Regulations for seasonal recreational district

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` ARi ICLE IV. DISTRICT REGULATIONS Page 1 of 21 DIVISION 9. RS SEASONAL RECREATIONAL DISTRICT* *Cross references: Parks and recreation, ch. 22. Sec. 78-561. Purpose. The RS seasonal recreational district is intended to provide a district which will allow a low- density seasonal form of residential development or recreational activity on the three Lake Minnetonka islands within the city. Big Island, Mahpiyata Island and Deering Island are totally surrounded by water. Special problems exist because of their isolated location and because there is no direct access by land or bridge. Transportation is difficult, dangerous and slow, especially in fall or spring when the ice is forming or melting. Engineering, financial, administrative and practical difficulties prevent servicing the islands with sewer or water utilities, garbage collection, or complete police, fire, medical emergency or other municipal services. The islands have historically been used for summer cabins, camping spots, temporary boat landings and a disabled veterans' summer camp. As long as this usage remains minimal, public health and safety is reasonably maintained. But development forecasts indicate increasing pressures for more intensive usage that could easily exceed the city's public service capabilities. For these reasons, the city's comprehensive plans have long-established policies encouraging eventual public ownership of the islands as recreational resources for general lake users. In addition, limited private seasonal recreational use would be allowed to continue indefinitely, subject to strict conformance with special health and safety standards. The RS district is established to implement these special planning policies. (Code 1984, § 10.31(1)) Sec. 78-562. Future amendments. The RS district regulations represent an innovative attempt to solve the unique problems relating to historic use and previously platted substandard lots on the islands while at the same time assuring the property owners of continued reasonable use of their property. It may be found by subsequent city councils that this division was not restrictive enough to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and that new development potential granted to property owners by this division may have to be modified. Therefore, no new development rights granted by this division shall be deemed to be vested property rights but shall remain subject to future modification by the city. (Code 1984, § 10.31(19)) Sec. 78-563. Nonconformities. (a) Nonconforming uses. (1) No new use of land or structures shall be permitted in the RS district except in compliance with this division. All existing uses of land or structures which may be made nonconforming by adoption of the ordinance from which this division is derived shall be discontinued and/or made to be in full compliance with all use and performance standard requirements of this division within a period of seven years from the date of adoption, not to extend later than January 1, 1990. http://library4.municode.com/default-test/Doc View/13094/1/110/114?hilite=rs; 7/27/2009