09-21-1998 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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To: From: Date: Chair Smith and Planning Commission Members Michael P. Gaffron, Senior Planning Coordinator^i^^^!^ July 16,1998 Subject: Proposed Zoning Code Amendment - Plumbing in Accessory Buildings Pertinent Code Sections Section 10.03, Subd. 9: Accessory Buildings Section 10.03, Subd. 11: Dwelling Use Prohibited Section 10.20, Subd. 3(G)(1) R-IA Conditional Uses: Guest Houses Attachments A - Proposed amendment language B - Staff Memo June 6,1997 C - Public Hearing Notice D - Pertinent Code Sections Background Staff is constantly in receipt of requests to allow plumbing in accessory buildings. There is no clear direction in the zoning code that allows or prohibits plumbing in accessory buildings. We are proposing a code amendment that would provide some direction. Staff has attempted to maintain some consistency in dealing with this issue. Water supply lines have generally been allowed in an accessory building (such as a faucet for a hose), but not fixtures which require waste piping. Residents proposing bathrooms or other plumbing in accessory buildings have generally been required to apply for a 'guest house' CUP. Many applicants claim no intent to use their accessory building as a guest house, yet certain levels or combinations of plumbing fixtures yield the potential to fully function as a secondary dwelling unit on the property. A problem that also often arises is that our guest house CUP standards require double the zoning district required lot area, which most properties don't meet. We need to reach a conclusion as to what degree plumbing in acessory structures should be regulated, and define what fixtures or combinations of fixtures trigger the need for a higher degree of regulation. The possible range in regulations might include: 1. Staff permit approval without restrictions. 2. Staff permit approval subject to specific restrictions or covenants. 3. Council action required for a CUP or variance.