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Timely
Topics in Community Development
The Apple Valley Planning Commission recently reviewed several
staff-proposed changes to the zoning ordinance. A copy of the draft amendments
is available from the Planning Department, but here are summaries of the
changes:
- The City now measures the height of a building from
the lowest point of the building's grade, such as a walk-out basement.
Staff is proposing the change that provision so that a building is measured
from the first above-grade habitable floor, and would exclude walk-out
basements and underground garages from the height measurement. This
will help to bring a number of single-family residences currently out
of compliance into compliance.
- Currently, the City Code now permits a single-family
residence to have one accessory building, such as a shed or gazebo,
on a lot provided it does not exceed 144 square feet. If a single-family
residence does not have an attached garage, the Code also allows a one
detached garage no larger than 750 square feet. Staff is proposing the
change the Code so that a single-family residential lot can have one
accessory building no larger than 120 square feet and one accessory
building no larger than 750 square feet. This building does not necessarily
have to be a detached garage. The Code would also prohibit temporary
vehicle storage structures.
- The City zoning code now allows only temporary buildings
or trailers on a construction site. Staff is proposing to change the
Code to also permit unscreened trash dumpsters and portable storage
units on a construction site. All temporary structures must be removed
when construction is complete.
- The City is required to limit the amount of stormwater
runoff leaving its borders. In order to limit the amount of stormwater
runoff, staff is proposing that the City require on-site infiltration
ponds to handle the first ½ inch of any rainfall event for any
new developments, or expansion of existing developments. As part of
reducing the amount of stormwater leaving City boundaries, staff is
also proposing a cap on impervious surfaces for single-family residential
lots so that no more than 35% of any lot will be covered by buildings,
concrete, asphalt, or other hard surfaces. For an 11,000 square foot
lot, no more than 3,850 square feet could be impervious.
- Staff is proposing a clarification of the number and
duration of garage sales by limiting them to three consecutive days
and no more than three per calendar year per residence. This will help
to prevent on-going sales that clog neighborhoods and turn residences
into retail stores.
- The City Code does not provide for the location of
antennas and towers for telephones, cellular equipment, or other communication
equipment. Staff is proposing to add language governing the location
and performance standards for this equipment.
Content updated on:
02-Sep-2004
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Contact Info |
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Apple Valley
Municipal Center
7100 West 147th Street
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Telephone (952) 953-2500
Fax (952) 953-2515
commdev@ci.apple-valley.mn.us |
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