City Council Adopts Ordinance Amendments Related to the Storage of Garbage Cans and Recreational Vehicle Parking

 

At the February 13, 2020 City Council meeting, the Council adopted Zoning Ordinance amendments related to the storage of garbage cans (Section 11-4-3), recreational vehicle parking (Sections 11-2-2 and 11-8-2), and surfacing of parking areas (Section 11-9-8). The adopted amendments generally allow greater flexibility in where garbage cans and recreational vehicles can be stored on residential properties. The amended ordinances are as follows.

 

Section 11-4-3: Garbage/Refuse

  1. In all zoning districts, all waste material, debris, refuse, or garbage shall be kept in an enclosed building or properly contained in a closed container designed for such purposes.
    1. For commercial, industrial, or multi-family residential properties, all dumpsters, garbage containers, or refuse bins that are stored outside shall be screened from view.
      1. Acceptable methods of screening include enclosures made of maintenance free material, brick or a combination thereof. Gates and doors which allow access to the refuse containers shall have a self-latching mechanism which keeps it closed/locked when not in use.
    2. For single-family and two family properties, all garbage containers or refuse bins not contained within an enclosed building shall be stored adjacent to the garage.
    3. When used for the purposes of construction, all dumpsters, garbage containers, or refuse bins are exempt from the screening and location requirements of this section.
  2. The owner of vacant land shall be responsible for keeping such land free of refuse.

 

Section 11-2-2: Definitions

 

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE: Any motor vehicle or trailer primarily used for sport/leisure activities, travel, camping, hauling, and/or temporary lodging, including, but not limited to: all-terrain vehicles (ATV), campers, dirt bikes, dune buggies, go-karts, golf carts, ice or fish houses, motor homes, motorized watercrafts, snowmobiles, trailers, and utility task vehicles (UTV).

 

Section 11-8-2: Recreational Vehicle Parking

  1. Recreational Vehicle Parking: Up to three (3) licensed and operable recreational vehicles, as defined in this title, may be parked outside of an enclosed building on a residential property provided that:
    1. The recreational vehicle is not parked or stored on public property or public right-of-way, including public sidewalks.
    2. Only one (1) of the three recreational vehicles allowed may exceed twenty four (24) feet in length. The length measurement shall include the entire length of the recreational vehicle, including the trailer and tongue of the recreational vehicle.
    3. The recreational vehicles may be located on an established driveway during periods of seasonal use, provided that:
      1. The recreational vehicles comply with the following seasonal classifications. If a recreational vehicle is not specifically listed, the most similar recreational vehicle listed, as determined by the zoning administrator, shall be used to determine seasonal classification.
      2.  
      3. No more than two (2) recreational vehicles are parked on the driveway.
    4. Except in the UR District and as otherwise  provided herein, the recreational vehicles are parked in the rear or side yard on a surface of concrete, bitumen, or pavers. If a gravel side parking area was constructed on the property prior to the effective date hereof, recreational vehicles may be parked on the existing gravel surface.
    5. The recreational vehicles are located entirely outside of public easements or buffer yards and provide a five (5) foot setback from property lines. Recreational vehicles within a side yard of a corner lot abutting a public right of way must be set back ten (10) feet from the property line abutting a public right of way. 
  2. Enumeration: For the purpose of this section, snowmobiles, ATVs, motorized watercrafts, and other recreational vehicles parked on a trailer shall constitute one recreational vehicle.
  3. Covering Vehicles: In the event a tarp or other material is used to cover the vehicles, the color of the tarp or material shall be an earthen tone of black, brown, gray, or green.
  4. Loading And Unloading: Recreational vehicles used for the sole purpose of loading and unloading the vehicle are exempt from subsections A2 and A3 for up to three (3) days. This subsection is not meant to circumvent the intent of this section. 

 

Section 11-9-8 (E): Off Street Parking and Loading

 

E. Surfacing: Except in the UR District and as otherwise provided under this subparagraph E, all parking spaces and driveways shall be surfaced with concrete, bitumen, or pavers in all zoning districts except in the UR district. Other materials such as decorative rock, gravel, sand, or bare soil are prohibited. This requirement also applies to open sales lots, open rental lots, and outdoor storage or display areas. All parking areas and driveways shall be maintained in a safe and proper manner. The owner shall not allow weeds to grow through the surface or surface materials to become deteriorated. If a gravel side parking area was constructed on the property prior to the effective date hereof, the surface shall be permitted for parking. No such surface shall be expanded or enlarged.


On Street Parking of Recreational Vehicles

Separate from the Zoning Ordinance amendments, the City Council adopted Ordinance #210 which allows recreational vehicles to be parked on City streets for up to 48 hours when being used for the purpose of loading and unloading.

 

Questions? If you have questions regarding the adopted amendments, please contact Planner Haley Sevening, at hsevening@ci.enm.mn.us or 952.461.2777.