Item 3.4 - ZO Outdoorstorage3601 Thurston Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763.231.5840
TPC@PlanningCo.com
1
MEMORANDUM
TO: Otsego Planning Commission
FROM: D.Daniel Licht, AICP
DATE: 15 April 2021
RE: Otsego – Zoning Ordinance; Accessory outdoor storage
TPC FILE:101.01
BACKGROUND
City staff has initiated amendments to the Zoning Ordinance related to accessory outdoor
storage. The proposed amendments address outdoor storage of recreational vehicles and
equipment or trailers in the side‐yard of single family lots in certain zoning districts and outdoor
storage of trash and recycling containers for all single family dwellings. A public hearing has
been noticed for the Planning Commission meeting on 19 April 2021 to consider the proposed
amendments.
Exhibits:
Draft ordinance
ANALYSIS
Surfacing. Section 11‐18‐3.A of the Zoning Ordinance allows outdoor storage of recreation
vehicles, recreational equipment, and trailers on single family lots. Storage within the front
yard and side yard is required to be located upon an improved driveway whereas storage in the
rear yard is allowed upon grass. Driveways for single family lots are required to be surfaces
with concrete, asphalt, or paver bricks except where accessed from gravel streets. Recreational
vehicles and trailers are not used as frequently as vehicles, which is why they are allowed to be
stored on grass in rear yards.
However, prior to incorporation, subdivisions within the R‐1, R‐2, and R‐3 District were allowed
to be surfaced with Class‐5 and there are many legal non‐conforming properties. With the
larger lot area and width within these districts, homes are also typically not located as close
Item 3.4
2
together as subdivisions within the Sewer Districts. City staff is recommending that Section 11‐
18‐3.A.2.b(2) be amended to allow a Class‐5 surface for storage of recreation vehicles,
recreational equipment, or trailers within side yards.
Waste Containers. Section 11‐18‐4.B of the Zoning Ordinance requires that trash and recycling
containers for residential properties be stored indoors or within side or rear yards setback a
minimum of five feet from property lines. Administration of the requirement to keep waste
containers within the side or rear yard has proven problematic for City staff in terms of the
resources required, as well as wide spread opposition. City staff recommends removing the
requirement for storage of waste containers only in the side or rear yard. These containers
should still be setback from property lines five feet so as not to obstruct drainage or create
compatibility issues with abutting properties.
RECOMMENDATION
City staff recommends amendments to the Zoning Ordinance as presented.
POSSIBLE ACTION
A. Motion to recommend approval of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance as presented.
B. Motion to table.
c. Adam Flaherty, City Administrator/Finance Director
Audra Etzel, City Clerk
David Kendall, City Attorney
1
ORDINANCE NO.: 2021‐XX
CITY OF OTSEGO
COUNTY OF WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY CODE REGULATING ACCESSORY USES AND BUIDLINGS.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO DOES HEREBY ORDAIN:
Section 1. Section 11‐18‐3.A.2.b(2) of the Zoning Ordinance (Accessory Uses and Buildings –
Outdoor Storage) is hereby amended to read as follows:
(2) The area on which the recreational vehicles and equipment are stored
shall be surfaced with asphalt, concrete, or paving brick, except that
Class‐5 shall also be allowed within the A‐1, A‐2, R‐1, R‐2, and R‐3
Districts.
Section 2. Section 11‐18‐4.B of the Zoning Ordinance (Accessory Uses and Buildings – Waste and
Recycling Containers) is hereby amended to read as follows:
B. Single‐Family Residential Uses: Exterior storage of waste and recycling containers not stored
within the principal structure shall be located in side or rear yards and shall be set back a minimum
of five feet (5') from all property lines.
Section 3. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and publication.
MOTION BY:
SECOND BY:
ALL IN FAVOR:
THOSE OPPOSED:
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Otsego this 10th day of May, 2021.
CITY OF OTSEGO
BY:_____________________________
2
Jessica L. Stockamp, Mayor
ATTEST:______________________________
Audra Etzel, City Clerk