4.10. SR 11-18-2002
Item # 4 . 10 .
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Mayor and City Council
Michele MCPherso~ctor of Planning
DATE:
November 18, 2002
SUBJECT:
Canvas Accessory Structures
Attachments
· October 21, 2002 Memo to the City Council Regarding Canvas Accessory Structures
Members of the Building and Zoning staff will be present to discuss this issue with the City
Council.
S:\PLANNING\Case Files\OA 02-06 Accessory Structures\11-18 memo CC.doc
Item 7.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Mayor and City Council
Michele MCPhersoa1r;;;ector of Planning
DATE:
October 21, 2002
SUBJECT:
Canvas/Plastic Accessory Structures
Request
The City Council is asked to provide direction regarding how canvas/ plastic accessory
structures should be regulated.
Attachments
Photos of Sample Structures
Backvound
Due to the economic cost of temporary canvas/plastic structures (see attached photos),
more residents are erecting them. These structures are typically comprised of aluminum
frames with canvas or plastic stretched over the top. Some models include walls and doors.
One such structure was erected on a lot off of Jackson Avenue, which due to wind, blew
into the adjacent neighbor's property. They are also not very aesthetically pleasing, especially
in neighborhoods with smaller lot sizes.
Options for Reiulation
The Building and Zoning and Planning staff met on October 14th to discuss regulation of
these "structures", The building code is rather vague in regards to what a structure is:
"that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind or any
piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in
some definite manner".
Staff concurred that these structures meet the definition within the building code for a
structure. There are three options for regulation of these particular structures:
Memo to the Mayor and City Council/Canvas Structures
October 2/. 2002
Page 2
1. Not allow them
2. Ignore them
3. Regulate them as stru(.:ture under Building Code Appendix Chapter 31 which would
require these structures to be constructed to specific code standards addressing snow
loads, wind loads, and anchoring. They would also be included in the total accessory
structure square footage allowance under the zoning code. A building permit and
code review would be required under this option.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council direct staff to amend the zoning code to prohibit
these type of structures for the following reasons:
1. Aesthetics
2. Code Oife/ safety) concerns
S:\PlANNING\MICHMC\CCREPRTS\IO 2102 Canvas Structures. doc
-HorJOlLt L/, 10
E. Accessory structures not exceeding one hundred twenty (120) square feet in floor
area may be permitted in any zone and may be finished with metal panel, wood, vinyl lap
siding, metal lap siding, and/or masonry so long as the structures comply with the required
minimum setbacks and the structures are anchored to the ground in compliance with all
applicable building codes.
F. On lots less than two and one half (2 1/2) acres in the RIb, R1c, RId or Rle
districts, no detached accessory structures greater than one hundred twenty (120) square feet
shall be finished with metal panel sheathing. In the Ai and Ria districts, and on two and
one half (2 1/2) acres or greater in the RIb, R1c, Rid or Rle districts, accessory structures
may be finished with metal panel, wood, vinyl lap siding, metal lap siding, and! or masonry.
Metal paJ.ielS shall be allowed as a roofing material on any accessory structure.
G. In any zone, all metal finishes! coverings shall be factory pre-finished, and galvanized
corrugated panels shall not be allowed. All accessory structures, greater than one hundred
twenty (120) square feet shall comply with all applicable building codes.
H. In the Ria and Ai districts, temporary accessory structures shall be subject to the
following:
a) A permit and a one hundred seventy-five dollar ($175.00) fee are required and
one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) of that fee is refundable if the structure is
removed on time.
b) May only be erected for 180 consecutive days within any 365 day period. If any
temporary accessory structure exceeds the allowed time frame, the permit holder
shall be issued a citation and shall not receive the one hundred fifty dollars
($150.00) of their fee that is refundable.
c) One which shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet in floor area.
d) May be finished with canvas, fabric or metal panel, so long as the structure
complies with the required minimum setbacks and the structure is anchored to
the ground in compliance with all applicable building codes. The temporary
accessory structure shall count towards the allowed accessory structure square
footage and number of accessory structures per lot.
Definitions:
Metal Panels: Metal finishes! coverings that are applied to the exterior of walls and roofs
which are greater than eight (8) inches in width.
Metal Lap Siding: Metal finishes! coverings that are applied to the exterior of walls and
roofs which are eight (8) inches or less in width.
Temporary Structure: A structure that is constructed of a lightweight frame with a canvas,
fabric or metal panel skin and is designed or intended to be erected at a site for a short
period of time as a protection from the elements. Such structures can include but are not
limited to residential storage structures, greenhouses and tents.