Laserfiche WebLink
Memo to Mayor and City Council <br />December 16, 2002 <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />Analysis <br /> <br />The current ordinance uses the terminology "metal construction/exterior" pertaining to <br />exterior building finishes. Staff has included two new definitions related to metal finishes on <br />accessory buildings. This is to help clarify the difference between typical metal pole barn <br />construction versus metal lap siding which is typical on many residential homes. The <br />purpose is to separate out the two types of metal construction finishes and to clarify what <br />will be acceptable metal exterior products by zoning district. <br /> <br />Caraus S~ <br /> <br />Upon reviewing the current ordinance and the building code, it was found that the currently <br />available canvas structures cannot meet the wind and snow loads required by the building <br />code. Staff called seven different commercial businesses in Elk River and surrounding <br />communities to see if they carry this type of product and if they met any wind or snow loads. <br />Only two businesses carried them and neither had products that met the required loads. <br /> <br />Currently accessory structures that are less than 120 square feet do not require a building <br />permit. Once a structure exceeds this square footage, it requires a building permit and it <br />must meet all applicable building codes. The average size of the canvas accessory structures <br />was found to be about 200 square feet, which would place them in a category to require a <br />permit and meet all applicable building codes. <br /> <br />According to Appendix Chapter 31 of the Uniform Building Code, membrane structures <br />erected less than 180 days shall comply with applicable provisions of the Fire Code. This <br />states that if it is a temporary structure, it must still meet fire code, which the locally available <br />structures do not appear to do so. <br /> <br />Planning Commission Actions <br /> <br />The Planning Commission briefly discussed the issues pertaining to the metal exterior <br />finishes and was in favor of the language and definitions. One member questioned whether <br />or not larger plastic formed (Rubbermaid type) storage bins would be allowed. Staff stated <br />they would look into this type of product. <br /> <br />The Planning Commission recommended approval of the language pertaining to metal <br />exterior finishes. <br /> <br />There was considerable discussion about how and if canvas covered accessory structures <br />should be allowed. After discussion about safety, aesthetics, lot sizes, temporary uses, noise <br />and city staff limitations of monitoring them, the Planning Commission agreed that canvas <br />accessory structures should not be allowed at all. <br /> <br />The main reason for not allowing them was safety. If they cannot function as a building, <br />they should not be allowed. One commissioner stated that a temporary structure for only a <br /> <br />S:'~PLANNING\Case Files\OA 02-06 Accessory Stmctures\OA 02-06_CC.DOC <br /> <br /> <br />