At the July 22 Planning Commission meeting, three proposed language changes to the Zoning Ordinance were proposed by Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins.
The first was a more detailed definition of a campground. The proposed language states: “Any area, whether privately owned, used on a daily, nightly, or longer basis for the accommodations of two or more tents or recreational camping vehicles for compensation. Privately owned camping area of up to four sites without compensation do not fall under the campground definition. Five or more sites, whether free of charge or for compensation are considered a campground.”
Adkins explained the state definition considers five campers to be a campground whether with or without compensation. The county’s current definition doesn’t refer to the number of campsites. Gary Ruskell asked about “tiny homes” in reference to a campground. Adkins said a campground must be vacated four months of the year. So, “tiny homes” would not qualify if used year round.
The commission voted unanimously to take the definition language change to public hearing at the next planning commission meeting.
A more restrictive provision for the allowance of “holding tanks” for the handling of wastewater was discussed. Adkins explained if a parcel with a seasonal cabin or part time dwelling has a well for a water source, a holding tank is likely to have to be pumped very often. She suggested that even though the upfront cost for a Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) will be more, over a period of years it may cost less than a holding tank due to the cost of frequent pumping. A pumping contract is needed in order to regulate. The proposed language change will only allow the installation of a holding tank at the discretion of the Zoning office.
Duane Bakke questioned the word “well” as there are other ways to bring bulk water to a cabin. Adkins said the proposed language change is due to the number of cabin owners that want to put in a holding tank. The point of sale rules for inspection of existing SSTS have caused some to want to sever the SSTS when the drain field fails. They want to replace it with a holding tank.
The commission decided by consensus with Adkins to look into these issues more before bringing back an amendment proposal to a future meeting.
The third proposed language amendment will eliminate the ability of a homeowner to install his own septic system. Adkins explained when an individual attempts to install a designed septic system it requires numerous trips for a Zoning office person to inspect the progress of the installation. Only one inspection is required with the installation by a licensed installer. About half of the counties in the state already prevent a homeowner from installing his own septic system.
Approval was given with a 6-1 vote (Arlynn Hovey voted no) to take the language change to public hearing at the next meeting.
Board of Adjustment
Dennis and Rufus Swartzentruber, section 36 Preston Township, requested a variance to construct a new (third) dwelling in the quarter of a quarter section; variance from section 604.02 (1) of the zoning ordinance. Mr. Swartzentruber argued adding an addition to the existing house will block a window which allows light into the house and to build across the quarter section line will cause the house to be further from the other buildings.
There were no comments from township supervisors or the public. Steve Duxbury asked if the house can be built where they want without a variance. Adkins said they can add to the existing house. Trinity Johnson said allowing a variance for another dwelling will stay with the property forever. The board unanimously denied the application for a variance. An addition to the existing house or construction of another house on the other quarter are options.
Kirk and Krista Affeldt, section 27 Fillmore Township, requested a variance from section 604.05(2)(a) which requires construction to be 73 feet from the center of the road. He asked to be allowed to build 41 feet from the center of 230th St.
He plans to take down an old hog house and build on that foundation and from there add a 32-foot by 36-foot extension for shop/storage. The building will not be used for business. Duxbury said Fillmore Township supervisors had no concerns and there was no public comment. The 31-foot variance was approved unanimously.
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