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Memo to the Planning Commission/OA 97-15 November 25, 1997 Page 2 • There is also a difference in architectural standards for accessory structures between property within the urban service area and property outside the urban service area. Metal buildings are allowed in the Rla and Al districts as long as it is painted so it is compatible with the existing home. Metal buildings are not allowed in the Rib, Ric, Rld and Rle districts. Overview The different standards applicable to lots within the urban service area and those outside the urban service has been an issue with residents that own large lots within the urban service area. Under the current ordinance, a resident owning 20 acres of land within the urban service area could only have 1200 square feet of accessory building area. However, if that same property was outside the service area they could have 4,500 square feet of accessory building area. The larger lot could easily accommodate more than 1200 square feet of accessory building area, but simply because it is within the urban service area it is not allowed. As the urban service area has expanded to the east, farmers, whose property is located within the urban service area but is still being actively farmed, are impacted. The farmer, if he exceeds 1200 square feet of accessory building area, would not be able to construct the necessary outbuildings needed to IIsustain a profitable farm. In order to address the problems associated accessory structures on larger lots within the urban service area, staff is suggesting an ordinance amendment. This amendment would allow larger lots, 5 acres or larger in size, located within the urban service area to have accessory structures based on the same standards as property located in the Rla and Al districts. For instance, a 5 acre lot in the Rib district would be allowed 3000 square feet of accessory building area, same as in the Rla district. Lots less than 5 acres would be allowed 1200 square feet, same as the current requirement. Five acres was picked as a cutoff point because that is the minimum size lot needed for agricultural uses in the urban service area. The architectural standards applicable in the Rla and Al districts would also apply to lots within the urban service area 5 acres and larger. Recommendation It is recommended that the Planning Commission recommend approval of Ordinance No. 97- amending the Zoning Code to allow lots in the urban service district, 5 acres and larger, to have accessory structures based on the same scale as the Rla and A-1 districts. • \\elkriver\sys\shrdoc\planning\scott\oa97-15.doc