5.4. PCSR 07-10-2007REQUEST FOR ACTION
To Item Number
Plannin Commission 4
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Plannin Items ul 10, 2007 erem Barnhart, Plannin Mana er
Item Description Reviewed by
Ordinance amendment regarding berms
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Staff supports a Planning Commission recommendation of approval of the Ordinance Amendment
as presented:
Sec 30-1 Definitions
Berm means a mound or wall of earth.
Sec 30-543 Berms
Berms constructed within the City shall conform to the followin
(1) Each berm shall have a minimum crown width of two (2) feet;
(2) Each berm shall have a side slope of not greater than three feet
horizontal to one foot vertical ~:1~;
(3~Each berm shall be planted and covered with live vegetation:
~4~ Construction of the berm shall not interfere with the normal transference of storm water
~5) Berms shall be constructed of earth, sand, gravel or other non organic or non metallic
material only.
~6) Construction of a berm with a height greater than 3 feet in any district requires a permit
issued by the city. Permit application shall include a site plan indicating the exact location of
the berm, the width, height and length of the berm existing land contours and proposed
contours and be signed by the property owner. The city may require additional information
to complete re~~iew these requirements axe met. The City may require appropriate
inspections as necessary to verify the standards of this section are met.
Background/Discussion
The City Council has directed staff to prepare an ordinance regarding berms, the primary concern
being there is no way to tell if a berm is being used to bury or otherwise hid or dispose of large
amounts of waste, e.g. automobiles.
Case File: OA 07-OS
Page 2
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
• None
General Information
Berm Ordinance
City of Elk River
Applicant City of Elk River
60 Day Rule N/A
Requested Action Approval
Location and Size City wide
Analysis
There are two ways to address the concerns raised by the City Council in ordinance form. One
method would be to create an Ordinance that requires a permit for all ordinances over a certain
height.
Another option is to expand an ordinance, addressing other design issues and concerns. The
proposed ordinance attempts to addresses these other concerns.
Requiring a permit allows for an inspection on taller berms, those that are more likely to be used to
hide materials.
Recommendation
Staff recommends support and adoption.
Respectfully Submitted
Jeremy Barnhart
Planning Manager
Action Motion by Second by Vote
FOllow Up
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