HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd #037-3rd Ser/Amending code re:defining basemen/stories �
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ORDINANCE NO. 37 , THIRD SERIES
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
CHAPTER 78 OF THE ORONO MUNICIPAL CODE
BY AMENDING SECTION 78-1: DEFINITIONS
RELATED TO DETERMINATIONS OF
BASEMENTS AND STORIES
The City Council of Orono, Minnesota ordains as follows:
SECTION 1. Municipal Zoning Code Section 78-1, Definitions, is hereby amended by
deleting the existing definitions of"Basement" and"Ground level".
SECTION 2. Municipal Zoning Code Section 78-1, Definitions, is hereby amended by
adding the following definitions of"Story", "Basement", and"Existing ground level".
Story. That portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and
the upper surface of the floor or roof next above. It is measured as the vertical
distance from top to top of two successive tiers of beams or finished floor surfaces
and, for the topmost story, from the top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiliilg
joists or, where there is not a ceiling,to the top of the roof rafters. A story that meets
the definition of a "basement" shall be considered as a basement and not as a story
for purposes of determining the number of stories in a building.
Basement. That portion of a building that is partly or completely below the existing
ground level. A basement sha11 be considered as a story for purposes of determining
the number of stories in a building, when the fuushed surface of the floor above the
basement is more than 6 feet above the existing ground level for more than 50% of
the basement's perimeter. The perimeter of the basement does not include portions
of the house or garage that do not have a lower level but are merely "unexcavated".
Artificially raising the grade adjacent to the foundation of a structure (by filling or
by a combination of filling and retaining walls) above the surrounding natural terrain
shall not be allowed as a method for converting a defined story to a defined
basement, regardless of any other benefits to the property of such action. Finished
grade that increases more than one foot from existing ground level shall be
considered as artificially raising the grade. However, artificially raising the grade
when such action merely restores a previously excavated site to its original natural
grade may used as a method for converting a defined story to a defined basement.
Existing Ground Level. The elevation of the grade at the base of an existing
structure, measured at points abutting the foundation wall, or the existing grade of a
vacant lot.
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SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall be effective upon approval and publication.
Adopted by the City Council of Orono on this 12th day of February, 2007 by a vote
� of 4 ayes and 0 nays.
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. J es M. White, Mayor
ATT1EST:
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Linda S. Vee, City Clerk
Published in the Sun Sailor newspapers the week of March 2�, 2007.
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