December 11, 2008 at 8:10 a.m.
Public hearing Dec. 15 on new code
Public hearing Dec. 15 on new code
The hearing begins at 7 p.m. Monday, December 15, at the Chisago Lakes Area Library meeting room.
A draft of the proposed zoning code is on the county website www.co.chisago.mn.us. There's also a copy at the government center offices. There will be information to review available at the hearing as well.
The draft zoning ordinances spell out some brand new rules and regulations and clarifies or expands existing code. For example there are now ordinances and requirements for congregate living facilities, which weren't very prevalent many years ago. Recreational uses, activities and structures are better defined. There is a new section on wind power management, if you're thinking about a wind turbine for energy needs. There are sections recently adopted just for shoreland areas, for exotic animal possession, for adult enterprise, etc.
A good chunk of the proposed Zoning Ordinance focuses on accessory structures. Accessory buildings larger than 120 square feet shall get a permit. All accessory structures must adhere to setback rules in the code.
There's new wording explaining how the county will handle "non-conforming" structures. For example if a non-conforming building is destroyed or through some "other peril" loses up to 50 percent of its market value you can't rebuild without a permit; and you have 180 days from when the damage occurred to apply for the building permit. If you miss that window any future use or occupancy must be "conforming."
There's language added on allowed uses of manufactured homes in the ag zone. A permit for farm employees to dwell in a manufactured home is required or for a manufactured home due to "medical hardship reasons."
The public hearing is a great opportunity for you to get familiar with county code in unincorporated areas.
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