advised that the city of East Bethel uses a number based ordinance and found it easy to enforce as officers could drive by a property and count. He stated that some property owners store their pontoon boats directly in the yard, and allow others to store their boats on the property, which becomes an eyesore. Councilmember Wise stated that although he would be in violation of the ordinance as it is proposed he would be in favor of a number based ordinance. He stated that he stores his items neatly and does not get complaints but thought that the focus should be placed on the property that has become an eyesore or nuisance. Mr. Latery stated that residents move to Ramsey to be able to park their recreational vehicles on their property, rather than paying for storage at another location. Mayor Ramsey stated that, to a point, that statement is correct. He explained that the issue arises when the outdoor storage becomes a nuisance. Councilmember Look stated that some properties were not a problem and others had become an issue and needed to be addressed. He used the example of a property that has a long driveway and parks cars fully down the driveway and in the yard, which causes their children to play in the road because of their full driveway. He stated that the discussion was not only about aesthetics but also safety. He explained that although outside storage would be more acceptable in the more rural areas compared to the higher residential areas, the ordinance would need to be applied equally throughout the residential zone. Associate Planner Gladhill stated that conditional use permits could be issued for property that would be allowed additional outside storage due to individual circumstances. Councilmember Elvig believed that some areas were better suited for outdoor storage. He stated that he did not want to hold additional meetings to determine if a resident should be allowed to store their newly purchased boat on their property. He recognized that some residents would qualify for variances. Mayor Ramsey stated that the variances could become an issue of subjectivity of the Council, as the members would eventually be changed again. Councilmember McGlone read aloud two definitions of nuisance/public nuisance to the Commission and Council. He stated that the reasoning is that residents do not want their property devalued. He advised that variances could be issued for certain properties and confirmeq that the process would cost the resident money. Councilmember Dehen stated that Mr. Latery's property may qualify fQr a variance, but explained that while people purchase recreational vehicles they still need to use their judgment on the number stored on their own residential property. City Council Work Session /September 3, 2009 Page 4 of6